Korea Travel: Electricity & Communications
Electricity and Voltage
The standard voltage in Korea is 220V at 60Hz, and the outlet has two round holes. If you don't have a multi-voltage travel adapter, you can ask to borrow or buy one from your hotel's front desk. You can find them at airports, retail stores, major duty-free stores, and even convenience stores.
Public Phones
In Korea, the number of public phone booths is steadily decreasing as the spread of cell phones, smartphones, and related mobile devices increases. However, some public phone booths still remain at popular attractions, bus stops, and subway stations. Public telephones in Korea generally provide both local and international calling services that can be paid with coins or phone cards. Phone cards can usually be purchased at convenience stores or kiosks near phone booths. You can also pay with a transportation card, but please check in advance as payment is not available at all public phone booths.
Domestic Long-distance Calls (Area Codes)
Public Phones
Metropolitan Cities
Seoul (02) / Incheon (032) / Gwangju (062) / Busan (051)/ Daegu (053)
Daejeon (042) / Ulsan (052)/ Sejong (044)
Provinces
Gyeonggi-do (031)/ Gangwon-do (033)/ Chungcheongbuk-do (043)
Chungcheongnam-do (041)/ Jeollabuk-do (063)/ Jeollanam-do (061)
Gyeongsangbuk-do (054)/ Gyeongsangnam-do (055)/ Jeju-do (064)
International Calls
①How to make an international call to Korea
If necessary, dial the phone number of your country's international calling company, then dial 82 (country code for South Korea) followed by the area code (excluding the first digit 0). Finally, press the phone number you want to call.
②How to make international calls from Korea
First, dial one of the international calling company numbers listed below, followed by the country code, then the area code, and finally the number you want to call.
* International Phone Call Carriers: 001, 002, 005, 008, etc.
* Pre-paid Phone Cards: Pre-paid phone cards are available at convenience stores and major supermarkets
Mobile Phone Rentals and Roaming Service
There are roaming centers operated by local telecommunication companies at major domestic airports, including Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, and Jeju International Airport. After completing a simple registration process, visitors can connect their mobile devices here to roam. In addition to roaming services, you can purchase SIM cards, rent Wi-Fi eggs, and even rent smartphones. More information about rates, roaming center locations, and other details can be found on the service provider's official website.
Roaming services of major network carriers
• Kt Roaming Center website: globalroaming.kt.com (Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese>
• SK TELECOM Roaming Center website: www.sktroaming.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• LG U+ Roaming Center website: www.uplus.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
SIM Card Purchase (Korea SIM card)
Travelers can purchase a SIM card and insert it into their personal mobile device to enjoy unlimited data or receive a personal number while traveling in Korea. These prepaid SIM cards are usually cheaper than roaming services and offer unlimited data for 5, 10, or 30 days. SIM cards can be purchased at CU, Incheon Airport 7-Eleven convenience stores, and the Korea SIM Card official website. You can also find it at some CU and 7-Eleven stores in Seoul and Busan, but it is recommended to purchase it online or at the airport in advance.
Prepaid eSIMs can be easily purchased and received online. The digital eSIM works by scanning the provided QR code to install a prepaid data plan. You can purchase eSIM from their website and you will receive your eSIM plan via email without the hassle of visiting a brick-and-mortar store.
SIM Card Retail Locations
- Convenience stores (airport, downtown, etc.): Incheon International Airport (7-Eleven, CU) and limited 7-Eleven branch stores (Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, Jongno, & Haeundae)
- Korea SIM Card & eSIM website: www.krsim.net (English, Chinese)
- eSIM Korea: You can easily purchase and receive prepaid eSIM online. The digital eSIM works by scanning the provided QR code to install a prepaid data plan. You can purchase eSIM from their website and you will receive your eSIM plan via email without the hassle of visiting a brick-and-mortar store.
- eSIM website: esimkorea.net (English)
Internet
In Korea, Internet services are often provided in public places such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals. PC rooms and PC rooms are also worth a visit and most are open 24 hours a day.
Postal System
Tourists may naturally want to send postcards or letters to friends or family back home. Just a few years ago, you could easily find a mailbox on almost every street and building. These days, thanks to the Internet revolution, finding your mailbox has become a bit more difficult. If you can't find your mailbox, you can ask your hotel's front desk to put your letter or postcard in the mail, or you can go directly to a nearby post office. For more information about post office locations and service fees, visit the Post Office.
- Korea Post website: www.koreapost.go.kr (Korean, English)