📶 Mobile in South Korea — eSIM, SIM Cards & Pocket Wi-Fi

 

Staying connected in Korea is easy if you choose the right option from day one. This guide explains eSIM vs physical SIM, where to buy, step-by-step activation, top-ups, and the key apps that actually require a Korean number.

 

 

🧭 Overview: Choose What Fits Your Trip

 

• eSIM (recommended) — Instant activation by QR code; keep your home number active (dual SIM). Best balance of price + convenience.
• Prepaid physical SIM — Good if your phone doesn’t support eSIM; sold at airports & convenience stores.
• Pocket Wi-Fi — Unlimited data for groups/multiple devices; no local number.

Carriers: South Korea’s main networks are SK Telecom (SKT), KT (olleh), and LG U+. Many MVNOs sell tourist eSIM/SIM on these networks.

 

 

 

📲 eSIM for Tourists — How It Works

 

Compatible Phones

• iPhone XS or newer; most recent Google Pixel & Samsung Galaxy (S20+).
• Your phone must be unlocked. Check with your home carrier before traveling.

 

Where to Buy an eSIM (Instant Delivery)

• Major carriers: SKT, KT, LG U+ (official tourist plans; airport desks or online).
• MVNO/providers: Airalo, Nomad, Ubigi, Holafly, eSIM Korea, Trazy, Klook, etc. (email/QR delivery).

Tip: If you need a Korean phone number (010) for verification (Kakao, delivery apps, some taxis), choose a plan explicitly stating “with local number”. Data-only eSIM = no SMS verification.

 

eSIM Activation — Step by Step

1. Purchase the plan → receive a QR code by email or in your account.
2. On your phone: Settings > Mobile/Cellular > Add eSIM → scan the QR.
3. Set the eSIM as Mobile Data. Keep your primary line for calls/WhatsApp if needed.
4. Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM profile (required by some providers).
5. If asked, enter the APN (see table below). Most plans auto-configure.

 

Typical Tourist eSIM Plans (Indicative)

• 3–7 days: unlimited or 3–10 GB high-speed (then throttled).
• 10–30 days: unlimited high-speed or 20–50 GB fair-use.
• Options with 010 number cost more and require passport verification.

 

 

💳 Top-Ups, Validity & ID Checks

• Validity starts at first network connection in Korea (or on purchase, depend of fournissor).
• Recharge/extend via provider app/website (credit card). Airport counters can extend some carrier plans.
• ID/passport may be required for plans with local number. Data-only eSIM usually needs no in-person ID.

Keep screenshots of your order/QR and your plan’s customer support in case you switch phones or delete the profile.

 

 

🔌 APN & Network Settings

Most eSIMs auto-configure. If data doesn’t start, add the APN manually:

 

Carrier	APN (Name)	APN (Value)
SK Telecom	APN	lte.sktelecom.com
KT (olleh)	APN	lte.ktfwing.com or alwayson.ktfwing.com
LG U+	APN	internet.lguplus.co.kr
Generic MVNO	APN	internet (check provider email if needed)

Then toggle Airplane Mode on/off or restart the phone.

 

 

🪪 Physical Prepaid SIM (If Your Phone Has No eSIM)

 

Where to Buy

• Airports (Incheon T1/T2, Gimpo, Busan Gimhae): official SKT/KT/LG U+ counters; 24/7 or extended hours.
• City stores: carrier shops, some convenience stores, big electronics malls (Yongsan, Gangnam).

Bring passport. Plans range from 5, 10, 20, 30 days (data-only or voice+SMS). Some include a 010 number for verification codes.

 

Activation & Top-Up

• Staff will cut/fit the SIM and activate on the spot; keep the SIM tray pin.
• Top-ups at carrier stores, convenience stores, or online (card). Validity extends per plan rules.

 

 

📡 Pocket Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Eggs)

• Best for families/teams: share one unlimited connection across phones, tablets, laptops.
• Pick up/return at airport counters (SKT, KT, LG U+ partners). Reserve online; daily pricing.
• No local number (no SMS). Combine with your home SIM or an eSIM if you need calls/verification.

 

📱 Must-Have Apps & Why a Korean Number Helps

• KakaoTalk — dominant messaging app; account creation/verifications easier with a local number.
• Kakao T / K-Ride / Uber Korea — ride-hailing; foreign cards accepted on K-Ride & Uber.
• Naver/쿠팡 (shopping/delivery), some banking, and certain ticketing flows may ask for a Korean number for SMS codes.

Conclusion: If you’ll open local accounts or need SMS verification, pick a plan with 010 number. Otherwise, a data-only eSIM is enough for maps, social, and rides.

 

 

🧩 Troubleshooting (Quick Fixes)

• No data? Check Data Roaming is ON for the eSIM profile; re-enter APN; toggle Airplane Mode.
• Slow speed? Move to a window/doorway (subways & basements can throttle); 5G/4G toggle can help.
• QR lost? Most providers let you reissue once via support; keep your order number.
• Dual SIM calls: set Primary line = Calls/SMS, eSIM = Data to avoid roaming fees on your home number.

 

 

🔒 Notes on Legality & IDs

• Buying a line with a local number may require passport verification; longer-term plans can require an ARC (alien registration).
• Tourist eSIM/SIM is for personal use only; tethering is allowed but check the fair-use policy.

 

✨ Summary

• Short trips: eSIM data-only (fast, simple). Add pocket Wi-Fi if you’re a group.
• Daily life tasks (apps, tickets, deliveries): choose a plan with 010 number.
• Keep your QR, provider contact, and APN notes handy.