This is a very informative post on how to have an internet connection in South Korea for less. It’s a good thing that my BDU or Bridge Data Roam Unlimited won’t work due to a problem with my Globe postpaid renewed line. I have to look for other ways since being connected is very important to me, as some of you know I am into online business. Days ago before I leave for Korea, I am hesitant on reserving SKT modem and ended up choosing the Bridge Data Unlimited service so I do not have to go and stop at the airport to get one but just what I have mentioned earlier, there was a problem with my signal that time and I can’t connect to SKT which is actually my network’s partner. Right after immigration and customs clearing, I saw these 2 telecom counters at the arrival area — the LGU+ and the SK telecom.

I am very familiar with SKT because I’ve experienced them the last time I was in Seoul last 2011, so I go there first and ask if there are some available wifi modem routers for 15 days rental and sadly there’s none at the moment and like what It says on their website a prior reservation is needed and so there’s no choice but to go to LG U+ and luckily there is readily available LTE router that looks like the photo below but without the samsung logo instead a taped paper with password on it.

Sadly, I forgot to take photo of the actual router and for the benefit of my readers. I searched the net and found one from cookiecoffee.com and credit goes to that site 🙂

CREDIT GOES TO COOKIECOFFEE.COM (I WASN’T ABLE TO TAKE PHOTO OF MY ROUTER HAHAHA!)

What makes me happy is that you can actually use the router for up to 10 devices which is basically cheaper than BDU. Although I can use the iphone as wifi, the LTE router seems handy to all my other gadgets. Having another modem is much better in terms of speed and battery matters. By the way aside from this you can also rent mobile phones in there and its very convenient to anyone who wants to have a roaming and a phone number in Korea . I made a little table for comparison for your reference.

In terms of coverage, its pretty good because we’ve been to different part of Korea from Seoul, Daegu to Busan and we never encounter a slow connection so two (2) thumbs up for that! The router comes with an LG pouch bag and a booklet with the necessary information you need. The daily rental fee for the router is 3,300 korean won plus 5,500 korean won for the dailly data charge which is unlimited of use and if you will stay in korea for more than 5 days the daily rental fee is free of charge so you only have to pay 5,500 won daily for the high speed internet connection.

I paid 82,500 korean won or most likely $80 USD for 15 days of rental and I used four devices that time – 2 iPhones (5 and 4s), 1 samsung tab and a macbook pro. I think this is way cheaper compared to BDU rates of 120 USD (40USD*3x) for 15 days and that is only good for 1 mobile phone although you can use your iphone as wifi router still I find the LG U+ Router much better in terms of everything – rates, speed and convenience.

How to Rent?

1. Upon arrival visit LG U+ Rental Service Counter or if this is not your choice you can opt to choose other Korean Telecoms.

2. Fill out the application form and present your passport and your credit card as deposit.

3. Pick up the router or mobile phone and they will instruct you on how to use the router/phone and details that you need to know.

4. Before you leave (near immigration clearing) Return the LTE Router, pay for the rental fees and surrender the router/phone to avoid penalty that is listed on your initial receipt and to avoid any additional charge on your credit card.

Where to Find their Counters?

• Rental : First Floor Between Gate 9-10 and or Gate 5-6
• Return : Third Floor Near Gate M, H, E, B

PLUS!!!

Day after my departure in Korea, I received an email asking if I enjoy my stay in Korea and noting that the next time I’ll visit I’ll get 50% off the rates. How’s that? Impressive 🙂

Happy Traveling and Happy Reading!