The short answer
If you have an Alien Registration Card (ARC), you can get a Korean phone number in your own name today — no contract, no credit check, no Korean credit history needed.
A prepaid SIM works on the same networks as regular Korean carriers (KT / LG U+), and unlike tourist SIMs from the airport, it is a real registered number : it works for bank apps, Kakao verification, delivery apps, and government services.
This guide covers who can apply, what documents you need, the new face verification step (added July 2026), and how to keep your number topped up.
Why a registered prepaid SIM beats a tourist SIM
| Airport tourist SIM | Registered prepaid SIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Real name registration | No (data only or temporary) | Yes — your own name |
| Bank / KakaoTalk / app verification | Usually fails | Works |
| Validity | Fixed days (5/10/30) | As long as you top up |
| Price structure | Fixed package | Pay only for what you use |
If you live or work in Korea — even for one semester — a registered prepaid SIM is the practical choice.
Documents you need
- Long-term residents (E-9 workers, D-2 students, etc.) : Alien Registration Card (ARC) — the physical card, not a photo or copy
- Overseas Koreans (F-4) : Domestic residence report card or ARC
- Permanent residents (F-5) : Permanent residency card
- Short-term visitors : Passport-based sign-up is limited — contact us first to check your case
One important rule : if your legal stay expires within 60 days, postpaid (contract) plans will reject you — but prepaid plans are still available.
This is why prepaid is often the only realistic option right after arrival or near visa renewal.
How to activate (step by step)
- Prepare your ARC (physical card)
- Open the self-activation page → complete identity verification (note: Korea’s new face verification step currently applies only to Korean national IDs — face verification for ARC and passports is scheduled for late 2026, so foreigners activate without it for now)
- Choose your plan
- Insert the SIM when it arrives — done. Your number works immediately for calls, SMS, and app verification
If you get stuck at any step, message us on KakaoTalk and we will guide you through in simple Korean or with translation apps.
About face verification (new in 2026)
Korea introduced a face verification step for prepaid activation in July 2026, but it currently applies only to Korean national IDs (resident registration card / driver’s license).
Face verification for ARC and passport holders is scheduled to start in late 2026.
Until then, foreigners complete activation through the standard identity check — just make sure you bring your physical ARC or passport (photos and copies are not accepted).
We will update this guide when the rule changes.
Plans and prices
Current plan prices are maintained on one always-up-to-date page, available in 6 languages:
[Prepaid Plan Prices (English / Tiếng Việt / Русский / Монгол / 中文 / ไทย)].
Not sure which plan fits? Message us your usage (calls vs data) and we will recommend one.
Topping up
You top up (recharge) your balance to keep using the service.
Top-up is available through the membership app and convenience stores.
Set a reminder before your balance runs out — if the line stays unpaid too long, the number can be deactivated.
Important warnings
- Never use someone else’s name. Your employer or Korean friend helping you is great — but the phone must be registered under your name. Numbers registered under other people’s names are illegal and are often linked to fraud.
- Your line is tied to your legal stay. If you extend your visa, make sure your updated stay information is reflected; if your stay expires, the line can be suspended.
- Leaving Korea for a while? Ask us before departure whether your number can be kept.
FAQ
Q. Can I sign up with just a passport? A. Yes — useful right after arrival, before your ARC is issued. Two things to know: passport activation is in-person only (online self-activation is not available for passports — message us on KakaoTalk and we will guide you), and a passport-based number cannot pass identity (real-name) verification for banks and apps. Once you receive your ARC, update your line to your ARC (same process as a name change) and verification will work.
Q. Does prepaid work with Korean bank apps and KakaoTalk? A. Yes. It is a real registered number under your name, so SMS verification works normally.
Q. My visa expires in less than 60 days. Can I still get a SIM? A. Postpaid: no. Prepaid: yes — that rule does not block prepaid sign-up.
Q. Is there a contract or cancellation fee? A. No contract, no cancellation fee. You simply stop topping up when you no longer need the line.
