Frequently asked questions

Postpaid plans can be cheaper for long stays because they use monthly billing, stronger identity checks, and longer eligibility rules. Prepaid is easier for short stays or customers waiting for an RC, but the monthly cost is often higher for the same data level.

Many Korean plans provide a high-speed data allowance first, then unlimited data at a lower maximum speed. 1Mbps is usually enough for messaging and light browsing, 3Mbps is more comfortable for maps and standard video, and 5Mbps is better for heavier daily use.

MVNO lines you can join with a passport alone are often not activated in your own name, which limits what you can do, and the monthly price can rise once your ARC is issued. HireVisa sells official carrier plans, so it stays safe.

Yes. You can apply even before your Alien Registration Card is issued. Once your ARC arrives, we guide you through the registration steps so you keep the same phone number.

Your RC is the stable identity document for long-term mobile service in Korea. After you receive it, contact support so your line can be reviewed for RC linkage, name update, or a branch that supports stronger identity verification.

Usually no. Many Korean services require a phone number linked to your RC and legal name. Immigration does not automatically connect your phone number to your RC, so you should request the update after your RC is issued.

Long-term postpaid activation may be difficult when your remaining stay is short. The exact rule can vary by carrier and plan. If the online flow cannot support your case, we will guide you to a safer option such as prepaid or offline consultation.

Contact support before leaving Korea. Passport-based or temporary lines can have stricter rules when the stay period ends or the user leaves Korea. If you already have an RC, request an RC linkage review before travel.

Activation is not always instant. The team must review identity, SIM, payment, and plan eligibility first. Applications submitted outside review or carrier activation hours may continue on the next business day.

Number choice is limited. In most online applications, the carrier assigns an available number during activation. If a specific number pattern matters, contact support before submitting.

Korean mobile numbers can be recycled after a previous user cancels service. Old messages from banks, apps, or stores do not mean your personal data is exposed, but you should block unrelated senders and never use another person's verification code.

Yes. You can keep your current Korean phone number. The number must not be cancelled yet, and the applicant's ownership details must match the existing line.

No. Do not cancel your current line first. If you cancel before the transfer is complete, you may lose the phone number. In a normal number transfer, the previous line is closed automatically after the new carrier completes activation.

Unpaid bills can block postpaid activation or number transfer. A remaining phone installment may continue to be billed by the previous carrier even after the number transfer. Check your current carrier before submitting.

A Korean bank account is helpful and may be required for some postpaid billing methods. If you do not have one yet, the application flow may ask for a supported card or route you to additional review.

Overseas cards are not guaranteed for Korean postpaid billing. Some cards may work for deposits or one-time purchases, but monthly carrier billing usually requires a supported Korean payment method or manual review.

Timing depends on the carrier billing method and the activation date. The first bill can include prorated monthly charges, SIM or eSIM fees, and any approved one-time costs. Review the final notice before submission.

The image helps verify that the payment method belongs to the applicant and can be reviewed for monthly billing setup. Upload only through the secure application flow, and make sure the required name and account or card details are readable.

Upload a clear image of the passport information page. The name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue date, and expiry date must be readable. If the application asks for a combined image, include the required passport pages in one file.

You need a passport or an Alien Registration Card so the line is activated in your own name. You also submit your USIM or eSIM details and register a payment method for the monthly bill. Visa documents may be requested during activation.

USIM uses a physical SIM card. In the current online flow, we support U+ OneChip from a nearby convenience store. You can upload the OneChip image later if you buy the SIM after starting the application.

eSIM does not need a physical SIM card, but your phone must support eSIM and have an EID. We ask for a device information screenshot so the team can check compatibility before activation.

Yes. You choose USIM or eSIM during the application. The monthly base price is exactly the same for both, and you get a number starting with 010 (unless you are porting a number you already use).

Your phone should be unlocked and compatible with Korean LTE or 5G networks. For eSIM, the device must support eSIM and show an EID. If your phone is locked to an overseas carrier, ask that carrier to unlock it before arriving in Korea.

Sign in with the same HireVisa account you used to start the application, then open My Applications. The status page shows document review, missing actions, visit-store guidance, external number-transfer guidance, or completion status.

Contact support as soon as possible. Before activation, cancellation may be simple if carrier processing has not started. After activation, carrier rules, SIM fees, billing cycles, and discount conditions may apply.