Prepaid SIM Card Activation Guide
Please follow the instructions below to prepare the necessary documents, receive your free 1-day data service, and then proceed with the prepaid SIM card collection and activation process upon your arrival in Korea.
Before placing your order, please ensure to check your device's compatibility, ID requirements, suspension regulations for departure, and activation conditions.
① Before Purchase & Prepaid SIM Card Purchase
⚠️ Please Read Before Purchasing
🔓 Phone SIM Lock / Carrier Lock Release
To use a Korean prepaid SIM card or eSIM, your phone's SIM Lock / Carrier Lock must be released. Phones with a carrier lock may not recognize or connect to a properly activated SIM card. If you are unsure about the lock status, please check with your current carrier before purchasing.
📱 LG U+ Compatible Devices
LG U+ physical prepaid SIM cards can only be used with unlocked Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Other manufacturers' smartphones are not supported.
🍎 LG U+ Prepaid eSIM — iPhone Only
Eligible LG U+ prepaid plans can be changed from a physical SIM to an eSIM for an additional cost of 5,000 KRW. LG U+ prepaid eSIMs can only be used on compatible Apple iPhones and do not support Android devices.
Before choosing eSIM, please dial *#06# in your phone app and check if EID is displayed.
☎️ LG U+ 59,000 KRW Plan — International Calls
The LG U+ 59,000 KRW plan includes up to 20 minutes of international calls per day.
1. Enter your arrival date in Korea
Please enter your 예정된 arrival date in Korea.
2. Select arrival terminal / prepaid SIM card pickup location
Please select the location where you will pick up your Korean prepaid SIM card. Detailed locations can be found in the Incheon Airport Pickup Guide.
3. Select Physical Prepaid SIM Card / LG U+ eSIM Change
Korean prepaid telecommunication services are primarily provided as physical SIM cards. Only for eligible LG U+ prepaid plans, compatible iPhone users can choose to change to an eSIM for an additional 5,000 KRW.
⚠️ LG U+ prepaid eSIM change is not available on Android devices. Even if you choose an eSIM, the identity verification process required for activation upon arrival in Korea remains the same.
4. Select Free 1-Day Data eSIM / Physical Data SIM
KoreaUSIM prepaid phone customers receive a free 1-day data service to ensure uninterrupted communication while awaiting prepaid phone activation. You can choose between a 1-day Data eSIM or a 1-day Physical Data SIM.
⚠️ The free data service is a separate product from the Korean prepaid SIM card. If you choose a Data eSIM, please dial *#06# in your phone app and check if EID is displayed before ordering.
5. Please enter your email address correctly
- Free Data eSIM Selection → Data eSIM / QR code sent to the registered email address
- Free Physical Data SIM Selection → Pickup voucher sent to the registered email address
- After prepaid phone activation is complete → Korean mobile phone number and usage guide sent to the registered email address
Please make sure your email address is correct before completing your order.
② Submit Required Documents After Ordering
🔴 All customers must submit a prepaid SIM card application form.
✍️ The application form must be handwritten.
Please print out the application form and fill in all required fields by hand. Do not type directly into the PDF or use a keyboard, computer, smartphone text input tool, or PDF editor.
Your name and the two required signatures at the bottom must be handwritten. Typed names or electronic/digital signatures are not accepted.
🤲 Required Identification
Korean Nationals
Korean nationals must use a valid Republic of Korea passport. Please submit a scanned file using a document scanner connected to a computer.
Foreign Nationals — Passport
If you do not have a valid Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, you can activate your SIM with a valid passport. The passport must be scanned using a document scanner connected to a computer.
Foreign Nationals — Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency
If you have a valid Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, please use it for activation.
The physical card must be scanned using a designated ID scanner. Activation cannot be processed with only photos taken by a smartphone.
The remaining validity period must be at least 1 month.
🔴 If the remaining validity period is less than 1 month, you cannot activate a prepaid phone with that ID.
Method 1: Activate with your passport first, then extend your Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, and then request KoreaUSIM to change your registered ID.
Method 2: Extend your Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency first, then activate with the extended ID.
🖨️ ID Scan Standards
🔴 Passports and IDs must be scanned using a document scanner connected to a computer.
Do not submit smartphone photos, screenshots, files created with mobile scanner apps, cropped images, edited images, blurry images, or images with glare or shadows. Please submit original scanned files where all necessary information is clearly visible.
The handwritten application form can be submitted as a clear scan or a clear photo taken with a smartphone. This exception applies only to the application form.
If you applied for an LG U+ Prepaid eSIM change
Please also submit a screenshot from your iPhone's Settings → General → About screen showing the following information:
- Device Name
- Storage
- EID
- IMEI 1
- IMEI 2
After document review
After KoreaUSIM reviews your application and ID documents, we will proceed with your prepaid SIM card pickup reservation.
If you applied for an LG U+ prepaid eSIM change, activation preparation will be complete only after the necessary device information is submitted.
③ Receive Free 1-Day Data Service
The free 1-day data service is provided separately to ensure you have uninterrupted communication until your Korean prepaid phone is activated.
📱 Free Data eSIM
📧 Registered Email → Receive Data eSIM / QR code → Install on phone. No physical pickup is required.
💳 Free Physical Data SIM
📧 Registered Email → Receive pickup voucher → Visit designated SKT Roaming Center → Pick up data SIM
🔴 The SKT Roaming Center is a different location from the Korean prepaid SIM card pickup / ID scan location for activation.
④ Before Arriving in Korea
📱 Data eSIM Customers
Before departing, install the free Data eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi. Do not use data services before arriving in Korea.
Upon arrival in Korea, turn on the Data eSIM and activate the necessary mobile data settings.
💳 Physical Data SIM Customers
Please check the pickup voucher sent to your registered email. Check the location of the designated SKT Roaming Center and have the voucher ready on your phone.
⑤ Upon Arrival in Korea
🔴 Even if you submitted a scanned copy of your ID before arriving in Korea, a separate ID scanning process is required for activation upon your arrival.
Location and operating hours: Incheon Airport Pickup Guide
📱 If you selected Free Data eSIM
Arrive in Korea → Turn on Data eSIM → Connect to mobile data → Visit the Korean prepaid SIM card pickup / ID scan location for activation
Physical prepaid SIM card customers: Korean prepaid SIM card pickup + ID scan for activation complete → Carrier activation processing
LG U+ eSIM change customers: ID scan for activation only complete (no physical prepaid SIM card pickup) → Carrier activation processing
💳 If you selected Free Physical Data SIM
Arrive in Korea → Visit SKT Roaming Center → Pick up physical data SIM → Connect to mobile data → Visit the Korean prepaid SIM card pickup / ID scan location for activation
Physical prepaid SIM card customers: Korean prepaid SIM card pickup + ID scan for activation complete → Carrier activation processing
LG U+ eSIM change customers: ID scan for activation only complete (no physical Korean prepaid SIM card pickup) → Carrier activation processing
You can visit either the SKT Roaming Center or the Korean prepaid SIM card pickup / ID scan location first.
⚠️ Locations are different: Free Physical Data SIM → 📍 SKT Roaming Center | Korean Prepaid SIM Card Pickup / ID Scan for Activation → 📍 K BOOKS / Travel Mate & Books
⑥ Prepaid SIM Card Activation Time
🔴 KoreaUSIM prioritizes same-day activation when possible through the carrier's system.
However, same-day activation may not be completed due to carrier system issues, activation system cut-off times, delayed immigration verification, or other processing circumstances.
🌏 Foreign Nationals + Passport — LG U+
To be eligible for same-day activation, please complete all the steps below before 6 PM.
- Arrival in Korea
- Immigration clearance complete
- ID scan for activation at the airport complete
Additionally, your entry into Korea must be confirmed by the LG U+ carrier system.
If you complete the necessary procedures after the same-day activation cut-off time, activation is generally processed after 11 AM the next day.
🌏 Foreign Nationals + Passport — SKT
To be eligible for same-day activation, please complete the ID scan for activation at the airport by 7:30 PM.
If you complete the scan after the same-day activation cut-off time, activation is generally processed after 11 AM the next day.
🇰🇷 Korean Nationals and Customers Activating with a Valid Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency
The LG U+ 6 PM and SKT 7:30 PM cut-off times primarily apply to foreign national customers activating with a passport.
For Korean nationals and customers activating with a valid Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, if the activation application is submitted to KoreaUSIM before 7 PM, it is generally processed as a same-day activation.
⚠️ Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency Customers: If you have a valid Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, you must activate with that ID, and the physical card must be scanned using a designated ID scanner.
If you arrive after the same-day activation cut-off time, please visit the KoreaUSIM office on the next day when actual activation will be processed to scan your Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency with the ID scanner.
ID scan information has a limited period during which it can be used for activation processing. If that validity period expires and activation is not completed, you must scan it again on the actual activation day.
📅 If Same-Day Activation is Not Completed
Even if same-day activation conditions are met, activation may be delayed due to reasons such as:
- Carrier system issues
- Activation system cut-off
- Delayed immigration verification
- Carrier processing circumstances
- Other system usage restrictions
If same-day activation cannot be completed, KoreaUSIM will inform the customer that activation is scheduled for the next day.
In this case, activation is generally processed after 11 AM the next day.
⑦ After Activation is Complete
Once activation is complete, KoreaUSIM will send the following information to your registered email address:
- Korean mobile phone number
- Prepaid SIM usage guide
- Mobile data setup instructions
- Call usage instructions
📲 How to Start Using Your Prepaid SIM Card
- Insert the KoreaUSIM prepaid SIM card into your phone.
- Turn off Wi-Fi.
- Ensure airplane mode is off.
- Completely power off your phone and then turn it back on.
- To ensure the SIM and network are properly recognized, power off and on your phone at least 4 times.
- With Wi-Fi off, check for LTE or 4G to be displayed at the top of the screen.
Once LTE or 4G is displayed, you can use the prepaid telecommunication service normally.
⑧ Recharge and Service Period Extension
Your current prepaid SIM card and Korean mobile phone number can be recharged or extended before the service period expires.
- Purchase a top-up product from the same carrier as your current SIM.
- SKT SIM → SKT top-up product
- LG U+ SIM → LG U+ top-up product
- Enter your current Korean mobile phone number.
- Apply for a top-up before your current service expires.
⚠️ Top-up processing may take approximately 4-5 days, so we recommend purchasing at least 7 days before the expiration date. SKT and LG U+ top-up products are not compatible with each other.
If your service has already expired, you may not be able to retain the same Korean mobile phone number.
⑨ Change Registration Information After ARC Issuance
If you initially activated your prepaid phone with a passport and then received an ARC / Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, please contact KoreaUSIM.
Send us a clear photo of your newly issued ARC / Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, and KoreaUSIM will change your registration from passport-based to ARC-based.
Once the registration information change is complete, you can use mobile phone identity verification services in Korea with that Korean mobile phone number.
Recommended for foreign national customers who plan to maintain their Korean mobile phone number for an extended period.
⑩ Foreign National Departure and Re-entry Guide
✈️ Customers Activated with Passport
If a foreign national customer's prepaid phone is registered with a passport, the telecommunication service will be suspended upon departure from Korea.
The procedures required after re-entering Korea vary depending on the carrier.
🟧 LG U+
If an LG U+ prepaid phone is suspended due to departure, the existing line cannot be simply unsuspended.
After re-entering Korea, re-activation with a new SIM card is required.
A new SIM card can be obtained by:
- Delivery to an address in Korea
- Reservation for pickup at Incheon Airport
LG U+ re-activation cost: 14,000 KRW (new SIM card cost + related shipping fees).
🟥 SKT
SKT customers can request suspension解除 of their existing service after re-entering Korea.
Please send the following documents to KoreaUSIM:
- Passport photo
- QR code photo of the entry confirmation received upon re-entry to Korea
SKT suspension解除 cost: 5,000 KRW.
🪪 Customers Registered with ARC / Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency
Foreign national customers registered with ARC / Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency are not subject to number suspension due to departure.
If you initially activated with a passport and then received an ARC, we recommend changing your registration information.
⑪ If you couldn't pick up your prepaid SIM card at Incheon Airport
If you couldn't pick up your prepaid SIM card at Incheon Airport, KoreaUSIM can deliver it to an address in Korea.
Please provide the following information:
- Exact delivery address in Korea
- Korean contact number (if available)
If you don't have a Korean phone number yet, you don't need to provide a contact number.
📦 Shipping Fee Information
No separate shipping fee will be charged in the following cases:
- Domestic delivery of purchased prepaid SIM card
- Exchange and re-delivery due to faulty SIM card
⚠️ For LG U+ services suspended due to departure that require a new SIM card for re-activation, a re-activation fee of 14,000 KRW applies.
⑫ How to Fill Out the Prepaid SIM Application Form
If you need the application form or language-specific examples, View Application Form and Example →
🔴 The application form must be handwritten.
Please print out the application form and fill in all required fields by hand.
- Do not type directly into the PDF.
- Do not use a keyboard, computer, smartphone text input tool, or PDF editor.
- Your name must be handwritten.
- The two required signatures at the bottom must be handwritten by yourself.
- Typed names or electronic/digital signatures are not accepted.
Please only handwrite the essential items that the customer needs to fill out.
- Desired Phone Number — Last 4 Digits
- Name: For Korean nationals — in Korean. For foreign nationals — as it appears on your passport / ID in English.
-
Date of Birth:
YY / MM / DD - Contact Information
- Passport Number / Alien Registration Number / Certificate of Domestic Residency Number
- Address in Korea
- Name and Signature — Fill in both required places at the bottom
🔴 Both required signatures must be handwritten. If the application form contains typed customer information, a typed name, or a non-handwritten signature, you will need to re-write the application form by hand before activation.
⚠️ Do not fill out: Plan, SIM/eSIM type, USIM number, auto-debit/auto-payment, and other carrier-specific items. These items will be filled out by KoreaUSIM.
After completing the handwritten application form, please submit a clear scan or smartphone photo showing the entire completed application form along with the necessary passport / ID scan.
The application form, once handwritten, can be photographed with a smartphone for submission. However, passports, alien registration cards, and certificates of domestic residency must be submitted as scanned files created with a scanner, and smartphone photos are not accepted as ID documents.
⑬ How to Scan Your Passport / Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency
Your ID must be scanned using a document scanner connected to a computer. Smartphone photos cannot be used.
Passport Scan Standards
- Use a document scanner connected to a computer
- Do not use smartphone photos
- Do not use camera scanner apps
- Do not edit the scanned file
- Scan to show all necessary top/bottom areas
- Scan to show the entire passport information page
- Scan so that the photo and all personal information are clearly visible
- Scan so that the MRZ is fully readable
- Do not crop the image
Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency Scan
If you have a valid Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, please activate your prepaid phone with that ID.
- The physical card must be scanned using a designated ID scanner
- If document submission is required, scan both the front and back
- Scan so that all necessary information, such as name, ID number, photo, and validity period, is clearly visible
- Do not crop or edit the scanned image
⚠️ If the remaining validity period is less than 1 month, you cannot activate with that Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency.
⚠️ The timing of the Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency scan is important.
If you arrive after the same-day activation cut-off time, please visit the KoreaUSIM office on the day when actual activation will be processed to scan your physical card with the ID scanner.
Scan information has a limited period during which it can be used for activation processing. If previous scan information is no longer valid at the time of actual activation, you must scan it again on the day of activation.
⚠️ Pre-submission scans and activation ID scans are different
Even if you submitted a scanned copy of a valid passport / ID to KoreaUSIM before arriving in Korea, if required for activation, you must complete a separate ID scan for activation upon your arrival in Korea.
The documents submitted in advance are used for identity verification, customer information registration, preparation of carrier documents, and preparation for prepaid SIM card pickup.
The ID scan for activation is used to transmit the necessary ID information to the carrier's system for activation processing.
For location and operating hours, please check the Incheon Airport Pickup Guide.
⑭ Passport Scan Example
Please scan your passport in the manner shown in the example below.
The passport must meet the following conditions:
- Entirely visible
- Clear
- Uncropped
- Content easily readable
- If necessary, scan with the designated top area / page
Please also refer to the language-specific passport and application form examples provided in each KoreaUSIM guide.
✓ Final Checklist Before Arriving in Korea
Please check the following before departing for Korea:
- Confirm that your phone's SIM Lock / Carrier Lock is released
- Confirm compatibility between your chosen carrier and your phone
- If selecting LG U+ prepaid eSIM, confirm iPhone / EID compatibility
- Confirm that you have purchased the correct Korean prepaid SIM card plan
- Select arrival terminal / pickup location
- If applicable, select physical prepaid SIM card or LG U+ eSIM change
- Select free 1-day Data eSIM or physical Data SIM
- Print the prepaid SIM card application form and handwrite all required fields
- Confirm that your name and both required signatures are handwritten
- Submit the correct passport / ID scan
- If you have a valid Alien Registration Card / Certificate of Domestic Residency, confirm that the remaining validity period is at least 1 month and that the physical card must be scanned with an ID scanner
- Confirm the email address registered during the order
- Check your free Data eSIM or physical Data SIM pickup voucher
- If applicable, install the free Data eSIM before departure
- For free physical Data SIM customers, check the SKT Roaming Center indicated on the voucher
- Check the Incheon Airport prepaid SIM card pickup / ID scan location for activation
- Check the same-day activation availability time based on your nationality / ID type
- If arriving after the same-day activation availability time, confirm that activation is generally processed after 11 AM the next day
- For foreign national customers, check regulations regarding departure and re-entry
- If retaining the same number, apply for a top-up / extension before your current service expires
Once all required procedures are completed, KoreaUSIM will proceed with prepaid telecommunication service activation according to the respective carrier's standards.
