SHORT GUIDE ON HOW TO MAKE AN INTERNET/TV CONTRACT IN SOUTH KOREA
- Elena-Daniela Sandu
- May 30
- 5 min read
Are you currently living in South Korea as an expat or student and want to make your place feel more like home? In this case, you need to take one of the most important steps and set up internet and TV services as quickly as possible! This article is your guide on how to apply for such services, which companies to consider before making your final choice and what to expect in terms of pricing.
HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNET/TV SERVICES IN SOUTH KOREA?
STEP 1: PREPARE THE DOCUMENTS MOST ISPs REQUIRE
- Alien Registration Card (ARC – if you don’t have one, ask a Korean friend to register under their name)
- Korean Phone Number
- Korean Bank Account (for auto-pay setup, although some allow credit cards)
STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROVIDER FOR YOU
- do your research extensively before making your final choice
- compare benefits and prices
- take into account the contract length
STEP 3: APPLY ONLINE/OFFLINE
- visit a store in person if you prefer applying offline
- visit the official Korean website if you prefer applying online
- use foreign-friendly agents or expats' support services (highly recommended)
- ask your landlord or real estate agent to help
STEP 4: WAIT FOR INSTALLATION
- it usually takes 24-72 hours
- a technician will visit your home
- the technical setup usually takes around 30 minutes
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR PROVIDERS IN SOUTH KOREA?
TOP 3 MOST POPULAR PROVIDERS:
1. KT (KOREA TELEKOM) - Korea’s oldest and most widespread telecom provider
WEBSITE: https://product.kt.com
PROS: excellent infrastructure and coverage (both in urban and rural areas), nationwide reach, extremely stable and reliable, large bandwidth packages ideal for streaming or gaming, the best option for users in suburban or rural areas who need dependable coverage
CONS: no English-language interface or helpline, confusing cancellation policies and hidden fees
SERVICES:
INTERNET PLANS:
- 100 Mbps (Lite): ₩22.000 - ₩25.000/month
- Giga Internet (500 Mbps–1 Gbps): ₩30.000 - ₩38.000/month
TV PLANS:
- Basic HD package: ₩8.000 - ₩12.000/month
- Premium plans include 250+ channels and VOD
- Bundling with KT Mobile offers monthly discounts up to ₩10.000
2. SK BROADBAND - popular among younger users and urban dwellers for its content bundles and speedy urban performance
WEBSITE: https://www.skbroadband.com
PROS: the best content streaming integrations, frequent promotions, bundled deals, the best option for expats who love watching global and Korean streaming content
CONS: installation and early termination fees (if not careful), inconsistent support for foreigners (varies by district)
SERVICES:
INTERNET PLANS:
- Basic (100 Mbps): ₩22.000/month
- Giga (1 Gbps): ₩31.900 - ₩35.000/month
TV PACKAGES:
- Basic (Btv Lite): ₩8.800/month - includes 100+ channels
- Premium (Btv All): ₩15.000 - ₩18.000/month – 200+ channels
- Bundles with Netflix, Disney+, or Wavve
BUNDLED DEALS:
- Giga Internet + Btv + Netflix: ~₩45.000 - ₩50.000/month
- Special gift card promos: ₩100.000 - ₩200.000 in department store vouchers
3. LG U+ (The Smart Home Innovator) - tech-forward company known for smart home integration, solid customer service, and IPTV features
WEBSITE: https://www.lguplus.co.kr
PROS: innovative features for tech lovers, user-friendly interface with well-designed hardware, the best choice for smart home enthusiasts and families with kids, “U+tv Kids” and “U+ Idol Live” channels for families and fans, voice-controlled remotes, smart integration with LG appliances, free VOD access with selected plans
CONS: slightly more expensive than KT and SK, streaming add-ons (e.g., Disney+, Netflix) may not be included in base plans
SERVICES:
INTERNET PLANS:
- 100 Mbps: ₩25.000/month
- Giga (up to 1 Gbps): ₩33.000 - ₩36.000/month
TV PLANS (U+TV):
- Starter Plan: ~₩7.700/month – 80+ channels
- Premium Plans: ₩14.000 - ₩20.000/month – 200+ channels, UHD box
- Unique content: Kids programming, idol/K-pop shows
OTHER INTERNET/TV PROVIDERS YOU SHOULD KNOW (ideal if you want to save money, have limited-term contracts, or live in a region not fully covered by the big 3)
4. CJ HELLOVISION (part of LG HelloVision) - budget TV + internet in suburban or less urban areas
PROS: affordable pricing, decent service in older buildings
CONS: limited availability in Seoul, outdated modems in some zones
INTERNET PRICES: ₩20.000 - ₩28.000/month
TV PLANS: ₩7.000 - ₩13.000/month
5. KCTV (Korea Cable TV) – in Jeju and regional cities such as Busan, Gwangju, and so on
PROS: TV bundles available with over 100 channels, various local discounts, flexible plans (1-2 years)
CONS: minimal English support, limited areas covered
SERVICES:
INTERNET PRICES: ₩25.000–₩30.000/month (300–500 Mbps)
6. SEBANG / SEJONG TELECOM – focused on small cities and buildings not eligible for fibre
PROS: excellent for short-term tenants or budget housing, may partner with local providers
CONS: low to mid-speed plans (50 Mbps to 500 Mbps)
SERVICES: PRICES between ₩18.000 - ₩28.000/month
7. LOCAL CABLE PROVIDERS (경기방송, 현대HCN) – for residents in older apartments, officetels, or areas where large providers aren't available
PROS: flexible terms, low cost
CONS: older infrastructure, no English support
SERVICES:
Internet Speed: 50–300 Mbps
Prices: ₩20.000 - ₩25.000/month
8. D-LIVE (딜라이브) - affordable cable ISP with TV focus
WEBSITE: https://www.dlive.kr
PROS: very affordable, great for users who want Korean cable TV, the best for residents in older buildings, budget-conscious users, or Korean TV fans
CONS: older modem/router equipment, not ideal for high-bandwidth users or gamers, limited English support
SERVICES:
INTERNET SERVICES:
- 160 Mbps: ₩22.000 - ₩25.000/month
- 500 Mbps: ₩27.000 - ₩30.000/month
TV PLANS:
- 200+ channels including local, cable, and VOD
- Prices: ₩10,000–₩15,000/month
- Bundled Package: Around ₩33,000–₩40,000/month
BUDGET INTERNET PLANS FROM KT & SK BROADBAND
9. KT ENTRY (KT 인터넷 라이트)
FEATURES: TV Bundles available from ₩30.000/month with basic TV, 100 Mbps speed, ideal for light users (email, web, basic streaming) who still want KT's reliability, no frills (just the basics)
PRICE: ₩20.000 - ₩23.000/month (after discount or card auto-payment)
WHO CAN GET IT: single-person households, officetels or villas
10. SK BROADBAND ENTRY / BABY PLAN (BTV 라이트/이코노미)
FEATURES: simple IPTV set-top box, basic channels, optional Netflix/Wavve add-on, 100 Mbps (some locations offer 160 Mbps for the same price),
PROS: Great value, works well in most Seoul buildings
CONS: No premium support, older UI/interface for IPTV
PRICES:
BASIC: ₩19.800 - ₩24.000/month
BUNDLED TV (LITE): ₩30.000 - ₩35.000/month
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOREIGNERS SHOULD KNOW?
Most ISPs do not offer English support, so consider using foreign-friendly agents, such as Ginternet Korea, or seeking help from your landlord, Korean friends, or joining Facebook groups for expats in Korea.
The standard length for a contract is usually three years, so early termination fees may apply.
When you discuss the contract, always ask about the installation fee, early termination penalty and free modem/router provision.
Be on the lookout for promotions which could include a free TV box, 1–2 months without payment or gift cards or cash back.
If you use KT, LG, or SK for mobile service, ask about bundled discounts because you can save between ₩5.000 and ₩10.000/month or get extra mobile data.
Take into consideration expat-friendly services such as Ginternet Korea, Seoul Homes / Ziptoss or local agents (via KakaoTalk), which can provide English language support and help you apply for internet/TV services.
SO ... WHAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
IF YOU WANT FAST INTERNET AND NETFLIX, then ... choose SK Broadband Giga + TV with Netflix (~₩45.000/month).
IF YOU’RE ON A BUDGET, then ... choose basic internet from a regional provider (~₩25.000/month).
IF YOU NEED EASY FOREIGNER SUPPORT, then ... use a service like GInternet or your real estate agent.
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