SIM Cards in South Korea: the Best Options for Travelers

Let’s discover what SIM cards in South Korea are offered for tourists by local operators and international providers to use mobile Internet. We will describe in detail the data plans of local mobile providers and compare them with the cost of services of eSIM innovative technology, popular among tourists. You will also learn where and how to buy SIM cards in South Korea.

What SIM cards are available in South Korea

The best SIM cards in South Korea for tourists are prepaid starter packages. They can be divided into 2 groups:

1. Physical SIM cards. 2. Virtual eSIM cards.

In total, there are three mobile operators in the country. There are many official outlets in the country, and if you speak Korean, it won't be difficult to understand the terms and conditions of starter packages. In Seoul's Dongdaemun district, English-speaking consultants will assist you.

There is one more important point: some SIM cards in South Korea do not work with blocked phones from Japan, Canada or the USA.

In order not to waste time studying the terms of connection of South Korean operators and looking for points of sale, we recommend a more convenient solution — eSIM technology. All you need is a smartphone that supports virtual chip technology.

The eSIM virtual card is a better choice for a number of objective advantages:

• a smartphone with an eSIM virtual card also supports the use of nano-SIM;
• eSIM is a built-in chip that does not need to be inserted or removed from a smartphone, so it cannot be lost, replaced, broken or stolen;
• the same eSIM chip can be used for data plans of different providers;
• virtual technology supports operation not only with smartphones, but also with tablets, smart watches and other gadgets.

Any tourist can refuse the services of South Korea's mobile operators in favor of a more convenient and profitable virtual card.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in South Korea

To buy a prepaid SIM card in South Korea, a visitor to the country will need a passport as well as an alien registration card.

There are two ways to pay for the service:

1. Prepaid. 2. Payment for services actually provided.

You will need to pay a little less than $8 for a SIM card, while you can replenish your account for the amount of $16 or more at your discretion. Services are available at all mobile operator offices, as well as through a phone call to the subscriber department.

Where to buy an international SIM cards for South Korea

SIM cards in South Korea are sold at airports in major cities, such as Incheon Airport near Seoul or Busan-Gimhae near Busan, the second largest city of the country. There are also major airports on Jeju Island and near the city of Daegu.

If you're not in a hurry, it's a good idea to buy starter packs from local mobile operators outside the airport. The further away from major transportation hubs, city centers and popular attractions, the cheaper they are.

Search for sales points of a SIM card in Seoul and other cities by these inscriptions: KT, SKT, LG U+. Starter packs are also available at large convenience stores. You can find them at GS25, CU, Seven Eleven.

Don't want to waste time dealing with communication issues when you arrive in the country? Order an international SIM card for South Korea on Amazon or eBay. But you should understand that it will take some time for a starter pack to be delivered to your country. And the choice of data plans on international marketplaces will be limited.

An easier way to provide yourself with mobile Internet before flying to Seoul is to activate eSIM technology. This is possible if the smartphone manufacturer has provided such an option. It is usually available in flagship models and smartphones in the premium price segment. You can check whether your device supports such a function on this page of the service.

Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work

The best prepaid SIM cards in South Korea

Let's understand the basics of the data plans of international providers and local mobile operators in South Korea.

1. Yesim

To activate mobile internet, which is available in most countries of the world, you need to download the Yesim app, choose a data plan and activate the service directly on the operator's website.

Actual data plans are:

• 3 GB for 7 days — 9 EUR;
• 5 GB for 15 days — 13 EUR;
• 10 GB for 30 days — 18 EUR;
• 20 GB for 30 days — 28 EUR.

2. SC Telecom

The operator offers starter packages with the traffic from 300 MB to 35 GB, SMS messages and unlimited calls in all data plans. The cost is from $23 to $85 depending on the traffic volume.

3. Olleh KT

This operator offers data plans with traffic from 300 MB to 30 GB at about the same prices. Some packages have a limit on video calls and mobile TV.

4. LG+U

The operator offers starter packages with unlimited SMS and phone calls. The traffic volume is from 300 MB to 6 GB. Starter packages cost from $26 to $38, there is an offer with unlimited internet for $46 per month.

The main obstacle a traveler faces when buying a starter package is the language barrier. Installing the Yesim mobile app on your smartphone is a great way to stay in touch without having to delve into the intricacies of South Korea's mobile pricing market.

Read also: 11 best travel apps

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Frequently asked questions about how to get SIM cards in South Korea

How much does a SIM card in South Korea cost?

You have to pay from $8 for a physical SIM card in South Korea, after that you should replenish your account with any amount you want, but not less than $16.

Can I buy a SIM card in Seoul airport?

Yes, starter packages are sold at Seoul and Busan airports, as well as at airport terminals in other major cities in the country.