Getting a phone number, SIM card, or data plan in Korea can feel confusing if you are new to the country.
The staff may ask about your passport, Alien Registration Card, prepaid SIM, data amount, payment, activation, or cancellation.
This guide gives you beginner-friendly Korean phone and SIM card phrases you can use at a phone store, airport counter, convenience store, or help desk.
Use these phrases as communication support. Plan rules, identity requirements, prices, and cancellation terms can change, so always confirm the current details with the shop or carrier.
Quick Phrase Card
Start with these phrases:
유심 카드 있어요?
yusim kadeu isseoyo?
Do you have SIM cards?
선불 유심 있어요?
seonbul yusim isseoyo?
Do you have a prepaid SIM card?
데이터 무제한인가요?
deiteo mujehaningayo?
Is the data unlimited?
한 달 요금이 얼마예요?
han dal yogeumi eolmayeyo?
How much is the monthly fee?
여권으로 개통할 수 있어요?
yeogwoneuro gaetonghal su isseoyo?
Can I activate it with a passport?
외국인등록증이 필요해요?
oegugin deungnokjeungi piryohaeyo?
Do I need an Alien Registration Card?
개통까지 얼마나 걸려요?
gaetongkkaji eolmana geollyeoyo?
How long does activation take?
영어 가능하세요?
yeongeo ganeunghaseyo?
Do you speak English?1. Asking for a SIM Card
유심 카드 있어요?
Romanization:
yusim kadeu isseoyo?Meaning:
Do you have SIM cards?Use this when you first enter a phone store or airport counter.
선불 유심 있어요?
Romanization:
seonbul yusim isseoyo?Meaning:
Do you have a prepaid SIM card?Prepaid SIM cards are useful when you do not want a long contract. Terms can vary, so check the plan before paying.
여행자용 유심 있어요?
Romanization:
yeohaengjayong yusim isseoyo?Meaning:
Do you have a SIM card for travelers?Use this if you are visiting Korea for a short time.
2. Asking About Data and Price
데이터 무제한인가요?
Romanization:
deiteo mujehaningayo?Meaning:
Is the data unlimited?Some plans say “unlimited” but may slow down after a certain amount of data. Ask for the details.
데이터 몇 기가예요?
Romanization:
deiteo myeot gigayeyo?Meaning:
How many gigabytes of data is it?This is useful when comparing plans.
한 달 요금이 얼마예요?
Romanization:
han dal yogeumi eolmayeyo?Meaning:
How much is the monthly fee?If you are staying longer than a few weeks, ask about the monthly fee clearly.
추가 요금이 있어요?
Romanization:
chuga yogeumi isseoyo?Meaning:
Are there extra fees?Use this before you sign or pay.
3. Passport, ARC, and Activation
여권으로 개통할 수 있어요?
Romanization:
yeogwoneuro gaetonghal su isseoyo?Meaning:
Can I activate it with a passport?This is important for travelers or new arrivals.
외국인등록증이 필요해요?
Romanization:
oegugin deungnokjeungi piryohaeyo?Meaning:
Do I need an Alien Registration Card?If you live in Korea, the shop may ask about your ARC. Requirements can vary by plan and carrier.
개통까지 얼마나 걸려요?
Romanization:
gaetongkkaji eolmana geollyeoyo?Meaning:
How long does activation take?Ask this before you leave the store.
4. Problems and Help
인터넷이 안 돼요.
Romanization:
inteonesi an dwaeyo.Meaning:
The internet is not working.Show your phone screen while saying this.
전화가 안 돼요.
Romanization:
jeonhwaga an dwaeyo.Meaning:
Calling is not working.Use this if mobile calls do not work.
문자 인증이 안 와요.
Romanization:
munja injeungi an wayo.Meaning:
The verification text is not arriving.This is useful for app sign-ups, delivery apps, banking steps, or reservations.
다시 설정해 주세요.
Romanization:
dasi seoljeonghae juseyo.Meaning:
Please set it up again.Use this when you need staff to help with settings.
5. Contracts and Cancellation
계약 기간이 있어요?
Romanization:
gyeyak gigani isseoyo?Meaning:
Is there a contract period?Ask this before choosing a plan.
위약금이 있어요?
Romanization:
wiyakkeumi isseoyo?Meaning:
Is there a cancellation fee?This phrase is useful if you may leave Korea soon.
해지하려면 어떻게 해야 해요?
Romanization:
haeji haryeomyeon eotteoke haeya haeyo?Meaning:
How do I cancel it?Ask this before you sign up so you know the process.
Mini Dialogue
Customer: 안녕하세요. 선불 유심 있어요?
Staff: 네, 있어요. 얼마나 사용하실 거예요?
Customer: 한 달 정도요. 데이터 무제한인가요?
Staff: 이 요금제는 데이터가 많지만 속도 제한이 있어요.
Customer: 한 달 요금이 얼마예요?
Staff: 이 요금제는 월 요금이 이렇습니다.
Customer: 여권으로 개통할 수 있어요?
Staff: 네, 여권 보여 주세요.
Customer: 개통까지 얼마나 걸려요?Meaning:
Customer: Hello. Do you have a prepaid SIM card?
Staff: Yes, we do. How long will you use it?
Customer: About one month. Is the data unlimited?
Staff: This plan has a lot of data, but there is a speed limit.
Customer: How much is the monthly fee?
Staff: This plan's monthly fee is this amount.
Customer: Can I activate it with a passport?
Staff: Yes, please show your passport.
Customer: How long does activation take?Related Reading
- Start Here: Beginner Korean Path
- Survival Korean Starter Checklist
- Korean Hotel Check-in Phrases for Beginners
- Korean Convenience Store Phrases for Beginners
- Korean Grocery Store Phrases for Beginners
- Korean Taxi and Transport Phrases for Beginners
Free Checklist
Want a simple Korean phrase list for your first week in Korea?
Download the free Survival Korean Starter Checklist. It helps you practice useful phrases for cafes, restaurants, transport, shopping, hotels, and help situations.
Final Tip
When you choose a SIM card or phone plan, do not only ask “how much?”
Also ask about data, activation, ID requirements, contract period, extra fees, and cancellation. These questions can save a lot of confusion later.
Disclaimer
This article is for language learning and travel communication only. It is not legal, contract, telecom, or immigration advice. Plan terms, identity requirements, pricing, and cancellation rules can change. Always confirm current details with the shop, carrier, or official provider before paying or signing.