South Korea eSIM
There are 6 South Korea eSIM plans (1GB–50GB, 3–180 days) from $1.90; for a week with about 3GB, 3GB for 7 days, $4.90. Order online, get the install code minutes after paying, and turn on data roaming for it when you land in South Korea.
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Choose a planPlans
Unlimited day passes
2GB a day at full speed, then 128 kbps with no cutoff. Days count in 24-hour blocks from when it first connects there.
Which plan for your trip
The cheapest plan that lasts each trip length. Stream a lot? Take a bigger one; running low there, you can also add a plan in My cards. Not sure how much data? Work it out
How the prices compare
- South Korea starts at $1.90, the 7th lowest of 23 countries and regions in Asia.
- A week with 3GB: South Korea alone $4.90, the Asia plan covering 17 countries and regions $9.60. Going on to other countries? The Asia plan may come out cheaper.
- The longest plan, 50GB for 180 days ($37.50), is also the best value per GB, about $0.75 per GB.
How it works
- Pay for a plan and your eSIM install code arrives straight away, by email too.
- Put the eSIM on your phone: scan the QR code or install it with one tap on the phone.
- When you reach South Korea, turn on data roaming for this eSIM. Your home SIM can keep data roaming off.
Worth knowing in South Korea
- South Korea has three networks: SK Telecom, KT and LG U+. A travel eSIM runs on one or two of them; the supplier does not publish which for each plan. Weak signal? In your phone’s mobile network settings, turn off automatic network selection and try another.
- Maps: Google Maps in Korea finds buses and the metro, but its walking and driving directions are incomplete. Most people there use Naver Map or KakaoMap; install one before you go.
- Taxis: Kakao T is the app most people in Korea use.
- No Korean number: the eSIM is data only. Some Korean apps and sites ask for a local number to send a sign-up code, and those will not work with it.
- Jeju is part of Korea: the same Korea plan works there.
Check your phone first
Dial *#06#. If you see an "EID" line, your phone supports eSIM. It also has to be unlocked.
Most iPhones sold in mainland China, and many from Hong Kong and Macao, don't support eSIM. Newer mainland models such as iPhone Air and 17e do, but install the eSIM only after you arrive, with Location Services on. No EID? A physical SIM is the no-fuss option.
FAQ
How much is a South Korea eSIM?
6 plans today: 1GB for 3 days, $1.90, 3GB for 7 days, $4.90, 5GB for 14 days, $6.90, 10GB for 30 days, $11.90, 30GB for 90 days, $29.90, 50GB for 180 days, $37.50.
A week in South Korea: which plan?
A week of mostly maps and messages uses about 1.8GB, so 3GB leaves room: the cheapest is 3GB for 7 days, $4.90. Add an hour of short videos a day and a week comes to about 9GB, so take a bigger plan.
How do I get a South Korea eSIM?
Online, in three steps, with no shop to visit: dial *#06# to check an EID shows; choose the data and days for South Korea and pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay or points; install the code that arrives minutes later, and turn on data roaming for it in South Korea.
Does a South Korea eSIM work in mainland China?
A South Korea plan only gets you online in South Korea, not in mainland China. You can install it before you leave and turn on data roaming when you arrive; a mainland-China eSIM iPhone such as the iPhone Air installs it only after arriving.
Does a South Korea eSIM come with a phone number?
No. It is data only, with no South Korea number, so apps that need a local number for a sign-up code will not work with it. Your home number stays on your usual SIM, which can usually still receive text codes with international roaming on.
Will my home SIM still work in South Korea? Do I need to swap it?
No need to swap. Keep your home SIM in the phone: with international roaming on it can usually still receive text codes. Use the travel eSIM for data and leave data roaming off on the home line, so it runs up no roaming charges.
How do I get online in South Korea?
Three ways: roaming on your home SIM, at your carrier’s rates; a local SIM bought in South Korea; or a travel eSIM bought before you go. The eSIM is the least hassle: South Korea plans from $1.90, the install code minutes after paying, data on once you land.
Where do I buy a SIM for South Korea? Can I buy one at the airport?
Four places: an eSIM online, installed before you leave and on as soon as you turn on data roaming there; a SIM card from a shop at home, posted to you and swapped in on arrival; a local SIM at the airport counter or a shop in South Korea, handy but often with a queue, usually dearer than online, and in many places registered against your passport; or no new SIM, with roaming on your home line.
Is there an unlimited plan?
Yes. South Korea has unlimited day passes: 2GB a day at full speed, then 128 kbps with no cutoff, from $2.90 for one day. The largest plan by data is 50GB for 180 days, $37.50.
Does a South Korea eSIM work in Japan?
No, a South Korea plan covers South Korea only. Going to both? The Asia plan works in each, from $3.30.
Does a South Korea eSIM work in Mainland China?
No, a South Korea plan covers South Korea only. Going to both? The Asia plan works in each, from $3.30.
eSIM or SIM card for South Korea?
This destination has eSIM plans only: the install code arrives as soon as you pay, no delivery to wait for. Your phone needs to support eSIM; check it as above.
When does the plan start?
Usually from your first connection at the destination. After installing, there’s no need to turn on data roaming until you arrive.
Can I keep my home number for verification texts?
Yes. The eSIM is only for data; your home SIM stays in the phone. With international roaming on for your home SIM, verification texts usually still arrive (receiving texts is usually free; check with your carrier). Keep data roaming off on your home SIM and it won’t run up roaming data charges.
What if I run out of data or the plan ends? Can I top up?
Yes: add a plan or renew in My cards. That is the top-up, and there is no need to reinstall the eSIM.
Can I get a refund?
An eSIM that isn’t installed on a phone yet can be refunded from the order page, in full as points. Once installed or used, and for physical SIM cards, paid orders can’t be refunded on request; if something is wrong, contact support: we look into it and usually refund as points; a refund to the original payment method isn’t guaranteed.