Over a million SKT subscribers swap out SIM cards following the service provider's decision to no longer accept new client registrations.
Semestered travelers at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1 lined up to swap their SK Telecom SIM cards on the 4th of May, 2025. [YONHAP]
Swapping SIMs Amidst Data Breach
Neglect of Foreign Residents in SK Telecom's SIM Replacement Program
Chey of SK Telecom Faces the National Assembly Over Data Breach
Phishing Scams: A Warning on Text Messages Concerning SIM Card Replacements
Switching SIMs at the Airport
Travelers, including visitors from abroad, can swap their SIM cards at the airport's dedicated roaming centers [1][3]. Due to the surge in early-May travel, priority has been given to these services, although wait times may be unavoidable [1][2].
SIM Card Swap Policies
- Eligibility: All registered SKT users, including foreign residents with active SKT SIMs, are eligible for immediate replacements [1].
- Responsibility Clause: SKT guarantees compensation for any damage suffered abroad if users were unable to replace their SIMs before their departures [3].
- Security Note: Replaced SIMs eliminate hacking risks, as they are not linked to compromised SIM data [3].
Alternatives
Foreign travelers might opt for eSIMs from alternative service providers at the airport, offering immediate activation and heightened security without the need for a physical replacement [5]. SKT’s retail stores and partner outlets temporarily halted new subscriptions and number portability services, focusing instead on replacements [1][2].
The company confirmed an adequate supply of SIM cards at airport locations as of the 2nd of May [4], advising travelers to allow for extra time due to high demand [1][3].
- The international business travelers at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1 can opt for eSIMs from other service providers at the airport's dedicated roaming centers for immediate activation and heightened security.
- The government is urging travelers to be cautious about phishing scams, particularly text messages concerning SIM card replacements, amidst the data breach that has affected SK Telecom.
- The smartphones and gadgets of international travelers might be safer using eSIMs, as they are not linked to compromised SIM data like physical SIM cards.
- The South Korean government is calling for the international travel industry to work collectively, ensuring foreign residents are not neglected in SK Telecom's SIM replacement program during this crisis.
- The airport also warns travelers about potential long wait times due to the surge in early-May travel, despite the priority given to SIM card replacement services.
- Amidst the ongoing data breach, the Korean government, foreign embassies, and the travel industry are collaborating to issue audio_0 advisories about ensuring safety and security for travelers using SIM cards and mobile devices at Incheon International Airport.
