Korean prepaid pay-as-you-go plan: how much comes out of the balance?｜Calls, texts and data
No long-term contract is required. Service is available in periods of at least 30 days. Foreign customers can apply with a Residence Card or passport. If you do not top up for the next period, service is suspended and the number is later terminated under the carrier policy. Identity-verification availability can vary by registration details and the service used.
A pay-as-you-go prepaid plan costing about KRW 5,000 has a low base fee, while outgoing calls, sent messages and mobile data come out of the prepaid balance according to actual use. It works well when you mainly need to receive verification messages or incoming calls and keep a Korean number at low cost. Wi-Fi use does not use the prepaid balance, but a fixed monthly plan may be better if you frequently use mobile data outside.
Base fee and usage rates by network
| Network | Base fee | Outgoing calls | Sent SMS | Mobile data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKT network LITE | KRW 5,500 | KRW 1.98/sec | KRW 16.5/message | KRW 22.53/MB |
| KT network BASIC(LTE) | KRW 4,950 | KRW 1.65/sec | KRW 22/message | KRW 22.53/MB |
| LG U+ network Standard | KRW 4,950 | KRW 1.98/sec | KRW 16.5/message | KRW 22.53/MB |
For activation at Saessak Mobile, the minimum first recharge is KRW 30,000. The base fee and actual usage charges come out of this balance.
How much comes out of the balance?
- 10 minutes of outgoing calls: KRW 990 on the KT network; KRW 1,188 on the SKT or LG U+ network
- 20 sent SMS messages: KRW 330 on the SKT or LG U+ network; KRW 440 on the KT network
- 100MB of mobile data: KRW 2,253
- 300MB of mobile data: approximately KRW 6,759
Mobile data can reduce the balance faster than expected. If the number is mainly for identity verification or receiving calls, turn off mobile data and use Wi-Fi. If you often use maps, video or app updates, compare it with a fixed plan costing around KRW 36,000.
Who is this plan suitable for?
- Identity verification and receiving messages: You need verification codes or want to keep a number with almost no outgoing use.
- A business number mainly for incoming contact: You mostly receive calls and messages and make only brief calls when necessary.
- A Korean number for a short period: You want to use a number only for the required period without a long contract.
If you frequently use maps, video or social media on mobile data, the balance may run out quickly, so compare it with a fixed monthly plan.
Start in 30-day periods without a long-term contract
- Use it only for the period you need without a long-term commitment.
- Korean customers should bring a national ID card or driver’s license.
- Foreign customers can consult using an Alien Registration Card or passport.
- Bring the phone that will use the SIM, or purchase a used phone at the store.
Saessak Mobile in Seomyeon, Busan
Tell us how you plan to use the number and your expected call, text and data usage. We will compare the pay-as-you-go option with fixed monthly plans.
- Address: 부산광역시 부산진구 새싹로 28
- Phone: 010-6386-9959
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–20:00
- Closed Sunday
Rates are based on the Mobing prepaid general plan policy sheet for September 2026. The amounts above are simple examples using the listed per-second, per-message and per-MB rates. Actual balance usage and current conditions depend on the activated network and its latest policy.