Will I lose my Korean prepaid SIM number if I miss a recharge date?｜Recharge and number retention
Your number normally does not disappear immediately when the active period of a prepaid SIM ends. Outgoing calls and mobile data may be restricted first. If you do not recharge within the number-retention period, the line may be terminated. The safest choice is to recharge before the expiry date.
There are usually three stages after a recharge
| Stage | What changes? |
|---|---|
| Active period | A fixed prepaid plan normally provides its calls, messages and data for 30 days from the recharge date. |
| Incoming-only period | After the active period ends, outgoing calls and mobile data may be restricted while incoming calls remain available for a limited time. |
| Number-retention period | Service is restricted but the number is temporarily retained. The line may be terminated if it is not recharged before this period ends. |
The incoming-only and number-retention periods vary by network and plan. Do not assume that plenty of time remains simply because the phone can still receive calls. Check the exact expiry date for your plan.
Recharge the monthly fee for a fixed plan
- KRW 36,000–36,300: standard calls and messages, 300MB followed by speeds up to 3Mbps
- About KRW 39,000: 100 minutes, 100 messages and 15GB followed by speeds up to 3Mbps
- KRW 55,000–59,900: 11GB plus 2GB per day, followed by speeds up to 3Mbps
- KRW 66,000: 100GB or 5GB per day, followed by speeds up to 5Mbps
The start date and handling of multiple recharges may differ by provider. Check how consecutive recharges are applied before paying for several months in advance.
For pay-as-you-go plans, check both balance and validity
- Base fee: KRW 4,950 on KT and LG U+ networks, KRW 5,500 on the SKT network
- First activation at Saessak Mobile: minimum initial recharge of KRW 30,000
- The base fee and actual outgoing calls, messages and mobile data are deducted from the balance
- Useful for receiving verification messages, incoming calls or a lightly used business number
Data used over Wi-Fi is not deducted from the prepaid balance. A fixed plan may be better if you frequently use mobile data.
Remember these points to keep your number
- Save the activation date and next recharge date in your phone calendar.
- If calls or data suddenly stop, check the balance and plan expiry date first.
- If you want to keep the number, recharge before expiry instead of waiting for the incoming-only period.
- If the line has not been recharged for a long time, check its status before paying.
- Before porting the number to another provider, check whether the remaining prepaid balance can be transferred or refunded.
Saessak Mobile in Seomyeon, Busan
Bring the phone you currently use and provide your prepaid number so we can identify the network and recharge plan. If subscriber verification is required, foreign customers should bring an Alien Registration Card or passport.
- Address: 부산광역시 부산진구 새싹로 28
- Phone: 010-6386-9959
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–20:00
- Closed Sunday
References: FreeT prepaid plan information and FreeT prepaid recharge information. The latest rules for the specific provider and plan take priority.