As the number of foreign residents living in South Korea continues to rise, telecom companies are stepping up efforts to attract international customers. KT is introducing an internet discount program designed specifically for short-term foreign residents, aiming to reduce barriers such as complicated subscription procedures and provide more convenient access to essential digital services.
KT announced on Aug. 3 that it will operate a special internet discount program for foreign customers residing in Korea through Jan. 31, 2027, to improve their access to broadband services.
The program primarily targets foreign residents staying in Korea for around a year, including international students, overseas workers and exchange participants. Many short-term residents have experienced difficulties subscribing to internet services due to contract conditions and complicated registration processes. KT said the new program is designed to offer more flexible options tailored to their needs.
The discount applies to six broadband products, including Internet Slim with speeds of up to 100Mbps, Internet Basic with speeds of up to 500Mbps, and Internet Essence offering speeds of up to 1Gbps. Wi-Fi bundled versions of these plans are also included.
Under the discount program, monthly fees will be reduced to KRW 23,100 for Internet Slim, KRW 30,800 for Internet Basic, and KRW 37,400 for Internet Essence. Customers choosing Wi-Fi-inclusive plans can use Internet Slim Wi-Fi for KRW 25,300, Internet Basic Wi-Fi for KRW 33,000, and Internet Essence Wi-Fi for KRW 39,600 per month.
To further improve accessibility, KT will allow foreign customers to subscribe through multiple channels, including customer service centers and KT stores nationwide, in addition to online registration. The company aims to address challenges caused by language barriers and unfamiliar subscription procedures.
Foreign residents say reliable internet connectivity has become an essential part of daily life in Korea. An international university student living in Korea said, “Internet access is necessary for everything from attending online classes and handling administrative tasks to video calls with family overseas. Many short-term residents hesitate because of long-term contracts or complicated subscription requirements. A plan that matches their stay period would make choosing a service much easier.”
