Prepaid SIM Activation Guide
Please follow the steps below to prepare your documents, receive your complimentary 1-day data service, pick up your prepaid SIM, and complete the activation process after arriving in Korea.
Please review the device compatibility, identification, departure, and activation requirements carefully before ordering.
① Important Checks & Purchase Your Prepaid SIM
⚠️ Important Checks Before Purchase
🔓 Your Phone Must Be Carrier-Unlocked
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked / carrier-unlocked before using a Korea prepaid SIM or eSIM. A carrier-locked phone may not recognize or connect to a Korean SIM even after successful activation. If you are unsure, please check with your current carrier before purchasing.
📱 LG U+ Device Compatibility
LG U+ physical prepaid SIM cards are supported only on carrier-unlocked Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Smartphones from other manufacturers are not supported.
🍎 LG U+ Prepaid eSIM — iPhone Only
Eligible LG U+ prepaid plans may be converted from a physical SIM to eSIM for an additional 5,000 KRW. LG U+ prepaid eSIM is available only on compatible Apple iPhones. Android devices are not supported.
Before selecting eSIM, open the Phone app, dial *#06#, and confirm that an 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 calling per day.
1. Arrival Date in Korea
Enter your scheduled arrival date in Korea.
2. Arrival Terminal / Prepaid SIM Pickup Location
Select the location where you would like to pick up your Korea Prepaid SIM. Detailed locations: Incheon Airport Pickup Guide
3. Choose Physical Prepaid SIM / LG U+ eSIM Conversion
Korea prepaid mobile service is provided as a physical SIM by default. For eligible LG U+ prepaid plans only, compatible iPhone users may convert to eSIM for an additional 5,000 KRW.
⚠️ LG U+ prepaid eSIM conversion is not available for Android devices. The required activation ID procedure must still be completed after arrival even if eSIM conversion is selected.
4. Choose Your Complimentary 1-Day Data eSIM / Physical Data SIM
KoreaUSIM Prepaid SIM customers receive a complimentary 1-day data service so they can stay connected while waiting for prepaid mobile activation. You can choose a 1-Day Data eSIM or 1-Day Physical Data SIM.
⚠️ These are separate products from your Korea Prepaid SIM. If selecting a Data eSIM, open your dial pad, enter *#06#, and confirm an EID is displayed before ordering.
5. Enter Your Email Address Carefully
- Complimentary Data eSIM selected → Data eSIM / QR code sent to registered email
- Complimentary Physical Data SIM selected → Pickup voucher sent to registered email
- After activation → Korean phone number and usage instructions sent to registered email
Please make sure your email address is correct before completing your order.
② Submit the Required Documents After Ordering
🔴 The Prepaid SIM Application Form is required for all customers.
✍️ The application form must be completed by hand.
Please print the form and handwrite all required customer information. Do not type directly into the PDF or use a keyboard, computer, smartphone text tool, or PDF editor to fill in the form.
Your name and both required signature sections must be handwritten. Typed names or typed / digital signatures are not accepted.
🤲 Required ID Document
Korean Nationals
Korean nationals must use a valid Korean passport. A scanner-generated copy must be submitted.
Foreign Nationals — Passport
If you do not have a valid ARC / Residence Card, you may activate the service using a valid passport. The passport must be scanned using a document scanner connected to a computer.
Foreign Nationals — ARC / Residence Card
If you have a valid ARC / Residence Card, please use it for prepaid SIM activation.
The physical card must be scanned using the required ID scanner. A smartphone photo does not replace this scan.
The card must have at least one month of validity remaining.
🔴 If less than one month remains, the card cannot be used for prepaid SIM activation.
Option 1: Activate using your passport first. After renewing your ARC / Residence Card, contact KoreaUSIM to update the registered identification information.
Option 2: Renew your ARC / Residence Card first, then activate using the renewed card.
🖼️ ID Document Scan Requirements
🔴 Passport and ID documents must be scanned using a document scanner connected to a computer.
Do not submit smartphone photos, screenshots, mobile scanner app files, cropped images, edited images, blurry images, or images with glare or shadows. Submit the original scan with all required information clearly visible.
The completed handwritten application form may be submitted as either a clear scan or a clear smartphone photo. This exception applies to the application form only.
If You Requested LG U+ Prepaid eSIM Conversion
Also submit iPhone device information screenshot(s) from Settings → General → About showing:
- Device Name
- Storage Capacity
- EID
- IMEI 1
- IMEI 2
After Your Documents Are Reviewed
After KoreaUSIM reviews the required application form and identification documents, we will arrange your prepaid SIM pickup reservation.
If you selected LG U+ prepaid eSIM conversion, the required device information must also be submitted before activation preparation is completed.
③ Receive Your Complimentary 1-Day Data Service
The complimentary 1-day data service is provided separately so that you can remain connected while waiting for your prepaid phone service to be activated.
📱 Complimentary Data eSIM
📧 Registered Email → Receive Data eSIM / QR Code → Install on Your Phone. No physical pickup required.
💳 Complimentary Physical Data SIM
📧 Registered Email → Receive Pickup Voucher → Visit Designated SKT Roaming Center → Receive Data SIM
🔴 The SKT Roaming Center is NOT the same location as the Korea Prepaid SIM pickup / activation ID scan location.
④ Before Arriving in Korea
📱 Data eSIM Customers
Install the complimentary Data eSIM before departure while connected to Wi-Fi. Do not begin using the data service before arriving in Korea.
After arriving in Korea, turn on the Data eSIM and enable the required mobile data settings.
💳 Physical Data SIM Customers
Check the pickup voucher sent to your registered email. Note the designated SKT Roaming Center location and keep the voucher available on your phone.
⑤ After Arriving in Korea
🔴 Submitting your ID scan before arrival does not replace the separate activation ID scan required after arrival.
Locations and operating hours: Incheon Airport Pickup Guide
📱 If You Selected the Complimentary Data eSIM
Arrive in Korea → Turn on Data eSIM → Connect to mobile data → Visit Korea Prepaid SIM pickup / activation ID scan location
Physical Prepaid SIM Customer: Pick up your Korea Prepaid SIM + Complete the activation ID scan → Carrier activation processing
LG U+ eSIM Conversion Customer: Complete activation ID scan only (no physical SIM pickup) → Carrier activation processing
💳 If You Selected the Complimentary Physical Data SIM
Arrive in Korea → Visit SKT Roaming Center → Receive Physical Data SIM → Connect to mobile data → Visit Korea Prepaid SIM pickup / activation ID scan location
Physical Prepaid SIM Customer: Pick up your Korea Prepaid SIM + Complete the activation ID scan → Carrier activation processing
LG U+ eSIM Conversion Customer: Complete activation ID scan only (no physical Korea Prepaid SIM pickup) → Carrier activation processing
You may visit the SKT Roaming Center and the Korea Prepaid SIM pickup / activation ID scan location in either order.
⚠️ Different locations: Complimentary Physical Data SIM → 📍 SKT Roaming Center | Korea Prepaid SIM Pickup / Activation ID Scan → 📍 K BOOKS / Travel Mate & Books
⑥ Prepaid SIM Activation Time
🔴 KoreaUSIM prioritizes same-day activation whenever carrier processing conditions allow it.
However, same-day activation is not guaranteed. Carrier system issues, activation-system cutoffs, immigration or entry-confirmation delays, or other carrier processing conditions may cause activation to be completed on the next available carrier processing day.
📅 Weekday Activation Times
🌏 Foreign Nationals Using a Passport — LG U+
For possible same-day activation, all required procedures should be completed before 6:00 PM, including:
- Arrival in Korea
- Immigration procedures
- Carrier entry confirmation
- The required airport passport / ID scan
LG U+ must be able to confirm your entry into Korea through the carrier system before activation can be processed.
If the required procedures are completed after the same-day activation window, activation will be processed on the next available carrier processing day.
If carrier processing is available the following day, pending activations are normally processed after approximately 11:00 AM.
🌏 Foreign Nationals Using a Passport — SKT
For possible same-day activation, complete the required airport passport / ID scan by 7:00 PM.
If the required scan is completed after the same-day activation window, activation will be processed on the next available carrier processing day.
If carrier processing is available the following day, pending activations are normally processed after approximately 11:00 AM.
🇰🇷 Korean Nationals & Customers Using a Valid ARC / Residence Card
The LG U+ 6:00 PM and SKT 7:00 PM guidelines above mainly apply to foreign-national customers activating with a passport.
For Korean nationals and customers using a valid ARC / Residence Card, the required activation request and ID scan should be completed before 7:00 PM for possible same-day activation.
Korean nationals must use a valid Korean passport for activation.
⚠️ ARC / Residence Card customers:
If you have a valid ARC / Residence Card, you must use it for activation, and the physical card must be scanned using the required ID scanner.
If activation cannot be completed on the same day, you may need to visit the KoreaUSIM office on the actual activation day advised by KoreaUSIM and complete the ARC / Residence Card scan again.
The ARC / Residence Card scan is valid only for a limited activation-processing period. If that period expires before activation is completed, the card may need to be scanned again on the actual activation day.
📅 Saturday Activation Times
⚠️ Carrier activation systems close earlier on Saturdays.
🌏 Foreign Nationals Using a Passport — LG U+
For possible same-day activation, complete the required entry confirmation and airport passport / ID scan before 5:00 PM.
If the applicable Saturday cutoff is missed, activation will be processed on the next available carrier processing day.
🌏 Foreign Nationals Using a Passport — SKT
For possible same-day activation, complete the required airport passport / ID scan by 6:00 PM.
If the applicable Saturday cutoff is missed, activation will be processed on the next available carrier processing day.
🇰🇷 Korean Nationals & Customers Using a Valid ARC / Residence Card
For possible same-day activation, complete the required activation request and ID scan by 6:00 PM.
If the applicable Saturday cutoff is missed, activation will be processed on the next available carrier processing day.
ARC / Residence Card customers may need to complete the physical card scan again on the actual activation day if the previous scan is no longer valid for carrier processing.
📅 Sundays & Korean Public Holidays
🔴 Same-day activation is not available on Sundays or Korean public holidays.
The KoreaUSIM office is also closed on Sundays and Korean public holidays.
If carrier activation services resume the following day, pending activations are normally processed after approximately 11:00 AM.
However, during certain major holiday periods, including Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok, carrier activation centers may remain closed for part or all of the holiday period.
Because carrier holiday schedules may vary, activation on the following day cannot always be guaranteed.
In these cases, activation will be processed on the next available carrier processing day, and KoreaUSIM will advise you of the expected activation schedule.
⚠️ Important — Airport ID Scan Is Still Required After the Same-Day Cutoff
The same-day activation cutoff only determines whether your prepaid service may be activated on the same day.
It does not mean that the required airport passport / ID scan can be skipped.
If your designated airport pickup / ID scan location is still open, please complete the required scan on the day you arrive in Korea even if the same-day activation cutoff has already passed.
This allows KoreaUSIM to prepare your activation for the next available carrier processing day.
Please do not skip the airport ID scan simply because same-day activation is no longer available.
This requirement also applies to customers who selected LG U+ Prepaid eSIM Conversion.
LG U+ Prepaid eSIM Conversion customers do not receive a physical prepaid SIM, but they must still complete the required activation ID scan.
If you arrive outside the operating hours of the airport pickup / ID scan location, the scan cannot be completed at the airport at that time. Please follow the alternative procedure advised by KoreaUSIM.
⚠️ Important for ARC / Residence Card Customers
If you have a valid ARC / Residence Card, you must use the physical card for activation and complete the required ID scanner process.
If activation cannot be completed on the same day because of:
- Arrival after the applicable cutoff
- Sunday
- Korean public holiday
- Carrier holiday closure
- Carrier processing delay
you may need to visit the KoreaUSIM office on the actual activation day advised by KoreaUSIM and scan the physical ARC / Residence Card again.
Because the scan remains valid only for a limited activation-processing period, a scan completed too early may need to be repeated.
📅 If Same-Day Activation Cannot Be Completed
Even when you meet the applicable same-day activation conditions, activation may occasionally be delayed because of:
- Carrier system issues
- Carrier activation-system cutoff
- Immigration or entry-confirmation delays
- Carrier processing conditions
- System availability issues
- Other carrier-related circumstances
If same-day activation cannot be completed, KoreaUSIM will contact you and advise you of the next available activation schedule.
If carrier processing is available the following day, pending activations are normally processed after approximately 11:00 AM.
If the following day is a Sunday, Korean public holiday, or carrier holiday closure, activation will instead be processed on the next available carrier processing day.
⑦ After Activation Is Complete
Once activated, KoreaUSIM will send the following information to your registered email:
- Korean mobile number
- Prepaid SIM usage instructions
- Mobile data setup instructions
- Calling instructions
📲 How to Start Using Your Prepaid SIM
- Insert your KoreaUSIM prepaid SIM.
- Turn off Wi-Fi.
- Make sure Airplane Mode is off.
- Completely power off your phone and turn it back on.
- Repeat the power off / power on process at least 4 times so the SIM and mobile network are properly recognized.
- With Wi-Fi turned off, check the top of your screen until LTE or 4G appears.
Once LTE or 4G appears, your prepaid mobile service is ready to use.
⑧ Recharge & Service Extension
Your active prepaid SIM and Korean mobile number can be recharged or extended before the current service period expires.
- Purchase the recharge product for the same carrier as your current SIM
- SKT SIM → SKT recharge product
- LG U+ SIM → LG U+ recharge product
- Enter the Korean mobile number currently in use
- Request the recharge before your current service expires
⚠️ We recommend purchasing your recharge at least 7 days before the expiration date, as processing may take approximately 4–5 days. SKT and LG U+ recharge products are not interchangeable.
If your service has already expired, keeping the same Korean phone number may no longer be possible.
⑨ Updating Your Registration After Receiving an ARC
If you originally activated your prepaid service using a passport and later receive an ARC / eligible Korean Residence Card, please contact KoreaUSIM.
Send us a clear photo of your newly issued ARC / Residence Card. KoreaUSIM can then process the change from passport-based registration to ARC-based registration.
After the registration change is completed, your Korean mobile number can be used for mobile phone identity verification services in Korea.
This is recommended for foreign-national customers who plan to maintain their Korean mobile number for an extended period.
⑩ Foreign Nationals Leaving and Re-Entering Korea
✈️ Customers Activated With a Passport
If a foreign-national customer's prepaid mobile service is registered using a passport, the mobile service will be suspended when the customer leaves Korea.
The procedure after returning to Korea depends on the carrier.
🟧 LG U+
If an LG U+ prepaid service is suspended because the customer left Korea, the suspended line cannot simply be restored.
After returning to Korea, a new activation using a new SIM is required.
The new SIM can be arranged by:
- Delivery to an address in Korea
- Pickup reservation at Incheon Airport
LG U+ reactivation cost: 14,000 KRW (new SIM cost + related delivery cost).
🟥 SKT
SKT customers can request restoration of the existing service after returning to Korea.
Please send KoreaUSIM:
- A photo of your passport
- A photo of the Korean entry confirmation QR document received when re-entering Korea
SKT service restoration fee: 5,000 KRW.
🪦 Customers Registered With an ARC / Residence Card
Foreign-national customers whose prepaid mobile service is registered using an ARC / eligible Residence Card are not subject to this departure-related suspension.
If you initially activated with a passport and later receive an ARC, we recommend updating your registration.
⑪ If You Cannot Pick Up Your Prepaid SIM at Incheon Airport
If you are unable to pick up your prepaid SIM at Incheon Airport, KoreaUSIM can arrange delivery to an address in Korea.
Please send:
- Your complete Korean delivery address
- Your Korean contact number, if available
If you do not yet have a Korean phone number, you may omit the contact number.
📦 Shipping Fees
No additional shipping fee is charged for:
- Domestic delivery of your prepaid SIM after purchase
- Replacement delivery when the original SIM is defective
⚠️ If a new SIM is required for LG U+ reactivation after departure-related suspension, the applicable