Getting a Phone Number in Korea as a Foreign Student
A Korean phone number is more than a way to call home. Banks, delivery apps and university systems use it to check who you are. Here is how to get one, step by step.
Step 1. On arrival: a prepaid SIM or eSIM
At Incheon and Gimhae airports you can buy a prepaid SIM card or eSIM with just your passport. You can also find prepaid SIMs at convenience stores and phone shops in the city.
- Data-only plans are cheap and easy, but you get no Korean number.
- Plans with a Korean number (010-…) are better, because you can receive text messages from your school, bank and delivery services.
Prepaid plans usually cost around KRW 10,000–30,000 a month. Prices change, so compare at the counter.
Step 2. After your ARC: a monthly plan
Once you have your ARC and a Korean bank account, you can switch to a monthly (postpaid) plan. You have two choices:
| Type | Monthly cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Big carriers (SKT, KT, LG U+) | About KRW 45,000–80,000 | Shops everywhere, good support |
| Budget carriers (알뜰폰) | From about KRW 11,000 | Same networks, much cheaper; activation can take 1–2 days |
For both, you need your ARC, passport and automatic payment from a Korean bank account or card.
Why a monthly plan helps: identity checks
Many Korean apps ask for "본인인증" (identity verification) by phone. This usually works only with a postpaid line in your own name, opened with your ARC. It often does not work with a prepaid passport line.
If verification fails, check that:
- Your name is spelled exactly the same with your carrier, on your ARC and at your bank (even spaces and name order).
- The line is in your name, not your school's or a friend's.
- Your ARC is new? Wait a few days and try again.
Bringing your own phone
Most modern phones work in Korea if they are unlocked. Check that your phone supports eSIM if you want to use one, and bring your charger with a plug adapter (Korea uses type C/F plugs, 220V).
Next: Your first 30 days in Busan.
