SIM cards for South Korea: Best options for tourists

Do you need a SIM card in South Korea?

While you don’t necessarily need a SIM card in South Korea, they’re highly recommended. South Korea has excellent nationwide 4G/5G coverage, and you’ll need data to call rideshares, make restaurant reservations, and post to social media.

If you’re thinking about just using data roaming with your home mobile provider, you might want to reconsider it. While data roaming is convenient, international roaming in South Korea can cost US$10-15 per day. To avoid roaming charges, get a SIM card for South Korea. Both local SIMs and eSIMs will give you all the connectivity benefits of data roaming, without the hefty price tag.

Can I use my US phone in South Korea?

Most US cell phones work in South Korea. However, you should check your device for a few things before your trip. First, your phone needs to be compatible with South Korean networks. Most South Korean 4G networks operate on 850, 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz, and 5G operates on 3500 MHz. If you have a smartphone supporting 4G or 5G, you won’t have a problem connecting to a South Korean carrier, but if your phone operates on 2G or 3G, it may not be compatible.

Secondly, you need to make sure your iPhone is unlocked. Some mobile devices are carrier locked, which means that they only work with a certain mobile provider and won’t be able to connect to a South Korean network. Similarly, if your phone is country locked, you won’t be able to use it abroad.

To check whether your phone is locked, open your settings app. On an iPhone, select “General” and then “About” to see whether you have any restrictions. On an Android device, select “Connections” and then “Network operators.” If you have multiple available, your phone is unlocked. Contact your home carrier if you have further questions.

Best SIM card options for South Korea

To get mobile data in South Korea without roaming, you have three main options: a local prepaid SIM card, an eSIM, and a pocket Wi-Fi. For most travelers, an eSIM is the best SIM card option for South Korea because it provides reliable, high-speed data without any extra hassle, but depending on your unique needs, a local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi could fit the bill. Let’s explore each option in-depth.

Local prepaid SIM cards (SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+)

South Korea has three main mobile carriers: SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. These providers offer prepaid SIM cards that are perfect for tourists who will only be in the country for a short time. All three providers offer unlimited data for similar prices. However, the plans differ in terms of length, speed, and add-ons. If you need to contact South Korean numbers, a local SIM card may be a strong option.

SK Telecom offers multiple unlimited data prepaid SIM cards, and all plans also include local calling and SMS. You can choose different SIM cards depending on the length of your trip:

• 3 days for KRW 18,000 (US$12.20)

• 5 days for KRW 27,500 (US$18.64)

• 7 days for KRW 35,000 (US$23.73)

• 10 days for KRW 38,500 (US$26.10)

• 20 days for KRW 60,500 (US$41.02)

• 30 days for KRW 71,500 (US$48.47)

KT, previously known as KT Olleh, also offers SIM cards with unlimited data, and you can add up to 60 minutes of local calling for an additional fee. KT’s standard SIM card prices are the same as SK Telecom’s, but it also offers special tourist package deals, where you can bundle SIM and transportation cards:

•  3 days for KRW 16,200 (US$10.97)

•  5 days for KRW 24,700 (US$16.73)

•  7 days for KRW 31,500 (US$21.34)

• 10 days for KRW 34,600 (US$23.44)

• 15 days for KRW 49,500 (US$33.53)

• 30 days for KRW 64,300 (US$43.55)

Similar to KT, LG U+ offers prepaid SIM cards with the option to add on local calling for an additional rate. LG U+ prices its tourist SIM cards by speed, so you will pay more for 5G connectivity. Plans include:

When you use a local SIM, you’ll need to physically swap out your home provider’s SIM card and replace it with your Korean SIM card. Make sure you put your home SIM in a safe place so you don’t accidentally damage or lose it during your trip.

eSIM for South Korea

For many tourists, an eSIM for South Korea is the most convenient, cost-effective option. An eSIM is a virtual SIM that uses preinstalled technology to allow smartphones to connect to foreign carriers without the need for a physical card.

The benefits of an eSIM for South Korea include:

• Automatic activation.

• Affordable plans with easy online top-ups.

• Reliable high-speed data access from all three major South Korean carriers.

• No need to physically swap out cards.

• An option to use one eSIM for Asia plans for multi-country trips.

• Increased security features.

In general, when it comes to the eSIM vs. physical SIM debate, an eSIM offers more flexibility and convenience.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Pocket Wi-Fi is an alternate connectivity option that generates a private Wi-Fi network. If you’re traveling with your family or a large group, a pocket Wi-Fi can be a good option because you can all connect to the same device. However, you need to make sure your pocket Wi-Fi device is with you and charged. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to access the internet.

You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi at South Korea’s major airports, including Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae, for a daily rate, but remember to return it before your flight home.

Where to buy a SIM card in South Korea

In South Korea, you can buy a SIM card at the airport, a carrier shop, or a convenience store, and if you think ahead, you can also buy one online before you travel. We’ll walk you through all your options.

At the airport (Incheon, Gimpo, and Busan)

All three of South Korea’s major mobile providers (SK Telecom, LG U+, and KT) have official retail booths within South Korea’s main airports. To get your SIM card at the airport in Korea, simply walk up to one of the provider booths. You’ll be asked to provide your passport for verification, and then the attendant will help you activate your SIM.

You’ll find a SIM card at each of South Korea’s major airports:

• Incheon International Airport. SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ each have multiple booths in the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrival halls, including 24-hour locations.

• Gimpo International Airport (Seoul). Enter Gimpo’s arrivals hall and then walk towards Gate 1. There, you’ll find booths for SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. 

• Gimhae International Airport (Busan). The Gimhae arrivals hall has booths for SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ on the first floor. All three major carriers operate in the international arrivals area.

These airport counters are extremely convenient but also slightly higher priced than other retail locations. If you don’t speak Korean, the airport counters are your strongest option for buying a SIM card in-person in South Korea because the staff typically speak English.

Carrier shops in Korea

If you want to skip the higher airport pricing, you can pick up a SIM card at a carrier shop. You can easily find retail locations for SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ in most urban and tourist areas. The staff will be able to help you choose the SIM for your needs and get it activated, but if you don’t speak Korean, you may run into a language barrier. Plus, you won’t be able to use data to call a rideshare into the city center or look up a shop’s address.

Convenience stores

Korean convenience stores like 7-Eleven, GS25, and CU generally sell prepaid SIM cards. They’re a good option for grabbing or topping up a SIM on the go. However, it’s important to remember that the convenience store cashier won’t know much about the specifics of each card, and if you don’t speak Korean, you may struggle to find the right plan for you.

Online before you travel

If you don’t want to worry about tracking down a SIM card when you arrive, consider ordering one online before you travel. SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ allow you to reserve a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport when you arrive.

However, if you want internet access as soon as your plane lands, try buying an eSIM for South Korea online before your trip. Once you arrive in South Korea, your eSIM will activate automatically.

How much does a SIM card cost in South Korea?

A SIM card in South Korea generally costs US$4-55, depending on your plan length, whether you get any add-ons, and where you buy it. A three-day unlimited data SIM card for a weekend trip generally costs around KRW 18,000 (US$12), with week-long SIMs costing KRW 35,000 (US$24) and month-long ones sold for KRW 71,500 (US$49). If you want to add local texts or calling, extra fees may apply, and LG U+ charges premium rates for 5G speeds.

💡 Pro tip: South Korean SIM cards generally cost more when you buy them at the airport. For better rates, consider booking in advance with a local Korean or international eSIM provider.

Conclusion: What’s the best way to stay connected in South Korea?

If you want to use the internet while traveling in South Korea, an eSIM is going to be your best bet. For most tourists, an eSIM offers a winning combination of reliable data access, fast setup, and affordable rates. However, if you’re going to need to make local calls and texts in Korea, a local SIM card may offer a stronger value.

If you end up choosing an eSIM for your trip, you can’t do better than Saily. Saily is a trusted eSIM app with advanced security features, 24/7 support, and flexible data plans. Download the Saily app to get your South Korean eSIM plan!