Coming from Usa!
Save 57,000원/mo with Korean MVNOs
Average home plan 70,000원 → Korean MVNO 13,000원. Compare & find your plan in 5 languages.
Get my plan recommendation →Eligible carriers by visa type
An Alien Registration Card (ARC) is required for a full subscription
| Visa | Eligible |
|---|---|
| D-2 | D-2 (Student) All MVNOs available |
| E-7 | E-7 (Designated activities) All MVNOs available |
| E-2 | E-2 (Language instructor) All MVNOs available |
| F-4 | F-4 (Overseas Korean) All MVNOs available |
Getting your first SIM in Korea
- 1
Day 0 — Arrival
At the airport choose a short-term prepaid SIM, eSIM or roaming. Full sign-up requires an ARC.
- 2
Day 1-N — Temporary service
Use a prepaid SIM (KT Olleh, SKT Mobile Charge) or short-term eSIM (10/30-day plans) until your ARC arrives.
- 3
ARC issuance (~30–90 days)
Timeline varies by visa type. Until issued, only prepaid / eSIM plans are available.
- 4
Official sign-up via selpl after ARC
PASS identity verification → carrier subscription.
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Frequently asked questions from Usa users
How do I get a SIM card in my first week in Korea?
Incheon and Gimhae airports both have KT/SKT prepaid SIM counters offering 15–30 day plans. Alternatively, buy a short-term eSIM (Airalo, Saily) before departure. You can only sign up for a full MVNO plan after your ARC arrives.
Can I use my US phone in Korea?
Unlocked iPhones and Galaxy devices generally work fine. Check that your device supports Korean LTE/5G bands (B1/B3/B7/N78). Most US carrier-locked phones need to be unlocked before use.
Are there any carriers I can join without an ARC?
No Korean MVNO allows full sign-up without an ARC. Until yours is issued, prepaid SIMs and short-term eSIMs (10/30-day) are the only options.
What happens to my plan when my visa expires?
No-commitment plans can be cancelled any time with no penalty. Fixed-term contracts (12/24 months) carry early-termination fees. Notify your carrier in advance to avoid unwanted charges.
How much does it cost to call family back in the US?
Most MVNOs block international calls by default (international_call: blocked). Use FaceTime, iMessage, or KakaoTalk over Wi-Fi or data instead — effectively free.
T-Mobile/AT&T roaming vs signing up for a Korean MVNO — which is better?
US carrier roaming is convenient for short trips (1–2 weeks) but expensive ($10–15/day). For stays longer than two weeks, a Korean MVNO is significantly cheaper and offers full local speeds.
Do iMessage and FaceTime work normally in Korea?
Yes, iMessage and FaceTime work on any Korean SIM or eSIM with a data plan. Wi-Fi calling and iMessage over Wi-Fi also work without issues. No configuration changes needed.