Getting mobile phone service

Jessie from Germany, a junior in college majoring in Korean studies, arrives in Korea as an exchange student. Going abroad for the first time, she wants to call her parents after spending more than 10 hours on the plane. Unfortunately, Jessie has no means to call home since she has no mobile phone service in Korea. Su-hyeon, a Korean student who spent a semester at Jessie’s university in Germany as an exchange student, welcomes Jessie at the airport with a "I-knew-it" smile.


Jessie: I brought my smartphone from Germany without thinking. Can it work in Korea?
Su-hyeon: We have three mobile carriers in Korea: SK Telecom, KT and LG U+. You need your alien registration card (ARC) or passport to sign up for mobile service.
Jessie: But I don't have an ARC yet.
Su-hyeon: Let’s go to a nearby telecom store and see what we can do.
Jessie: Alright. I need it fast so let's just get one as soon as possible.


Store clerk: Good afternoon. What kind of ID do you have?
Jessie: I just arrived today so I don’t have an ARC yet. But I do have my passport.
Store clerk: If you get a new phone using your passport, you must get a prepaid plan. If you want to join a monthly plan, you have to present an ARC and might also need a Korean bank account or credit card. The requirements differ by carrier so you should check later. What I can do for you today is get you a prepaid plan. Do you have a mobile phone with you?
Jessie: I have one that I used in Germany.
Store clerk: We have many plans available. Choose from these.
Su-hyeon: Jessie, don’t choose anything expensive because you can get a monthly plan after you get your ARC.
Jessie: I guess you're right. I'll choose this.
Store clerk: Please wait. (little later) OK, it’s all done.
Jessie: No way, already?
Su-hyeon: (laughs) From next week, you should be the one to tell newcomers from Germany how to get mobile phone service in Korea.
Jessie: Sure. (faces the clerk) I'll come here again when I have my ARC.
Store clerk: By the way, the type of monthly phone plan you’re eligible for might differ based on the type of visa you have.
Jessie: Really?
Store clerk: Don’t worry too much. Each mobile carrier has staff for foreign customers who can handle it.
Su-hyeon: OK, Jessie, now that you have mobile phone service, try calling your parents.


Jessie: I can post the photos I take in Korea on my Instagram.
Su-hyeon: (laughs) You still have lots to do like open a bank account and get your ARC. I'll come with you so do some research tonight at the dorm.
Jessie: OK. Public offices in Korea are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., right?
Su-hyeon: Yes.
Jessie: Thank you so much for today, Su-hyeon. Let's go eat something. I want to try sannakji (live octopus).
Su-hyeon: You're that brave? Fine, let's go to Gwangjang Market.

Written by Min Yea-Ji
Translated by Kim Young Shin
Illustrated by Yuhaill
jesimin@korea.kr