south korea tourist sim

The BEST Korea SIM card for tourists (2024 guide)

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

If you’re looking for the best Korea SIM card for tourists, we can help.

We’ve compiled a list of all the Korea travel SIM cards that can be pre-ordered and picked up at the airport.

In some Asian countries, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to name just a few, it’s also possible to have the SIM mailed to your home or to collect it at the airport of departure.

We used a Korea data SIM card from KT Olleh ourselves and we can honestly say that it was a big advantage. 

Not only to use excellent navigational apps such as Naver apps, Google Maps is pretty useless in South Korea, we also loaded a lot of other Korean apps on our phone.  Thanks to these apps we could eat where the locals eat, translate Korean texts and it also became much easier to interact with Koreans. 

I’ve listed some of the apps we used further down in this article.

We cover all the important details about the various Korean Sim card for foreigners, as well as all the aspects that you need to keep in mind when you’re making your selection.

Read on to find the best Korea prepaid SIM card for you.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? Our picks for the best Korean SIM cards

If you are short on time or you don’t want to read the complete post, these are our top choices: 

• The KT Olleh card offered by Klook  is the best for all stays of 30 days or less where a data connection is all you need.  The SIM comes with unlimited data and has no fair usage policy.
• For longer than 30 stays,  the SIM from KT Olleh  is the best option. It can be used for up to 90 days.
• If you want to make voice calls during your Korea trip you have 2 options. You can pre-order the KT Olleh Voice & text SIM from Klook and top-up this card with credits for voice calls. An alternative is the KT Olleh voice & text SIM from Trazy which comes preloaded with enough credits for 42 minutes of calling.

Table of Contents

Tip: Be sure to become a member of our brand new  Korea Travel Planning and Tips Facebook group . The purpose of this group is to help you plan an amazing vacation to South Korea.  You can ask questions and exchange tips with fellow travelers.

Why buy a Korea prepaid SIM card

It’s easy to travel independently around Korea, especially if you can use your smartphone as your travel companion.

We used our data connection a lot in South Korea, the country has several very useful apps for tourists.

Here are the apps that we used the most during our road trip in South Korea: 

• XE currency provides real-time conversion rates between the South Korean Won and your home currency.  
• Kakao Metro guides you through Seoul’s spaghetti-like metro network.  The app also works in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon.
• Kakao T , this app enables you to call and pay for a taxi similar to Uber.  You can also use it to rent an electric bike. 
• Mangoplate , information on nearby restaurants including reviews
• Papago , fast and accurate translation of South Korean to 13 languages including English,  French, German, Japanese and Chinese.  It works offline and the quality of the translations beats those of Google Translate.
• Emergency Ready, an app provided by the Ministry of Interior and Safety. The app contains information about shelters, police and fire stations.  The government will share updates in case of natural disasters such as typhoons. ( Google Play – Apple Store )
• Visit Korea , an app provided by the Korea Tourism Organization.  It contains opening hours, prices and lots of other useful information about the many sights of the country.  To get the app, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “KTO Mobile apps”
• If you go to Lotte World or Everland you can use the apps of those theme parks to check the waiting times at the attractions.

Roaming costs are insane and Korea prepaid SIM cards are relatively cheap.  This makes it a good investment, even if you won’t be using your data connection on a daily basis.

South Korea has the world’s best 4G network so it would be a shame not to use it when you visit the country.

Larger cities such as Seoul also count numerous WiFi hotspots.  We tested these with mixed results.  Our experience with these WiFi hotspots is described below.

Free WiFi in Korea

You can find over 500,000 public WiFi hotspots in Seoul alone. With this number, you would think that a data connection is a superfluous luxury but it is not.

First of all, it is a hassle to register your phone over and over again at each new hotspot that you come across.  If it would stop there it wouldn’t be such a big thing.

Some registration forms are in Korean only though, making the task extra tedious. And then, to make things worse, after you have finally deciphered the form, you’re sometimes met with the notice that they only accept Korean phone numbers.

We went through this process a few times only to decide that the low cost of a local tourist SIM card, or a pocket WiFi rental , is not worth all the effort registering your phone at each hotspot hoping that it will work. 

There’re free WiFi hotspots you can use, certainly those in hotels and restaurants, but you shouldn’t be blindsided by these huge numbers. 

Despite a large number of hotspots WiFi is certainly not omnipresent. There are places, such as train and metro stations, where WiFi would come in handy but where there are no hotspots. (some stations have hotspots but not all)

Since a local SIM card is not that expensive at all, it is highly recommended to get one. Just like at home, you can use your cell phone in Korea for all kinds of things, from calling taxis, finding your way on public transport, to finding good restaurants.

Here is an overview of  free WiFi hotspots in South Korea

South Korea SIM cards – The top choices

KT Olleh and SK Telecom offer Korea travel SIMs. 

On top of that, a bunch of other providers have their own travel SIM’s that also work in South Korea and that can be picked up abroad.

Further down in this article we list all the SIM cards that we could find along with all the information you need such as the included data plan and the fair usage policy.

In this section, we share our top choices.  These are the best data-only SIM’s and the best SIM that support voice calls and text messages.

For short stays

This KT Olleh card offered by Klook is the best for all stays of 30 days or less where a data connection is all you need. 

The SIM comes with unlimited data and nothing is mentioned about a fair usage policy. There may be none but even if there is one you are safe to assume that the first 3GB of data each day will be at 4G/LTE speeds. 3 GB is more than enough for normal use.

If your plans change and you need to extend your rental you can do so online.

Check prices and availability: KT Olleh Tourist SIM

For longer stays

Most SIM cards have a maximum duration of 30 days.  If you want to stay in Korea for longer than 30 days you will either need to buy multiple SIMs, something that not all providers allow, or extend your rental. The easiest option is to go for this SIM from KT Olleh which can be used for up to 90 days.

There are options for data-lite and data-heavy users.  The data-lite plan has 300MB of fast data per month, the other plan offers 10GB of 4G/LTE data.  Once the treshold is reached both plans offer unlimited data at 3 Mbps speed.

Voice-calls and texts are also possible but require that you top-up your SIM.

Check prices and availability: KT Olleh long-term SIM

For voice calls

All the SIM cards we cover in this article will allow calls with Skype or other similar tools but in some instances, it is still better to make a traditional phone call.  

To do so you will need to buy one of the KT Olleh SIMs that support voice+text.

Note that some of them only allow domestic calls. SIM cards that you top up will typically allow international calls, other SIMS that support voice calls will typically only support domestic calling.

These are the KT rates for international calls .

These SIMs can be pre-ordered through Klook and Trazy. 

When pre-ordered through Klook you will need to top-up your SIM yourself.

The SIMs pre-ordered through Trazy will have a starting balance of KRW 11,000, enough for about 42 minutes of domestic calling. You can add more credits if necessary.

Both options are similar in price. KRW 11,000 is about 7 USD at the time of writing and the preloaded SIM is also 7 USD more expensive than the other one. So you do not financially benefit by choosing the preloaded option, it is just a matter of convenience. You can start calling right away and you don’t have to worry about the top-up process.

At Klook you have to select the package option “data + domestic call and texts (extra topup)”.

In addition to voice calls the SIMs also offer unlimited data.  Trazy stipulates 3GB of data at high speed per day + unlimited data at 5Mbps.  Klook doesn’t mention a fair usage policy.  Assuming it is the same we can safely state that this is more than sufficient for most users.

Check prices and availability:

KT Olleh voice + text SIM Klook

KT Olleh voice + text SIM Trazy

Pocket WiFi or Data SIM Korea – what is best

Both are perfect options to stay connected.  

During our past journeys, we used both. 

A WiFi device might be somewhat easier because all you need to do is turn it on and connect to the broadcasted WiFi signal. It is, of course, an extra device to drag along.

Below are some pros and cons of each.

Pocket WiFi for Korea

The main reason to opt for a pocket WiFi device would be that you don’t need to switch SIMs and you don’t need to change any settings on your phone.  You just need to make sure that your data connection is disabled to avoid any nasty data roaming fees. 

This is great if you’re not really tech-savvy and another advantage is that friends, family, work relations and anybody else who has your phone number will be able to reach you as if you were home.

If you want people to be able to reach you at all times then this is probably the best option.

Another advantage is that you can share the internet connection. Some devices support just 3 simultaneous connections, others as much as 10. Some smartphones have a hotspot function that does the same but in our experience, this function drains the phone’s battery pretty quickly.

The principal disadvantage of a pocket WiFi device is that it is one extra device that you need to carry around and that you will need to charge on a daily basis if you use it frequently.

Check prices and availability: Pocket WIFI device

or read our detailed post about the best pocket WiFi rental for Korea.

Prepaid SIM card in Korea

The moment that you install the local tourist SIM in your phone people will no longer be able to reach you on your home carrier’s number.  This may be a blessing, it’s time for a vacation after all. 

If you don’t mind cutting the ties with the home front for the duration of your holiday then a SIM card is by far still the most convenient option if you’re traveling solo or if you will not be sharing the connection with anyone else.

Everybody will still be able to contact you on Skype, as well as other similar tools such as Google Hangouts, or if you prefer you can opt for a SIM which supports voice+data. 

If you opt for such a SIM you will get a local phone number which you could share with relatives at home.

Below is an overview of the different South Korean tourist SIM cards. We included all the important details to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Network providers in South Korea

South Korea has the fastest 4G network in the world.  Regardless of which network you use,  you will surf at speeds that you probably can only dream of at home.

The three mobile operators in South Korea are LG U+, SK Telecom, and KT.  They all have an excellent coverage of the country. LG U+ is the winner with a coverage of 99,5% but both other operators also achieve a coverage of at least 95%.

The average download speed is a whopping 40 Mbps, SK Telecom even achieves 65 Mbps.  Upload speeds are lightning-fast as well. 

You will enjoy at least 10 Mbps with peaks to 15 Mbps with the networks of SK Telecom and LG U+.

All these figures just to show that you don’t need to worry too much about the operator when you choose your SIM card.

What you need to know and check before buying a Korean travel SIM

When you rent a Korean Pocket WiFi device you can be sure that it works. Before you buy a travel SIM you better check a few things to avoid some nasty surprises.

Here’s a checklist of the things to check before placing your order.

What you need to know before buying a SIM card for South Korea

Make sure to check these 3 things about your phone. 

Googling “technical specs X” where you replace X with the model of your phone should tell you everything you need to know.

Which size of SIM card do you need

Over the years the size of SIM cards has decreased.  Old models had the standard SIM, newer phones use the Micro-SIM and the Nano-SIM.

Almost all Korean travel SIM’s are so-called multi-size SIM’s which means they can be adapted to the required size.

You can’t do anything wrong with these multi-size SIMs but if the operator only offers Nano SIMs (like some do) you better check in advance if this is the right size for your phone.

To check what kind of SIM you need you can open your phone or you can check the technical specifications.

Is your phone unlocked?

Locked phones will not work in South Korea, they come with software that prevents them from being used on another network. 

If your phone is locked you might be able to unlock it by calling your phone carrier. 

Locking phones is not common in Europe but many US, Canadian and Japanese carriers lock phones that are bought through them.

Does your phone or pocket WiFi device works in Korea

If your phone is not compatible with the country’s network it will not work.

These are the network frequencies used by SK Telecom and KT Olleh, the two providers which offer tourist SIM cards in South Korea:

• 4G LTE Bands: Band 1(2100MHz), Band 3(1800MHz), Band 5(850MHz), Band 8(900MHz)
• 3G Bands: HSDPA 2100MHz/HSDPA+

Make sure to check if your phone supports these frequencies.  The technical specs of your phone will show the supported frequencies or you could  check this page for your telephone .

What to check before buying a South Korean SIM Card

There are of course important differences between the different SIM cards. Here we indicate what to look for when choosing your Korean SIM card.

Data or Data + Voice

Data-only SIM cards are by far the most common flavor among the tourist SIM cards. 

For most visitors, this type of SIM will be all they need. You can’t make any voice calls, and you cannot send text messages either, but you can still call and text using Skype, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts, and other similar apps. 

If you do need a local phone number you will need to choose a Data+Voice SIM.

All prepaid SIM cards can be used for a certain number of days.  This period starts when you activate the SIM. In some cases this period can be extended, it is not guaranteed so be sure to check whether extensions are possible when you order your SIM.  

If extensios are not possible you could see if it is possible to buy 2 cards. However, not all providers allow multiple cards to be purchased by the same person.

In any case, the maximum rental period is 90 days. For longer periods a residence card will be required.

Data allowance

Many SIM cards offer unlimited data but the fair usage policy (FUP) varies wildly among the different options.  A fair usage policy means that the speed will be throttled after a certain amount of data is used in a certain period of time, usually over the course of a day.

Some providers will cap the speed after 2 or 3 GB is used in one day.  This is, in our experience, relatively generous.  3GB is the equivalent of browsing the internet for 36 hours, streaming 600 songs, or watching 6 hours of standard definition video.

Others only allow 500 MB of high-speed data per day.  This is sufficient if you will only occasionally connect to the internet but you will quickly reach the limits of this subscription if you stream audio, video or often check your social media canals.

Once you reach the data limit the speed is reduced to either 3G or 2G.  A speed that may be workable to check some basic webpages but frustrating low if you’re used to 4G.

Sometimes the cards can be topped up to increase the FUP but this is an exception rather than the rule.

In our below overview you can see all the details about the fair usage policy and if the card can be topped-up we also mention this.

Some SIM cards are shipped (for free) but most SIMs need to be collected at the airport. 

• Make sure to write down or print out the details of the pick-up location as well as the opening hours. (you will not be able to access the internet until after you’ve picked-up your SIM)
• In some cases, the order page or the confirmation mail includes a small map that shows where to pick up your SIM.  As you will not have internet until after you have collected your SIM it is a good idea to print this map or you could store it locally on your phone.  
• Not all collection points are open 24/7.  Make sure to check if the location will be open at the time you arrive and bear in mind that you will need to pass migration. It’s also best to provide a little margin in case your flight ends up being delayed.
• Gimpo Airport: Arrivals hall, Exit 1
• Busan Gimhae: Arrival hall, Exit 3
• Busan Harbor: Passengers terminal, 2nd floor of the arrivals hall, Exit 4

Korea SIM card with airport pick-up

Preorder your korea sim card online.

Here’s an overview of the different prepaid Korean SIM cards you can preorder online. The overview is organized by provider. 

For each, we list the most important details, if you need more information you can click on the associated links.

The advantage of ordering your Korean SIM card in advance

If you have just come from a long-haul flight, you are probably drowsy and not in the best shape to make a decision about which SIM you need. 

For this reason, we advise you to pre-order your South Korea SIM card online and have it sent to your home address or ready for pick-up at the airport.

Another advantage of ordering online is that you can take all the time you need to compare the different options. 

Korea SIM cards with pick-up at Seoul and/or Busan airport

Kt olleh (data or data + international calls & texts).

KT, short for Korea Telecom, is South Korea’s largest telephone company. Olleh is the brand name used for cellular broadband services. 

You can choose a data-only SIM or a prepaid SIM card that also supports outgoing voice calls and text messages.  

SIM cards from KT can be pre-ordered online from:

• GetYourGuide : data-only SIM, incoming calls and text messages are supported. The SIM can be topped up to make voice calls. 
• Klook : data-only SIM or prepaid SIM that supports voice+text
• Trazy : data-only SIM with top-up possibilities or preloaded SIM (The prepaid SIM comes with a starting balance of KRW 11,000, enough for 42 minutes of domestic calls)
• KKDay : short-term data-only SIM (Incoming calls and text messages are supported. The SIM can be topped up to make voice calls. ) or long-term preloaded SIM that supports calls

All SIMs, including the data-only SIMs, support incoming calls and text messages.  These are always free. Only the single-day card that can be ordered through Trazy does not come with a local Korean number.

All SIM cards can be recharged and extended online .  You have to do this before they expire.

• Size: Multi-size SIM cards (Normal, Nano and Micro).  The SIM can be adapted to work in any mobile phone.
• Network: KT Olleh
• Duration: 1 day (only available on Trazy), 5 days, 10 days or 30 days
• Not all websites offer all pick-up options.
• Make sure to check the opening hours of the pick-up locations, most are not open 24/7.
• When you order with Klook you can choose between  Seoul Incheon airport  terminal 1 & 2
• GetYourGuide offers Incheon, Busan, and Gimpo airport + 2 downtown Seoul locations. (Hongdae & Myeong-dong)
• At Trazy you can select to pick up the SIM at Incheon, Gimpo, or Busan airport. They also have pick-up locations at the Hongik University Subway station and the Myeongdong Subway station.
• Activation: The SIM card will be activated at the counter.  If, for some reason, the SIM would not work a refund will be arranged.  Data-only SIM’s can be activated at a later date if you prefer. If you want to activate your prepaid SIM on a later date you will need to inform the staff at the moment of pick-up.
• Topping Up: Is only required if you want to make voice-calls or send text messages.

GetYourGuide: Data-only SIM ( top-up for voice calls possible )

• 5 days: KRW 35,700
• 10 days: KRW 47,590
• 20 days: KRW 74.787
• 30 days: KRW 90,079

Check prices and availability: SIM Getyourguide

Klook: Data-only SIM ( top-up for voice calls possible )

• 5 days: KRW 24,400
• 10 days: KRW 34,700
• 20 days: KRW 60.500
• 30 days: KRW 64,400

Check prices and availability: Data only SIM Klook

Pay attention to select the correct service type when you order

  Trazy: data-only SIM

At the time of writing there’s an ongoing promo. The first price is the promo price, the second is the regular price.

• 1 day: KRW 5,900 – KRW 6,600
• 5 days: KRW 24,800 – KRW 27,500
• 10 days: KRW 33,000 – KRW 38,500
• 20 days: KRW 54.450 – KRW 60,500
• 30 days: KRW 62,000 – KRW 71,500

Check prices and availability: SIM voice Korea Trazy

Trazy SIM Including 11,000 KRW for voice calls

• 1 day: KRW 5,900 – KRW 6,600 (data-only, no voice calls supported)
• 5 days: KRW 35,800 – KRW 38,500
• 10 days: KRW 44,000 – KRW 49,500
• 20 days: KRW 64.450 – KRW 71,500
• 30 days: KRW 73,000 – KRW 82,500

Check prices and availability: Data + domestic calls and texts Klook

KT Olleh (data + unlimited domestic calls & texts)

This SIM is interesting if you won’t be making international phone calls. The calling rate of this SIM card is cheaper.

You are able to receive an unlimited number of international and domestic phone calls and text messages and you can call for 100 minutes to domestic numbers.  You’re also able to send 100 domestic text messages.

The data plan is unlimited.  There is a fair usage policy.  Your speed will be throttled to 400Kbps after you’ve used 10Gb of data.

The SIM card can be extended once for a maximum of 30 days.  The price to extend the duration of the SIM is KRW 3,000/day.  

• Size: Multi-size SIM cards (Normal, Nano, and Micro).  You get a Nano SIM card with an adapter to the Micro and Normal format.
• Duration: 5 days, 7 days,10 days, 15 days, or 30 days
• Pick-up:  The SIM card can be collected at Seoul Incheon airport terminal 1. Make your way to the CU convenience store on the 1st level between arrival gates D & E.  The card can be picked up 24/7. 
• Activation: Somebody is available on-site from 12 PM to 6 PM to help with the activation.   You can also register and activate the card yourself .
• Topping Up: Topping up is not possible.
• 5 days: KRW 24,500 – KRW 29,900
• 7 days: KRW 29,900 – KRW 33,490
• 10 days: KRW 34,200 – KRW 39,900
• 15 days: KRW 43,200 – KRW 50,490
• 30 days: KRW 63,100 – KRW 73,900

Check prices and availability: KT Olleh data + domestic calls

KT Olleh (longer stays )

This SIM card can be used for stays from 30 to 90 days.  It comes in 4 flavors.  3 variants have an initial duration of 30 days and can be extended twice for another 30 days. Maximum two extensions are possible, up to 90 days, unless you have a Residence Card. 

The extensions can be done online, a manual with the steps to do so will be provided together with your SIM.

The fourth SIM is valid for 90 days out of the box.

Let’s have a look at the different options in detail:

30-day data-lite SIM – KRW 36,400 (Normal price KRW 45,100)

This SIM card offers:

• Unlimited domestic calls and text messages
• All incoming calls are free
• 300 MB of high-speed 4G/LTE data.  Once this has been consumed you will get unlimited data at a limited speed of 3Mbps.
• Extend this SIM for another 30 days at KRW 36,400 (2 extensions MAX)

30-day data-heavy SIM – KRW 58,800 (Normal price KRW 67,300)

• 10 GB of high-speed 4G/LTE data.  Once this has been consumed you will get unlimited data at a limited speed of 3Mbps.

30-day data-max SIM with limited calls – KRW 43,500 (Normal price KRW 48,400)

• 100 minutes of local calls, additional calls cost 1.98 won/sec
• 100 local text messages, additional messages cost 22 won/message
• 15 GB of high-speed 4G/LTE data.  Once 15GB has been consumed your speed is throttled to 3Mbps until the end of your contract.
• The SIM cannot be topped-up. When additional costs are incurred these will shorten the duration of your contract.
• Extend this SIM for another 30 days at KRW 39,600 (2 extensions MAX)

90-day Prepaid SIM card – KRW 39,900 – KRW 74,900 (Normal price KRW 62,800 – KRW 112,800 )

• This is a prepaid SIM card. You can choose from a prepaid balance of KRW 50,000 or KRW 100,000 to start. The card can be topped up during your 90-day period.
• The balance is used towards messages, calls, and data
• Data: 20.84 won/MB
• Calls: domestic 1.98 won/sec ( Rates for international calls can be found here .)
• SMS: 22 won/message
• The possibility to make international calls

The following details apply to all 4 plans:

• Size: Multi-size SIM cards (Normal, Nano, and Micro).
• Duration: 30 days, 60 days, 90 days 
• Pick-up:  The SIM card can be collected at the KT Office near Hongik University Station or the Myeongdong Subway station.   Pay close attention to the opening hours of the pick-up locations.
• Activation: The SIM card will be activated instantly.
• Topping Up: Only the 90-day SIM card can be topped up.

KKDay Short-Term SIM

This SIM card can be used for a duration of 1 day, 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, or 30 days. The 1-day variant does not have a Korean Phone Number, all other options can also be used to make calls. You will need to top-up the card if you plan on doing so.

The duration of the card can be extended up to 90 days.

• 1 day: KRW 5,972
• 5 days: KRW 25,317
• 10 days: KRW 35,314
• 20 days: KRW 58,425
• 30 days: KRW 65,696

Check prices and availability: KKDay short-term SIM

KKDay Long-Term SIM

This SIM card can be used for 30 days. The duration can be extended twice, up to 90 days.

It comes with a credit of 11,000 KRW that can be used for outgoing calls and messages. You can reload the card in increments of 11,000 KRW.

• 30 days: KRW 45,441

Check prices and availability: KKDay long-term SIM

Korea SIM cards with pick-up at Jeju airport

Unfortunately, there are no SIMs available for pick-up at Jeju. If you will be in Seoul before you go to Jeje you can use one of the above SIM cards. If not, have a look at the next section to see if there’s a SIM that can be shipped internationally to your home address.

Another alternative would be an E-SIM if your phone supports this.

SK Telecom is the country’s largest wireless operator.  They have a roaming desk at Jeju international airport where you can collect your SIM card. The cards can be pre-ordered at Klook and Trazy.

The SIM cards support incoming calls and text messages but you cannot make voice calls or send text messages.  All incoming calls and texts, both domestic and international, are free.  

• Size: Multi-size SIM cards (Normal, Nano and Micro).  The SIM can be adapted to fit in any mobile phone.
• Network: SK Telecom
• Duration: 1 day, 3 days (only on Klook), 5 days, 10 days, 20 days (only on Klook) or 30 days (only on Klook)
• Pick-up:  The SIM card can be collected at Jeju international airport, at the SKT Roaming desk on the 1st floor in the arrivals hall, open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
• Activation: To activate the SIM, install it in your phone and restart your phone.  We advise doing this at the counter. If the activation would not work you can arrange a full refund.  It is also possible to activate the card at a later date.
• Topping Up & Extending: This is not possible.
• Fair usage policy: If you use more than 1GB in 24 hours your speed will be capped to 3G ( 400 Kbps) for the remainder of the day.

Trazy: 

• 1 day: KRW 6,600
• 5 days: KRW 27,500
• 10 days: KRW 38,500

Check prices and availability: Trazy Korea Jeju SIM card

Klook: 

• 1 day KRW 5,800
• 3 days KRW 15,900
• 5 days KRW 24,700
• 10 days KRW 33,700
• 20 days KRW 54,000
• 30 days KRW 62,600

Check prices and availability: Jeju SIM Card Klook

Prepaid SIM cards for Korea with pick-up abroad (via Klook)

Here are a few extra options for those who live in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, China, or India.

The following providers offer SIM cards that are either shipped to your home or that can be collected at your airport of departure.

These SIM cards are sometimes cheaper than the local SIM cards.  A disadvantage is that nobody can assist you with the activation or the settings on your phone.  In the unlikely event that you would encounter problems, you will need to rely on phone or e-mail support.

Use an eSIM to stay connected in Korea

It will require a modern phone, but if your phone supports it, an eSIM might be one of the easiest, most hassle-free ways, to stay connected in Korea.

Phones that support eSIMS typically allow to have multiple network connections at once. This means that there’s no need to switch SIM cards. You can leave your physical SIM in your phone and all you need to do is scan the QR code to connect to the other network. From that point on you can switch back and forward between your 2 SIMs using your phone’s menu.

To take it one step further. Some phones support to have 2 active networks. You could keep your own SIM for voice calls and only use the Korean eSIM for data. This would be the best of both worlds. Your friends and family can still reach you on your familiar phone number while you avoid nasty roaming fees when browsing the internet in Korea.

eSIM from Airalo

Airalo eSIMs are available for a duration of 10 or 30 days and come with unlimited data packages.

These are data-only contracts so voice calls are not supported.

• Size: eSIM card.
• Network: LG U+ (LTE)
• Duration: 10 or 30 days
• Pick-up: You will find all the information in the e-mail or the app.
• Activation: You can activate the eSIM when you want to start using it. You will need a WiFi connection to activate it.
• Topping Up: Not possible. You have unlimited data with a fair usage policy. After using 3GB of data at LTE speeds your speed will be limited to 5mbps.

Use our exclusive WAPITI10OFF promo code to get an additional 10% off your Airalo eSIM.

Check prices and availability: Airalo eSIM Korea

eSIM from Frewie

You can choose from a duration of 14 or 30 days and data packages of 15 GB or 30 GB. Once your data threshold is reached your speed will be downgraded to 128 kbps. If you want to continue surfing at high speed you can top-up your SIM.

• Size: eSIM card. You will receive a QR in the mail to activate your SIM
• Network: KT Olleh & SK Telecom
• Duration: 14 or 30 days
• Pick-up: the QR code to install the SIM on your phone will be mailed to you after your order. The QR code remains valid for 45 days from the moment that you ordered it.
• Activation: The SIM card will be activated at the moment that you scan the QR code. You will need a WiFi connection to activate it.
• Topping Up: Is possible.

Check prices and availability: Frewie eSIM Korea

Buying a SIM card in Korea

Your options are limited if you’re already in South Korea when you’re reading this but it is still possible to get a local SIM. 

You will either need to head back to an airport or you can visit the KT center near Hongik University Station in Seoul.

At the airport

It’s a bit unfortunate, but unless you’re still in Seoul, the only way to buy a SIM is to go back to the airport. You can buy your SIM there but in most cases, pre-ordering using one of the links above will be cheaper.

To be honest, we were surprised by how few options there are to get a SIM card as a foreigner.  Except for the airports the only place you can go to is the KT Center in downtown Seoul near the Hongik University Station.

The office is about a 3 minutes walk from the subway station (take exit 5).  It’s open daily from 9 AM until 6 PM.

This is the address: Link Korea, 2F, Floren B/D, 176-8 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea

You can head to the office and buy your SIM card on the spot or you can pre-order it online which will grant you a small discount.

KT Olleh long-term SIM

Activating your Korea Sim

We have always used KT SIMs when we were in Korea and never had any problems activating them. The last time we used this Prepaid SIM from Link Korea (see picture above).

It’s usually sufficient to insert the SIM in your phone and restart it. You may need to wait a while or restart the phone a second time if it doesn’t work the first time. If you don’t want to restart your phone you can enable/disable airplane mode a number of times.

We also have our own mobile WiFi hotspot and could use the SIM with the hotspot. The correct settings to use the SIM in a hotspot can be found here .

Our package always contained a small ejector tool to open the SIM slot of our phones along with instructions on how to set up the SIM card. Below are images of the instructions for both Apple and Android.

We have always used one of the KT Olleh SIMs in Korea and it turned out to be invaluable. We used Naver maps during our road trip as well as many other local apps.  The connection was always stable and very fast.

Previously, when there were no tourist SIM cards, we managed to discover a country without them, but since the introduction of these SIMs it has become much easier to discover off-the-beaten-path locations. 

It helps to travel deeper and get a better, less touristy experience of South Korea.

All information is accurate at the time of writing (March 2023).

We will regularly update this article but if you notice any changes we would appreciate it if you let us know so we can update our post.

Enjoy South Korea!

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10+ Best Korean SIM Cards in 2024

In today’s world, staying connected is more crucial than ever. The absence of our phones, or more specifically, internet access on those phones, can make us feel disconnected and adrift. This sentiment rings especially true when it comes to travelling.

While I can’t claim to speak for everyone, the thought of travelling without an internet connection is, for me, quite daunting. Having internet access transforms the travel experience, simplifying tasks like navigating through Seoul, purchasing tickets for attractions, and finding public transport schedules .

The cost of travelling with a mobile device has significantly dropped over the years. Nowadays, obtaining a short-term Korean SIM card with unlimited data is surprisingly affordable, with prices below $50 per month! For those planning an extended stay, even more economical options are available through certain networks.

However, before diving into the best Korean SIM card options for your visit, it’s important to consider whether you need one at all. Given the extensive public WiFi networks available in major Korean cities, one might question the necessity of acquiring a Korean SIM card. So, let’s start by discussing whether or not a Korean SIM card is even essential for your trip!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclaimer for more information.

Do You Need a SIM Card in Korea?

Deciding on the best Korean SIM card for your needs starts with one key question: Do you actually need one? Surprisingly, for many, the answer might be “no.” This truly depends on individual preferences. For those who must stay connected continuously, a SIM card is indispensable.

However, Korea’s free Wi-Fi availability is exceptional. Virtually every café and restaurant offers Wi-Fi access, and finding one without it is a rarity.

Moreover, Korea boasts comprehensive free WiFi coverage in every subway carriage, within subway stations, and across most bustling city areas. Recently, this service has expanded to include many buses in Seoul, with plans to extend throughout the country. Korea’s public WiFi infrastructure is among the best globally.

Given the abundance of public WiFi hotspots, the necessity for a SIM card might be debatable. In reality, acquiring a Korean SIM card becomes essential only if frequent trips outside the city are planned, or if the convenience of constant connectivity is preferred.

Navigating Korea, with its unique language and complex transportation system, can initially be challenging. For many, having a constant internet connection can offer a significant comfort level, reducing reliance on public WiFi.

While a SIM card may not be crucial for short visits to major cities like Seoul or Busan, it can significantly enhance peace of mind for longer stays or those prioritizing convenience. I generally recommend a Korean SIM card for anyone planning to stay over 30 days. For shorter visits, managing without a SIM card is perfectly feasible. Nonetheless, the convenience of having one can streamline your travel experience.

If you opt to use public WiFi, consider securing your connection with a VPN . With online privacy concerns, investing as little as $10 per month in a VPN can safeguard your internet activities, ensuring a secure and worry-free connection.

Korean Mobile Coverage

If you are worried about how well a SIM card will work in Korea, don’t be. Korea has the highest LTE coverage in the world – more than 90% in 2017!

What’s most impressive is that those stats are from 2017. It’s even more covered now! Further, that’s only 4G (LTE) and doesn’t mention that nearly every other area not in the 90% has 3G coverage.

In short, Korea has mobile coverage in almost every corner of the country. I hiked Mount Daedun (Daedunsan) and Mount Seorak (Seoraksan) last month and I had coverage the whole way up the mountains. I am not exaggerating when I say that I have NEVER lost reception in Korea.

So no matter where you plan to travel in Korea, don’t worry about whether or not you’ll have mobile reception.

Korean SIM Card Requirements

Getting a SIM card or WiFi egg while travelling in Korea is relatively easy and the process will only require a few minutes. Here are the essentials to keep in mind:

• Remember to bring your passport to the desk/store. Usually, you will be required to show it to receive the SIM. If you get a Korean SIM for more than 90 days an ARC will be required.
• Book in advance. If you book from one of the tour companies (listed below), you will usually have to book at least a few days in advance. If you didn’t book in advance, don’t worry! There are other options. However, keep in mind that prices can be significantly higher if you don’t book in advance.
• Once you get the SIM you will be required to fill out a short application process. This process usually involves entering your name, IMEI (an identification number for your mobile device – how to get this number will be explained), and a few other details. The process is short, though!
• Make sure that your phone is compatible with Korean phone networks.
• Ensure that you are getting the right kind of Korean SIM card. Usually, these will be either SIM or eSIM.

Will My Phone Work in Korea?

Unfortunately, not all phones work everywhere. Different countries use different frequencies and this means that some phones may be incompatible with certain networks.

Thankfully this is much less of a problem now than it was in the past. However, this is still a common question and something that should definitely be checked before arrival.

The best way to tell if your phone will work is to use WillMyPhoneWork . This website will require you to fill out a few fields, and it will let you know what networks your phone is compatible with. When the site asks which Korean network you are inquiring about, select KT (most third-party SIM cards run on KT’s network). If KT doesn’t work, try SKT – Korea’s second-largest carrier network.

What Is a Locked Phone?

Some phones come locked , while others are unlocked. A locked phone is a phone that works only on specific carriers. Generally locked phones are those purchased on contracts with specific carriers as a way to ensure that customers stay with the carrier.

If you have a locked phone, you might not be able to use mobile networks in South Korea. Luckily, this is rarely the case. Most phones these days are unlocked, and even most locked phones will work on at least one network in another country.

To check this, use WillMyPhoneWork . It will let you know if your phone will work in Korea.

What if My Phone Is Locked?

If your phone is locked, don’t worry! There is still a way around this.

WiFi eggs are little devices that you can carry in your pocket that allow you to connect to WiFi (the egg will connect to the mobile network instead). Every device supports WiFi, and WiFi is a global standard with common frequencies. This means that virtually every device can work with WiFi eggs.

This isn’t a great option for longer-term visitors to Korea. However, it’s a great way to avoid the issue of getting a new phone if yours is locked.

Alternatively, there are places that will let you hire phones. If a WiFi egg isn’t suitable for your situation and your phone is locked, it might be worth looking into hiring a phone for the duration of your stay.

Portable WiFi VS SIM Cards

In Korea, there are two main ways to get internet on your phone. One of these devices is called a WiFi egg or portable WiFi .

These devices are essentially the same as turning your phone into a WiFi hotspot. They are little devices that you can carry around and connect to with any device that supports WiFi.

They have a few distinct advantages and disadvantages:

• Portable WiFi supports multiple devices . Anything that has WiFi can connect to the hotspot. This is ideal for families who don’t want to purchase multiple SIMs, or if you have multiple devices that need a connection.
• Portable WiFi has a battery. This can be a big issue at times! While the batteries can usually go most of a day with no issue, you will have to remember to charge the device every night. Further, a long day may see the portable device running out of battery before you can charge it.
• Pay per day . As you will see below, Korean SIM cards only have set rental options. You can’t get a SIM card for 9 days for example, or for 12. Portable WiFi in Korea is paid on a daily basis, and this means it might be cheaper if you are staying for a period which doesn’t align with the SIM card options.
• An extra device! Portable WiFi is usually about the same size as a (big) mobile power bank. For this reason, you may find it difficult to take portable WiFi with you unless you have a backpack. If you do have a backpack, the WiFi will add some weight to it.

Both portable WiFi and SIM cards have their benefits while travelling in Korea. Generally, I would recommend SIM cards just as they are the more standard option and you don’t have to worry about yet another device.

However, for families especially, portable WiFi does have its place. It’s definitely an option that is worth considering.

eSIM vs SIM

When getting a Korean SIM card, there are two main types that you will encounter. One of these is the traditional SIM card, and the other is an eSIM.

eSIMs are embedded SIM cards. In other words, they function exactly the same as SIM cards, but you aren’t actually inserting anything into your phone. The past few generations of phones have begun to widely support eSIM cards and they are incredibly handy.

Using a Korean eSIM is a convenient option as you don’t need to physically pick up a SIM card anywhere. Rather, you can sign up online, scan a QR code, and instantly be connected. Ever since I got an iPhone 12, I’ve moved to eSIM and never looked back – it’s just too convenient.

So, if eSIM is so great, why should we even consider traditional SIM cards? Well, only modern phones support eSIM. If you have an iPhone XR, XS (NOT from China or Hong Kong) or a more recent model, you’ll be able to use eSIMs. If you have a Samsung S20, Flip, Fold, Note 20, Google Pixel 2 or newer, you will be able to use eSIMs.

This website is a great resource for researching which phones support eSIM. If your phone happens to be on this list, I highly recommend opting for an eSIM option. There’s no need to worry about picking up the card at the airport, and you typically have more flexibility with editing your phone plan online.

Best Korean SIM Card

This is a long and in-depth article. If you don’t have the time or don’t want to read it all, I understand! This is a short recommendation of the best Korean SIM cards for tourists. If you want more details as to why I recommend these items, read on!

These are the best Korean SIM cards for travellers:

• Airalo . While you will pay a bit more here, the app is fantastic and incredibly easy to use. Furthermore, Airalo works in many countries around the world and even offers regional packages, making this the best choice if you also plan to travel to nearby countries like Japan, Taiwan, or China. This is the service that I currently use myself.
• WHIZ (eSIM Korea) is the most affordable and convenient Korean SIM for anyone with a phone that supports eSIM.
• Trazy and Korea Sim . These are the best portable WiFi options.

For the average tourist, I would rate the best prepaid Korean SIM cards in this order:

The table below shows the most popular Korean SIM cards for different lengths. For the table below, I chose to compare the unlimited data SIM cards from each service. However, the bottom four options (KoreaSIM, EG, Woori and NeoKOSIM) all offer variants with calling minutes.

* eSIM Korea offers 3, 7, 15, and 30-day options instead of 1, 5, 10, and 30 days. I’ve used the closest pricing.

Korean SIM Card Options

There are a TON of different options for SIM cards in Korea. The most popular are the SIM cards offered by tour companies Klook, Trazy, KKday, Korean phone carriers SKT and KT, and those offered by companies specialising in SIM cards for visitors to Korea, Woori Mobile and Neoksim.

Most of these companies actually sell the same SIMs, however, they all have different prices. Since there are strict rules around traveller phone usage in Korea, you will quickly see that many of the plans below are very similar. That is because most of them are!

The companies below are only vendors. They sell SIM cards that are primarily using the KT network. A few of them use SKT.

The most important aspect to consider here is whether or not you need anything more than data. Unlimited data SIM cards are very common in Korea and are relatively cheap.

However, if you need minutes and SMS then the costs will increase quickly. Luckily, these extra services are generally not needed and data alone is enough.

This is even more relevant when you consider that Kakaotalk is used within Korea , and Messenger, Whatsapp, Line and other chat/calling services are more used than SMS and calling. More often than not, data alone is enough.

Korean eSIM Cards

If your phone is modern and high-end enough to support eSIM cards, these are the way to go. They are far more convenient, painless to use, and significantly cheaper.

Airalo eSIM

Airalo is a bit pricier than some other options, but you get fantastic service and a great website and app experience. This is probably the easiest eSIM to install on your phone, and the networks are always high quality. While the service is a bit more expensive, I tend to use Airalo myself as they always have a good connection, and it’s often 5G.

On top of this, Airalo is by far the best service if you plan to travel. They offer regional eSIMs, which allow you to travel to countries within a region without needing to change your SIM. For example, the Airalo AsiaLink eSIM works in 18 countries, including South Korea! If you want convenience and high speeds, this is the eSIM to get.

eSIM Korea By WHIZ

As of the time of writing, one of the best Korean eSIM cards is that offered by eSIM Korea . While they do offer multiple plans, the unlimited plan is by far the best value. They offer four lengths – 3, 7, 15 and 30-days. Prices range from $4 – $30, meaning that you are effectively paying $1 per day, no matter what length of unlimited plan you get.

While the speeds aren’t the best, the fact that you can get unlimited data for this price is fantastic. Therefore, if you do have a phone that supports eSIM, I would easily recommend this Korean SIM card service above the others on this list.

Frewie eSIM

Frewie eSIM is offered by Klook, a trusted travel company that operates worldwide. If you’re looking to book an eSIM from a trusted platform, then this is the choice for you. Purchasable in 14 and 30-day options, the Frewie eSIM is ideal for anyone staying in Korea between two weeks and a month.

All options include unlimited data, however, once you use a certain amount of data, you will be swapped to slow data. Depending on the plan that you choose, you will receive between 3GB and 8GB of high-speed data.

All in all, Frewie eSIM is a great Korean SIM card for anyone who needs unlimited data at affordable prices.

Tour Company SIM Cards

Korean Prepaid SIM from Klook .

These are the SIM cards provided by tour companies in Korea. Many of these companies offer very similar (or the same) products, and the main competition is between prices.

You can’t really go wrong with any of these companies since they all offer virtually the same product.

I recommend checking all of the websites before purchasing. Often there will be sales, and it’s often easy to save a few dollars (or more!) just by checking all of the sites and their ongoing promotions.

A quick note about these cards:

• Unlimited generally does NOT mean unlimited LTE. While it varies, it usually means 3gb of LTE data and then unlimited data at a capped speed of 3 or 5Mbps. This is still enough to get daily activities done, but you may struggle with more demanding tasks such as video streaming.
• These SIM cards do not work on a daily basis, but rather an hourly basis. 1 day SIM cards will work for 24 hours from the time of pickup, 5 days for 120 hours, and 10 days for 240 hours.
• Don’t worry about the size of SIM card that your phone takes. The staff will provide you with a card that fits your phone. Just make sure to check that the SIM fits BEFORE leaving the pickup location.
• You are usually required to book in advance. If you haven’t, don’t fret! There are more SIM options below.

Klook SIM Cards

Klook offers a few varieties of SIM cards in 4 different lengths. The cards start at a length of one day for 5900KRW and go up to a maximum of 30 days for 64,400KRW.

• 1 day, 5 days, 10 days, 30 days.
• 1 day is data only. Every other SIM has data OR data + SMS and calling options.
• Pickup from Seoul (Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport), Busan (Gimhae/Busan Harbour).
• Costs start at 5900KRW for 1 day, 24,800KRW for 5 days, 34,700KRW for 10 days, and 64,400KRW for 30 days.

SIM cards from Klook are not the cheapest you can find. However, they are a trusted website that has thousands of users. You can expect good service and a seamless experience from Klook.

Trazy SIM Cards

Trazy offers a few more options compared to Klook. They offer 1 day up to 90-day options, with more variety than most other vendors. The options begin at 5900KRW for one day, to 22,500KRW for 90 days with a prepaid card.

• 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 30 days, 90 days.
• All short term cards (under 30 days) are data only. 30 & 90 day SIM cards can have minutes and SMS also.
• Pickup from Hongdae Station, Seoul Station, Gimpo Airport/Incheon Airport
• Costs start at 5900KRW for 1 day, 14,500KRW for 3 days, 24,800KRW for 5 days, 28,000KRW for 7 days, 33,000KRW for 10 days, and 62,000KRW for 30 days.

Trazy is another trusted tour company that has the most options for travellers to Korea. If you are staying for 3 or 7 days , then they have some of the best options available.

KKday SIM Cards

KKday offers the same lengths as Klook and Trazy (1/3/10/30 days). They also provide the same Korean SIM cards. Due to this, I recommend checking all of the sites to see which offers the cheapest prices at the time of your booking.

• Unlimited data with prepaid calling/SMS capability.
• Pickup from Seoul (Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport/Hongdae), Busan (Gimhae Airport/Harbour).
• Cost start at 5900KRW for 1 day, 24,750KRW for 5 days, 34,650 for 10 days, and 64,350 for 30 days.

As you can seem the prices are virtually the same as the other sellers. However, the ability to add prepaid calls and texts may be a bonus for some people.

KoreaTravelEasy

KoreaTravelEasy is the final tour company in this section offering the same options as the above companies. The biggest difference with KoreaTravelEasy is that they charge in USD, meaning that the prices may vary more. They also offer pickup at Jeju Airport!

• Unlimited data
• Pickup from Seoul (Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport/Hongdae), Busan (Gimhae Airport), Jeju (Jeju Airport)
• Costs start at $6 for 1 day, $24 for 5 days, $32 for 10 days, and $60 for 30 days. At the time of writing, $60 is worth 69,900KRW.

The options at KoreaTravelEasy are a bit more expensive than the alternative options. However, the fact that they offer Jeju as a pickup location will make them very convenient for some travellers.

Korean Phone Carrier SIMs

SKT (SK Telecom) and KT (Korea Telecom, now simply called KT) are the two biggest carriers in South Korea and they have come together to form the Korea Sim service for foreigners in Korea.

Korea Sim provides three types of Korean SIM cards – Korea Sim Blue, Korea Sim Orange, and Korea Sim Red. Each of these cards is slightly different and provides different benefits.

These cards can either be purchased on their website, or at convenience stores in the airport. There is also a mobile desk in Incheon airport which sells these SIM cards.

• 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, 30 days.
• Unlimited data (orange/blue), local calling (blue), international calling (red)
• Pickup from Seoul (Incheon Airport/Incheon Harbour/Gimpo Airport), Busan (Gimhae Airport/Busan Harbour), Daegu (Daegu Airport), Jeju (Jeju Airport).
• Costs start from $4.70 for 1 day, $12 for 3 days, $20 for 5 days, $27 for 10 days, $48 for 20 days, $50 for 30 days.
• As with the tour companies, none of these cards has truly unlimited data. They are unlimited at capped speeds.

Korea Sim Orange

Korea Sim Orange is the most basic card and also the most inexpensive. This card provides LTE data on the SKT network – a fantastic network!

You will get unlimited data for your chosen period of time, and these cards are some of (if not) the cheapest SIM cards for travellers in Korea.

• Costs are $4.70 for 1 day, $12 for 3 days, $20.60 for 5 days, $27.40 for 10 days, $48.70 for 20 days, $51.6 for 30 days.

Korea Sim Blue

Korea Sim Blue is similar to Korea Sim Orange except that it also provides 100 minutes of local voice calls and 100 text messages. This uses the KT network and also has unlimited LTE data.

• Costs are $22.90 for 5 days, $27.90 for 7 days, $31.90 for 10 days, $40.30 for 15 days, and $58.90 for 30 days.

Korea Sim Red

Korea Sim Red is the final option offered by Korea Sim. This card does NOT have unlimited data. Rather, it comes with either 1gb or 2gb of data and international calling minutes. If you need to make some international calls using traditional calling, then this is the card for you.

This card is also not based on a time period like the others. Rather, you just purchase the card with either 1gb or 2gb of data. However, the card will deactivate after 30 days.

• $26.90 for 1gb and 100 minutes, $38.90 for 2gb and 100 minutes.

Evergreen SIM Card

The Evergreen SIM Card also called the EG SIM, is another SIM card which is now available for travellers in Korea. This SIM card is very competitive with the others listed here and has similar prices along with similar pickup locations.

EG SIM is a great option if you need calls because it is cheaper than most of the competition. They offer unlimited data SIMs as well as SIMs which give minutes and data.

• Pickup from Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, Seoul Station, Hongdae.
• Order online, or purchase at the location.

Prepaid SIM (Data Only)

• 5 days, 10 days, 30 days.
• 19,250 KRW for 5 days, 26,950KRW for 10 days, 50,050KRW for 30 days.

What you might notice is that EG offers the cheapest plans available – as long as you need a SIM for 5, 10, or 30 days.

Prepaid SIM (Data and Calls)

• 30 days (no other length available)
• 15,000KRW for 1.5GB of data + 50 minutes, 30,000KRW for 5GB + 50 minutes, 45,000KRW for 10GB + 100 minutes.
• All plans are unlimited at capped speeds once the limit has been exceeded.

Woori Mobile Service

Woori Mobile Service is a service that I hadn’t heard about until recently. However, after looking through their prices they have some attractive plans for travellers to Korea!

Woori offers only 30-day prepaid plans, however, they have a large variety of different plans which make them great in a few situations.

Firstly, 30 day Korean SIM cards tend to be $50+ for unlimited data. However, many people don’t actually need unlimited data. If that’s you, then Woori might be ideal.

They offer plans LTE plans for 6gb, 10gb. They offer LTE (followed by unlimited capped data) for 11gb and 15gb. Finally, they also offer 300mb LTE plans followed by unlimited 400Kbps or 3Mbps.

• 30 days (no other lengths available)
• Limited data – 10gb + 100 minutes for 30,000KRW, 6gb + 350 minutes for 33,000KRW.
• Unlimited data – Unlimited 400Kbps + 300 minutes for 24,200KRW, unlimited 3mbps + 50 minutes for 36,300KRW.
• Limited LTE and unlimited capped data – 15gb + 100 minutes for 39,600KRW, 11gb + 2gb per day (LTE) + unlimited calling for 58,500KRW.
• Located in Jongno and Sodaemun.

This may seem quite hard to understand at first – it definitely was for me! However, what you realise is that Woori is a fantastic option for people who don’t actually need unlimited data during their stay.

The final service on this list is NeoKOSIM . This mobile service offers the biggest variety of plans and has something for everyone.

They have the standard unlimited data plans as well as plans with unlimited calls and texts. If you don’t require unlimited, then they also have limited plans available.

• Pickup from Seoul (Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport/Hongdae), Busan (Gimhae/Harbour). Pickup locations .
• 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days.
• Unlimited data only – $6 for 1 day, $22.5 for 5 days, $31.5 for 10 days, $58.5 for 30 days.
• Unlimited data + calls + texts – $32.4 for 7 days, $35 for 10 days, $43.8 for 15 days, $62 for 30 days.

While the prices on these cards are more than the other services on this list, NeoKOSIM also offers a pay as you go plan . You can place 40,000KRW on the card which can be used on any combination of data, calls, or texts.

Finally, they also offer to ship their Korean SIM card. If you would prefer to have your Korean SIM card before leaving home, then you can! Simply use the shipping service provided.

Best Short-Term Korean SIM Card

The cheapest short-term prepaid Korean SIM cards currently provided (that I have found) are those provided by eSIM Korea, Evergreen and Woori Mobile. Both of these services offer reasonable prices on their short-term unlimited plans.

Airalo is by far the most convenient eSIM on this list and the 10-day price is quite comparable to other major providers. While eSIM Korea is cheaper, Airalo offers better speeds and coverage.

eSIM Korea is by far the cheapest unlimited phone plan on this list. As I’ve already mentioned multiple times, if your phone supports eSIM, then this is the best option. If you don’t have a phone that supports eSIM, the next two options are your best bet.

If you want unlimited data with a traditional Korean SIM card, then those provided by EG are the cheapest . 50,000KRW for 30 days for unlimited data is unmatched. Further, they offer a similar plan at 45,000KRW which gives unlimited capped data after 10gb.

Woori Mobile is the best option for those who want a lot of data but don’t need unlimited. Offering a 10gb plan for 30,000KRW is pretty much unmatched. However, Woori has more inconvenient pickup locations for most travellers.

Best Long-Term Korean SIM Card

For anyone staying more than 30 days but less than 90, there are two great options. Woori Mobile Service and Trazy.

The Woori Mobile Service plans are paid per month and all of their plans mentioned in this post can be expanded to last 3 months.

Trazy also offers a SIM card which is prepaid and lasts for up to 90 days. This is a great option for lighter mobile users who expect to stay in Korea for longer than one month.

Best Prepaid Korean SIM Card

Luckily, almost all the SIM cards on this list are Korean prepaid SIM cards. However, if you’re looking for the best prepaid Korean plan, your best option is Woori Mobile Service if you plan to stay more than 30 days and eSIM Korea or Evergreen Mobile for the shorter term.

Woori Mobile Service has a range of prepaid plans that can be used for up to three months. This makes their service very useful for anyone looking to make the most of their travel visa. Further, the prices offered by Woori are very competitive among Korean SIM card providers.

For anyone looking for a short-term prepaid SIM, eSIM Korea is the best bet for eSIM-supporting phones. They offer far cheaper plans than the competition and this makes their offer very compelling. The best prepaid Korean SIM card is provided by Evergreen which provides affordable plans with unlimited data.

Most Convenient Korean SIM

The most convenient Korean SIM card is easily an eSIM. There is a range of eSIM services, and these allow you to quickly add a mobile network and prepaid plan to your phone online. Simply sign up, scan the QR code (or install the app), and you’re away! My preferred service is Airalo .

If you want or need a physical SIM card and convenience is more important to you than price, either purchase online from Trazy , Klook or buy a Korean SIM at a convenience store at Incheon Airport.

These SIMs are the easiest as they can be purchased in advance and are ready to go when you land – nothing further is needed. If you forget to book in advance, you can simply get a Korean SIM card from an airport convenience store.

Best Portable WiFi

Trazy and Korea SIM both offer very similarly priced portable WiFi . I can’t really recommend either of these over the other and both the prices and specifications are so similar!

Korean SIM Card FAQ

I hope that this article has helped you find the best deal while searching for a prepaid Korean SIM card. I know how hard it can be with the number of options out there!

While there are other options out there, I’m sure, I did my best to include every service I could find here. If you know of another service, let me know! I’ll be sure to add it to this list.

Further, if you have any questions or comments about Korean SIM cards or anything else, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] .

Do I Need a SIM card in Korea?

This is up to you. However, a SIM card is a great (and cheap) way to stay connected while you are in the country. Having a SIM card will mean that you are never without a connection, and this can help with transport, translation, directions, and more.

There is a lot of public WiFi in Korea, however, a SIM card is always the safest option.

What Is a WiFi Egg?

In Korea, there are two options. SIM card, or WiFi egg. A WiFi egg is another name for a portable WiFi device that you can carry with you to stay connected. All you have to do is connect to the portable WiFi hotspot with your devices to access the internet!

What Is Better, WiFi Egg or SIM Card?

Generally speaking, a SIM card is more convenient and easier. A WiFi egg requires charging every night (and sometimes more often) and is yet another device to carry around and remember. However, a WiFi egg can allow multiple device connections. For this reason, it is a good option for families or people who need multiple devices to stay connected.

What Is the Best Korean SIM card for travel?

Although I recommend reading this Korean SIM Comparison for more information, the short answer is this: For people staying for only a few days , I would recommend a tourist SIM from Trazy or Klook. If you are staying a couple of weeks , a SIM card from EG SIM, or Korea SIM are best. If you are staying 1-3 months , consider the options from Woori Mobile.

Where Can I Get a Korean SIM?

Korean SIM cards can be purchased from many places. Incheon Airport (as well as other international airports in Korea) will have SIMs available at mobile desks, and convenience stores in the airport will also sell them. They can also be picked up at many locations around the cities.

What Is the Price for a SIM Card in Korea?

Korean unlimited data SIM cards can be found for as low as $1.50 per day!

Can I Get a Korean eSIM?

Absolutely! The best Korean eSIM is offered by eSIM Korea and can be purchased here .

About Ethan Brooke

My name is Ethan Brooke and I have been living in South Korea since 2016. Since then, I have fallen in love with exploring and travelling around Korea. One thing that I quickly realised however, is that there is still a lot of information missing on Korea - at least in English. I started Seoulinspired to help fill that gap and to provide information to others living in and visiting South Korea. View all posts by Ethan Brooke →

3 thoughts on “10+ Best Korean SIM Cards in 2024”

thanks for this great information! what about quarantine pickup options at incheon airport? are all the airport venues available to those of us foreign travelers required to quarantine arriving at terminal T2?

I recently bought prepaid package from Woori Mobile for my quarantine. It seems like they’re having a promotion so the 36,300 won unlimited you mentioned was just 16,600 won. Mine was 56,600 won for 3 months as I need to wait for my Residence Card. That was really cheap and the data speed was okay for me haha.

Oh and they delivered it to my quarantine apartment in Busan. It took 2 days but quite convenient 😳

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• Travel Sims

Best Tourist Sim Cards in South Korea in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, having a sim card is essential for easy navigation and staying connected. With internet access, you can easily discover the best restaurants, find your way to your accommodation, book taxis, and share your travel experiences with your loved ones on the go.

While roaming is an option, it can quickly become expensive when traveling internationally. Therefore, we highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local sim card to enjoy local phone rates. Luckily, obtaining either option in South Korea is incredibly convenient, but it’s important to determine which one suits you best.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about purchasing a sim card in South Korea, including current pricing and the ideal sim card for your needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in south korea for tourists.

The best sim card in South Korea is the LG U+ prepaid South Korea sim card . This sim card offers unlimited data for 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 or 6 days, allowing you to purchase a sim card for exactly the number of days you require. Prices start at 27,500 KRW for 5 days and go up to 143,000 KRW for 60 days.

All three mobile operators in South Korea, SK Telecom, KT South Korea and LG U+ have extensive and roughly comparable networks so whichever one you choose will work well for your trip. LG U+ has slightly better coverage but the catch is it can only be purchased at their kiosk at the airport.

For just slightly more I recommend purchasing an Airalo South Korea eSim over the local sim cards such as the LG U+ prepaid sim card. The Airalo South Korea eSim costs 41,000 KRW ($32 USD) for 10 days of unlimited data which is just slightly more expensive, however, eSims are always more convenient than lining up and purchasing a physical sim card. Airalo even uses the LG U+ network so you’re getting the exact same plan.

South Korea Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in South Korea costs between 34,500 and 38,500 KRW in April 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in South Korea will cost between $32 USD and $62 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting South Korea which includes Unlimited GB of data which is valid for 10 days and costs $32 USD.

South Korea Sim Card Providers

South Korea boasts a highly advanced mobile network infrastructure, largely driven by three main SIM card providers: SK Telecom, KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom), and LG U+. SK Telecom, leading the market share, offers diverse plans and services that cater to different customer needs. With its nationwide coverage and cutting-edge technology, SK Telecom is known for providing high-quality voice and data services. KT South Korea, another major player, offers competitive prices and reliable network coverage, ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. Last but not least, LG U+ also contributes to the market with its extensive network coverage and a range of attractive plans. Together, these three providers form the backbone of the South Korean telecommunications industry.

SK Telecom Tourist Sim

SK Telecom is a leading telecommunications company in South Korea. They offer tourist SIM cards to cater to the needs of international travelers visiting the country. These SIM cards provide visitors with high-speed internet access, allowing them to stay connected during their trip. SK Telecom’s tourist SIM cards also include local and international call services, making it convenient for travelers to communicate with their loved ones. With wide coverage and reliable network services, SK Telecom ensures an enjoyable and hassle-free experience for tourists exploring South Korea.

SK Telecom South Korea Tourist Sim Price

The price of a SK Telecom tourist sim card in South Korea is $26.9 USD (34,500 KRW).

The plan offered by SK Telecom stores includes Unlimited 4G data (throttled at 1GB per day) valid for 10 days (different durations available).

KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom) Tourist Sim

KT South Korea, formerly known as Korea Telekom, is a leading telecommunications company in South Korea. They provide exceptional services to both locals and tourists visiting the country. One of their notable offerings is their tourist SIM cards, designed to meet the communication needs of travelers. These SIM cards offer reliable network coverage, high-speed data, and affordable rates. With KT South Korea’s tourist SIM cards, visitors can stay connected during their trip, making it easier to explore and navigate the beautiful country.

KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom) South Korea Tourist Sim Price

The price of a KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom) tourist sim card in South Korea is 38,500 KRW.

The plan offered by KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom) stores offers unlimited data & calls valid for 10 days (different periods also available).

LG U+ Tourist Sim

LG U+ is a leading telecommunications company in South Korea renowned for their exceptional tourist sim cards. These sim cards provide seamless connectivity to international travelers, ensuring uninterrupted communication and internet access during their visit. With affordable data plans and extensive network coverage, tourists can explore the beautiful landscapes and immerse in the rich culture of South Korea without worrying about connectivity issues. LG U+ is a reliable choice for tourists seeking reliable and convenient telecommunication services in South Korea.

LG U+ South Korea Tourist Sim Price

The price of a LG U+ tourist sim card in South Korea is 38,500 KRW.

The plan offered by LG U+ stores includes unlimited data & calls valid for 10 days (different periods also available).

How to Get a Sim Card in South Korea

Identify mobile providers: SK Telecom, KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom) and LG U+ are your best options in South Korea.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in South Korea

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for South Korea at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in South Korea then you will be in luck. All major international airports in South Korea have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as SK Telecom, KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom) and LG U+. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in South Korea are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in South Korea with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

South Korea eSim

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to South Korea. The Airalo South Korea eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $32 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in South Korea without having to venture outside.

Airalo South Korea

Our preferred eSim provider in South Korea is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to South Korea and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s South Korea eSim uses the LG U+ network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the LG U+ networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in South Korea.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s South Korea eSim:

Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $32 USD Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $62 USD

For most travellers we recommend the Unlimited GB data plan for $32 USD which is valid for 10 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly South Korea

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s South Korea eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s South Korea eSim uses the SK Telecom / KTFnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in South Korea

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s South Korea eSim:

8GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $47 USD

What is an eSim?

An eSIM, also known as embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, an eSIM does not require physical insertion or removal from the device.

Rather, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This enables users to switch between different mobile networks or plans without the need to physically swap SIM cards.

eSIM technology provides convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, particularly for frequent travelers or individuals who switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing and inserting physical SIM cards, making it more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on one device.

Activating an eSIM involves scanning a QR code provided by the mobile network operator or manually entering the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected mobile network and enjoy the same voice, data, and messaging services as with a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

The benefits of using an eSIM include convenience, dual SIM functionality, space-saving, remote provisioning, and future-proofing. With an eSIM, you can switch between mobile networks or plans without physically changing the SIM card. It also allows you to have two active mobile numbers on one device, making it useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple lines. The embedded eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot, creating more space for other components or reducing the device’s size. Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely with eSIMs, without the need for a physical SIM card or visiting a store. As eSIM technology gains popularity, more networks and providers are supporting it, ensuring users can take advantage of new services in the future. Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

Learn More About Me

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Stay Connected: Top Choices for Korea SIM Card for Tourist

Jan 19, 2024 | South Korea | 0 comments

For those planning a journey to the vibrant and dynamic country of South Korea, staying connected is often a key concern.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Seoul, sampling Busan’s culinary delights, or hiking Jeju Island’s scenic trails, having a reliable internet connection can significantly enhance your travel experience.

But how can you avoid the hefty roaming fees often accompanying international travel? The answer is simple – a Korean SIM card for tourists. This practical solution allows travellers to maintain seamless connectivity without breaking the bank.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right Korea SIM card for your trip. We will cover where to purchase it, how to activate it, and provide tips on managing it for a hassle-free connectivity experience throughout your stay in Korea.

Save money and stay connected in South Korea by purchasing a SIM card with this link.

Stay Connected: Top Choices for South Korea SIM Cards for Tourist.

Key Takeaways for Purchasing a prepaid SIM in South Korea

• A South Korean prepaid SIM card for tourists offers cost savings over roaming charges, easy setup with your device, and a Korean number valid for various services.
• Before using a Korean prepaid SIM card, it’s essential to check your phone’s compatibility with Korean networks, ensure the device is unlocked, and confirm that it supports the appropriate network frequencies and SIM card size.
• Korea offers a variety of options through major mobile carriers like KT, SKT, and LG U+, with both short-term and long-term SIM card packages and modern alternatives like eSIMs for compatible devices.

Are you headed to Malaysia and in need of a SIM? Check Out Fair Dinkum Traveller’s Guide right here!

Travel to the best tourist attractions in Seoul with the best SIM Card to assist you with data.

Why You Need a South Korea SIM Card as a Tourist

Having a Korean SIM card is a savvy choice for tourists in South Korea who are aiming to stay connected. Why? The first reason is cost savings. Roaming charges can quickly add up, and they’re typically much higher than the cost of a local prepaid SIM card.

A prepaid SIM card also grants you a Korean phone number, which is vital for registering for services and ensuring reliable navigation, translation, and transportation connectivity.

But that’s not all. Korean SIM cards are incredibly user-friendly. They offer:

• Ability to use your device
• Comfort of familiarity in a foreign land
• Some SIM cards offer unlimited data with no fair usage policy, which can be a lifesaver if you plan an extended stay in Korea.

What about the options? Well, there are plenty of options offered by top mobile phone carriers such as SK Telecom—these range from simple to comprehensive packages that include voice and SMS services.

Regardless of the length of your stay – short trip or extended visit – a Korean SIM card saves you money. It offers peace of mind for seamless country exploration without connectivity concerns.

Tourists are holding smartphones with Korean SIM cards.

Preparing Your Phone for a Korean SIM Card

Before you indulge in your favourite K-drama series, ensure your phone is primed for a Korean SIM card. This involves a few simple steps.

First, check your phone’s compatibility with a Korean pre paid SIM card. You can utilise resources like the Arrival Store or contact your mobile phone carrier directly.

Next, make sure your phone is unlocked. This is essential for using a prepaid data SIM card. You can request unlock codes or software updates from your carrier, though this may involve a fee. Remember, an unlocked phone will allow you to use any SIM card, allowing you to switch between networks if needed.

Compatibility is also crucial when using international SIM cards. Your phone should support the network frequencies used in Korea. Additionally, your phone should have a SIM card slot that matches the size of the SIM card you plan to use.

Ensuring your phone is compatible and unlocked paves the way for a seamless experience with your Korean SIM card. With all the preparation, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of Korean mobile carriers.

Top Korean Mobile Carriers for Tourists

Regarding mobile carriers in South Korea, you’re spoilt for choice. Three major players dominate the market: KT, SKT, and LG U+. Each offers a range of prepaid services tailored to meet the needs of tourists.

Let’s delve deeper into what each carrier offers.

KT, formerly known as Korea Telecom, is one of the biggest telecommunications companies in South Korea. Their SIM cards offer a range of features tailored to meet the needs of tourists.

They offer unlimited data at LTE speed and free incoming calls and texts on domestic networks. This means you won’t have to worry about running out of data or missing important calls and texts.

A KT SIM card for tourists typically costs around 143,000 KRW for 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you might need an alien registration card for a long-term SIM card.

You might be wondering how you can acquire a KT SIM card. There are several ways:

• Visit the KT roaming centre at the airport upon arrival
• Buy online in advance
• Purchase at outlets run by major telecom companies like KT, SK Telecom, and LG Uplus.

However, like all things, KT SIM cards come with their limitations. For one, they do not support 5G, offering only 3G and 4G connectivity. You must also ensure your phone is carrier unlocked and compatible with the KT network’s 4G bands.

Next up is SK Telecom or SKT. As the largest mobile operator in South Korea, SKT provides various tourist SIM card options. These include unlimited data prepaid SIM cards, eSIM, and wifi EGG (Router). These options are designed for short-term visitors and business travellers, with durations ranging from 3 to 30 days.

In terms of price, an SKT tourist SIM card costs around 8800 KRW, which is approximately 6.70 USD. This makes it affordable for those looking for data services without breaking the bank.

Coverage-wise, the SKT tourist SIM card offers widespread coverage, encompassing major cities and regions throughout South Korea. This means you can rely on it for stable connectivity wherever you travel in the country.

If you’re looking for reliability, SKT certainly delivers. Known for its:

• Superior speeds
• Extensive coverage
• Exceptional service
• Network reach
• Reliability for tourists throughout South Korea

SKT guarantees a top-notch experience.

Last but not least, we have LG U+. While it may be the smallest of the three carriers, LG U+ doesn’t skimp on quality. The carrier offers services tailored for tourists and various mobile phone model users, such as the Korea Data SIM Card and eSIM for iPhone users. These options include unlimited data usage, free use of SNS calls, and immediate usability throughout Korea.

Pricing for LG U+ SIM cards is competitive. For instance, a 4G South Korea SIM Card + T-Money starts at $17.25 for five days, with unlimited data, free SNS calls, and free incoming voice calls and texts. Prepaid eSIM options start at 25,000 KRW for five days.

Regarding network coverage and data connection, LG U+ stands tall with its reliability. The carrier offers comprehensive network coverage from 2G to 5G in Korea. Users can anticipate high-speed 5G connectivity, minimal latency, and robust overall reliability when utilizing LG U+ services.

Want to purchase a SIM Card and pick it up at the Airport? Click here to find smashing deals!

Two prominent Korean mobile carrier logos.

Purchasing Your Korea SIM Card: Online vs. In-Person

Armed with knowledge about your options, the subsequent step involves purchasing your Korea SIM card. But how should you do it? You have two main options: buying online or buying in person.

Buying online has its perks. It’s cost-effective, especially regarding data usage, and provides easy setup. It also enables tourists to keep using their own devices. However, ensuring that your phone is compatible and unlocked is essential. Additionally, keep in mind that the coverage of the SIM card may be limited to certain areas.

Reputable online platforms like Klook and Trazy offer Korean SIM cards, often offering free shipping to many countries. Purchasing your SIM card online allows you to have everything sorted before you even touch down in Korea.

On the other hand, buying a SIM card upon arrival at the airport or local convenience stores is also an option. At Seoul Incheon Airport Terminal 1, you can purchase a Korean SIM card at the LG U+ Counters. You can also purchase SIM cards at convenience stores such as CU, 7-11, and GS25.

Tourists compare online and in-person purchase options for Korean SIM cards.

Data-Only SIM Cards vs. Voice + SMS Packages

Having understood the purchasing methods, let’s explore the varieties of SIM cards available. Broadly, you have two types: data-only SIM cards and packages that include voice calls and SMS.

Prepaid data SIM cards offer cost-effectiveness for data usage, easy setup, and the ability to use your device. However, they also come with a few caveats. You won’t have access to your home carrier’s number and will be restricted to data-only usage. You’ll also need a compatible, unlocked phone; coverage might be limited.

On the other hand, voice + SMS packages offer the advantage of enabling users to make voice calls and send SMS messages alongside having data. This is particularly useful for short-term visitors and business travellers who require multiple means of staying connected.

Data usage requirements can influence the choice between data-only SIM and Voice + SMS packages. A data-only SIM may be more suitable if you primarily need internet access and don’t require voice calls or SMS.

Conversely, a package with both may be better if you need both data and voice/SMS services.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term SIM Card Options

The duration of your stay in Korea also influences the selection of the correct SIM card. Here, we have two main options: short-term and long-term SIM cards.

Short-term SIM cards are intended for short visits with restricted data, voice, and SMS options, usually lasting up to one month. On the other hand, long-term SIM cards are more suitable for international students or travellers with extended stays, providing unlimited services and the option for extension.

Short-term SIM card options in Korea consist of:

• SIM cards for short-term travellers
• Prepaid 4G LTE Data SIM Cards suitable for both short-term and more extended visits
• eSIM options for those with compatible phones

These options are ideal for trips of up to 3 months.

Long-term SIM cards, on the other hand, offer widespread LTE coverage, a local phone number necessary for many systems, and frequently unlimited data without a fair usage policy, making them suitable for extended stays.

To purchase a long-term SIM card in Korea, such as the KT Olleh 4G/LTE SIM Card, a tourist can order it online and choose a pickup location in areas like Myeongdong or Hongdae.

eSIMs: A Modern Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

The evolution of technology has introduced a novel contender: eSIMs. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card, such as a nano sim. It can be programmed remotely through software and is compatible with devices such as:

• smartphones
• smartwatches

eSIMs offer convenience and flexibility, allowing users to switch between different carriers and plans without changing SIM cards physically. They are becoming increasingly popular and are expected to become the standard in the future.

eSIMs are available in South Korea. KT, SKT, and LG U+ providers offer prepaid eSIM options. This allows instant access to data and even includes free 5G access with a compatible device.

The benefits of using an eSIM include its efficient use of physical space, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card and tray, and enhanced security against physical damage. However, drawbacks include limited eSIM-capable phone options, a restricted choice of mobile plan providers, and reduced convenience when switching between mobile phones.

Pocket wifi vs. SIM Cards: Which is Right for You?

Beyond SIM cards, pocket wifi also offers a viable alternative for connectivity in Korea. Pocket wifi is a portable wireless modem that facilitates internet connectivity for any Wi-Fi-enabled device using a mobile telephone network. But how does it stack up against SIM cards?

Using pocket wifi in Korea offers the following advantages:

• High-speed and stable network
• Convenient pickup points at airports
• The ability to tether multiple devices
• Constant internet access throughout the country

On the other hand, using a SIM card in Korea provides advantages such as:

• the capability to make phone calls
• send text messages
• access unlimited 4G LTE data for 30 days
• receiving incoming calls and SMS

However, using pocket wifi also has its drawbacks. These include the inconvenience of picking up and returning the device, the need to charge an additional device, and the inability to acquire a local Korean phone number.

The traveller is holding a pocket Wi-Fi device and a Korean SIM card.

Activating and Managing Your South Korea SIM Card

Upon obtaining your SIM card, its activation is the next action. This involves using a website like ‘sim.ktmmobile.com’ to submit information and complete registration or physically inserting the SIM card into your phone after powering off, then turning the phone on, disabling wifi and aeroplane mode, and enabling Data Network settings.

For efficient SIM card data management, confirming that the SIM card is correctly inserted and the Data Network on your phone is enabled is crucial. Various apps and websites such as Yesim, KT Roaming, SKT direct, LGUPlus direct, Trazy, and Klook can assist in monitoring and managing your SIM card data.

Topping up your SIM card is also simple. You can input the contract number of the SIM on the provider’s website or call ARS 080-012-0114. Follow the instructions to check your balance and top up as needed. Usually, you will receive confirmation via SMS.

For those needing to extend the validity of their Korea SIM card, options include short increments of 5/10/15 days and longer-term extensions ranging from 30 to 180 days, which may come with discounts between 10 and 15%. These extensions can usually be managed through the provider’s website or customer service channels.

Tourist topping up a Korea SIM card.

Troubleshooting Common SIM Card Issues

Occasionally, you may face challenges with your Korean SIM card. Typical problems include phones being locked and unable to accept new SIM cards. To troubleshoot, it is advisable to verify if your phone is compatible with Korean network bands and is unlocked, reset the network settings, and ensure proper insertion of the SIM card.

If you experience no service after inserting a Korea SIM card, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

• Ensure that your phone supports the networks in Korea and it is unlocked.
• Reset the network settings and reboot your phone.
• Check if the SIM card is inserted correctly.

The inability to send or receive SMS or calls with a Korean SIM card could be caused by compatibility issues, restrictions on the SIM card, or network problems. You should contact customer support from your SIM card provider for assistance in resolving these issues.

If mobile data is not functioning on your Korea SIM card, ensure that you have done the following:

• Check if your phone is compatible with the Korean network.
• Make sure that cellular data is enabled on your phone.
• Restart your phone with the SIM card inserted.
• Turn off wifi and aeroplane mode.

Following these steps can be beneficial in resolving the issue.

Being connected when travelling to a foreign country can be a daunting task. Still, fortunately, in South Korea, it is both easy and affordable due to the availability of many SIM card options.

You can choose from prepaid SIM cards offered by KT, SKT, or LG U+ and select either a data-only SIM or a voice + SMS package, depending on your specific needs and the length of your stay. Additionally, you can choose from short-term or long-term SIM cards, which makes it easy to find a plan that suits your budget and requirements.

Furthermore, with eSIMs and pocket wifi availability, staying connected in South Korea is now more accessible than ever before. eSIMs are an excellent option for those who don’t want to deal with physical SIM cards and prefer to activate their phone’s cellular service digitally. Pocket wifi is a perfect choice for connecting multiple devices to the internet, such as tablets and laptops.

So, whether you are in South Korea for a short vacation or an extended stay, you can easily find a SIM card that meets your connectivity needs. Choose your ideal connectivity companion, and make the most of your Korean adventure!

Related Content to Fair Dinkum Traveller!

• Beautiful Things to Do in Nami Island – South Korea!
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Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Seoul when visiting Myeongdong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get a tourist sim card in korea.

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport when you arrive in South Korea, which usually includes a set amount of data and voice minutes and can be used immediately.

Does 7 11 sell SIM cards in Korea?

Yes, 7-Eleven in Korea does sell SIM cards for your convenience while travelling. You can also find them at other convenience stores like CU and GS25.

How much is a 30-day SIM card in Korea?

The price of a 30-day SIM card in Korea can vary depending on the provider and the package you choose.

Which SIM card is best in Korea?

The best SIM cards for Korea are KT Olleh 4G/LTE, SK Telecom 4G/3G, eSIM from SK Telecom or KT, and LG U+ or KT eSIM. These can be easily picked up from various locations or delivered through email.

What are the main features of prepaid services for tourists offered by the top Korean mobile carriers?

The main features of prepaid services for tourists offered by the top Korean mobile carriers include unlimited data, free incoming calls and texts, easy registration, discounts on period extension, prepaid eSIM options, and PPS Smartphone rate plans for short-term visitors, as well as unlimited data and free incoming voice calls and texts.

Don’t look down, it gets scary at the Lotte World Tower in Seoul.

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Living and traveling in Korea

The Best Korean SIM Cards For Your Trip

I was recently tasked with helping 15 tourists get SIM cards for their trip to Korea and ended up in an email string back and forth with quite a few companies and down a rabbit hole of information. Did you know there are more than 500,000 public WiFi hotspots in Seoul? Wifi is readily available and easy to access in Korea, but you do need a Korean phone number for a variety of things so a SIM is a convenient travel requirement really.

So, with that, here we are. Everything you need to know about SIM cards in Korea and which one will be best for your trip to Seoul.

Get ready to stay connected with a SIM card in Korea:

Most Recommended SIM Cards For Korea

Will my phone work in korea, do i need a sim card in korea, where can i buy a sim card, which is better – a pocket wifi or sim card, sim card vs. esim, sim card requirements.

• Korean Mobile Operators

What to check before you buy a SIM card for Korea

• SIM Cards for short-term travelers
• SIM Cards for long-term travelers

How can I get a SIM card from Korea?

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

This article has a ton of information for you to hash through IF you want and you CAN read more about the best SIM cards and eSIMs below in more detail, but if you’re just here for a quick guide, then I’ll do that here right off the bat.

I recommend Klook and Trazy a lot because they are trusted with tourists and have everything you need covered. They also offer shipping for free to many countries. There are other companies that offer SIM cards, but they’re all the same cards and just offered from different companies in my research.

The Best Korean SIM Cards and eSims for a trip to Korea:

Best Pocket eSIMs:

• Delivered in an email
• Duration: 6GB+ for 10 days (Buy here on eSIM Korea )
• 5 days or 10 days (Buy here on Klook )
• 5 days, 15 days, 20 days, or 30 days (Buy here on Klook )
• 14 days or 30 days (Buy here on Klook )
• 5-60 days (Buy here on Trazy )

Best Physical SIM Cards:

• Can be picked up from Seoul & Busan Airports and Myeongdong or Hongdae
• Can choose Data-only or Data + international calls and texts
• Incoming calls and texts are FREE
• Can be recharged or extended online or through message.
• Multi-size SIM cards available
• Duration: 1 day, 5 days, 10 days, 20 days or 30 days.

Different countries use different frequencies. You’ll want to make sure that your phone or device supports GSM network frequencies . If you click on that link, you can find your mobile and then click on it and see if it supports these GSM frequencies:

• 4G LTE Bands:  Band 1(2100MHz), Band 3(1800MHz), Band 8(900MHz)
• 3G Bands:  HSDPA 2100MHz/HSDPA+

If it does, then your phone will work. CDMA phones will not work in South Korea. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSM.

It’s pretty easy to get around Korea. You can travel independently but there is no better travel companion than a good working phone. Almost all accommodation options offer free Wifi now, but as soon as you walk out the door, you run the risk of having none. Really, there is free Wifi on all public transportation options so there are plenty of public hotspots to connect to.

Roaming costs are high though and SIM cards are pretty cheap, so they’re a good investment if you ask me. Korea is the most wired country in the world and has the best 4G network in the world, so don’t feel bad connecting and using it.

Korea has the world’s best LTE coverage and is now completely covered so a SIM card will work everywhere. You could just use Wifi everywhere you go, but you will have a lot of issues if you want to see a show or need to register for anything. A lot of systems in Korea require a local phone number for access.

The tourists that I was helping wanted to see musicals and K-pop shows and needed a local phone number in order to book tickets. Also, logging into all of the different Wifi access points can be annoying so it is generally better to have a SIM card when you come to Korea.

The easiest and most convenient way to get a SIM card is to pre-purchase it online and then pick it up at the airport or have it shipped to you prior to arrival. There are some places to buy it upon arrival in at Incheon Airport, but if you pre-purchase it, you can usually get a good deal online and they’ll tell you exactly where to go to pick it up at the airport so you aren’t wandering around trying to find everything you need. That’s never fun right after an international flight.

It’s up to you and what you’re trying to do while you’re here. There are some key advantages and disadvantages to both though so just make sure you have an idea of what you’ll need a phone number or Wifi for while you’re here.

Pocket Wifi Advantages: You can rent one here on Trazy .

• A pocket Wifi is ideal if you don’t need a local number but want to have Wifi whenever and wherever you are.
• You can connect multiple devices to one Pocket Wifi which is great if you’re traveling with a family and don’t need multiple local phone numbers anyway.
• Pay per day. This could be a disadvantage too I suppose. But, if you don’t want a SIM card for 30 days but you’re staying more than 10, you have to get it anyway because there are set rental options for them. You have more leeway with a Pocket Wifi in this situation.

Pocket Wifi Disadvantages:

• One more thing to charge. The Pocket Wifi does have a battery so you’ll need to remember to charge it each night so you can use it the next day.
• An extra device to remember to carry. A Pocket Wifi is a whole extra thing to carry around and remember to bring.

Prepaid SIM card Advantages:

• You’ll have a local phone number which is necessary to book and purchase some things in Korea like tickets to concerts and shows.
• More convenient. No charging required and no extra device to carry around.

Prepaid SIM card Disadvantages:

• You won’t have your home carrier’s number anymore so people back home won’t be able to just ring you up. Of course, you will be able to use Skype, Google Hangouts, and other apps for calls.
• You can’t use multiple devices with one SIM card.

I learned about eSims for the first time when researching for my incoming tourists and boy is the world changing! SIM cards are the standard card that you insert into your phone but now there are also eSIMs which are embedded SIM cards.

Basically, they act as SIM cards but you don’t actually insert anything. Most new phones support eSIMs now and they’re even easier to use. Rather than inserting a SIM card, you just sign up online or use a QR code to connect instantly. It’s a very convenient way to get ready to travel to Korea.

eSIMs are only supported in newer phones, so you may still need a traditional SIM card. Just check what your phone supports and go from there. If you are interested in this option, check out eSIM Korea by Whiz which deals exclusively with eSIMs and knows all of the ins and outs.

Before you even think about getting a SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked. I’ve been abroad for so long, I didn’t even think to mention this to the tourists and quite a few of them arrived with locked phones. Don’t be like them! You’ll need to call your mobile phone carrier to unlock your phone. You won’t be able to use the pre-paid SIM card if your phone is locked.

It’s pretty simple and straightforward to get a SIM card or a Wifi Egg. You just need to provide your passport so your identity can be verified. There is a short form to fill in which usually asks for your local address information and then you can get a local number.

Korean mobile operators

South Korea has three mobile operators that offer prepaid services that are easily accessible for tourists. They are:

• KT South Korea
• LG U+ only sells tourist SIM cards or eSIMs to travelers at airports or by pre-ordering them online FYI.

All three of these companies have excellent coverage in the country though LG U+ technically covers the most with 99.5% of the country covered. The other two still have 95% coverage though, so you really won’t be left out in the cold anywhere.

Before committing to a SIM card there are a few things you’ll want to check to make sure you’ve got your bases covered. Here’s what to check before you hit “buy”.

• Locked or Unlocked: Make sure your phone is unlocked or else you won’t be able to use a SIM card when you get it. If it’s locked, you’d have to call your phone carrier and that’s not too fun when you’re half way around the world. Do this before you get on the plane.
• The Right Fit: Most SIM cards now come in multiple sizes. SIM cards have decreased in size over the years though and some do only come in the nano-size so make sure that it would fit your phone just in case. You can check by either opening the slot on the side where the SIM card fits in, or checking the technical specifications.
• Data OR Data + Voice: Data-only SIM cards are the most common for tourists to use. You wouldn’t be able to make any voice calls or send text messages, but you can call and text via apps like Whatsapp, Google Hangouts, Kakao, or Skype.
• Duration:  SIM cards are set up to be used for a certain number of days. The period starts when you activate the card and in most cases can’t be extended though there are some specific SIM cards that can be extended.
• Data: A lot of the SIM cards offer unlimited data but the speed is often throttled after a certain period of time. Some providers will start capping the speed after 2 or 3 GB is used in one day. Just so you know, 3GB is about the same as browsing the internet for 36 hours or watching 6 hours of video. Some cards only allow 500MB of high speed data usage per day. This is just fine if you’ll be connecting to the internet only intermittently throughout the day. You’ll quickly reach the limits if you’re streaming audio or video or check your social media apps too much.

The Best SIM Cards For Korea

Sim cards for short-term travelers.

Most travelers coming to Korea are short-term, or less than 30 days, so there are a lot of options for this group. Now, if you’re looking to get the best deal though, you need to pay a bit of attention because some companies really cater to the traveler that is staying 5-10 days while others cater to the traveler who is looking to stay for a month.

During Covid, all foreign passengers to Korea were required to have a local number for contact tracing and while it’s not a requirement anymore, a lot of services for booking tickets, etc. still require it from that and just haven’t gone back to pre-Covid times.

• Can be picked up from Jeju Airport.
• Support incoming calls and text messages but cannot make voice calls or send text messages.
• Duration: 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, or 30 days (Trazy and Klook offer slightly different durations so look closely if you have a specific duration requirement.)

SIM Cards For longer-term travelers

Most SIM cards have a maximum duration of 30 days. This was an issue for my most recent tourists who were staying for 2 months. If you’ll be staying in Korea for longer than 30 days, there are good SIM card options for you. Just make sure you get a SIM card that can be extended.

• Can be picked up in Myeongdong or Hongdae.
• Unlimited Data/Voice/SMS
• All SIM cards can be extended/topped up at the KT center near Hongik University or by bank transfer.
• All SIM cards can be extended beyond the 90 days if you have an Alien Registration Card

Some SIM cards can be shipped directly to you but most can be collected right at the airport upon arrival which is just fine as that’s when you’d want it to be activated anyway. I highly recommend purchasing a SIM card before you arrive though because after any long-haul flight, it’s hard to decipher much of anything much less a bunch of different SIM card options.

Before you take off though, be sure to make a note of:

• Where you need to pick up your SIM card.
• The opening/closing hours of the SIM card collection location.

Get ready for your trip to Korea and don’t forget to get a Korean SIM Card!

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Just booked my flights and I arrive after the kiosks shut at the airport for SIM card pick up. Do you know of any companies that deliver SIM cards to the hotel you are staying at?

Hallie Bradley

Hi Justine,

Can your phone use an eSim? They’re easy to use [according to my friends who have visited and used it]. That might be a good option if the kiosks are closed. Alternatively, Klook and Trazy options can be picked up in Hongdae or Myeongdong as well.

Shashank Verma

Just came across your website while looking for some info on Korean SIM cards. Looks like I have only scratched the surface so will be going through it in more detail 🙂

Not sure how up to date this info is now.

What would you say is the best Data-only SIM together with T-Money?

Although I noly need it for 4 days I would have to go for 5 days.

Many thanks in advance.

Jessica M Bird

Perfect article to get the SIM card low down.

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Top Ten Korea Travel SIM Cards

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Explore the top 10 Korean travel SIM cards that guarantee seamless connectivity and the best Korean SIM card coverage while you explore Korea. Stay connected with ease!

Staying connected is crucial in today’s world. Without our phones and access to the internet, it’s easy to feel lost. A fantastic option is to get a SIM card in Korea. Korea travel SIM cards will allow you to access the internet quickly and easily without having to search for free WiFi. Free WiFi can be risky, and finding and logging in to each WiFi hotspot can be a chore.

Table of Contents

Coverage of Korean SIM Cards

You don’t need to worry about a SIM card’s functionality in Korea. Korea boasts the world’s best LTE coverage. It’s now completely covered! Furthermore, this is just in reference to 4G (LTE) coverage. Beyond that, practically every location outside of the areas with 90% coverage offers 3G.

In a nutshell, cellphone coverage is available in practically every part of Korea. So don’t be concerned about mobile reception wherever you go in Korea.

What are the requirements for possessing Korea travel SIM cards?

While traveling in Korea, getting a SIM card or a portable WiFi gadget known as a ‘ WiFi egg ‘ is pretty straightforward and doesn’t take much time! Bring your passport to the desk or store. You will almost always be required to demonstrate your identity in order to obtain a SIM. You’ll need an ARC if you’re going to keep a Korean SIM for more than 90 days.

Make a reservation ahead of time. Don’t worry if you didn’t make a reservation in advance! Other options exist as well. After receiving the SIM, you must complete a brief application process. This usually involves providing your name and the IMEI (a mobile device identifying number), but don’t worry, the procedure is quick!

Top 10 Korean Travel SIM cards

1. klook sim cards.

Klook offers four distinct lengths of SIM cards. The cards cost US$ 14.09 for three days and US$ 55.99 for 30 days. Klook SIM cards aren’t the cheapest. They are, nonetheless, a well-known website with thousands of regular visitors. Klook will provide you with excellent service and an easy-to-use interface. You can choose between data only or data with voice calling and text features. The service is provided by KT Olleh, Korea’s largest network provider offering the best Korean SIM card coverage.

2. Trazy SIM Cards

Compared to Klook, Trazy has a few additional possibilities. They have more options than most other sellers, ranging from 1 day to 90 days. Pickup locations include Hongdae Station, Seoul Station, and Gimpo/Incheon Airport. They have some of the better alternatives accessible if you plan on staying for three or seven days. You can usually get unlimited data and optional voice and SMS features.

3. SIM Cards from KKday

The durations of KKday and Klook, and Trazy are the same. Korean travel SIM cards are also available, identical to those used in the US. As a result, we recommend that you check all the sites to determine who is offering the best deals when you make your appointment. Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport/Hongdae and Busan ( Gimhae Airport /Harbour) in Seoul are both available for pickup of KKday Sim cards. The prices appear to be almost equal to those offered by the other sellers. On the other hand, the ability to add prepaid calls and messages may be beneficial to some people.

4. KoreaTravelEasy SIM

KoreaTravelEasy provides similar services to the others. You can get an unlimited 4G/LTE prepaid sim card connected ok Korea’s largest network company KT (Olleh). The greatest difference with KoreaTravelEasy is that they charge in US dollars, meaning pricing can fluctuate much more. Pickup locations include Seoul (Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport/Hongdae), Busan (Gimhae Airport), and Jeju (Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport/Hongdae) (Jeju Airport) KoreaTravelEasy’s solutions are slightly more costly than the alternatives. However, for some travelers, the fact that they provide Jeju as a pickup place will be really convenient.

5. Korea SI M Gold

The most uncomplicated and most affordable card is Korea Sim Gold. This card gives 4G LTE data on the SKT network – a great network offering the best Korean SIM card coverage! You’ll get unlimited data for the duration of your choice, and these cards are among the cheapest (if not the lowest) SIM cards available in Korea for travelers.

6. Korea SI M Blue

Korea Sim Blue is comparable to Korea Sim Orange, except it comes with an additional local Korean phone number, unlimited voice calls and text messages. This phone is compatible with the KT network and offers unlimited LTE data.

7. Korea eSIM Red

Korea Sim’s other option is Korea Sim Red. This card comes with 4G LTE unlimited data plus a phone number for Q-Code. Like the others, this card is dependent on a certain time frame. so you simply have to choose the duration you want the SIM to be active.

8. Evergreen SIM Card

Another SIM card that is currently accessible for visitors in Korea is the Evergreen SIM Card, popularly known as the EG SIM. This SIM card is quite comparable in price and pickup location to the others listed below. EG SIM is an excellent choice if you need to make calls because it is less expensive than other competitors. They provide both SIMs with unlimited data and SIMs with minutes and data. Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, Seoul Station, and Hongdae are all available for pickup.

9.  Woori Mobile Services

After reviewing their costs, I discovered that they had some exciting plans for visitors visiting Korea! Woori only has 30-day prepaid plans, but they have a lot of them, so they’re beneficial in a lot of scenarios. To begin with, 30-day Korean SIM cards with unlimited data typically cost $50 or more. Many people, on the other hand, do not require unrestricted data access. Woori could be excellent for you if that’s the case with a decent Korean SIM card coverage.

10. NeoKOSIM

The last service on our list is NeoKOSIM. This mobile service offers the most plans and services to diverse customers. Unlimited data, as well as unlimited call and text subscriptions, are available. If you don’t need infinite, limited solutions are also accessible. Seoul (Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport/Hongdae) and Busan (Gimhae/Harbour) are among the pickup places. While these cards are more expensive than the other services on this list, NeoKOSIM also offers a pay-as-you-go alternative. You can put 40,000 KRW on the card, which you can use for data, calls, or texts.

In the old days, we used to discover a country easily without tourist SIM cards, but it has become much easier to uncover off-the-beaten-path locations since the launch of these best SIM cards for Korea. It allows you to go further into South Korea and have a more authentic, non-touristy experience.

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South Korea SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Asia , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Are you visiting South Korea soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a South Korean SIM card .

Fortunately, Asia is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Asia.

In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in South Korea in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in South Korea. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Korean – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in South Korea.

Best SIM Cards In South Korea

If you’re traveling in South Korea, we recommend using a SIM card from LG U+, SK, KT, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In South Korea

You can either buy a South Korean prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by LG U+, SK, and KT.

LG U+ SIM Cards

LG U+ offers a data SIM, the price is dependent on the hours used:

• 120 hours used, valid for 5 days for KRW 25,000 ($17.38)
• 168 hours used, valid 7 days for KRW 32,000 ($22.25)
• 240 hours, valid for 10 days for KRW 35,000 ($24.33)
• 360 hours, valid for 15 days for KRW 50,000 ($34.76)
• 480 hours, valid for 20 days for KRW 55,000 ($38.24)
• 720 hours, valid for 30 days for KRW 65,000 ($45.19)
• 960 hours, valid for 40 days for KRW 90,000 ($62.57)
• 1440 hours, valid for 60 days for KRW 130,000 ($90.37)

SK Telecom SIM Cards

SK Telecom has two different tourist plans available:

• Unlimited data, 1-day pass for KRW 6,600 ($4.59)
• Unlimited data, 3-day pass for KRW 18,000 ($12.51)

KT SIM Cards

KT (Korea Telecom) offers five SIM-only plans:

• Unlimited data, valid for 1 day for KRW 6,600 ($4.59)
• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for KRW 24,700 ($17.17)
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for KRW 34,600 ($24.05)
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for  KRW 54,400 ($27.82)
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for KRW 64,300 ($44.70)

Overall, we think LG U+ is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A South Korea Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM Card works in more than 17 countries and gives you unlimited data for 14 days. South Korea is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer one data plan in South Korea:

• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for South Korea or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For South Korea

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in South Korea.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo . Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for South Korea.

Airalo South Korea

If you want to buy an eSIM for South Korea, you could purchase one on Airalo . This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and South Korea.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available :

• LG U+: Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $32
• LG U+: Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $62

Here’s an overview of the options available for Asia :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Asialink and offer coverage in 14 countries, including South Korea.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 87 countries, including South Korea.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly South Korea

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for South Korea:

• 8 GB data for 30 days for $47

Their Asia eSIM work in 12 countries (including South Korea), and they offer the following plan:

Go to Holafly

Nomad South Korea

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Here’s an overview of the plans available for South Korea:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 2GB, valid for 30 days for $10
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $15

Nomad also has APAC , an eSIM plan for Asia. This plan offers coverage in South Korea. Here’s an overview:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $15
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $50
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $69

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In South Korea

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in South Korea or even an eSIM for your travels in South Korea is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in South Korea if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Asia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Best places to live in South Korea
• Best places to live in Asia
• Cheapest places to travel in Asia

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BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

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Buying a SIM Card or eSIM in South Korea

South Korea is a wonderful country to travel through. Whether you’re there for incredible food or fascinating history, the 24-hour buzz of the cities or dramatic landscapes and beauty of the national parks, it’s an incredibly rewarding place to visit.

From language to culture, technology to transport, many aspects of life in the country don’t work quite the same as they do elsewhere in the world. That’s part of what makes it so interesting, of course, but it does mean that you’ll need to do a bit more preparation for your trip than usual.

A big part of that prep comes down to being connected: this is one country where a phone with a working data connection, loaded with the right set of apps, makes a big difference to your trip.

While free Wi-Fi is very prevalent in South Korea, including in metro stations, on buses and trains, and in virtually every cafe and restaurant you’ll come across, it’s still not everywhere even in the cities. You can probably get by without phone service if you’re only visiting major centers, but you’ll likely want one elsewhere.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about buying an eSIM or local SIM card in South Korea.

There are three cell networks in South Korea: LG U+, SK Telecom, and KT. You’ll get excellent LTE coverage in any major town or city with all providers, and shouldn’t have much of a problem with service anywhere unless you’re heading well off the beaten track.

Several resellers also sell SIMs that use one of these three networks, typically with slower speeds and cheaper prices. There’s often a delay of a few hours between buying a physical SIM from one of these companies and having it start working, however.

That delay can cause problems when you first arrive in the country and want to use your phone to find your hotel. That’s especially true because Google Maps is very limited in South Korea, so my usual approach of downloading offline maps ahead of time isn’t as useful there.

Unlike many parts of the world, I’d recommend buying your South Korean SIM at the airport when you land. This is simply due to the language barrier and registration/activation challenges that you’ll find when buying elsewhere, which can be significant.

While you may find someone who speaks enough English at a phone store to help you out in touristy parts of Seoul like Hongdae or Myeongdong, there are no guarantees, and it’s much less likely elsewhere in the city and country. At the airport, however, staff are very used to registering SIMs for foreign visitors.

Travel eSIM for South Korea

Alternatively, if you only need data, go for an aloSIM eSIM instead. Buy and activate it before you head to South Korea (or when you land, using the free airport Wi-Fi), then just enable it and head into the city.

It’s straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes, with detailed instructions provided after purchase.

If you’re new to eSIMs, they offer big benefits to travelers in terms of how quickly, easily, and (often) cheaply you can get connected when you arrive in a new country. Most recent phones support them, and you can read all about them here .

Apps and Phone Numbers

South Korea is a very high-tech country, but that tech won’t typically be what most overseas tourists are used to. This is most obvious with smartphone apps: local versions like Naver Map (navigation), Papago (translation), and Kakao T (taxis) work much better than the international equivalents.

This also plays out when it comes to connectivity. While most travelers these days can get by with data-only SIMs, you may have more need for a phone number in South Korea.

Most of the taxi apps require a local number (especially if you want to pay by card in the app), and popular restaurants operate a waitlist and call or text you on a local number when a table is ready.

Tech in South Korea

If you’re confused about making payments, how taxis and T-Money cards work, which apps to use, or other logistical stuff, I wrote  a guide  to that as well.

To that end, you’ll find some SIM card providers offer tourist SIMs with data and a phone number for incoming calls and texts at the same price as data-only versions. SIMs with outgoing calls and texts will typically cost more to buy and operate, and may have additional registration requirements as well.

Whether you will need a phone number really depends on where and how you travel in the country. If you can get wherever you need to go on public transport, and are happy to find somewhere else to eat if there’s a waitlist at your preferred spot, you can likely get by without one.

After endless research, I opted to buy an LG U+ SIM card online a few days before I arrived, and picked it up at Incheon airport. Doing it beforehand is cheaper than buying one at the counter, and you can choose to pay when you order or when collect it, whichever you prefer.

It’s essentially the same price whether you get it direct from LG U+ or through an agent: I tried to go direct, couldn’t get my card to work on their website, and just used this reseller instead. You pick the card up from the same LG U+ kiosks at the airports in Seoul or Busan either way.

I went for this SIM because it came with both a local number for incoming calls and texts, and a T-Money card that I could top up and use on the metro, bus, and taxis throughout the country, as well as to pay for things at convenience stores.

Need travel insurance for South Korea?

We use HeyMondo thanks to its comprehensive coverage, the ability to buy or renew policies when traveling, and competitive prices. Residents of most countries get a discount with this link .

My partner went for a data-only eSIM with aloSIM instead. It was significantly cheaper, so if you don’t think you’ll need a phone number and have moderate data requirements, it’s definitely the way to go.

In the end, I didn’t need to call a taxi during my time in South Korea, and was only asked for a phone number a couple of times, both when ordering food from kiosks at a restaurant. For my particular situation, then, I could have made do without it and just gone with aloSIM as well.

So, the bottom line: if you need a local phone number and/or a physical SIM card, get it from LG U+ . If you have an eSIM-capable device and can get by just with data service, go with aloSIM .

How to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card in South Korea

As mentioned above, unless you’re going with an eSIM (from aloSIM or a different company), your best bet is to order your SIM card in advance and pick it up at the airport when you arrive in the country.

Our flight landed at Incheon Terminal 1 around 7:30pm, and by the time I got to the LG U+ counter in the arrival hall an hour later, there was no line. If you’re also arriving into T1, there are two counters (you can use either one): between exits 6-7 and 10-11. In Terminal 2, the counter is between exits 4-5.

Collecting the SIM was simply a matter of showing the order confirmation on my phone: because I’d paid in advance, there was nothing else to do except watch the staff member confirm my order, switch my usual SIM out, and check the new one worked.

You’ll be given the plastic card that held your new SIM: keep it somewhere safe, because it’s also the T-Money card that you’ll use on public transport and elsewhere. It comes in a plastic sleeve with a SIM card extraction tool tucked in the corner: a nice touch. Your phone number is printed on the card as well.

Prepaid SIM and eSIM Costs

While almost certainly much cheaper than roaming with your carrier from home, local prepaid SIMs are noticeably more expensive in South Korea than many other parts of Asia. For 10 days of unlimited * data and free incoming calls and texts, you’ll pay 35,000 KRW (~$27 USD).

Why the asterisk? Like many unlimited plans, there’s a limit on how much high-speed data you get. In this case it’s 3GB per day, which was more than I ever came close to using. If you do hit the limit, though, you’ll have your speed cut back to a still-usable 5Mbps until midnight.

Several other options were available, ranging from five days for 25,000 KRW to 60 days for 130,000 KRW. If I’d needed outgoing calls and texts, I’d have needed to specify that when collecting the SIM card and topped up with extra credit in advance.

Domestic calls cost around 265 KRW (20c) per minute, texts are 55 KRW (4c) each. International call rates vary by destination, but I’d personally use WhatsApp, Google Voice , or similar instead.

As mentioned earlier, if you only need data, and not huge amounts of it, you’ll save money with that aloSIM eSIM instead. My partner bought 5GB of data valid for 30 days for $15 USD, with smaller and larger packs available.

It’s not the only game in town, though: several other companies also sell travel eSIMs. We’ve compared many of them in the past, and here’s how the best ones stack up price-wise in South Korea.

To summarise, if you only have moderate data needs, go with aloSIM. If you think you’ll need a lot of data (unlimited or otherwise), go with Nomad instead.

We’ve compared many of them in the past, and here’s how the best ones stack up price-wise in South Korea. Nomad has similar pricing to the rest, but offers larger data packages if that’s something you need.

Validity Period

Data Amount

Price (USD)

It’s possible to extend the validity of your SIM and add extra data and/or call credit on the LG U+ site . You’ll need your phone number and the contract number on your receipt, so keep both of those to hand if you think you might need to top up. Prices are the same as when you buy the initial package.

If you’re using aloSIM or one of the other eSIM companies, topping up is done through logging into the website or app. You just select your South Korea eSIM, hit the top-up button, and pick whichever option sounds appealing.

All of the data packs have exactly the same pricing and duration as the original eSIMs: there’s little difference between topping up your current eSIM and buying a new one, other than not having to activate it.

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News, reviews, recommendations and more, from here and around the web

Coverage and Data Speeds

LG U+ coverage was extremely good anywhere I tested it. Whether I was underground on the Seoul metro, deep inside a tunnel on a high-speed KTX train heading for Gyeongju, or hiking up a mountain in Seoraksan National Park, I had full LTE coverage virtually the entire time.

AloSIM also had very good coverage. My partner didn’t notice any service drops or slowdown during our travels in any of the above areas during our two weeks in the country.

Speeds with LG U+ were very impressive. South Korea has a reputation for some of the fastest internet speeds on the planet, and it didn’t disappoint.

Remarkably, aloSIM was even faster: I don’t think I’ve seen higher LTE speeds in all the years I’ve been running this site! As mentioned above, many resellers heavily throttle the speeds of their SIMs and eSIMs, but aloSIM (at least in South Korea) clearly doesn’t.

Whichever of these two options you go for, you won’t be waiting around for things to load!

Check out our guides to SIM cards and eSIMs in 70+ other countries  here .

Founder and editor of Too Many Adapters, Dave managed computer networks and tech support teams for 15 years before the desire to travel took over in 2011. That’s when he sold whatever wouldn’t fit into a backpack and moved to Thailand to start life as a digital nomad. He’s been running this site alongside a small team of fellow experts ever since.

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Meet KT Olleh: Best SIM Card in Korea for Tourists

Traveling to Seoul, Busan, or Jeju? Book KT Olleh’s reliable travel SIM card at a cheap price here ! 🇰🇷

In a nutshell

Travelers who are looking for a reliable SIM card in Korea should consider the option from KT, one of the country’s major telco operators. Their SIM card offers a fast internet connection, reliable calls, and SMS services for 3-30 days.

Book a KT SIM Card here starting at only $13 — price inclusive of unlimited data!

Pick-up for this Korea SIM card is available at Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport.

The South Korea SIM card by KT has an excellent 4.8/5 star rating on Klook and has been purchased by over 100k travelers. Check out all the reviews here !

Looking for a fast pocket WiFi? Consider this affordable option .

Meet KT SIM Card: South Korea’s Best SIM Card for Tourists

If you’re flying into South Korea, we recommend getting a local SIM card from KT (formerly KT Olleh), which is one of the country’s major telco operators. Their SIM cards provide fast and reliable data connection, flexibility in terms of SIM plan configuration, as well as calls and text. Here are your booking options:

1. 4G Korea SIM Card (3 Days)

PRICE : Starts at only $13.49 here

INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data for 3 days (call & text services available as an optional add-on)

REDEMPTION. Pick up this KT SIM card at any of the following:

1/F Gate 10-11(E), KT Roaming Center, Incheon International Airport Terminal 1: Open 24/7

1/F Gate 6-7, KT Roaming Center, Incheon International Airport Terminal 1: Open between 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

1/F Gate 2-3, KT Roaming Center, Incheon International Airport Terminal 2: Open 24/7

1/F Gate 1, KT Roaming Center, Gimpo International Airport: 06:30 AM - 11:00 PM

2. 4G Korea SIM Card (5 Days)

PRICE : Starts at only $18.3 here

INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data for 5 days (call & text services available as an optional add-on)

3. 4G Korea SIM Card (10 Days)

PRICE : Starts at only $26 here

INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data for 10 days (call & text services available as an optional add-on)

4. 4G Korea SIM Card (20 Days)

PRICE : Starts at only $40.8 here

INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data for 20 days (call & text services available as an optional add-on)

5. 4G Korea SIM Card (30 Days)

INCLUSIONS: Unlimited data for 30 days (call & text services available as an optional add-on)

Reviews for KT SIM Card in Korea

With an excellent rating of 4.8/5 and over 100k+ bookings, it’s safe to say that the KT SIM card in Korea is the most preferred option by travelers! Check out these reviews that were shared by Klook users:

Photo review uploaded on Klook by user Armin.

“Availing the South Korea 4G Prepaid Sim Card from KT Olleh is always a good decision. It is easy to use and the data signal is very good. It’s my third time availing it from klook and it never disappoints.”

“Works really well! The signal coverage is very good and connection was quick. Getting this is recommended instead of the pocket wifi especially if you're not yet familiar with South Korea just in case you get lost in touch with your travel companion. This way you can easily communicate with each other. It's also easy to claim in the airport, you just have to show your booking and passport. They also explained clearly how to use the sim, although it comes with manual as well. There's also a sim card slot opener included which is really great!”

“experienced no lags, great connectivity! helped me a lot when i was travelling all over korea in places like gangneung, daejeon, jeonju, daegu, busan, and even jeju island! definitely recommend getting this if u’re staying for a month”

Tips for using the KT Olleh SIM Card in Korea

To use the KT Olleh prepaid SIM card in South Korea, your mobile phone’s country lock should be removed. Contact your provider in your home country to have your phone unlocked before using this SIM card.

This prepaid SIM card in Korea can be used with WCDMA devices.

This prepaid SIM in Korea may not work with some devices due to different models and/or frequency bands

If, after the installation, the KT Olleh prepaid SIM card is not recognized, turn your phone off and turn it back on after 5-10 minutes.

Some devices may be unable to support stable video calling.

If you have already previously used another SIM card in Korea, you may not be able to activate the card.

How to Book a KT Olleh SIM Card for Your Korea Trip

Here’s how you can get a KT prepaid and data SIM card in Korea for pick up at Incheon (Seoul) or Gimhae (Busan) airports:

Click here to go to the KT SIM card booking page.

Select the date, plan, and inclusions.

Receive your instant mobile voucher.

Pick up your Korea card on the selected date.

Travel Checklist

🇰🇷 Aside from a travel adapter, consider booking the following basic trip items for your Korea trip!

4G Pocket WiFi by SKT

T-Money Card

AREX Ticket

Discover Seoul Pass

Klook Pass Seoul

Korail Pass

See the step-by-step guide to apply for a Korean tourist visa in Malaysia!

Check this page regularly for the latest updates.

Get your Korean won as soon as you arrive in the airport.

Get ready for an epic exploration of Seoul!

Why Book the KT Olleh Pocket WiFi in South Korea: Price & Reviews

What not to pack for your korea trip: list of prohibited items.

Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to South Korea in 2024

Are you planning your trip to South Korea and looking for the best e-sim card to stay connected and avoid high roaming charges? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an e-sim card when traveling to South Korea and a comparison of the best South Korea e-sim cards in 2024.

Don’t waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an e-sim card for South Korea on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find a South Korea e-sim comparison, up to date prices as per April 2024, all specifications and my recommendations.

This guide will also show you where and when to order an e-sim card for South Korea, answer all your FAQ’s about using e-sim cards, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for South Korea and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to South Korea online.

Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger . That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.

In 2023 I visited for example 34 different countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used throughout the year.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trip to South Korea I tested the below recommended South Korea e-sim cards for tourists.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

you may also like...

Traveltomtom also wrote e-sim card guides for: Japan , Switzerland ,  Morocco ,  Mexico ,  Vietnam ,  Singapore ,  Philippines ,  Malaysia , New Zealand , Australia , Hong Kong , China , Indonesia , Thailand , Asia , Turkey , Egypt , Dubai , Brazil ,  Europe , United Kingdom , Italy , USA , international e-sim cards and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money!

Let me start with giving you my e-sim card recommendation for South Korea in 2024. These are my favorite e-sim cards for traveling to South Korea in 2024.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends the following two e-sim cards for traveling to South Korea:

1. SimOptions e-sim with unlimited data  - $44.90 USD

• unlimited data
• valid for 30 days
• operates on the SK Telecom network
• data-only e-sim
• valid in South Korea only
• $1.5 USD per day unlimited data

2. Airalo e-sim with unlimited data  - $32 USD 

• unlimited data-only e-sim
• valid for 10 days 
• Operates on the LG U+ network
• $3.2 USD per day unlimited data

The simple reason why Traveltomtom recommends the SimOptions e-sim card for South Korea is that it is the best value e-sim with the lowest cost per day including unlimited data. You can order this e-sim card for South Korea with unlimited data via SimOptions .

The rate of only $1.5 USD per day for unlimited data is the cheapest available for South Korea e-sims.

This SimOptions e-sim card plan for South Korea only supports 4G/LTE. These are data-only e-sims and do not come with a phone number. Which means incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported.

SimOptions has more e-sim card plans with unlimited data for South Korea. Some are even 5G ready and their e-sim plans start from $5.90 USD. More about it in my comparison below.

The other recommendation is an Airalo e-sim card for South Korea . Traveltomtom has been using Airalo e-sim cards for nearly 5 years now and never had an issue.

Airalo also has e-sim cards for South Korea with unlimited data, but they are slight more expensive than SimOptions.

The Airalo e-sim cards for South Korea also only support 4G/LTE, are data-only and do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported with Airalo e-sims for South Korea.

Is South Korea one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an e-sim card for world travelers . There are a bunch of e-sim cards that cover multiple countries and some are great for traveling to Europe, Asia and America.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for South Korea or in general before using an e-sim card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards for tourists only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: e-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly. 

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to South Korea.

However, you can still order a sim card for South Korea on the internet before your trip. Find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Comparison of the best e-sim cards for South Korea

Buying an e-sim card on arrival in South Korea is still not possible. None of the mobile internet providers in South Korea offer e-sim cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Incheon Airport is the main international airport in South Korea and there are places to buy a tourist sim card, but there are only physical prepaid sim cards available, no e-sims for tourists.

This also counts for the international airports of Jeju, Busan, Daegu and Gimpo Airport, the other international airport in Seoul.

The only way to get a tourist e-sim card for South Korea is ordering one on the internet!

Luckily there are multiple e-sim providers that sell South Korea e-sim cards for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in South Korea from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators. 

Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed multiple e-sim providers. Here are Traveltomtom's trusted favorites that have proven to be reliable:

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions is the only e-sim provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for South Korea . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your door step before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in South Korea.

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for South Korea.

SimOptions is a reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist e-sim card for South Korea through SimOptions is done fast and easy.

Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

SimOptions is specialized in international e-sim cards valid in multiple countries however, for South Korea they only have e-sim cards that are valid in South Korea only.

These are the SimOptions e-sim card plans for South Korea:

• 1 GB data (5G ready) for 7 days = $5.9 USD
• unlimited data for 3 days = $14.90 USD
• unlimited data for 5 days = $19.90 USD
• unlimited data for 10 days = $29.90 USD
• unlimited data for 20 days = $39.90 USD
• unlimited data for 30 days = $44.90 USD

These SimOptions e-sim cards for South Korea are only valid in South Korea and are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported and these e-sim cards do not come with a phone number.

Click here to order an SimOptions e-sim cards for traveling in South Korea .

The best value South Korea e-sim card from SimOptions gives you unlimited data for 30 days for $44.90 USD, which comes down to $1.5 USD per day unlimited internet. This rate makes SimOptions the best value e-sim card for traveling to South Korea in 2024.

Apart from the 1 GB data plan e-sim all the SimOptions e-sim cards for South Korea only support 4G/LTE. The only plan that supports 5G is only valid for 7 days and gives you only 1 GB data.

According to the SimOptions helpdesk the e-sim cards are truly unlimited and there is NO speed cap on their South Korea e-sim cards.

Traveltomtom will be very honest and does not directly believe the answers the SimOptions live chat / help desk give. In the past they have proven to be very unknown about their own products. But as for now we have to believe that 'unlimited data" means truly unlimited and no speed cap.

Unfortunately SimOptions also doesn’t specify exactly which mobile network these e-sim cards use in South Korea. But I found this out for you and the e-sim cards from SimOptions operate on the 4G/LTE network of SK Telecom in South Korea.

The validity of these e-sim cards is 60 days and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in South Korea. Therefore please only instal the e-sim on the day of departure. For more info check the SimOptions website .

Airalo is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an e-sim card for South Korea.

Why using Airalo? Airalo is one of the most recommended e-sim providers and very reliable. Airalo has e-sim cards for pretty much every country in the world. However, the Airalo e-sim cards for South Korea are a little more expensive compared to the SimOptions e-sims I showed you above.

Here are the Airalo e-sim card plans for South Korea for 2024: 

• unlimited data for 10 days = $32 USD
• unlimited data for 30 days = $62 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for South Korea from Airalo .

The best value South Korea e-sim card from Airalo gives you unlimited data for 30 days for $62 USD, which comes down to $2.1 USD per day unlimited internet. Not a bad rate at all but much higher than the e-sims from SimOptions.

Airalo specifies that there is a speed cap of 5 Mbps if you use more than 3 GB per day. 5 Mbps is actually pretty decent data speed, so it is not the end of the world.

The Airalo e-sim cards for South Korea are from LG U+, one of the main mobile internet operators in South Korea. These e-sims obviously operate on the 4G/LTE network of LG U+. Although LG U+ has an extensive 5G network, the Airalo e-sims are not 5G ready.

All the Airalo e-sim cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

Lately Traveltomtom started recommending Nomad e-sim cards as they sometimes have cheap tourist e-sims for a lot of countries.

Although they have some good e-sim card plans for South Korea, I must add that Traveltomtom had some issues with the performance as well as the installing of Nomad e-sim cards, so it is not Traveltomtom's first recommended e-sim for traveling to South Korea in 2024.

Nomad has two different kind of e-sims for South Korea regular plans and daily plans.

Daily plans ('unlimited' data plans)

Let me first explain the daily plans and why I do not recommend them.

Technically these daily plans are e-sim cards for South Korea with unlimited, but in reality it can be a nightmare.

You can select the number of days of your trip to South Korea and how many GB of high-speed data you wish per day. They only have a 1 GB data plan:

• 1 GB data per day = $4 USD

After you used your daily data plan, your speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which means this Nomad e-sim card for South Korea is technically unlimited. But have you ever tried to use your phone with a speed of 512 Kbps? That means only WhatsApp will work and you might be able to send an email.

It is completely useless and therefore Traveltomtom does not recommend this Nomad e-sim card for South Korea with unlimited data.

On top of that it does not make any sense, because let me show you the prices for the regular South Korea e-sims from Nomad.

Regular plans

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for South Korea for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
• 20 GB data for 45 days = $30 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for South Korea from Nomad .

The Nomad website is a little less user friendly for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to South Korea. Depending on your device you can't see all e-sim card plans in one overview, you have to click a little here and there depending on the size of your screen.

The best value Nomad e-sim card for South Korea is the one with 20 GB data for $30 USD,  which comes down to $1.5 USD per Gigabyte.

The regular Nomad e-sim cards are different than the Airalo and SimOptions as they are not with unlimited data.

The Nomad e-sim cards are from SingTel and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The SingTel e-sim cards from Nomad operate on the 4G/LTE network of KT in South Korea and are not 5G ready.

The Nomad South Korea e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in South Korea or automatically after 60 days. Basically when the plane lands you are online. For more info check the Nomad website .

What is the cheapest e-sim card for South Korea?

The cheapest e-sim card for South Korea is a Nomad e-sim card for $5 USD . This 5G ready e-sim gives you 1 GB data for 7 days, is only valid in South Korea and does not support calling and texting. SimOptions sells the exact same e-sim for $5.90 USD.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in South Korea

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to South Korea in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes. 

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to South Korea without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless. 

One of the best things about arriving in South Korea with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to South Korea, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to South Korea so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high data roaming charges!

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty much all of the amazing tourist destinations in South Korea there is at least 4G/LTE available and even a 5G signal.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the e-sim cards for South Korea are. Why would you pay $5 to $10 USD per day on an overseas data roaming plan that limits your data speed.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: “Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, invest a couple dollars in an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to South Korea  if you want a physical prepaid sim card.

Stay connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends. 

Where to buy an e-sim card for South Korea? 

You can only buy an e-sim card for South Korea through an e-sim card provider on the internet. There are multiple e-sim card providers for South Korea. Traveltomtom compared around 7 different e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions ,  Nomad  and  Airalo ) are the best and most reliable e-sim card providers in 2024.

When buying an e-sim card for South Korea through one of the above recommended e-sim providers you only need your email address and the e-sim card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in South Korea

There are 3 main mobile internet providers in South Korea: KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom. Unfortunately as per April 2024 none of the mobile internet operators in South Korea offer e-sim cards for tourists. 

Tourist sim cards in South Korea are sold in convenience stores as well as phone stores from KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom.

If you decide to buy a tourist sim card in South Korea then only a physical prepaid sim card is available, a chip that you put in your phone. On airports in South Korea there are also sim card shops, but also here there are no e-sims available for tourists.

Traveltomtom researched the best South Korea prepaid sim cards for tourists in 2024 and also compared all the 4G/5G data networks of the mobile internet operators in South Korea, more about it later.

When to order/activate an e-sim card for South Korea?

You can order an e-sim card for South Korea pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 or 2 months after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to South Korea or a day before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your e-sim card. Pretty much all the international airports in South Korea have free public WiFi which works ok most of the time, so you could use that to install your e-sim card on arrival.

Very important is to make sure you have a stable internet connection or you might run into issues with your e-sim. Therefore just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your e-sim card in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist e-sim card for South Korea before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands in South Korea you will be connected to the internet and you can enjoy data on your phone instantly.

How do I know all this info about e-sims? Traveltomtom uses on average more than 30 e-sim cards per year because of my nomadic lifestyle of constantly traveling the world, 365 days a year, since 2012.

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email after you ordered your e-sim.

But wait, forget about the instructions, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code!

When you order an e-sim card plan for South Korea you instantly receive a summary of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your South Korea e-sim card. Regardless where you order your e-sim card, all e-sim providers send you detailed instructions.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR code contains all the information about your South Korea e-sim card. 

Once you scan the QR code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for South Korea 

Here are some general tips and FAQ’s for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for South Korea e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to South Korea. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to South Korea or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to South Korea and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support e-sim cards.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for South Korea recommended above ( SimOptions , Nomad  and  Airalo ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in South Korea.

Traveltomtom has successfully used prepaid and e-sim cards from SimOptions and Airalo or more than 5 years. Nomad is fairly new to Traveltomtom, but Nomad has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider as well.

That said, Traveltomtom has faced some issues with installing Nomad e-sim card which was a bit disappointing and therefore it is recommended to follow all steps exactly as described and make sure you are connected to a stable internet connection.

All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems with your purchased e-sim or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell South Korea e-sim cards, I only RECOMMEND you to use e-sim cards for your next trip to South Korea instead of buying a local prepaid sim card.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a South Korea e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to South Korea. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new South Korea e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a South Korea e-sim card?

No, unfortunately all the tourist e-sim cards for South Korea available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting. The e-sim cards from SimOptions , Nomad  and  Airalo are data-only e-sim cards and any outgoing calls/sms are not supported. 

If you buy a local prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in South Korea you can get a sim card with calling and texting included.

But pretty much all hotels, restaurants, guides and tour companies in South Korea have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes.

Does a South Korea e-sim card come with a phone number?

No, none of the South Korea e-sim cards you can buy on the internet come with a phone number, which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.

In the above South Korea e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on an South Korea e-sim card?

None of the  Airalo  e-sim cards for South Korea are 5G ready as of April 2024.  SimOptions  also only has one South Korea e-sim card plan that is 5G ready and that is their smallest e-sim with just 1 GB data for 7 days.  Nomad also offers this 5G ready e-sim with just 1 GB data for 7 days.

All the best places to visit in South Korea offer an excellent 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is very good even on 4G/LTE. Later more about the best mobile data network in South Korea.

Are there e-sim cards for South Korea with unlimited data?

Pretty much of the  Airalo and  SimOptions e-sim cards for South Korea are with unlimited data.

Technically the  Nomad daily plans for South Korea are also with unlimited data e-sims, but not at high speed. After you used up your daily plan of high-speed data your data speed will be reduced to 512kbps. High-speed data will reset every 24 hours from the time you activate the data.

Is Traveltomtom a fan of e-sim cards with unlimited data? No!

There are always restrictions on e-sim cards with unlimited data and in reality it is never unlimited! There is always a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Pretty much all unlimited data e-sims reduce the data speed after you used X amount of Gigabytes per day.

Another e-sim provider that offers e-sim cards for South Korea with unlimited data is Holafly. I once experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Holafly and SimOptions sells e-sim cards with unlimited data for South Korea, but do NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).

At least  Airalo specifies that after you use 3 GB in one day your data speed will be reduced to 5 Mbps. In fact, 5 Mbps is not terrible, you can still use heavy data apps like Instagram, TikTok, etc. May be streaming at 5 Mbps will be a bit more challenging.

Traveltomtom is not a fan of these 'unlimited data' e-sims, but on the other 3 GB data per day is quite a lot and 5 Mbps is still doable for the rest of the day.

The Nomad e-sim cards with unlimited data will reduce your data speed to 512 Kbps after you used 1 GB per day. Trust me 512 Kbps data speed is completely useless and therefore thes Nomad e-sim cards for South Korea with a daily plan are not recommended.

That said Nomad has South Korea e-sim cards with 20 GB data for $30 USD  which for most travelers is also more than enough Gigabytes for their trip to South Korea.

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to South Korea in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are e-sim cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to South Korea?

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to South Korea, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to South Korea:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards , for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.  

In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. However, this does not count for South Korea.

The South Korea prepaid sim cards for tourists from LG U+, TK and SK Telecom are more expensive than the sim cards you order on the internet.

When buying a local prepaid sim card in South Korea you get a physical sim card and you need to swap this one with your existing sim card from home.

You can only buy these local prepaid sim cards for tourists on arrival in South Korea in a convenience store or at phone stores in the city or at the international airports in South Korea.

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to South Korea. These are physical prepaid sim cards you order on the internet and will be delivered to your home address.

Some of these are great for visiting South Korea and they are valid in up to 141 countries around the world and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting South Korea you are traveling onwards in America, Asia or in Europe then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024 .

As I mentioned before SimOptions is the only sim card provider that also sells physical prepaid sim cards for traveling internationally.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your door step before your trip to South Korea. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in South Korea and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

If you look at the international prepaid sim card above you see that the physical sim card version of the Orange Holiday World is also a good option for traveling to South Korea.

A physical prepaid sim card with 10 GB data only costs $49.90 USD, which is $4.99 USD per Gigabyte.

Click here to order a physical prepaid sim card for South Korea via SimOptions .

As explained throughout the article there are two different e-sim cards for traveling in South Korea:

• E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• E-sim cards that you buy in South Korea in a mobile internet provider store

However, as of April 2024 the mobile internet providers in South Korea do NOT offer e-sim cards for tourists. They only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an e-sim card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to South Korea, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to South Korea.

You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in South Korea. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare the prices for South Korea e-sim cards with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in South Korea Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact the e-sim cards you buy on the internet are cheaper.

E-sim cards for South Korea are very affordable and there are some amazing e-sim card deals for South Korea available on the internet.

Remember that SimOptions e-sim card plans for South Korea  go down to only $1.5 USD for 'unlimited' data per day.

If you buy a prepaid sim card in South Korea from for example KT you get a physical prepaid sim card for around $35 USD which gets you 100 minutes + 100 sms but only 15 GB high speed data, then after the data speed will be reduced to 3 Mbps only.

Local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in South Korea on arrival in a convenience store, phone store or at the airport in a sim card shop.

Trust me buying a local prepaid sim card in South Korea takes more time, is more expensive and much more hassle than ordering an e-sim card for South Korea on the internet.

An e-sim card for South Korea can be bought in just 2 minutes on the internet at any time of day without any form of identification and as soon as the plane touches the ground you are online and can enjoy a data connection on your phone.

After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to find a place where you can buy a local prepaid sim card. With an e-sim card that you order on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.

Simply because of this convenience Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim cards for South Korea from either  SimOptions  or  Airalo .

There are many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for visiting South Korea: faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are in general through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards could be less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator you bought in South Korea.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid South Korea sim card.

In reality you won't really notice the difference much because yes it may occur that your data speed is a little slower for a couple minutes, but it is still fast enough to roam the internet without any problems.

Best 4G/5G network in South Korea

Traveltomtom researched the 4G/5G network of all the mobile internet providers in South Korea and compared the mobile internet coverage maps of LG U+, KT and SK Telecom.

Although the above mobile data network coverage map is updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in South Korea in 2024.

Conclusion is that SK Telecom the best 4G/5G mobile data network in South Korea in 2024.

The  Nomad  e-sim cards operate on the 4G/LTE network of KT.

The  Airalo  e-sim cards operate on the 4G/LTE network of LG U+.

The  SimOptions  e-sim cards operate on the 4G/LTE network of SK Telecom.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to South Korea were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison and all my tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your preferred e-sim card for South Korea.

If you still have any questions about e-sim cards then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 610K Instagram account or 1.2 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to South Korea!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for South Korea are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

• south korea

How to Get A Korean Sim Card in Seoul, South Korea as a Tourist

• Post author: Tim Stadel Clausen
• Post category: South Korea
• Post published: July 6, 2022

When you’re visiting South Korea , having a Korean sim card on your phone is essential, especially if you’re staying in the country for a longer time. Having data everywhere makes it so much more convenient to travel around.

Compared to many other Asian countries, acquiring a sim card in South Korea as a foreigner isn’t as easy nor as cheap.

Recommended Read: How to Get a Travel Card For Public Transportation in Seoul

There are, however, different ways to get a Korean sim card as a foreigner with relative ease. I have acquired Korean sim cards both by ordering before traveling to the country and while I was in the country.

The easiest way to get a Korean sim card is to order it online before you travel to South Korea and pick it up at Incheon airport. You can order it on the Korea Sim website. I have used this website twice myself.

If you’re already in South Korea and need a new Korean sim card, I recommend using the service Trazy, which has fully English options for purchasing sim cards in South Korea. I personally used this order , which has pick-up in Myeongdong in Seoul. You can see their other options here . They also have a delivery option if you don’t stay near any pick-up location.

Table of contents

How to order a Korean sim card before arriving in South Korea

How to get a korean sim card while in south korea.

Ordering a Korean sim card online before your departure and picking it up at Incheon Airport is the easiest way to get one.

You can order a Korean sim card on the Korea Sim website. I have personally used this website twice to order and pick up a sim card at the airport after arrival and haven’t faced any issues with it.

They sell different types of sim cards, as well as a Wifi Egg, which is a portable Wifi Router.

I have personally both purchased their Gold and Blue Plus sim cards.

The Blue Plus sim card is a regular sim card that enables you to make calls, receive calls, text, and use data at an unlimited rate for the duration of the card.

The Gold sim card works the same way as the Blue Plus, except that it cannot make calls, only receive them. You do, however, in most cases, not need to make calls, as you have unlimited data, which means you can call through communication apps like Messenger or the Korean KakaoTalk.

When I used the Gold sim card for 30 days, I had no problems not being able to make calls, as everyone in Korea has KakaoTalk and primarily uses that for communication, including calls.

Where you have to pick up the sim card you order can vary, so be sure to check the details in your order email. The last time I was in South Korea and bought the Gold sim card, I had to pick it up at the booth between gates 9 and 10 in the area after you pick up your luggage. You can see the booth in the image below.

After you’ve picked up your sim card, it’s time to activate and use it.

The Blue Plus sim card has to be activated online, while the Gold just works after putting it in your phone and restarting it. Check the documents they give you for more details.

Do note that your phone cannot be carrier/network locked. Otherwise, you won’t be able to activate the sim card. I’ve heard that some people from the US had this issue, but I didn’t hear of people from other countries experiencing this. You might want to contact your data provider or the store where you bought your phone to check if it is.

If you’re already in South Korea and don’t have a Korean sim card or the one you had expired, there are luckily ways to get a new one as a non-Korean citizen after arriving in the country.

The service that I personally used to get a sim card while in Seoul was Trazy, which offers many helpful packages and deals in South Korea, all in English. I used this specific deal to buy a sim card while I was in Seoul. The pick-up location was in Myeongdong.

They have several other sim card deals as well with other pick-up locations. If you don’t see any location near where you are staying, they also offer parcel service so you can get it delivered anywhere. You can see all their sim card deals here .

It was simple enough to get to the pick-up location, which is a room within an office building. Just head to Myeongdong Station exit 10 and walk to the white building that is located ahead to the left of the stairs. In the images below, you can see the office building as you walk up the stairs from exit 10 and the entrance of the building.

Inside the office building, head to the second floor and find room 201. It’s located in front of the elevators.

Here is what the entrance to the sim card pick-up location looks like.

When you get to the pick-up location, an employee will give have you fill out some information, check your passport, so remember to bring that, and then give you your sim card. They also put it in my phone for me and ensured it worked before I left.

Going to a regular phone or telecom store probably won’t bring you any luck, as they primarily deal with Korean citizens who have their sim card linked to their government ID.

Most shops, therefore, cannot sell you a Korean sim card if you are not a Korean citizen or don’t have your Alien Registration Card + a Korean bank account yet. If you do decide to go to one, you’ll probably have the most luck in stores around large universities. You can also ask the employees if they know where you can get one.

That’s how to get a Korean sim card for your time in South Korea!

Have any input or suggestions for this guide? Let us know in the comment section below.

Tim Stadel Clausen

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This post has 2 comments.

I managed to get a data only sim card without preordering. I went to koreainfo at the 3rd floor of the Magellan21 building by Hongik University Station. The entrance is to the right of KT Plaza. The whole operation took 20 minutes (not including the time spent at the 3 KT stores I went to before). They will need a picture of your passport and your original telephone number. Five days unlimited cost me 27500 won.

Alright, that’s a good option to know as well. Thanks for the info!

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10 Best South Korea eSIM for Travelers

Last update: April 4, 2024

Enjoy fast and reliable internet connection as you explore Seoul, Busan, & more! Get the best South Korea eSIM here 🇰🇷

In a nutshell

What is the most popular eSIM for South Korea? Booked over 10,000 times, this South Korea eSIM is the most preferred option among travelers!

What is the best Korea eSIM? BNESIM , which was awarded the World's Best Travel SIM Provider for 4 times, is our top choice! 👑 BNESIM’s Korea eSIM is powered by local telcos KT and SKT, which means you’ll enjoy fast and strong internet connection throughout your trip. Book their 4G/5G data plan here — get up to 30% off when you apply our coupon code TRAVLISTS upon checking out!

Explore South Korea with a 5G eSIM! ⚡ If you’re looking for a high-speed and reliable travel eSIM, we recommend getting Ubigi’s 5G South Korea eSIM . Their virtual SIM can be reused in 200+ destinations and provides blazing fast 5G connectivity as well as mobile hotspot! Get Ubigi’s Korea eSIM here — make sure to use our Ubigi promo code TRAVLISTS to get 10% off 🎉

What is the cheapest eSIM in Korea? Look no further than Jetpac's tourist eSIM, starting from just $1 for 1GB of high-speed data! Jetpac , a preferred eSIM provider covering 100+ countries, not only provides budget-friendly data plans but also boasts one-time installation, eSIM reusability, excellent customer support, flexible top-up options, and complimentary airport lounge access in case of flight delays! Discover all there is to know about Jetpac eSIM and purchase your Korea data plan at the best rates here 🚀

Which eSIM in Korea provides unlimited data? If you want to stay connected throughout your trip, you can purchase a South Korea eSIM with unlimited data here for less than $14!

Get a South Korea eSIM data plan for FREE! 😲 Yes, you read that right. GigSky , an official partner of Apple and Visa and the world’s first eSIM-based mobile network operator, is offering this data plan starting at $0 — absolutely free with no credit card required. This is a special offer designed to help first-time eSIM users try out a GigSky eSIM, which can be reused in 200+ destinations worldwide. Learn more and grab their free Korea eSIM data plan offer here .

What is another budget-friendly Korea eSIM? Traveling on a budget? Get this affordable eSIM option starting at less than $7!

Does Airalo offer virtual SIM cards for South Korea? If you’ve previously used Airalo, the world’s first eSIM marketplace, you can book their South Korea eSIM plan here starting at only $4.5. Make sure to use our promo code TRAVLISTS upon checkout to enjoy a 10% discount!

Is there a Korea eSIM for iPhone & Android phones that I can use in both Korea & Japan? Yes, check out this option that you can use in both countries.

Korea eSIM, SIM card, vs. pocket WiFi. If you’re unsure whether to get a virtual SIM card or a physical SIM card, think about convenience and your budget. While getting an eSIM will save you the hassle of picking up and installing actual SIM card, a few SIM cards in South Korea offer slightly cheaper unlimited data packages. If you’re traveling as a group or need to connect multiple devices, a reliable pocket WiFi like this one may also be better than an eSIM or SIM card.

KLOOK TOPSELLER: 4G Korea eSIM by SKT

BEST VALUE : 4G Korea eSIM by Jetpac

BEST: 4G Korea eSIM by BNESIM (Powered by KT & SKT)

5G SPEEDS: 5G Korea eSIM by Ubigi (Powered by SKT)

POPULAR: 4G Korea eSIM by KT

RECOMMENDED : 4G Korea eSIM by LG U+

FOR AIRALO USERS: 4G Korea eSIM by Airalo

FREE DATA PLAN : 4G Korea eSIM by GigSky

HIGH DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: 4G Korea eSIM by Frewie

GREAT VALUE: 4G South Korea eSIM by NPN Travel

Best Prepaid eSIMs in Korea for Tourists

Getting ready for your trip to South Korea? If you’re planning to explore the streets of Seoul, wander around in Jeju, or immerse in the beauty of Busan, make sure to get a reliable eSIM or virtual SIM to stay connected. Compared to a physical SIM card, getting an eSIM for South Korea will save you the trouble from having to pick up a SIM card at Incheon Airport and physically installing it to your phone — all you need to do is to activate the eSIM and you’re all set.

Below we have the best South Korea eSIM options available for travelers:

1. 4G South Korea eSIM by SKT

Our top pick for South Korea eSIM goes to SKT, a leading telco trusted by millions of locals and travelers. If you typically book your trips on Klook , this is the best eSIM that you’ll find. Check out more details below:

PRICE : Book here starting at $12.9!

WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data at 4G speeds for 3-30 days, mobile hotspot (share your data!), incoming calls and texts, & nationwide coverage in South Korea

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: iPhones (XS, XR, SE2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, & up) and Samsung or other Android devices that support eSIM. Learn more here .

HOW TO USE THIS KOREA eSIM:

Upon landing in South Korea, connect to the airport’s free WiFi connection. (A WiFi connection is needed to activate the eSIM.)

Scan the QR code to activate the eSIM. (Note that the QR code of your SKT Korea eSIM must be used within 60 Days of purchase.)

BEST REVIEWS:

“ Hassle-free as the e-sim codes are immediately sent to your email address of choice. Once you activate it in Incheon Airport (just connect to Incheon Airport’s WIFI) you can immediately see your 4G Signal, ” reads a review of this Korea eSIM on Klook. “Important to note however that your smartphone MUST NOT be carrier-locked in order for this e-sim to work. Nonetheless, everything was a breeze. We even toured outside of Seoul but the 4G reception was still available and strong. Highly recommended.”

“ E-sim so convenient, easy to install, merchant will sent QR code via email, can activate data directly without remove existing SIM card. Stable data connection for the 10 days. Highly recommend, will re-purchase again! ”

2. 4G Korea eSIM by Jetpac

Let’s continue our list with a crowd-favorite: Jetpac’s travel eSIM for Korea! If you're in search of the most budget-friendly data plan to keep you connected all over South Korea, Jetpac's travel eSIM is for you. With their $1-for-1GB plan , you can enjoy high-speed internet for just a buck, along with flexible and cost-effective top-up plans tailored for short and extended stays.

Aside from significant cost savings, opting for a Jetpac eSIM also brings an added travel perk: complimentary lounge access. Should your flight encounter delays, you and up to five companions can receive a complimentary lounge pass courtesy of Jetpac. And here's the cherry on top — Jetpac eSIMs are yours to keep forever. Install Jetpac’s eSIM once, and you can keep using the same eSIM for all your future adventures. No need to switch or install another eSIM!

PRICE : Book here starting at $1!

WHAT YOU’LL GET: 1-30GB data redeemable within 1 year, validity of 30 days once connected to an overseas network (unless otherwise stated), free lounge access in case of flight delay (registration required), & nationwide coverage in South Korea

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: iPhones, iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android phones. View the full list here .

WHAT TRAVLISTS LOVE: Connectivity in up to 100+ countries with Jetpac, one-time installation, & 1 eSIM for life (reusable eSIM)

HOW TO USE:

Book your Korea eSIM data plan here .

Download the app and install your eSIM.

Turn on data roaming before your trip.

Get connected instantly upon arrival.

BEST REVIEW: “ The pack offered by Jetpac was reasonably priced. It is very convenient - since no physical cards are needed, only an eSIM. It was also very easy to connect to roaming operators. ”

3. 4G/5G Korea eSIM by BNESIM

Our next South Korea eSIM recommendation is from BNESIM , which has been recognized four times as the world’s leading travel communications provider at the World Travel Awards!

With a BNESIM Korea eSIM, you can connect online instantly with one-click eSIM installation. You’ll also enjoy fast internet with up to 5G speeds and a rewarding experience through their referral program that you can join here . 🎉

Best Korea eSIM by BNESIM.

PRICE & PROMO CODE: Book here starting at $2.92! Make sure to use our BNESIM promo code TRAVLISTS upon checkout to get up to 30% off.

WHAT YOU’LL GET: Fixed, daily, or monthly 500MB-100GB data allocation, no expiration for one-time data pack purchase, mobile hotspot function, responsive customer support team, & nationwide coverage in South Korea powered by local telcos KT and SKT

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: This Korea eSIM works well with iPhones , Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel , iPads , and other Android phones .

WHAT TRAVLISTS LOVE: One-click eSIM installation, easy top-up, sleek app interface, responsive customer service, & a rewarding refer-a-friend program !

HOW TO BOOK & USE BNESIM’S KOREA eSIM:

Download the BNESIM app here .

Choose your destination and purchase your data plan.

Activate your eSIM easily upon arrival in South Korea!

BEST REVIEW: “I said goodbye to high roaming bills with this new technology. They offer a lot of flexibility in terms of pricing and duration for every country.”

4. 4G/5G South Korea eSIM by Ubigi

Our fourth Korea eSIM is from Ubigi , one of the major eSIM providers loved by travelers! Getting an Ubigi eSIM is recommended if you want to stay connected with blazing fast 5G speeds during your trip. With Ubigi, you can also enjoy instant and reliable internet connection and the ability to share your data with others! Moreover, Ubigi's 5G eSIM in Korea is reusable across more than 200 countries (with 40+ countries supporting 5G speeds), eliminating the need for another eSIM purchase for your future journeys. Simply use the same eSIM and buy a data plan when you need it next! ❤️

Enjoy 5G connectivity in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, & more with an Ubigi eSIM.

PRICE & PROMO CODE: Book here starting at only $3 — use our Ubigi promo code TRAVLISTS upon checkout to get 10% off!

WHAT YOU’LL GET: 500MB-25GB fixed data allocation valid for 1 day-1 year, digital SIM card, 5G connectivity in South Korea and 40+ destinations , mobile hotspot (share your data!), eSIM reusability in 200+ countries, instant set-up, & easy top-up (offline top-up available — a feature unique to Ubigi eSIMs!)

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: iPhones, iPads, Google Pixel, Samsung, Sony, Oppo, Xiaomi, Rakuten, and Windows laptops. Find the full list of devices here .

WHAT TRAVLISTS LOVE: Instant high-quality internet at 5G speeds, easy set-up, simple top-up, & reliable customer support

HOW TO USE THIS 5G SOUTH KOREA eSIM by UBIGI:

After booking, you will instantly receive an email with your Korea eSIM QR code.

Just before your trip and within 6 months of purchase: scan the QR code (or enter manually the activation code) to install the Korea eSIM by Ubigi and start your data plan.

For iPhones, Samsung, and other Android phones: Scan the QR code, download the Ubigi app, turn off Wi-Fi, turn on Ubigi connectivity to create your account, and check data usage.

For Windows 10 or 11 laptops: After activating your QR code, go to ubigi.me, switch off Wi-Fi, switch on Ubigi connectivity to create your account, and check data usage!

BEST REVIEW: “ Thank you for making getting internet access on my trip seamless! Won’t ever be going through my home provider again with this [eSIM] option ,” reads a review for Ubigi eSIM on TrustPilot.

5. 4G South Korea eSIM by KT

As one of the country’s most popular telcos that’s endorsed by top celebrities like Jennie, KT is a brand that you can definitely trust. Check out their Korea eSIM with unlimited data offer below:

PRICE : Book here starting at $13.3!

After booking, you will receive a text that includes the URL for your KT eSIM QR code.

Click on the URL and enter the 9-digit reservation number on your Klook voucher.

A QR code for your eSIM will be generated. Scan the QR code to install your data plan from KT.

6. 4G South Korea eSIM by LG U+

The sixth option is an eSIM from LG U+, another trusted local telco operator in South Korea. Check out their offer below:

PRICE: Starts at $17.3 here

WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data at 4G speeds for 5-30 days, domestic calls + texts, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in South Korea

To download the eSIM, scan the QR code on your mobile voucher.

Add your eSIM by going to the settings of your iPhone, Galaxy, or Android phone.

BEST REVIEW: “Great internet speed and was very convenient to use! i highly recommend getting this esim if you visit korea! very easy to use!”

7. 4G South Korea eSIM by GigSky

Up next is the world’s first eSIM-based mobile network operator — GigSky ! Trusted by Visa as their global mobile data partner and selected by Apple as one of their first international eSIM partners, GigSky is definitely an eSIM provider you’d want to consider for your trip.

GigSky has affordable data plans covering 200+ destinations across the world, which means you can reuse and top up your eSIM for your future trips. What’s more, they’re the only one in the market with a free data plan — yes, it costs $0 — so you can try their unparalleled service with no credit card required! 👍🏼

PRICE : Book here for $0 — free 100 MB data valid for 7 days!

OTHER DATA PLANS: After consuming your free data, top up your eSIM with 1-10GB of data starting at only $6.99! Browse all plans here .

COMPATIBLE DEVICES. This Korea eSIM works perfectly with iPhones, iPads (cellular), Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android smarphones. View the full list here .

WHAT TRAVLISTS LOVE: We like that GigSky, a network operator and not just an eSIM reseller, has tons of cool features including their partnership with Apple and Visa, easy set-up and activation, 24/7 customer support, in-flight and offshore connectivity, referral program, and their free data plan. 🌟

HOW TO BUY & USE THIS KOREA eSIM :

Book a free or standard data plan on GigSky here .

Install and activate your eSIM in a few taps.

Connect online the moment you arrive.

BEST REVIEW : “ I purchased an eSim data plan for the first time and it was a smooth experience ,” reads a customer review for GigSky eSIM in Korea.

8. 4G South Korea eSIM by Airalo

Our next eSIM option in Korea is from Airalo , the world’s first eSIM marketplace that offers eSIMs for over 200 countries. If you want to enjoy easy eSIM activation and instant connectivity, you can purchase one of their eSIMs for SoKor here .

PRICE & PROMO CODE : Book here starting at $32 — use our Airalo promo code TRAVLISTS upon check-out to get 10% off!

WHAT YOU’LL GET : Unlimited data valid for 10 or 30 days, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in South Korea

COMPATIBLE DEVICES. This Korea eSIM works on iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android phones. See the full list here .

HOW TO USE THIS KOREA eSIM: Install and activate your eSIM on the Airalo app .

BEST REVIEW: “I have traveled globally for several years with 45 countries under my belt. Airalo has been, by far, the easiest, most useful, and most cost-effective option for traveling abroad that I have found. No more finding local SIM cards and changing numbers that I then have to communicate to family and friends that might need to reach me while I’m abroad. I honestly have high expectations for services like this and AIRALO has met each one with flying colors!”

9. 4G South Korea eSIM with Unlimited Data by Frewie

Don’t worry about running out of your data in the middle of your trip — this eSIM in Korea on Klook provides uncapped data allocation with a reliable mobile hotspot function!

PRICE : Book here starting at $5!

WHAT YOU’LL GET : 500MB, 1GB, or unlimited data at 3G/4G speeds valid for 6-30 days, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in South Korea

Check the email that you’ll receive after booking. This will contain your Korea eSIM QR code from Frewie.

Add the eSIM to your phone.

Activate your eSIM upon arrival in South Korea.

BEST REVIEW: “ Ideal for my 7D6N Korea trip. First time using eSIM, it is so easy to activate,” reads a review for this Korea eSIM on Klook. “No need waste time to collect physical SIM card. Received QR code swiftly within half day before my flight depart. Excellent!”

10. 4G South Korea eSIM by NPN Travel

The final Korea eSIM that we have on this blog is from NPN Travel, an eSIM provider based out of Singapore. Check out the offer and customer reviews below:

PRICE : Starts at $8.7 here

WHAT YOU’LL GET : Unlimited data (500mb, 1GB, or 2GB worth of high-speed data DAILY + standard-speed data once the fixed allocation is consumed), valid for 7-30 days, mobile data sharing, & coverage in South Korea

Expect to receive your virtual SIM card via email within 5 minutes after booking here .

Download the Korea eSIM.

Activate the eSIM shortly upon arrival in South Korea.

BEST REVIEW: “It's very convenient. After receiving the letter, go to the registration page to get the [QR Code], and you can join it with just one scan on your mobile phone! Just go abroad and have fun”

Seoul Travel Checklist

🇰🇷 Looking for more activities to book for your trip? Aside from getting a good eSIM in South Korea, check out the following as well:

Internet Connectivity 🌐

4G South Korea eSIM with Unlimited Data by SK Telecom

4G South Korea SIM Card by KT (Incheon Airport Pick-up)

4G South Korea Pocket WiFi by KT (Incheon Airport Pick-up)

Transportation & Payment Cards 💳

T-Money Card

NAMANE Card

WOWPASS (3-in-1 Currency Exchange Service + Payment + Transportation Card)

Cheap Hotels & Guesthouses 🏨

Seoul (Hongdae, Myeongdong, Itaewon, Gangnam, & more)

Dining Offers 😋

Ashley Marine Buffet

Yennaljip Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant in Hongdae, Seoul

Man Joh Ok Jokbal Restaurant

Transportation Options 🚝

AREX Incheon Airport to Seoul Train Ticket

KAL Korea Airport Limousine Bus Ticket

Incheon Airport Private Transfer

Travel Passes 🚀

KORAIL Pass

Discover Seoul Pass

Klook Pass Seoul

Visit Busan Pass

Theme Park & Attraction Tickets 🏰

N Seoul Tower

Lotte World

Everland Korea

COEX Aquarium

Tours & Experiences📍

Nami Island Tour

DMZ Demilitarized Zone Tour from Seoul

Hanbok Experience near Gyeongbokgung

Seoul City Tour Bus

VIEW MORE OPTIONS

BONUS: 4G South Korea eSIM by Eskimo (Global eSIM)

PRICE : Starts at $7 here

WHAT YOU’LL GET : 1-30GB worth of unlimited data at 4G speeds valid for 2 years , mobile hotspot, & coverage in South Korea, Japan, & 60+ countries

Check the QR code that you will receive via email.

Download the Eskimo app and redeem your Korea eSIM data plan via the QR code voucher.

Turn on your eSIM upon arrival in South Koea.

BEST REVIEW: “Very satisfied! i no longer have to worry about buying sim cards at the airport! I can use it for 2 years! Accessible to a lot of countries! Convenient for frequent traveller. Easy to install and instantly use!”

Fine Print: Korea eSIMs

Before booking your South Korea eSIM on Klook, check out some notes below!

4G South Korea eSIM by KT

This eSIM in Korea is only available only for devices that support eSIM support.

iPhones that were purchased in China may not be compatible with this Korea eSIM.

4G South Korea eSIM by SKT

In addition to data, incoming local calls and texts can also be received through this Korea eSIM by SKT.

Seoul’s Best Stays 💥

Meet Visit Busan Pass: Price, Attractions, & Sample Itinerary

5 best salons in seoul: korean hairstyling, make-up, & color analysis.

What's The Best eSIM For South Korea? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Known for its vibrant city life and tasty Korean barbacue, Korea isn't popular with tourists without reason. If you're planning to visit the country soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you usually would at home, and if you do manage to get connected via roaming, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If your device is a newish model (i.e., from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising blazing-fast internet in South Korea at a very low cost compared to roaming and great convenience compared to physical SIMs. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in Korea and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to South Korea by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like LG U+. ✨ If you're a new customer, use code MONITO15 to get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM, and if you're a returning customer, use MONITO10 to get 10% off today! Go to Airalo now to get started.

As we'll explore in more depth in this guide, when choosing an eSIM, you have two options. The first option is for you to go through a digital eSIM provider, and the second option is to purchase an eSIM directly from your network provider or carrier. We strongly recommend the first option. After all, with reputable online providers, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions that normally exceed those of the big carriers.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for South Korea and other countries worldwide:

What's The Best eSIM for South Korea?

• 01. Airalo: Best eSIM for South Korea in general scroll down
• 02. Holafly: Best eSIM for South Korea for unlimited data scroll down
• 03. Yesim: A great alternative all around scroll down
• 04. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for South Korea scroll down
• 05. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 06. How to call from South Korea scroll down
• 07. Recapping the best eSIMs for South Korea scroll down
• 08. FAQ about the best eSIM for South Korea scroll down

Best Overall: Airalo

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for South Korea . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In South Korea, for example, Airalo works directly with LG U+ to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for Korea range from $32 to $62 and includes unlimited GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems. Setting up and activating your eSIM happens entirely on your smartphone and it's very quick – in our test, it took us just two minutes (watch our how-to video on YouTube to see how it's done). What's more, if you start running low on data during your trip, you can easily top this up via the Airalo app. This lets you save time and hassle compared to buying a physical SIM, where you'd usually need to stand in line at the counter to buy or top up your card or package.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad. To find out more about this excellent eSIM provider, take a look at our in-depth Airalo review .

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Best For Unlimited Data: Holafly

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which only provides packages with unlimited data to dozens of countries worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up all your data.

For trips to South Korea, Holafly's data packages cost between $19 and $54 once off and are valid from five to 20 days. Like Airalo, Holafly also works with domestic carriers, so you'll get coverage like a local no matter where you travel in the country (although in remote regions, coverage can become spotty).

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including South Korea, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

Although Holafly's packages are generally great if you'd like uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't usually need such a large sum of data and that normally, 5 GB to 10 GB, at most, should be enough for everyday travel needs in South Korea like navigating, browsing, and using social media. Moreover, your speeds might be temporarily throttled if you use a very extensive amount of data (e.g., for non-stop HD streaming or downloading large files). During our test in the UK, this happened to us at around 4.5 GB of usage. Sadly, Holafly's fair use policies don't clearly outline when networks throttle speeds since it comes down to the individual network or carrier and the country you're browsing in.

If you're curious, we tested Holafly extensively to see if its data plans really live up to their 'unlimited' promise. The short answer? Yes, but there are a few things you should know. Take a look at our Holafly review to find out what they are.

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Another Reliable Alternative: Yesim

A smaller and newer company than Airalo and Holafly, Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM provider offering highly-rated eSIMs for countries around the globe. Their website and app are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, and over 300,000 customers have chosen their eSIMs so far.

Like its larger competitors, Yesim gives you a SIM card connecting to local carriers while you're abroad. It can be installed quickly and effortlessly right from the app or via a QR code sent to your email after purchase. Interestingly, alongside its eSIM service, Yesim also offers a virtual number service that allows you to get an online-only US (+1), Canadian (+1), or Israeli (+972) mobile phone number to use for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, OpenAI, Binance, Tinder, or TikTok. These virtual numbers can be used for a flat fee of $2.75 per month.

Going back to eSIMs, Yesim's packages typically cost between $8 and $28 for 3 GB to 20 GB, but only the 10 GB and 20 GB data plans last longer than 30 days (here, plans of up to 60 days are possible to purchase). In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's for travel in general. However, it's worth remembering that Yesim's prices are often fractionally lower per gigabyte, so if you're looking for the best deal, make sure you visit Yesim's website and compare their prices to Airalo's.

How Do They Compare?

In the chart below, we've compared Airalo, Holafly, and Yesim based on a few factors you might find important on your trip to South Korea or anywhere else in the world. As you'll see, the three are very competitive, with differences normally being slight. If you'd like to compare Holafly and Airalo directly, take a look at our side-by-side review of the two too.

Correct as of 8 March, 2024

Do I Need a SIM Card in South Korea?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in South Korea, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to South Korea. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in South Korea without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in South Korea are typically around $2 or $3 per 6 MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24 MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in South Korea is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local South Korean SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your South Korean trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs, Anyway?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to South Korea. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in South Korea,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to South Korea (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on South Korean networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your South Korean vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in South Korea from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other devices (see our full list of compatible devices )

Can I Call From South Korea With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from Korea with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while in Korea.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in South Korea to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

If you plan to make calls from South Korea (or anywhere else abroad) fairly regularly, then your most reliable and affordable option will be to use a third-party app. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there , offering low rates and providing you with local South Korean phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Although it's popular, we typically don't recommend using Google Fi for this purpose unless you plan to go back and forth from the United States regularly (since Google Fi is only available to Americans and will not work if you spend over 90 days abroad per year). In general, Rebtel's rates are more affordable than Google Fi's too. To learn more about our first-hand experience with Google Fi, look at our in-depth review .

Recap: All About eSIMs in South Korea

Are you planning a trip in South Korea, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages and are generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in South Korea, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in South Korea, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for South Korea overall.
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data.
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For South Korea

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in South Korea. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in South Korea varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $32 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for South Korea.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from South Korea, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

See These Other eSIM Guides

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South Korea Is A Total Bucket-List Destination – Here Are 10 Amazing Things To Get Up To

From the busy streets of Seoul to a night spent in a traditional hanok home – it's time to start planning your visit!

BuzzFeed Staff

I'm Hanifah and I love to travel. South Korea's been on my bucket list for years, but I’d never gotten around to planning the perfect trip.

View this photo on Instagram

So when I got the chance to join Intrepid’s first-ever Essential South Korea trip, I jumped at the opportunity.

As someone who loves a packed schedule but gets overwhelmed when it comes to the actual organising, the trip looked perfect. This isn't just your average holiday – it's an immersive experience packed full of adventures and is the newest addition to Intrepid’s 15-35 trips. The itinerary involves nine days of soaking up a wealthh of South Korean culture, visiting Seoul, Jeonju, Busan, and more. 

From trying street food to staying in a traditional historic home, the itinerary is packed to the brim with so many different cultural experiences, and I can’t think of a better way to explore the country in all its glory. If you’re thinking about visiting South Korea and want to make sure you make the most of it, check out everything that’s included in the Essential South Korea trip here.

Top tips before you go!

– To make the inevitable language barrier a little bit easier, I suggest downloading the app Papago for on-the-go translations. Not only does it have pretty good vocal recognition, but you can also take photos of text and have it instantly translated.

– No one expects you to be fluent, but knowing some basics of the language goes a long way. “Annyeonghaseyo” (ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo) means hello and “gamsahabnida” (kam-sa-ham-ni-da) means thank you. You’re sure to pick up more Korean along your journey, but it’s good to have those basics down.

– It’s likely that the data on your phone won’t work, but there are simple solutions at the airport. You can hire a pocket wifi egg or a data sim card at the arrivals gate.

– When it comes to navigating travel in South Korea, Google Maps has nothing on Naver . It gives you perfect walking directions, as well as the best ways to get to your destination (each subway station has multiple exits, and without Naver, I’d have been totally lost). 

– A T-money card makes travelling super convenient. You can pick one up at any 7-Eleven for 3,000 KRW (about $2), and top it up in the subway station as you need. You can use a T-money card to pay for your travel on the bus, subway, and some taxis. 

Here are some amazing things to get up to in Korea!

🇰🇷 seoul 🇰🇷, 1. take a step back in time at the historical gyeongbokgung palace.

A few stops on the subway takes you out of the bustling city and back to quiet of the the 14th century. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is considered to be the most beautiful palace from the Joseon Dynasty, and it’s easy to see why. As soon as we set foot on the grounds I was blown away by the ornate designs, and with families strolling around adorned in traditional hanbok clothing, it wasn’t hard to imagine just how regal the palace was back in its heyday. It’s a good idea to get there by 11 am, which is when the guard changing procession begins, a recreation of the traditional ceremony of the past.

2. Channel your inner idol at a K-Pop dance lesson at FRZM Studio

In the heart of trendy Hongdae, you’ll find FRZM dance studio , which is home to some of Seoul’s coolest dancers. If you’ve seen even one K-pop video, you’ll know these guys don’t mess around when it comes to choreography, so why not learn from the best? Our teacher Peri was a total star who came prepared with a sleek routine that she somehow managed to break down for us dance newbies. While it didn’t take me long to discover that I don’t, in fact, have what it takes to be a K-Pop star (not even close!), I had so much fun trying to follow along with Peri and her flawless choreography.

3. Eat some delicious traditional food at Gwangjang Market

South Korea is famed for its street food, and Gwangjang Market is the perfect place to find out exactly why. As you set foot into the market you’re greeted by an array of glorious flavours, and even though I wasn’t sure what I was smelling, I knew my tastebuds were in for a treat. Whether you fancy traditional fried chicken or soft-shell crab, there are endless stalls offering a plethora of delicious delights. There are so many options to choose from, and most of the stall owners are more than happy to give you a bite or two to sample. The market is also home to traditional goods, groceries, and various souvenirs, so it’s worth taking a look around after you’ve finished stuffing your face.

4. Sing your heart out at karaoke in Hongdae

If you’re looking for nightlife, Hongdae is the place to be – packed to the brim with bars and restaurants ready to welcome you with cocktails and anju (food to eat alongside your drinks), and of course karaoke. In Korean, karaoke is referred to as “noraebang”, which literally means a song room, but I don’t think that definition does it justice. They have endless collections of K pop hits (yes, we did “Gangnam Style”) as well as all the classics, and with the disco ball and lights it really feels like your own private night club.

🇰🇷 Jeonju 🇰🇷

5. spend the night in a traditional hanok village.

Hanoks are traditional Korean houses, dating all the way back to the Joseon dynasty, and to put it plainly, they’re stunning. Historically, hanoks housed entire families, but the ones you can stay in have been transformed into guest houses. As soon as I stepped into the courtyard I was greeted by some friendly village cats , and things just kept getting better from there. While they’ve been updated with modern conveniences, the heart of the homes remains authentic; the wood panelled walls are decorated with traditional Korean art and the bed folds neatly away into the cupboard. As a sleep lover, I wasn’t sure how I’d fare on the futon-like floor mattress, but with the heated floors and tranquil surroundings, I slept like a baby. 

6. Take a Kimchi-making class with the Kimchi master

Kimchi is a staple of the Korean diet, and if you’ve had it before, you’ll know why. We joined Kim Myeong Ok – a total kimchi genius – to learn all about what goes into making the traditional food. After finding out the many seasonings that go into the dish (and snacking on the pickled cabbage, of course), we jumped straight into TV chef mode, determined to be the best rookie kimchi makers we could. Myeong talked us through the marinating process, and with our aprons and long gloves, we really got into the technique. Once you’re finished, you can pack it all up to enjoy eating back home – it’s the perfect holiday souvenir.

7. Visit the ancient ruins of Webosansung

This historic mountain fortress was built in the 17th century, as a way to help evacuate and protect residents in the late Joseon Dynasty. The wall is over eight thousand years old, and it’s surrounded by miles and miles of forest hills – it really feels like taking a stroll in the past. It’s not too far from Awon Museum, which is located across three 250-year-old hanoks that overlook a mountain village; their stunning gardens have some spectacular views. 

8. Get a body scrub at The Hanok Spa

This might look like an unsuspecting tower block, but inside is a menagerie of pampering and self care. If I’m being honest, I was a bit intimidated when I first approached the spa – I knew I’d have to strip off, but not much more. This 24 hour spa is really popular with the locals, and while there was a bit of a language barrier, the staff there were super friendly. There are heated pools to rest and relax in, and it didn’t take long for me to feel at home among the older ladies chatting away and watching TV. As a dedicated exfoliator, I wasn’t expecting too much from the body scrub, but boy was I wrong – I could literally see my dead skin getting sloughed off. I left the spa feeling like a soft little peach, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

🇰🇷 Busan 🇰🇷

9. watch the waves at haedong yonggungsa temple.

Set right on the shoreline, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a wonder of both natural and historical beauty. First built in 1376, the Buddhist temple is a place of reflection and peace, and it's truly breathtaking.  As I walked down the temple’s 108 steps, I was blown away by the picturesque views surrounding me – intricately designed architecture, ethereal statues, and gorgeous stone lanterns, to name a few delights. I loved learning about the historical Buddhist traditions and symbolism, but my favourite part was the tranquil backdrop of crashing waves. There are lots of temples to visit, but none as unique as this one.

10. Take a stroll through the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village

With its twisting alleys and colourful houses, Gamcheon Culture Village feels like a storybook come to life. Decorated by professional artists, art students, and residents, it’s easy to see why the village is one of Busan’s most popular tourist spots. While strolling through the lovingly adorned streets, we were met with tons of artisan shops selling stunning handmade trinkets and some wonderful art installations. BTS fans: keep an eye out for the Jimin and Jungkook mural, it’s really something to behold.

Have you visited South Korea? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below, and visit Intrepid's website to find out more about their 16-35s Adventures!

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South Korean opposition wins landslide victory in parliamentary vote

The result sets the stage for three years of legislative stalemate as Yoon serves out the rest of his term as a lame duck president

South Korea’s opposition won by a landslide in parliamentary elections on Wednesday, a result that risks making Yoon Suk Yeol, the president, a lame duck for his remaining three years in office.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other senior aides tendered their resignation to Mr Yoon on Thursday after the ruling party’s heavy defeat, the Yonhap news agency reported.

After more than 99 per cent of votes were counted on Thursday morning, results showed the main Democratic Party (DP) was projected to take more than 170 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, a rise from 156 in the last parliamentary term.

A splinter liberal party considered to be allied with the DP was expected to take at least 10 seats.

This leaves Mr Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) with an expected total of just over 100 seats, meaning he will avoid a super-majority of a two-third opposition control that could break presidential votes and pass constitutional amendments.

However, analysts believe the opposition parliamentary majority will likely still lead to political gridlock for the president’s administration.

Some analysts, however, downplayed the negative impact of the result on Mr Yoon’s remaining stint as president.

“South Korea’s election results mean it will be even more difficult for President Yoon to realise legislative goals. Yet, the president is not a lame duck because his administration still has many policy levers and is likely to maintain its approach to international relations,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

“The electorate wants change on socio-economic issues, but political parties will find compromise difficult, especially if conservative and progressive actors escalate the lawfare between them.” 

Although Mr Yoon’s foreign and defence policies are unlikely to be impacted by parliamentary challenge, his push for corporate tax cuts, business-friendly reforms and recruiting more medical students are now at risk of stalling.

The president’s approval ratings are already low as a result of rising food prices and the cost of living, a bitter doctor’s strike and several political scandals.

That is despite several notable foreign policy achievements over the past two years.

Mr Yoon has been credited by the US for taking bold steps to overcome historical differences with neighbouring Japan to build up trilateral political and military ties and counter China’s growing regional influence and rising threats from North Korea.

However, such successes have held little water with voters who are struggling to make ends meet.

On the campaign trail, Mr Yoon was accused of being out of touch when he picked up a government-subsidised bundle of spring onions and remarked that the price tag of 875 won (51p) was “reasonable”.

The actual retail price is up to 4,000 won (£2.34). The gaffe has since been used repeatedly by the opposition to mock the president’s party, with displays of spring onions popping up at campaign rallies.

The Yoon administration has also struggled with negative headlines over the appointment of Lee Jong-sup, the former defence minister, as envoy to Australia while being investigated for corruption, and a controversy over the First Lady allegedly accepting a luxury bag.

Earlier this year, hidden camera footage emerged of Kim Keon-hee appearing to accept a Dior handbag from a pastor known for advocating closer ties with North Korea. Mr Yoon has maintained she was the victim of a political ploy.

“When voters chose me, it was your judgement against the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and you are giving the Democratic Party the duty to take responsibility for the livelihood of the people and create a better society,” said Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader, after his party’s victory.

Mr Lee, who won a seat in the city of Incheon to the west of the capital, Seoul, is also facing corruption charges connected to real estate development and bribery accusations linked to a football club he oversaw as a city mayor, all of which he denies.

The leaders of the two main parties that have historically dominated South Korean politics have both struggled to win over the electorate, and Mr Lee lost only by 0.73 per cent to Mr Yoon in the 2022 presidential poll.

The National Election Commission (NEC) won as expected to announce the official results later on Thursday. Nearly 29.7 million, or 67 per cent of eligible voters, cast their ballots.

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‘Gladiator Politics’ Dominate Election Season in Polarized South Korea

This week’s parliamentary elections are widely seen as a referendum on both President Yoon Suk Yeol and his archrival, Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader.

By Choe Sang-Hun

Reporting from Seoul

The elections are ostensibly about the 300 seats in Parliament, but when South Koreans go to the polls on Wednesday, they will also be signaling support for one of two leaders who are locked in what is known here as “gladiator politics.”

The do-or-die rivalry between President Yoon Suk Yeol and the opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds the majority in the National Assembly, has made the elections as fraught with fear and resentment as any in South Korea​n history. Neither leader commands broad popularity, instead relying on hard-line supporters who either want to see Mr. Yoon, a conservative, impeached for abuse of power, or Mr. Lee, a progressive, imprisoned for corruption.

“This election is about who you want to punish, Yoon Suk Yeol or Lee Jae-myung,” said Eom Kyeong-young, an election analyst at the Zeitgeist Institute in Seoul.

On the global stage, South Korea is the dynamic exporter of cars, phones, K-pop and K-dramas. But at home, voter discontent runs deep. The country’s economy is slowing. Its birthrate is the world’s lowest. Its Gen Z youth — frustrated with widening economic inequity and priced out of the housing market — fear that they will be the first generation in the country’s history economically worse off than their parents.

Amid these fundamental crises, the country’s politics are more divided than ever. Online demagoguery proliferates through YouTube and other social media, mainstreaming hate. In January, a disgruntled older man stabbed Mr. Lee in the neck with a knife. (The attacker said South Korea was “in a civil war,” adding that he wanted to “cut the head” of the country’s “pro-North Korean” left wing, according to a manifesto he sent from his prison cell to Choo Chin-woo, an investigative journalist.) A few weeks later, an angry youth attacked a governing-party lawmaker, striking her in the head with a stone.

Mr. Yoon and Mr. Lee’s parties have released reams of similar campaign promises on how to address problems like the country’s dismal birthrate. But their campaign focus, analysts said, has been on demonizing their rivals.

South Korea’s politics have long been ​dominated by revenge and resentment, so much so they have become a vindictive “gladiators’ arena​,” Cho Youngho, a political science professor at Sogang University, wrote in an analysis last month. ​Presidents, elected for a single, five-year term, have often pursued their predecessors or domestic rivals with criminal investigations, creating a vicious cycle of political retaliation.

Mr. Yoon and Mr. Lee first clashed in the 2022 presidential election, a race South Korean news media deemed “ a contest between the unlikable. ” Mr. Yoon beat Mr. Lee by ​a narrow margin. Their rivalry has only intensified since then.

Under Mr. Yoon, state prosecutors have pursued Mr. Lee, his wife and ​his ​former aides with a series of investigations . Mr. Lee has been indicted on bribery and other criminal charges, accusations he denies. Denounced as a “ criminal suspect ” by Mr. Yoon’s People Power Party, he has failed to win an audience with the president to discuss policies.

Instead of stepping aside after his electoral loss, Mr. Lee was back in the center of politics within a few months. He won a parliamentary seat and, in effect, a political shield from prosecutors. And Mr. Lee, who wants to run again for president in 2027, also tightened his grip on his Democratic Party.

He has since made it his mission to fight what he says is Mr. Yoon’s “dictatorship by prosecutors,” staging a three-week hunger strike .

Mr. Lee’s party has refused to endorse Mr. Yoon’s cabinet nominees. Mr. Yoon has vetoed parliamentary bills passed by Mr. Lee’s party, including one mandating an investigation of corruption claims involving the first lady, Kim Keon Hee .

In parliamentary polls, South Koreans often vote for the parties and their leaders, not for individual candidates. About 20 percent of eligible voters want to see both Mr. Yoon and Mr. Lee punished, and this election could be decided by how they eventually vote, said Jeong Han Wool, a polling expert at the Research Institute of Korean People.

A victory for Mr. Lee’s Democratic Party would help revive his presidential prospects — as well as his efforts to pass new bills for special prosecutors to investigate accusations of corruption and abuse of power involving Mr. Yoon’s government and his wife.

The election is mainly a contest between the two largest parties for parliamentary majority. But a host of small and even obscure startup parties have also joined the fray. Candidates of Mr. Lee’s party and two small parties closely allied with it are running their campaign with calls to “punish” Mr. Yoon or turn him into an early “lame” or “dead duck.”

“An election defeat will leave Yoon hardly able to do anything until his term expires,” said Shin Yul, a political scientist at Myongji University in Seoul.

Mr. Yoon and Mr. Lee hail from sharply different backgrounds, making their clash not only political but also cultural.

Mr. Yoon, a son of a college professor, was an elite prosecutor, rising to the ranks of prosecutor-general before becoming president. His supporters praise him for strengthening ties with the United States in the face of nuclear threats from North Korea. But his detractors call him a hamfisted elitist who favors the rich and uses coercive measures to silence critics.

Under Mr. Yoon, prosecutors and the police have raided news outlets accused of spreading “ fake news .” State regulators have reprimanded a TV station for not attaching the Korean equivalent of “first lady” or “Ms.” to the name of Mr. Yoon’s wife. His bodyguards gagged and removed an opposition lawmaker and a student who shouted criticism at Mr. Yoon during government and campus events. In its 2024 Democracy Report , the V-Dem Institute of Sweden ranked South Korea under Mr. Yoon as one of the 42 countries undergoing “autocratization.”

Mr. Lee, a son of public toilet cleaners, was a teenage sweatshop worker in rubber and glove factories before becoming a labor lawyer, a mayor and a provincial governor. His supporters see him as an outspoken outsider who can fix establishment politics. But his critics call him a devious populist who cut corrupt deals while in office and quashed dissenting voices within his party in attempts to consolidate power.

Mr. Lee is now on trial on charges of giving illegal favors to a private investor in a real estate project while he was a mayor. Another accusation prosecutors have made is that when he was a governor, he asked a local businessman to illegally transfer $8 million to North Korea to promote economic exchanges with his province.

Many analysts expect the coming election to amplify polarization in the country.

“Politics will continue to be dominated by a struggle between the one who wants to kill and the one who wants to survive,” said Mr. Cho of Sogang University. “Issues the people care about — the livelihoods of the public, the economy, low birthrates and welfare — take a back seat.”

Choe Sang-Hun is the lead reporter for The Times in Seoul, covering South and North Korea. More about Choe Sang-Hun