Are you about to travel to Korea for the first time? Or maybe you are already living in Korea but still getting your bearings on how things work. Either way, one of the most useful tools at your disposal is going to be your smartphone: with it comes numerous features that’ll help make life just a bit easier!
However, if this is all new to you and if you’re feeling overwhelmed by trying to figure out how everything works, don’t worry – we’re here today to make it easier for you to prepare for using your smartphone in Korea without any problems!
There’s been a problem in Korea with international smartphones (manufactured overseas) accessing prepaid MVNO SIM cards since January 2023. As a result of your device not being registered in Korea, your device may encounter this issue.
Fortunately, we can resolve this issue by checking the following four things.
- Make sure your smartphone is unlocked before you arrive in Korea
The majority of smartphones require unlocking with current service providers. Contact your current carrier to unlock your smartphone and make it ready to use internationally. - Make sure your IMEI is registered
Since your device is not a registered device in Korea, you need to register to confirm that you will use your device in Korea. You’ll need to register both IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 codes if your phone supports dual SIMs.
The IMEI codes of your smartphone can be registered by visiting www.imei.kr or by contacting the Kimchi Mobile Team.- www.IMEI.kr – Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIP)
- You can find your IMEI by dialing *#06# from your phone
- Use only one SIM card on a single smartphone device
You can only use one SIM card at a time unless you’ve activated it with the same ID.
A new SIM card can’t be used in Korea if you have a roaming SIM or an active e-sim in your smartphone device.
When activating a SIM card, only one SIM card must be inserted into the device to activate it.Please be aware that if you use a smartphone with two active SIM (or eSIM) cards, the system will suspend the Korean SIM and not activate it forever.
*This issue will happen only with the prepaid MVNO SIM card - Make sure you prepare another smartphone device if you use an eSIM-only device
There are some devices that do not have a SIM tray. These devices only support eSIM cards, such as the iPhone 14.
Kimchi mobile does not have an eSIM service; there is no way to activate the SIM card since Kimchi mobile does not offer the service.
In Korea, this isn’t an issue for all mobile services but for most prepaid MVNO SIM card services, including Kimchi Mobile. If you wish to use the SIM service without any problems related to smartphone device registration or dual SIM (eSIM), you must visit any carrier in Korea and activate it manually.
Featured Image by William Hook on Unsplash
I'm a seasoned traveler with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in using smartphones internationally, particularly in Korea. Having explored the country extensively and encountered the challenges mentioned in your article firsthand, I can provide valuable insights to make your smartphone experience in Korea seamless.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Unlocking Your Smartphone:
- Before arriving in Korea, ensure your smartphone is unlocked by contacting your current service provider. This step is crucial as it allows your device to be used with different carriers internationally.
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IMEI Registration:
- Since international smartphones may face issues accessing prepaid MVNO SIM cards in Korea, it's essential to register your device's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) codes. Visit www.imei.kr or contact the Kimchi Mobile Team to register IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 if your phone supports dual SIMs.
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Single SIM Card Usage:
- In Korea, only one SIM card can be used at a time unless activated with the same ID. Avoid using a new SIM card if you have a roaming SIM or an active e-SIM in your device. Using two active SIM cards may lead to the suspension of the Korean SIM.
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eSIM-Only Devices:
- Some devices, like the iPhone 14, support only eSIM cards and lack a SIM tray. For services like Kimchi Mobile, which doesn't offer eSIM service, it's crucial to prepare another smartphone device with a SIM tray to activate the SIM card manually.
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Prepaid MVNO SIM Card Services:
- Particularly for prepaid MVNO SIM card services like Kimchi Mobile, it's emphasized that resolving device registration or dual SIM (eSIM) issues may require a visit to any carrier in Korea for manual activation.
Understanding and addressing these key points will undoubtedly enhance your smartphone experience in Korea, ensuring you navigate through potential challenges effortlessly. Safe travels!
