Cellphones

In most cases, you will need to wait to get your Residence Card (ARC) before you can get a cellphone plan in Korea. Your ARC will be ready around 2 weeks after you arrive in Gwangju. Here are some options to consider when getting a cellphone plan in Korea. Be aware that cell phone companies often recycle numbers for short-term visitors, so you may get messages meant for a past resident. Likewise, if you plan on leaving the country, be sure to update your contact information on all of your accounts.

Before getting your ARC

​There are a few options to consider for making sure you have access to a cellphone upon your arrival in Korea before your ARC has been issued. Bear in mind that some of these options might be more expensive than simply waiting for your ARC to arrive.

(1) Arrange a roaming plan

You can arrange a roaming plan with your cellphone provider in your home country so that you have cellphone access the moment you arrive in Korea.

(2) Buy a travel sim card

You can buy a travel sim through EG Sim which will be valid for 90 days. You can purchase this in person at their counter at Incheon Airport or order online and have it delivered locally in Korea.

(3) Use the Arrival Store

The Arrival Store provides foreigners in Korea with items they may need when settling here, including cellphones.

(4) Rely on Wi-Fi

As you have probably heard, Wi-Fi in Korea is abundant so you can use your current cellphone by connecting to Wi-Fi. You can easily connect to Wi-Fi at different stores, restaurants, cafes and other public places. Your apartment might already have internet installed and all you need to do is buy a router to set up Wi-Fi in your apartment.

(5) Enjoy the freedom of not having a cellphone

Sometimes it is nice having a break from the constraints of having a cellphone. You can easily be in contact with friends and family through computer access. It will not be a long wait to get your ARC and get a Korean cellphone plan.

After getting your ARC

​After you get your ARC, there are many options available for you to get a new cellphone or cellphone plan. These are just a few suggestions of the many options that exist so it is advisable to also do your own research.

(1) Use Kimchi Mobile

Kimchi Mobile is a company that caters specifically to native English teachers in Korea. They help to get cellphones and plans through SKT that are 12 months long as opposed to the usual 24 month Korean contract. However, the latter is still offered through them. You can order through their site for delivery.

(2) Korean Mobile Virtual Network Operator (알뜰폰)

MVNOs piggyback off of the networks of larger carriers like KT or SK. Most MVNOs offer a contract-less option, through which you prepay for the month you wish to have service. One popular MVNO is HelloMobile, which runs on the KT network. Another is 7mobile, which runs on SK's network. MVNO providers also grant you access to their main network's free-wifi, which are peppered throughout the country. For instance, HelloMobile users have access to free KT Wifi. 

(3) Visit a cellphone provider directly

There are many cellphone providers available in Gwangju so they are not difficult to find. You may want to politely ask your co-teacher or a Korean friend to assist you as not all stores have employees that speak English.

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You may have a number of options to choose from. Here are two main ones:

• Prepaid - with this option you can keep your cellphone, if your phone allows you to change your SIM card. Most providers let you choose how many GB of data you can use at max speed before they start throttling. Monthly rates range from 10,000 won to 35,000 won. To end service, simply stop paying. Be aware that some providers automatically cut your service at the end of your visa validity period, so if you plan on staying in Korea after the end of your contract, you may need to call them in advance to keep your phone active.

• Contract - With a contract you can get a new cellphone and pay a discounted monthly rate which you can arrange to come automatically out of your bank account. Rates are generally cheaper than pay-as-you-go, but contracts are usually only available for 24 months. If you cancel your contract before then, you will be expected to pay back the difference from the discounted rate you received.

Lost Cellphone

​What should you do if you lose your cellphone in Korea? Read this article to find out the steps you should take.