Question
How do I sign up for a Korean mobile phone plan?
As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities
You need an Alien Registration Card for post‑paid plans (or a passport for prepaid), plus your student ID, then visit any major carrier’s store to submit the form and choose a plan; full details below. Breakdown below.
The rule this rests on
Article 2 (Effective Period) The amended provisions of Article 38 (2) through (4) shall be valid until September 22, 2016. <Amended by Act No. 12035, Aug. 13, 2013>
Article 4 (Special Cases concerning Immediately Preceding Taxable Period) Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 61 (2), the taxable period immediately preceding the taxable period that includes the enforcement date of this Act shall include both the first and second taxable periods of the immediately preceding year.
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Required documents
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Post‑paid: Alien Registration Card (ARC)
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Prepaid: Passport
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Student ID (optional but often requested)
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Where to apply
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Any major mobile carrier (SK Telecom, KT, LG U+) or post office retail store. Bring the documents and fill out the carrier’s contract form.
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Contract basis
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The Telecommunications Business Act governs all contracts for telecom services.
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Payment options
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Credit card or cash for the device and monthly plan.
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Choosing a plan
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Compare data limits and fees online; budget plans are available through the three main carriers and post offices.
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Additional tips
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Ask about student discounts.
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If you need help understanding the contract in Korean, use the police 112 interpretation service.
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Hotlines for assistance
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General foreign resident counseling: 132
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Labor/worker issues (if any contract dispute): 1350
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Multicultural support: 1577‑0071
Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.