How to choose a carrier when traveling to Korea, told by a Korean
For foreigners planning to travel to South Korea, there comes a time when you need to choose a telecom provider while planning your trip. South Korea has three major telecom companies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, so your choice should depend on your travel purpose and requirements. In this article, we will introduce the features of each telecom provider: SK Telecom (SK Telecom), KT, and LG U+.
My honest advice is to choose the most affordable SIM card. I recommend comparing options based on the amount of data you need, and selecting the cheapest telecom provider. South Korea is not a large country, so even with a budget-friendly provider, you won't experience any inconvenience in your daily life!
SK Telecom
SK Telecom is one of the largest telecom companies in South Korea, offering excellent communication infrastructure and services. Let's take a look at why you might choose SK Telecom during your trip and its key services.
Advantages of SK Telecom
1. Extensive Coverage
SK Telecom provides extensive coverage in almost all regions of the country. This means you won't have to worry about connectivity during your travels.
2. 5G Network
SK Telecom operates a 5G network, offering fast internet speeds in major cities and tourist destinations. This will be a significant advantage for media streaming, social media sharing, and using online map apps.
3. Foreigner Customer Service
They provide multinational customer services for foreign travelers. You can inquire and seek assistance in various languages such as English, Chinese, and Japanese.
4. Various Plans
SK Telecom offers various plans, allowing you to choose the one that suits your budget and needs. There are options for data, calls, text messages, and more.
Things to Consider When Choosing SK Telecom
To use SK Telecom, you'll need to purchase a SIM card, which you can do at the airport upon arrival or at SK Telecom stores in major cities. When selecting a plan, consider your travel itinerary, data usage, and calling requirements. You don't need to worry about language barriers as you can use customer service lines in foreign languages.
SK Telecom provides reliable communication in South Korea, and with 5G service, you can enjoy a more convenient travel experience.
KT
KT is one of the major telecom companies in South Korea, boasting a wealth of experience and extensive network coverage. It's one of the telecom providers that offers tailored services and multilingual customer support for foreign travelers.
Advantages of KT
1. Network and Coverage
KT provides stable network coverage in almost all regions of the country, ensuring seamless connectivity even in provincial areas. This means you can use communication services stress-free during your travels within South Korea.
2. Plans and Options
KT offers a variety of plans and options that cater to the diverse needs of travelers. You can choose from daily, weekly, and monthly plans, with options for data, calls, text messages, and more. They also offer many packages specifically designed for foreigners, making it convenient for travelers.
3. Multinational Customer Service
KT provides customer service in foreign languages, ensuring that you can resolve inquiries and issues without language barriers. Additionally, they offer cellphone rental services at airports and tourist destinations, allowing you to use communication services immediately upon arrival.
4. 5G Service
KT is one of the telecom providers that offers 5G service in South Korea. You can experience fast internet speeds and high-quality video streaming in major cities.
If you want effective communication while traveling in Korea, KT is a good choice. It offers reliable network coverage, diverse plans, multilingual customer service, and 5G service, making it one of the telecom providers that can enhance your travel experience in South Korea.
LG U+ (U+)
LG U+ is the third-largest telecom provider in South Korea and offers various services and benefits for foreign travelers. This is a carrier I recommend and I also use it.
1. Network and Coverage
LG U+ provides stable communication services in almost all areas of South Korea. They maintain excellent signal quality even in major cities, tourist destinations, and subway stations, ensuring enhanced connectivity during your travels.
2. 4G and 5G Services:
LG U+ operates both 4G and 5G networks, allowing you to experience fast internet speeds in areas where 5G is available. This facilitates convenient sharing of photos and videos while traveling, thanks to faster download and upload speeds.
3. Multinational Customer Service:
LG U+ offers multinational customer services, allowing you to inquire and receive support in foreign languages. You can enjoy the convenience of using communication services during your trip without language-related concerns.
4. Various Plans:
LG U+ provides a variety of plans tailored for foreign travelers. They offer budget-friendly plans that allow you to save money while enjoying quality services.
Choosing a telecom provider may vary depending on factors such as your travel itinerary, the regions you plan to visit, and your budget. Most telecom providers in South Korea offer foreign language support services, so you don't need to worry about language barriers. Enjoy your comfortable and connected journey!