How to Set Up Home Internet in Korea

Korea has three main internet service providers:

• KT (KT 기가인터넷) — The largest provider, with the widest coverage including rural areas. Known for reliability. • SK Broadband (SK 브로드밴드) — Popular in metropolitan areas. Often bundles well with SK Telecom mobile plans. • LG U+ — Competitive pricing, strong in apartment complexes.

All three offer gigabit-class speeds (500Mbps–1Gbps) at similar price points. The best choice often depends on which provider already has infrastructure in your building.

To sign up for home internet as a foreigner, you will need:

• ARC (Alien Registration Card / 외국인 등록증) — required for most contracts • Korean bank account — for automatic monthly payment (자동이체) • Korean phone number — for account registration and notifications • Your home address in Korean format

If you do not yet have an ARC, some providers allow a short-term contract with just a passport, but terms vary. It is worth calling ahead to confirm.

Option 1: Visit a provider store (대리점) Bring your ARC and bank account information. Staff will walk you through plan selection and schedule an installation date. Takes about 20–30 minutes.

Option 2: Call the provider KT: 100 (Korean) / 1588-0114 SK Broadband: 106 LG U+: 101 English support is limited, so bring a Korean-speaking friend if possible.

Option 3: Online signup All three providers have websites with online signup, but navigation is in Korean and requires a Korean digital certificate (공동인증서). This is easiest after you are already settled in.

Installation is typically scheduled within 2–3 business days and is free of charge.

Typical monthly costs (as of 2025):

• 100Mbps — 18,000–22,000 KRW/month • 500Mbps — 25,000–33,000 KRW/month • 1Gbps (기가 인터넷) — 33,000–44,000 KRW/month

Contracts are typically 1–2 years. Early termination fees apply, usually 50–100% of remaining months' fees.

Tip: Ask about combination discounts (결합 할인) if you already use the provider's mobile plan — you can save 5,000–10,000 KRW/month.

Before signing up for internet, check whether your building already provides it:

• Many officetels and sharehouses include Wi-Fi in the maintenance fee (관리비) • Some older apartments have a building-wide LAN port — ask your landlord • If Wi-Fi is provided, ask for the password (비밀번호) from your landlord or building manager

Signing up for a separate contract when internet is already included wastes money and creates an unnecessary cancellation headache later.