Introduction
When traveling to Korea, whether as a tourist or a long-term resident, many people are unsure about where to find the best phone plans. Walking into a phone shop, you are likely to get ripped off as they often sell you the most expensive plan, taking advantage of your lack of knowledge. Today, I will show you different options depending on your type of travel and how to get the best deals!
Network Coverage in Korea
Seoul has excellent nationwide network coverage, so you won't encounter spots with no signal. When choosing a major provider in Korea, there is almost no difference in terms of speed and coverage. Koreans may recommend you one of the major providers based on past experiences and personal preferences, but all the major providers work reliably.
Main Telecom Providers
When it comes to phone plans in Korea, there are three main telecom providers: KT (Korea Telecom), SKT (SK Telecom), and LG U+. Each of these providers offers various plans with different benefits and coverage options.
KT (Korea Telecom)
KT is one of the largest telecom providers in Korea and offers a wide range of phone plans. They provide reliable coverage throughout the country, including remote areas. KT offers both postpaid and prepaid plans, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs. Their postpaid plans often come with additional benefits such as data rollover and discounted roaming rates.
SKT (SK Telecom)
SKT is another major player in the Korean telecom market. They offer competitive phone plans with excellent coverage and network speeds. SKT provides various postpaid plans, including unlimited data options for heavy data users. They also offer attractive benefits such as free access to popular streaming services and discounts on entertainment events.
LG U+
LG U+ is the third major telecom provider in Korea. They offer a range of phone plans with different data allowances and benefits. LG U+ is known for its affordable pricing and good coverage in urban areas. They also provide postpaid plans with unlimited data options and additional perks like free access to music streaming services.
Prepaid Options (์๋ฌํฐ)
If you are looking for more flexible and cost-effective options, MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) in Korea offer prepaid plans. MVNOs use the infrastructure of the main telecom providers but offer their own unique plans and pricing. These prepaid options are often more affordable and suitable for short-term visitors or those who prefer no-contract plans. Some popular MVNOs in Korea include KT MVNO, SKT MVNO, and LG U+ MVNO.
Sim Cards for Travelers (Tourist, Exchange Student, Working Holiday)
Whenever I travel, I order a SIM card from Trazy. They offer a wide range of options for travelers and have great English support. I usually choose the Premium Lite Plan, which can be delivered directly to my home or picked up from the airport. Trazy is the expert for travelers, ensuring a seamless experience during your trip.
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Alternatively, you can visit offline shops throughout Seoul, such as ChinguMobile or WooriMobile, which are usually located near universities. These shops have extensive experience serving exchange students who often go there to get their SIM cards. When purchasing a SIM card, remember to bring cash and your passport for authentication. If you have a long-term visa, you can even adjust your plan to work with Korean authentication on online platforms.
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SIM Cards for Long-Term Options (Digital Nomads, Employment Visa, Startup Visa)
If you plan to live in Korea for an extended period, it's important to find the best options for your SIM card service while also paying a reasonable price. In this guide, I will provide you with information to navigate and choose the best options available. I will also explain the differences between promotional events and what you can do after they end. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have a reliable and affordable SIM card service throughout your stay in Korea.
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This website compares the best deals, even Koreans don't know about this and are often overcharged by their major telecom companies.
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Switch Providers after Promotional Events End
You can see a plan with 7 GB of data and reduced speed of 1Mbps if you have used up all your data. The plan starts at 3300 Won for the first 7 months and then goes up to 29700 Won after the promotional event ends. But the great thing in Korea is that you can easily move your number to a different promotional event after the former promotional event ends from a different provider. I found a deal where it was free for the first 6 months!
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Spam Calls and Messages
It is common to receive calls from unknown numbers. If the call starts with (02) or is from another country code, it is likely a spam number. It is best to avoid picking up these calls and refrain from clicking on any links in messages from unfamiliar sources. Unfortunately, even switching to major providers will not stop the flood of spam calls. This is a common issue experienced by Koreans as well.
Conclusion
When traveling to Korea or residing in the country, it's essential to choose the best phone plan that suits your needs and budget. The major telecom providers in Korea, such as KT, SKT, and LG U+, offer a variety of plans with reliable coverage and different benefits. If you prefer more flexibility and cost-effectiveness, MVNOs provide prepaid options that are suitable for short-term visitors. Additionally, for travelers, ordering a SIM card from Trazy or visiting offline shops like ChinguMobile and WooriMobile can ensure a seamless experience during your trip. For long-term options, it's important to find the best deals and switch providers after promotional events end to continue enjoying affordable services. By considering these options and understanding your requirements, you can stay connected and enjoy your time in Korea without overspending on phone plans.
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About the Author
Kim Ninjaย (Huy-Kim Nguyen)
Cloud Engineer / WebApp Developerย ๐ป
Content Creatorย Bridging Korea ๐ฐ๐ท to the World ๐
Startup Founderย based in Seoul, South Korea ๐
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The blog published by Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen) is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter.
