🇰🇷 Staying in Korea for about a year? Choosing the right plan for internet in Korea can save you real money and keep your options open. This guide compares SK broadband’s expat plans with prepaid internet and longer contracts, using actual monthly prices and cancellation rules.
⚡ Quick Answer: Which Internet in Korea Fits Your Stay?
- Staying around 1 year or longer: postpaid internet is usually cheaper per month than prepaid home internet.
- Want flexibility: the 1-year expat plan has no age limit and saves up to 39% compared to the standard 1-year plan.
- Staying 3 years or more: the 3-year plan has the lowest monthly price.
- Using SK Telecom mobile: you can get bundle discounts on both your internet and mobile bills.
01 Getting Started
Why Prepaid Home Internet in Korea Can Cost More
Many newcomers looking for internet in Korea start with prepaid home internet, often from a low-cost MVNO carrier. It can feel safe at first, but it has real downsides:
- You pay a large amount upfront. Prepaid plans are generally more expensive per month than postpaid plans.
- You do not get a refund if you cancel early. If you pay for a 6-month plan and leave after 3 months, the rest of the money is gone.
- Moving or changing products can be difficult.
If you expect to stay around a year or longer, postpaid is usually the smarter choice. It gives you more financial flexibility, and you can move your internet service even if you move to another house.
02 Why SK broadband
Trust, Bundle Savings, and No Age Limit
|
No.1 NCSI Ranked No.1 in the National Customer Satisfaction Index for 16 consecutive years |
1-Year Contract Short contract for expats staying about a year |
Up to 39% OFF Savings vs the standard 1-year plan |
SK broadband has ranked No.1 in the National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) for 16 consecutive years. We also offer one of the strongest bundle discounts with SK Telecom mobile. And our 1-year expat plan has no age limit, unlike many expat plans that cap eligibility at age 39.
03 The 1-Year Expat Plan
SK broadband Plans: Monthly Prices and Savings
If you want to stay about a year without locking yourself into a long contract, the 1-year expat plan is designed for you. Compared with the standard 1-year plan, the savings can reach up to 39%.
| Internet Speed | Standard 1-Year | Expat 1-Year | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100M internet + WiFi 6 | ₩39,600/mo | ₩24,200/mo | 39% |
| 500M internet + WiFi 6 | ₩51,700/mo | ₩31,900/mo | 38% |
| 1G internet + WiFi 6 | ₩57,200/mo | ₩38,500/mo | 33% |
1-year contract, VAT included. Expat discount applied. WiFi 7 is available for an additional ₩1,100 per month.
04 Cost Comparison
Korea Internet Price: Prepaid vs Postpaid Monthly Cost
Prepaid plans look manageable at checkout, but the upfront payment is much larger. Dividing the total by the number of months gives the effective monthly cost. The prepaid figures below include a ₩4,400 modem fee.
| Plan | 100M + WiFi | 500M + WiFi | 1G + WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier A prepaid, 3-month | ₩33,000 | ₩40,333 | ₩47,667 |
| Carrier A prepaid, 6-month | ₩30,433 | ₩35,933 | ₩39,600 |
| Carrier A prepaid, 12-month | ₩26,400 | ₩31,900 | ₩39,233 |
| SK broadband 1-year expat | ₩24,200 | ₩31,900 | ₩38,500 |
| SK broadband 3-year | ₩19,250 | ₩27,500 | ₩32,450 |
At 500M, the 12-month prepaid plan costs the same as the 1-year expat plan (₩31,900 per month). In every other case, the SK broadband postpaid plan has a lower monthly rate.
05 Early Cancellation
What Happens If You Leave Early?
Prepaid plans have no termination fee, but you have already paid in full. Postpaid plans have a lower monthly rate, but they charge an early termination fee if you cancel before the contract ends. The fee is calculated by how long you used the service.
| Contract | Usage Period | Refund Amount (Termination Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year (Expat Plan) | 3 months or less | Accumulated discount × 100% |
| 4 months or more | Accumulated discount × (remaining days ÷ (contract period − 90 days)) | |
| 3-Year | 8 months or less | Accumulated discount × 100% |
| 9 months or more | Accumulated discount × (remaining days ÷ (contract period − 240 days)) |
Example: 500M + WiFi 6, Prepaid vs 1-Year Expat
Here is a side-by-side look at the total cost when you compare Carrier A’s 6-month prepaid plan with SK broadband’s 1-year expat plan.
| If you cancel after | Carrier A 6-month prepaid | SK broadband 1-year expat | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | ₩215,600 (paid upfront) | ₩31,900 × 3 = ₩95,700 + termination fee ₩92,400 |
₩188,100 (SK costs ₩27,500 less) |
| 4 months | ₩215,600 (paid upfront) | ₩31,900 × 4 = ₩127,600 + termination fee ₩109,760 |
₩237,360 (Carrier A costs ₩21,760 less) |
💡 The takeaway: If there is a real chance you will leave within the first 3 months, the 1-year expat plan can still cost less than prepaid. If you might leave around month 4, prepaid can be cheaper. Decide your timeline before you choose.
06 Staying Longer?
The 3-Year Plan Has the Lowest Monthly Price
If you know you will stay three years or more, the 3-year plan gives you the lowest monthly price with WiFi 6:
- 100M internet + WiFi 6: ₩19,250 per month
- 500M internet + WiFi 6: ₩27,500 per month
- 1G internet + WiFi 6: ₩32,450 per month
3-year contract, VAT included. Baro discount applied. WiFi 7 is available for an additional ₩1,100 per month.
A simple rule: if you need flexibility, choose the 1-year expat plan. If you are staying longer and want the lowest monthly price, the 3-year plan wins.
07 Bundle Discounts
Add SK Telecom Mobile for Savings on Both Bills
Combining SK broadband internet with an SK Telecom mobile plan gives you one of the strongest bundle discounts in Korea. The discount applies to both your home internet bill and your mobile bill.
| Type | Internet discount 1-yr contract (Expat Only) |
Internet discount 3-yr contract |
|---|---|---|
| 100M internet | – ₩1,100 | – ₩4,400 |
| 500M internet | – ₩2,750 | – ₩11,000 |
| 1G internet | – ₩3,300 | – ₩13,200 |
| Internet Type | Number of Mobile Lines | Total Mobile Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 100M internet | 1 line | ₩3,500 |
| 2 lines | ₩7,000 | |
| 3 lines | ₩18,000 | |
| 4 lines | ||
| 5 lines | ||
| 500M or 1G internet | 1 line | ₩3,500 |
| 2 lines | ₩7,000 | |
| 3 lines | ₩18,000 | |
| 4 lines | ₩24,000 | |
| 5 lines | ₩24,000 |
With 500M internet and 2 mobile lines, you get ₩7,000 off in total, or ₩3,500 per person. With 3 lines, you get ₩18,000 off in total, or ₩6,000 per person. The more eligible lines you bundle, the bigger the savings.
08 Installation
Internet Installation in Korea: Nights, Weekends, Same-Day
Many people work during the day, and some need internet right after moving in. SK broadband offers flexible installation, including nights and weekends.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
If you apply before 3 PM, same-day installation may be available. That is a big help if you just received your apartment key and need internet right away.
09 English Support
How to Get Internet in Korea in 5 Steps
For many foreigners, language is the biggest barrier. Our English-speaking consultation means you do not have to struggle through everything with a translation app. The sign-up process is simple:
-
Request a consultation
Use the link in this guide to request a consultation. -
Talk with an English-speaking agent
Explain your situation and how long you plan to stay. -
Choose your plan
Pick the 1-year expat plan for flexibility, or the 3-year plan for the lowest monthly price. -
Schedule installation
Choose a date. Apply before 3 PM if you need same-day installation. -
A technician sets up your internet
The technician visits and gets your internet running.
10 What’s Included
Documents, Equipment, and Fees
📄 DocumentsTo sign up for internet in Korea, you need one of the following: an Alien Registration Card (ARC), a Certificate of Domestic Residence, a Diplomatic Identification Card, or a USFK ID Card. If you stay in Korea for more than 90 days, your ARC must be completed within 90 days of entry. Learn more in our Korea residence card guide. |
📶 RouterA Giga WiFi router is included with all internet plans. You do not need to buy one separately. |
♾️ DataNo data cap. All SK broadband internet plans are unlimited. |
💳 FeesNo hidden fees. You pay your monthly service fee and a one-time installation fee. Payment is automatic, by bank transfer from a Korean bank account or by credit card. |
| Feature | WiFi 6 (Standard) | WiFi 7 (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| Max wireless speed | 1.2 Gbps | 2.88 Gbps |
| Max wired speed | 1 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| Design | Traditional antenna | Compact, minimal design |
WiFi 7 supports theoretically up to 2x faster speeds under ideal conditions and offers stronger stability than WiFi 6. It also has a more compact design.
Not sure which WiFi option fits your home? Our internet speed test and improvement guide for expats in Korea explains how to check your current speed and what to improve.
11 Leaving Korea
How to Cancel Before You Go
If you plan to leave Korea, let us know at least two weeks before your departure so we can schedule the pickup of your internet equipment in advance. An early termination fee may apply depending on your contract and usage period. Check the fee using the table in Section 05 before you cancel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does internet cost in Korea?
On SK broadband’s 1-year expat plan, home internet with WiFi 6 costs ₩24,200 per month for 100M, ₩31,900 for 500M, and ₩38,500 for 1G. On the 3-year plan, it costs ₩19,250, ₩27,500, and ₩32,450 per month. Prices include VAT, with the expat discount (1-year) or Baro discount (3-year) applied.
Q. Can I sign up for internet in Korea in English?
Yes. You can request a consultation and talk with an English-speaking agent, who will help you choose a plan and schedule installation.
Q. Is SK broadband available for foreigners with no age limit?
Yes. The 1-year expat plan has no age limit, unlike many expat plans that cap eligibility at age 39.
Q. Should I choose a prepaid or postpaid home internet plan?
If you expect to stay around a year or longer, postpaid is usually the better choice. Prepaid plans cost more per month, require a large upfront payment, and do not refund early cancellations.
Q. Do I need to buy a WiFi router separately?
No. A Giga WiFi router is included with all SK broadband internet plans.
Q. Is there a data limit?
No. All SK broadband internet plans are unlimited, with no data cap.
Q. Are there any hidden fees?
No. You pay your monthly service fee and a one-time installation fee.
Q. What documents do I need to sign up?
To sign up for internet in Korea, you need one of the following: an Alien Registration Card (ARC), a Certificate of Domestic Residence, a Diplomatic Identification Card, or a USFK ID Card. If you stay in Korea more than 90 days, your ARC must be completed within 90 days of entry.
Q. Can I get same-day installation?
It may be available if you apply before 3 PM. Standard installation hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Q. What is the early termination fee for the 1-year expat plan?
If you cancel within 3 months, the fee is the accumulated discount × 100%. If you cancel after 4 months or more, the fee is the accumulated discount × (remaining contract days ÷ (contract period − 90 days)). This applies to contracts started on or after September 27, 2023.
Q. Should I choose WiFi 6 or WiFi 7?
WiFi 6 is the standard option. WiFi 7 costs an extra ₩1,100 per month and offers higher maximum speeds and a more compact design.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Internet in Korea
- Prepaid home internet costs more per month, needs a large upfront payment, and does not refund early cancellations.
- 1-year expat plan: flexibility with no age limit and savings of up to 39% versus the standard 1-year plan.
- 3-year plan: the lowest monthly price if you are staying three years or more.
- SK Telecom bundle: discounts on both your internet and mobile bills.
Information Accuracy: This guide reflects pricing and terms as of October 2026. Prices, discounts, and termination rules may change. Please confirm the latest details on the official SK broadband website before signing up.
