10 Best South Korea eSIMs for Tourists: Unlimited Data & Phone Number

One of the eSIMs that our team tried in South Korea is this 5G eSIM from Klook. It was easy to install on our iPhones and Android phones (we didn’t have to scan a QR code), and it gave us a stable internet connection from SKT (a major Korean network) for 10 days. We liked that the data plans are budget-friendly and that we were able to use all apps and access all sites with no restrictions. You can get the same eSIM from Klook here from just $0.8 — get a 3-5% discount when you purchase with our promo code TRAVLISTS.

In a nutshell

• Award-winning. Aside from Klook, our team at Travlists also recommends BNESIM. This brand has consistently scored the highest on all our eSIM tests, and they have also received the World’s Best eSIM Provider Award six times at the World Travel Tech Awards. If you want an easy-to-use eSIM that is light on the wallet, get BNESIM’s 5G South Korea eSIM here from only $2.9 (get 30% off when you book with our coupon code TRAVLISTS).
• Unlimited data. If you are a heavy internet user who wants a nonstop internet connection when traveling, consider this South Korea eSIM from Ubigi. They have unlimited data plans for 7-30 days and offer connectivity from SK Telecom (like Klook). I also recommend this 5G eSIM from Yesim, which not only offers unlimited data but also a free VPN for their users. Get $6 off when you book Yesim’s eSIM here using our code TRAVLISTS2025.
• Phone number. Need to make calls and texts while traveling? You can get this eSIM with a phone number (+82) from LG U+ in Korea. As an alternative, you may also get this 5G eSIM from aloSIM. It comes with a free international phone number that can make calls and texts to both overseas and local lines. (We’ve tried both, and not one failed!)
• Best local eSIM providers. If you want to use a prepaid eSIM from a local carrier or provider in Korea, you can get this unlimited data eSIM from Superalink or this 5G eSIM with unlimited data from KT. These two are the most popular networks among locals. (I have been a KT postpaid subscriber for six years now and have never encountered any issues with the network.)

Further reading: 5 Best Lounges in Incheon Airport Terminals 1 & 2

Quick Book

South Korea eSIM Data Plans with Promo Codes

Using an eSIM in South Korea

Do eSIMs work in South Korea? Many of my friends who planned to visit me in Seoul have asked me this question. Yes, eSIMs or embedded SIMs are supported in the country. In fact, local Korean telcos like KT, SKT, and LG U+ have started rolling out their own digital SIM cards, which tourists can use to connect to the internet while traveling.

Why use an eSIM in Korea, you ask? There are a lot of benefits to using an eSIM. First, it’s downloadable. This means that you will not have to physically pick up a SIM card at Incheon International Airport. Second, it supports mobile hotspot. You can use your eSIM like a pocket WiFi that connects multiple devices. (The eSIMs from Klook, BNESIM, and Instabridge all offer data sharing with no throttling.)

If you have never used an eSIM before, know that it is very simple to install and activate. All you need to do is purchase one online, scan the QR code (or install the provider’s app), and activate the eSIM as soon as you land in Korea. My friends have tried the same, and they told me that using an eSIM is definitely more convenient than using a physical SIM card.

Best eSIM Provider for South Korea

Our team at Travlists gives this title to BNESIM, which has been voted the World’s Best eSIM Provider at the World Travel Tech Awards for six years now. We tested their eSIM in South Korea, and we liked how easy it was to set up (via single-click installation) and that we were able to gather fast 5G speeds in Seoul and Busan. Plus, while BNESIM offers cheap data plans starting at less than $3, their service is very premium. Here are the features that their users get access to:

• One-click installation for iOS & Android devices
• Mobile hotspot
• 24/7 support
• Offline WhatsApp access (available in select destinations only)
• 5% cashback for e-Wallet Payments
• Referral program: Get 2 BNE Coins (worth $2) for every successful referral
• Optional military-grade VPN
• Optional international phone number
• Flexible activation (buy now, use later)

BNESIM is also very generous with promo code offers. If you are a new user, you can get 30% discount when you book their South Korea eSIM with our promo code TRAVLISTS:

South Korea eSIMs with Unlimited Data

If you use the internet for navigation, streaming, social media, communications, and work, you can get an unlimited data eSIM in South Korea. Here are the best and most affordable options:

PROVIDER	PLAN	PRICE
1. Yesim	1-30 days + Free VPN for iOS	Book from $8.4 ➜
2. Ubigi	7-30 days	Book from $32 ➜
3. LG U+	1-30 days	Book from $3.89 ➜
4. Klook	1-20 days	Book from $6.75 ➜
5. KT	1-90 days	Book from $4.59 ➜
6. SK Telecom	3-30 days	Book from $12.05 ➜
7. World eSIM	3-30 days	Book from $20 ➜
8. Airalo	10-30 days	Book from $32 ➜
9. Superalink	1-30 days	Book from $3.6 ➜

Among the options listed above, Yesim offers more value since their eSIM comes not only with unlimited data but also a free VPN for iPhones. This allows for a secure and nonstop internet connection while traveling. If you are looking for the cheapest plan, you can get the eSIM from LG U+.

South Korea eSIM with Phone Number & Calls

If your trip requires you to have a local phone number in South Korea (+82), you can easily get one from LG U+ here, SKT here, or World eSIM. Among the three, LG U+ offers data, calls, and texts for a small additional fee. (Note that to get a Korea eSIM with a phone number for calls and texts, you will need to visit LG’s counter at Incheon Airport and present your passport for activation.)

If you do not necessarily need a Korean phone number, you can get an international roaming number from Yesim here. They offer US or Canada-based numbers with a voice plan subscription that is cheaper than other carriers.

Fast and Reusable 5G eSIM from Ubigi

Ubigi may be best known for their Japan eSIMs, but their digital SIM card for South Korea is also well-loved among tourists. Similar to their offering for Japan, their 5G Korea eSIM is easy to install (via app), capable of mobile hotspot, and can be topped up offline (great in case you lose data unexpectedly).

However, the best thing about using Ubigi is that the eSIMs are reusable. Install it once, and you’ll never have to do another setup on the same phone ever again. All you need to do is purchase a data pack for any of the 200+ destinations that Ubigi serves and turn on your eSIM upon arrival.

Popular Korea eSIM on Klook

Klook has various eSIM data plans for South Korea, but the one that stands out is the one they actually supply. Klook’s very own digital SIM card sells for as low as $1.55 and has flexible plans (fixed data or unlimited data) that suit short-term and long-term travelers. But what we love about Klook’s Korea eSIM is that it does not have to be installed via a QR code, which usually requires an internet connection and another device. Instead, you can activate the eSIM on the Klook app directly. This is a great option if it’s your first time using an eSIM and you want a simple way to connect online.

Top South Korea eSIM Providers with Reviews

From local networks to popular global providers, let’s now look at the best eSIM brands for travelers:

1. Ubigi

A renowned global eSIM brand, Ubigi is best known for their reusable eSIMs that run on 5G in 40 countries. We at Travlists recommend Ubigi for their high-quality internet speeds and affordable unlimited data plans. However, we appreciate them because of this unique function: you can top-up your plan even with no internet connection. This is perfect if you suddenly consume all your data while in the middle of your trip.

• PRICE: Book here from $5
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 7 or 30 days or 1-25GB for 7-30 days, mobile hotspot, Smartstart, offline top-up, one eSIM for 200+ countries, referral rewards, & nationwide coverage powered by SK Telecom
• COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy, Crosscall, Doogee, Fairphone, Gemini, Google Pixel, Hammer, Honor, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, Nuu, OnePlus, Oppo, Rakuten, Sharp, Surface, Sony, Xiaomi, Vivo, ASUS, TCL, T-Mobile, and MyPhone.
• HOW TO USE: Install on the app or key in the eSIM details manually on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or luxury vehicle (select).
• BEST REVIEW: “Yes, I just spent 2 weeks in Korea and two months in Japan and used Ubigi the entire time. Worked great… no issues… very affordable,” reads a review on Reddit.

2. BNESIM

Having bagged the World’s Best eSIM Provider Award for five years now, BNESIM deserves the top spot. But more than the accolades, our team at Travlists could say that they are, indeed, the best international operator after testing them out. I like that their eSIMs are easy to set up, capable of sharing data via mobile hotspot, and offer fast 5G data connection powered by SK Telecom. They also have add-on features like VPN and international phone number as well as a rewarding referral program.

• PRICE: Book here from $1.86
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1-10GB for 30 days, mobile hotspot, responsive customer support, optional VPN, optional international phone number, & nationwide coverage in South Korea powered by SKT
• BEST REVIEW: “Pricing is very reasonable, and support is responsive,” reads a review on Trustpilot.

3. Jetpac

Jetpac, powered by a leading Singaporean telco, offers South Korea eSIMs with free airport lounge access (*redeemable in case of flight delays). Their eSIM, powered by KT and SKT, provides a fast internet connection and can be used in 16 countries in Asia.

• PRICE: Book here from $4
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1-40GB for 4-30, free lounge access in case of a flight delay (registration required), & coverage in 16+ countries including South Korea
• BEST REVIEW: “Been using Jetpac for [a] year now… Highly recommended,” reads a review on Reddit.

4. Yesim

Yesim is a Swiss travel communications provider known for two things: unlimited data plans and VPN for iPhones. If you need either of these two (or both!) for your upcoming trip to the K-country, you can book Yesim with our discount code to save money.

• PRICE: Book here from $7.7
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data or 3-20GB valid for 3-30 days, mobile hotspot, free VPN for iPhones, & nationwide coverage from SK Telecom
• BEST REVIEW: “They provide extensive coverage… their pricing is budget-friendly,” reads a review on Reddit.

5. Airalo

When it comes to eSIMs for tourists, Airalo is always a great option. As the first eSIM store in the world, they impress travelers with their easy-to-install eSIMs. While their plan for Korea is on the more expensive side, know that you will get unlimited data as well as some cashback for your purchase. (TIP: If you find Airalo’s Korea eSIM plan expensive, you can just book their more affordable Asia eSIM that works in Korea and 18+ countries).

• PRICE: Book here from $32
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data valid for 10 or 30 days, mobile hotspot, cashback & nationwide coverage in South Korea powered by LG U+
• BEST REVIEW: “Airalo was by far the quickest and easiest to install and so far no issue at all…”

6. SK Telecom (SKT)

SK Telecom or SKT is a leading network in South Korea that is trusted by millions of locals, foreign residents, and tourists. Their eSIM, which boasts 5G connectivity, is one of the bestselling options on Klook with more than 30,000 bookings. (My home WiFi is powered by SKT, and there was never an issue with the network.)

• PRICE: Book here from $12.05
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 3-30 days, incoming calls and texts, & nationwide coverage powered by SKT
• BEST REVIEW: “Hassle-free as the [eSIM] codes are immediately sent to your email address of choice. Once you activate it in Incheon Airport (just connect to Incheon Airport’s WiFi), you can immediately see your 4G [signal]…”

7. LG U+

LG U+ is another telco in South Korea that has eSIMs readily available for tourists. My closest friend is subscribed to the LG U+ network, and he said that he had never had issues with internet speeds and connection. LG U+ eSIMs for South Korea also come with a local phone number (+82) and 5G capability, so you can enjoy a high-speed internet experience as you explore Hongdae, Myeongdong, Itaewon, and more.

• PRICE: Book here from $3.89
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 3-30 days & mobile hotspot
• BEST REVIEW: “This [eSIM] is highly recommended! [Worked] very well everywhere. We went to Busan and different parts of [Seoul] and [had] no problem with the data,” reads a review for LG U+ eSIM Klook.

8. KT

As the country’s most popular telco that’s endorsed by top celebrities like Jennie, Korea Telecom (KT) is a brand that you can trust. I have been using KT for 7 years now (combining the period as a tourist and a resident in Korea), and I can say that I have never experienced any issues with this network. I also like that they have unlimited 5G data plans at affordable rates.

• PRICE: Book here from $4.89
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 1-90 days, mobile hotspot, incoming calls and texts, & nationwide coverage in South Korea

9. World eSIM

If you’ve never used an eSIM before or have been frustrated with your experience with another provider, consider World eSIM. The same company behind Japan’s bestselling Ninja WiFi brings World eSIM. What our team love about World eSIM is their simple and intuitive platform and unlimited data plans that first-time eSIM users will like.

• PRICE: Book here from $20
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Free trial, optional calls, unlimited data for 3-30 days, optional Korean phone number (+82), mobile hotspot, referral program & nationwide coverage in South Korea powered by SKT

10. Nomad

Our team at Travlists recommends Nomad for their round-the-clock customer support. More than their fast 5G internet speeds with unlimited data offers, Nomad stands out to us for how responsive they are to customer queries. If you ever need help installing your eSIM or troubleshooting any internet issues, you can rely on this provider for help 24/7. Plus, they are the only one in the market with an eSIM for Korea, China, and Japan.

• PRICE: Book here from $6
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 3-10 days or 1-20GB for 7-45 days, mobile hotspot, & reliable customer support
• BEST REVIEW: “This is my second experience with [Nomad,] and I am extremely happy with the service they provide. [I] chose the appropriate package for my trip in seconds with a reasonable price,” reads a review on Trustpilot.