Best Korean SIM Cards for Korea Travel and Expats

While traveling to South Korea is an exciting experience, it’s also important to share the experience with family and friends back home. Even though Korea is a heavily wired country, with various stations and cafes offering free Wi-Fi, it isn’t always a guarantee that you’ll have internet with you.

That’s why I’d recommend getting a Korean sim card – while living in Korea, I used a prepaid sim card for 3 years. Having a local SIM card means you’ll always have fast and reliable internet without needing a hotspot to stay online.

In South Korea, several mobile operators offer both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards with a range of data and calling plans that can be quite customized. Before selecting a plan, remember to check if your phone is unlocked and compatible with Korean networks.

To check, try using a SIM card from another network and see if it works. If you have an iPhone, you can also look in your settings by searching “Carrier Lock” to see if there are any restrictions. If there aren’t any, your phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked, please visit a mobile phone store to have it unlocked.

Make sure that your phone can support LTE data that operates on bands 3, 8, and 26. If your phone doesn’t have this feature, it should at least connect at 3G speeds using the WCDMA 2100 MHz frequency. If you’re not tech-literate and want support, try consulting Will My Phone Work to see if your phone works in Korea.

Popular networks like KT Olleh, SK Telecom, and LG Plus offer plenty of plans for those planning to stay in Korea long-term. However, short-term prepaid options exist for foreigners who plan to stay in Korea for less than a month, and you can buy a SIM card in advance or at the airport. 

For 3 years, I used an Olleh sim card that I refilled with 2 gigabytes of data per month for around $20USD. Foreigners coming for shorter trips, like a week or less, may opt to try an eSIM, a digital SIM card that offers more flexibility. But before you purchase an eSIM, check if your device is compatible with it using the GSMGarena site.

1. Prepaid SIM Cards

These hassle-free chips let you access mobile data and communication services during your stay. While many providers offer decent plans for travelers, some prepaid services might have reduced access to certain services (so read carefully before committing to a plan). 

Also, there are plenty of convenient ways to top up your prepaid SIM, such as visiting a top-up site, downloading their app, or finding a physical store. Most expats recommend Chingu Mobile for short-term stays because it provides decent service across the country. If you’re looking for exceptional long-term support, try Woori Mobile.

The best thing about signing up for either service is that you don’t have to provide an Alien Registration Card number, though if you want to keep using the service, you can connect it later once you have your ARC card.

Note that before buying a SIM, you have to check your phone specifications to determine what kind of SIM card it needs (Standard, Micro, or Nano-SIM). All you have to do is open your SIM slot to note your type. 

2. eSIM Cards

You can also try using an eSIM. These are digital versions of prepaid SIM cards that are becoming increasingly popular among expats in South Korea. Since they are digital, you do not need to physically insert a card into your device.

Instead, it requires you to download a profile to your phone, and you’ll be connected instantly, much like with an online bank account in Korea. Another advantage of using an eSIM is that some providers have coverage in multiple cities.

If you think an eSIM is exactly what you need, check out the prices offered on sites like Nomad, Airhub, and eSIM Korea. If you want to explore other options, WHIZ, Frewie, and Klook also have eSIM cards for cheaper rates.

3. Korean Phone Carrier SIMs

Another way to enjoy seamless long-term service is to register with a main local telecom company, such as LG U+, SK, and KT. Their postpaid plans might offer better value in terms of pricing and features than constantly charging a prepaid SIM.

However, remember that these options require you to sign up for a contract or provide additional documentation, such as your passport, a local address, and an Alien Registration Card. Also note that you may have to provide an advance payment of ₩200,000 (~$150USD).

SK Telecom

SK Telecom is one of the leading telecommunications providers in South Korea, well-known for being the fastest in terms of download speed for 5G networks internationally. It’s also referred to as the best Korean Telco, which means it’s the most expensive mobile operator for postpaid plans in the country.

The cheapest 5GX Plan with unlimited data costs ₩89,000 (~$65USD) per month, but the cheapest plan without unlimited data (₩69,000 or ~$50USD) already provides a generous amount of data (100GB) before speeds get restricted. You can also enjoy a budget 5G plan for ₩60,000 (~$45USD), which lets people enjoy 37-99 gigabytes of high-speed data.

For foreigners who commit to a year-long stay teaching in Korea (via the EPIK program), SK Telecom also partnered with Kimchi Mobile to help ease costs for private academy teachers affiliated with Korvia, who actually helped me find my placement in Korea in 2016.

You can enjoy unlimited data, calls, and text messages for a year—by availing of this 12-month mobile plan, you also enjoy discounted rates throughout the year. However, it's important to note that if you terminate the contract prematurely, the discounted amount will need to be repaid. 

KT Olleh

KT Olleh, another popular choice by locals and my network of choice, delivers top-notch high-speed internet and comprehensive mobile services across the country. They offer a variety of SIM cards tailored to various needs, including options created for tourists.

Among these, the 4G Prepaid SIM Card from Klook stands out as an exceptional choice for people staying up to 30 days. This specific card gives you unlimited data without any limits on use, ensuring that you can remain connected during your visit.

Moreover, if your stay extends up to 90 days or longer, KT Olleh also has appropriate SIM card options to accommodate longer visits in Korea.

LG U+

Last but not least is LG U+, known for being the third-largest wireless carrier in South Korea. Despite the cybersecurity issues that hit the company early in 2023, LG U+ is still a trusted mobile carrier because they come up with plenty of options travelers can choose from, and fans of BTS can enjoy a range of prices if they purchase or reserve a product on the LG U+ website.

The only downside is that if you choose to buy a “data-only” eSIM from LG U+, you may be given a 012 area code instead of the usual 010. This may cause you problems if you try using this for queue number ticketing or reservations.  

Incheon Airport

As soon as you touch down at Incheon Airport, there are plenty of stations where you can get a SIM card. You can buy one quickly and directly from SK, KT, and LG U+ stands near exits 10-11 of Terminal 1 or Exits 4-5 of Terminal 2.

Note that the lines can be long and it may take awhile before your number gets called, so to avoid the hassle, try purchasing from trusted third-party sites like Trazy, Klook, and Get Your Guide and you can either have the SIM cards delivered to your home or claimed at the booth as soon as you exit customs.

Through these channels, you can also get a free T-Money card, a handy reusable card that lets you navigate the Seoul metro with ease, and which you can top up at any convenience store. 

Seoul

In Seoul, there are plenty of options for purchasing a SIM card. Every station you exit, there’s always a handy major telecom provider’s store nearby (and you can find them by searching for “텔레콤” (tellekom) in your preferred mobile map app. Make sure you have your passport and Alien Registration Card (if you have one) in order to register.

Outside Seoul

In far-flung parts of South Korea, like Busan, Daegu, or Gangneung, the process of purchasing a SIM card is similar to that in Seoul, with telecom stores located throughout the city.

Remember to carry your passport for identification, and consider choosing an unlimited data SIM card for convenience and value. Doing so takes away the need to stop by convenience stores or any Wi-Fi hub to top up your SIM.

When choosing a Korean SIM card, it’s important to think about the different data plans and packages. These will help you with your communication and work needs in the country. There are many choices that match different things you might need, like calls, SMS, and data packages.

Sometimes there are helpful promos that offer mobile fee discounts for foreigners, but these may have limited benefits and may be a little inconvenient, especially if you’re using more internet due to work or other reasons (like mobile gaming or constantly connecting with family back home).

If having a lot of data is important to you but you’re only planning to stay for a short period of time, you can still find prepaid SIM cards that give you short-term access to large or unlimited data, or you can just get the “data-only” plans.

For instance, plenty of unlimited data SIM cards offer great value for short-term travelers under $50USD per month, like KT’s 30-day plan or SK’s Chingu Mobile’s Unlimited Data Plan.

Klook

When looking for a Korean SIM card, Klook is a top platform to consider. They offer the KT Olleh card, which provides unlimited data for stays of 30 days or less. There is also no fair usage policy, making it an attractive option if you rely heavily on internet access.

The Klook website is user-friendly, allowing you to easily browse and compare South Korean SIM card options. However, remember to read customer reviews and be aware of potential affiliate links on their site if it sounds too positive of a review.

Trazy

Another platform worth checking out is Trazy. They offer SIM cards with competitive pricing and package options. When browsing Trazy, you can find detailed descriptions that outline the coverage, data limits, and network providers. Remember to read the website's information and customer reviews to ensure you're making an informed decision.

Amazon

Amazon is a well-known online marketplace where you can find various Korean SIM card options, almost all of which can be shipped to any country. While shopping on Amazon, look for reputable brands like LG U+, SK, and KT. Be cautious of third-party sellers and read product reviews to verify the authenticity and quality of the SIM cards. 

Jeju Island

If you plan to only visit Jeju Island, purchasing a SIM card locally may be the most convenient choice, especially on a last-minute trip. You can find Korean SIM cards at airport kiosks, convenience stores, or even at more general electronics stores.

Do some research to find the best option for your needs before arriving at Jeju Island, as the selection may be limited during lower tourism seasons. Check product descriptions and consult with store staff for recommendations.

Airalo

Airalo is a popular option for eSIMs, offering reliable connectivity for your trip to South Korea. To use this service, all you have to do is download the Airalo app, choose your destination and preferred package, and they will send you a QR code that activates your eSIM.

For Korea, it only offers LG U+ eSIMs with unlimited data for 10 days ($32USD) or for 30 days ($62USD). But if you want to explore other options, you should also consider their Discover+ eSIM plans, though they do not provide unlimited data. 

Frewie

Frewie is another option travelers trust to get eSIMs for South Korea. Frewie offers a wide range of eSIM data plans for various durations and capacities. It also provides a comprehensive guide to eSIM-compatible devices and an installation guide for Android and iOS users.

The installation process is slightly different from Airalo's, but it’s the best option if you’re looking for a cheaper option. 

There is also another option that lets you utilize roaming services from your home carrier.

Roaming costs can be quite expensive, as you might end up paying high charges for calls, texts, and data usage, which is why I highly recommend that you get a local SIM card to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Depending on the plan, you can get a South Korean number (which is a requirement for signing up for banks, websites, and apps like maps, transportation, and food/item delivery services) and typically unlimited data or a set amount of data at 4G/5G speeds.

Another option is to consider getting a Prepaid International SIM Card by TravelSim, which lets you keep your existing SIM card and stay up to date with your socials. All you have to do is top up your eSIM through your online TravelSim account.

For those traveling with family or friends, you can also try using a Wi-Fi egg, which is a portable device that lets you connect to the Internet on the go and provides unlimited data in most cases. 

Major companies like SKT, KT, and LG U+ offer Wi-Fi eggs with various plans that can save you a bundle if you don’t need to have a local phone number. You can also consult third-party services like Klook, Trazy, PocketWiFi Korea, and WiFi Egg Korea if you want cheaper options.

This eliminates the need to purchase a local SIM card, and you can trust that you will stay connected at all times. While relying on public WiFi has advantages, you should keep in mind that connection quality and speed can be inconsistent. Moreover, you may need to constantly register for sites to use certain hotspots, which can be mentally exhausting.

Lastly, you should be vigilant about using public channels because these may pose cybersecurity issues. To mitigate these risks, use a Virtual Private Network, turn off sharing, avoid “fishy-looking” websites, and use two-factor authentication where appropriate.

Before traveling to South Korea, you may want to check international calling rates provided by your local carrier. Keep in mind that the rates for international calls can vary depending on the SIM card you choose.

It’s important to understand your phone company’s charges for international calls, texts, and data before you travel. This way, you can avoid any surprises on your bill.

When you’re in South Korea, you can expect top-notch network coverage and Internet speed. Whether you have chosen SK, KT, or LG U+, or affiliate or separate networks, note that having a Korean SIM card grants you access to their strong 4G LTE coverage, which blankets almost the entire nation.

This means that you will definitely have a taste of the super-fast internet speeds the country is famous for without constantly needing to try to connect to public Wi-Fi. You can smoothly browse the web, watch videos, and use social media without any trouble.

This fantastic connectivity also makes your overall experience of the country better, especially if you spend a lot of time on buses or trains.