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In South Korea, there are three mobile carriers: SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. Many service members sign up for phone services with on-base shops associated with KT and LG U+. Here's an important tip: don’t forget to ask the staff for a membership card!
For locals, it's a must to download a mobile carrier's membership app and create an account to get exclusive perks. Many Koreans use these benefits, enjoying discounts at convenience stores, bakeries, movie theaters, amusement parks, coffee shops, and more. All members using the carrier’s services can receive these benefits.
However, members affiliated with the U.S. military may face challenges using the app since those under SOFA don’t have an alien registration number necessary for identification in Korea. Instead, simply ask the staff at the shop to issue you a membership card. Upon receiving the card, you'll also get a brochure with detailed information in English about the benefits.
The annual benefits range from 50,000 won to 150,000 won in savings. The benefits range and percentage of discount vary depending on your membership rank. The rank is determined by service duration and monthly payments. You can get discounts from over 130 affiliate businesses, so please check their website for the list of benefits. The website is in Korean, so use Chrome’s page translation. Discount chances at convenience stores and other businesses are usually limited to once a day, and some are limited to once a month.
Popular choices for discounts
KT: GS25/Emart (5-10%), Paris Baguette (5-10%), Tous les Jours (10-15%), Pizza Hut/Mr. Pizza/Domino’s Pizza (15%), Starbucks(Size-up), Everland (40-50%), Lotte World/Seoul Land/Eworld (40%), Trip.com/Agoda(7%), Klook(5%) and more.
LG U+: GS25 (5-10%), Paris Baguette (5-10%), Tous les Jours (10%), Pizza Hut (15%), Mr. Pizza, Domino’s Pizza (15-20%), Klook (5%), Trip.com (6%), E-World (40%), Seoul Land (40-50%), Megabox/CGV (2,000 won), and more.
How to use
In person: Show the card before purchase, allowing the staff to scan the barcode for the applicable discount.
Online: Add the membership numbers as a discount code during transactions.
How to get the card
KT: Visit a shop and staff will provide you membership card on the spot. (ID required)
LG U+: Visit the shop and show your ID card. Then provide an off-base address (You can use a Korean friend's address). They will send the card to the off-base address within a week. Alternatively, you can order the card via phone call (080-850-1891).
