Settling in

Set up life in Korea without getting overcharged.

When you arrive, you usually need a phone number, sometimes home internet, and sometimes rented appliances. Language gaps make these easy to get wrong or overpay. This page explains the basics in plain language and points you to legitimate sign-up options. It is separate from the labor self-help tools.

How this page is funded. Some links below are partner links. If you sign up through them, LaborMap may receive a referral fee from the provider at no extra cost to you. These fees help keep this site free. We do not collect or send your personal information — you sign up directly with the provider on their own site.

Start here: a phone number

In Korea most services need a local phone number for verification. A prepaid SIM or budget mobile (알뜰폰) is the simplest first step.

Prepaid SIM & budget mobile (알뜰폰)

Usually opened with your passport or Alien Registration Card. Prepaid plans have no long contract, so they fit short or uncertain stays and do not depend on a credit history. You pay for what you use and can change later.

Bring your Alien Registration Card or passport. Prices and plans change — compare before you choose.

See sign-up options →

If your stay and home are settled

These options involve longer contracts and early-termination fees. They make sense only if your stay and address are stable. Read the contract length and cancellation terms before you sign.

Home internet & TV

Home internet is usually a 2–3 year contract with an installation date and an early-termination fee. It fits people with a stable address and stay. Check the contract length, monthly price after any promotion, and the cancellation fee.

If your stay may be short, a longer contract can cost you a cancellation fee. Consider this carefully.

See sign-up options →

Appliance rental (water purifier, etc.)

Rental of a water purifier or similar appliance is a recurring monthly contract that often includes a credit review and a minimum-use period. It suits a stable home, not shared or temporary housing. Check the total cost over the full term, not just the monthly price.

Add up the monthly fee across the whole contract before deciding. Early cancellation usually has a fee.

See sign-up options →

How we keep this fair

No personal information collected

We do not collect or send your personal information. You sign up directly with the provider on their own site, under their terms.

Compare before you choose

We aim to show legitimate options so you can compare, not push one product. Prices and offers change, so always check the current terms yourself.

Separate from labor help

This page is about everyday setup, not your labor rights. If you have a wage or workplace problem, use the self-help tools, which carry no advertising.

Problem guides