If you’re planning to visit South Korea and want to stay connected with mobile data, you might be wondering whether you can buy a local SIM that enables tethering. Tethering is a useful feature that allows you to share your phone’s internet connection with other devices, such as your laptop or tablet. In this article, we’ll explore the legality of tethering in South Korea, the requirements for buying a local SIM, which mobile carriers support tethering, the plans that offer it, and how much it costs.
What is tethering?
Tethering, also known as mobile hotspot, is a feature that allows you to use your phone’s mobile data connection to provide internet access to other devices that don’t have their own internet connection. This can be useful when you’re traveling and need to work on your laptop or tablet. Tethering can be done via USB cable, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, depending on your phone and the other device you’re connecting to.
Is tethering legal in South Korea?
Yes, tethering is legal in South Korea, but there are some restrictions. According to the Korean Communications Commission (KCC), mobile carriers are required to provide tethering services to their customers, but they can impose a limit on the amount of data that can be used for tethering. The limit is usually lower than the amount of data you can use on your phone, and if you exceed it, you may be charged extra fees or your tethering service may be restricted.
Can I buy a local SIM in South Korea?
Yes, you can buy a local SIM in South Korea. There are three major mobile carriers in South Korea: SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. These carriers offer a variety of plans that include mobile data, voice calls, and text messages. You can buy a SIM card from one of these carriers at the airport or at a mobile phone store in the city.
What are the requirements to buy a local SIM in South Korea?
To buy a local SIM in South Korea, you need to have an unlocked phone that is compatible with the Korean frequency bands. You also need to have your passport with you, as it is required for registration purposes. Some carriers may ask for additional documents, such as a visa or a Korean resident registration card.
Which mobile carriers in South Korea support tethering?
All three major mobile carriers in South Korea support tethering: SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. However, the amount of data you can use for tethering may vary depending on the plan you choose.
What are the plans that offer tethering?
Most of the mobile plans offered by the three major carriers in South Korea include tethering, but the amount of data you can use for tethering may be limited. SK Telecom offers plans that range from 1GB to 100GB of data per month, while KT offers plans that range from 500MB to 100GB of data per month. LG U+ offers plans that range from 2GB to 80GB of data per month. Some plans may also include unlimited data for certain apps, such as social media or music streaming.
How much does it cost to buy a local SIM with tethering?
The cost of buying a local SIM with tethering depends on the carrier and the plan you choose. Generally, the more data you need, the more expensive the plan will be. Prices can range from around KRW 20,000 to KRW 100,000 per month, depending on the carrier and the amount of data you choose.
How do I activate tethering on my phone?
To activate tethering on your phone, you need to go to the settings menu and look for the tethering or mobile hotspot option. This may be different depending on your phone’s operating system. Once you find the option, you can turn on tethering and connect your other device via Wi-Fi, USB cable, or Bluetooth.
What are the limitations of tethering?
The main limitation of tethering is the amount of data you can use. Most carriers in South Korea impose a limit on the amount of data you can use for tethering, which may be lower than the amount of data you can use on your phone. If you exceed the limit, you may be charged extra fees or your tethering service may be restricted.
What are some alternatives to tethering?
If you don’t want to use tethering, there are some alternatives you can consider. One option is to use a portable Wi-Fi device, also known as a pocket Wi-Fi, which allows you to connect multiple devices to a single Wi-Fi network. Another option is to use a local SIM card in a separate device, such as a portable router or a tablet with a SIM card slot.
Conclusion
Buying a local SIM in South Korea that enables tethering is possible, but there are some restrictions to keep in mind. All three major mobile carriers in South Korea support tethering, but the amount of data you can use may be limited. The cost of buying a local SIM with tethering depends on the carrier and the plan you choose. If you’re planning to use tethering, make sure to check the data limits and fees before choosing a plan.
