Stay online in South Korea from the moment you land at Incheon or Gimpo. Install a data eSIM before you fly, keep your usual number for calls and texts, and use Naver Map, KakaoMap, translation apps and the subway from the arrivals hall onwards.
South Korea eSIM
South Korea eSIM plans
Every plan is data only, priced in US dollars, with no contract and nothing to return.
Our picks
Three plans we would buy ourselves, by the trip you are taking. Every plan we sell is listed below.
Short trip
4.2 GB
0.6 GB a day
7 days
A week or so away: maps, messages, rides and the odd video call.
$1.90 per GB
$7.99
Buy this planLong trip
22.5 GB
1.5 GB a day
15 days
Two weeks or more, with room for photos, streaming and work email.
$1.02 per GB
$22.99
Buy this planHeavy use
Unlimited data
15 days
You stream, work online or share your connection every day.
Full speed for the first 5 GB each day
$27.99
Buy this plan
Fixed data
One allowance for the whole trip, used at your own pace.
Daily data
A fresh allowance every day, slower above it until the next day.
Unlimited data
No cap on data, with a fair-use speed limit after heavy daily use.
Also covered by Asia Pacific
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Asia Pacific
Also covered by Global (170 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (170 countries)
Also covered by Global (75 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (75 countries)
No eSIM, no charge. If your payment goes through and we cannot issue your eSIM, we refund you in full. Refund policy
Real people. A person answers every day, 07:00 to 23:00 Paris time, within 2 hours. How we look after you
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Local networks. See which ones it uses in South Korea
Which South Korea plan fits your trip
South Korea plans come in three shapes. The plan cards above show the days and data on sale:
- Daily data suits steady use: maps, messaging, translation and social media every day.
- Fixed data gives one allowance for the whole trip, to use heavily one day and lightly the next.
- Unlimited suits heavy users, streaming and remote work. A fair-use policy applies; the plan details say how.
See fixed, daily or unlimited for how each type behaves.
Coverage across the country
South Korea has some of the best mobile coverage anywhere. Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu and Jeju are covered throughout, including the subway and the KTX high-speed trains. Signal can weaken on mountain trails in the national parks and on smaller islands, but it is rarely a problem on a typical trip.
Maps and apps to install
Google Maps works for public transport in South Korea, but its walking and driving directions are limited. Most visitors use Naver Map or KakaoMap, which have English menus, for directions and subway routes, and Kakao T for taxis. A translation app with camera mode helps with menus and signs. Install them at home, where downloads are quicker.
Arriving at the airport
Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly. When you land at Incheon, Gimpo, Busan Gimhae or Jeju, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only and keep it off on your usual SIM. You can then plan the AREX train or airport bus into the city, call a taxi or message your hotel without looking for Wi-Fi.
How much data do you need?
Most visitors use 0.5 to 1.5 GB a day for maps, messaging, translation and photos. Korea's fast networks make video and streaming easy, and those use far more: pick a larger allowance or an unlimited plan if you stream or share your connection with a laptop.
Visiting more than Korea?
The Asia Pacific plan covers South Korea together with Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other destinations in one install, and the global plans cover it too. Check the country list on the plan before you buy.
Networks in South Korea
South Korea has three main mobile networks: SK Telecom, KT and LG U+. A travel eSIM connects to one of them as a roaming partner, which is why data roaming must be on for the eSIM line. All three cover the cities, the subway and the main rail lines very well. The partner network can differ from plan to plan, so check the plan details, or ask us at support@esimlounge.com before you buy.
How to install your eSIM
Install it at home before you fly, then switch it on when you land.
Check your phone
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Most phones from the last few years do.
Scan the QR code
Scan the code from your email while you still have Wi-Fi at home. It takes about two minutes.
Switch on when you land
Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it. Keep your usual SIM for calls and texts if you like.
South Korea eSIM questions
Does Google Maps work in South Korea?
Partly. It shows public transport routes, but walking and driving directions are limited. Naver Map and KakaoMap give full directions and have English menus; install one before you fly.
Will the eSIM work in the subway and on the KTX?
Yes. Coverage in South Korea's subway systems and on the KTX lines is very good on all three networks.
Does the eSIM come with a Korean phone number?
No. The plans are data only. A few Korean apps and websites ask for a Korean number to sign up, so check the apps you plan to rely on before you fly.
Does the eSIM work on Jeju Island?
Yes. Jeju is part of South Korea and is served by Korean networks, with good coverage in the towns and along the coast.
Will I keep my phone number?
Yes. Your usual SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts, and the eSIM carries your mobile data. Keep data roaming off on your usual SIM to avoid roaming fees.
South Korea travel guides
Our guides for getting online there.
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