Choosing a mobile plan

Plans are chosen by how much data you use. Don't just sign what the shop recommends — check first.

What to look at

1. Data — how much is included, and whether going over means throttling or extra charges
2. Calls and texts — unlimited domestic, and whether international calls are included
3. Contract period — how many months, and the penalty for cancelling early
4. Handset instalments — separate from the plan. Look at the combined total
5. Add-on services — check nothing paid is attached automatically

Steps

1. Check your monthly data usage in your phone settings.
2. Compare the three major carriers with MVNOs. MVNOs use the same networks far more cheaply — see the mvno-cheap guide.
3. Check the contract terms.
4. Sign up. Photograph the contract.
5. Check your first bill. Query anything you don't recognise immediately.

What you need

• Passport and Alien Registration Card
• A bank account or card in your name
• A Korean address

Where to go

• Carrier customer centres and shops
• MVNO hub www.mvnohub.kr
• 1335 Korea Communications Commission (telecom complaints)
• 1345 · 1577-1366 interpreted advice

Questions people ask

What is 약정 (a contract period)? A commitment to stay for a set time. Cancelling early incurs a penalty. If your stay is short, choose a no-contract plan.

There are charges I don't recognise. Add-on services are often enrolled automatically. Ask the customer centre to cancel them. If unresolved, complain to 1335.

International calls are expensive. Use internet calling apps, or look for a plan with international call discounts.

What do I do when I leave Korea? Cancel the contract. Leaving it running keeps charging you and leaves arrears.

Take care

Sign up only in your own name. Borrowing or lending a name is a crime, and if the line is used criminally you will be investigated. Being talked into opening several lines for a "free phone" is a common tactic.

Related

mobile-phone · mvno-cheap · sim-esim · phone-verification

Source

Korea Telecommunications Operators Association www.ktoa.or.kr / As of 2026-08