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12 Best Korea eSIM for Tourists: Unlimited Data & Calls

Use an eSIM in South Korea to enjoy instant connectivity and 5G speeds. If you are a heavy internet user, we recommend getting this South Korea eSIM with unlimited data from SKT, one of the major networks in the country. Alternatively, you can get this travel eSIM on Klook starting at only $1.45.

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In a nutshell

  • Do eSIMs work in South Korea? Yes, tourist eSIMs work well in South Korea. We recommend getting one from a Korean telco like KT, SKT (SK Telecom), or LG U+. By doing so, you can get the same internet connection as locals do.
  • Which South Korea eSIM has unlimited data? Nomad and Yesim are popular virtual SIM cards with uncapped data. Our team at Travlists also recommends this Korea eSIM with unlimited data from Klook. It is affordable (less than $10), easy to install, and consistently fast.
  • Is there a Korea eSIM with phone number? No, there’s not one that’s sold online. Getting a Korean phone number requires identity verification (KYC), so you will need to visit a local KT or SKT store and show your passport. However, if your trip requires you to get a phone number that is not necessarily issued in Korea (starts with +82 010 xxx xxx), you can get BNESIM’s eSIM here and add an international mobile number. Alternatively, you can get a physical SIM card with a Korean number here.
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Using an eSIM in South Korea

Do eSIMs work in South Korea? Many of my friends who visited 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 or Gimpo airport. Second, it supports mobile hotspot. You can then use your eSIM like a pocket WiFi that connects multiple devices. (The Korea 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, scan the QR code (or install the provider’s app), and activate the eSIM the moment you arrive in Korea. To learn more, read these reviews from travelers who have used Klook’s South Korea eSIM for their trip.

Best Travel eSIM 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 four years now. While they offer cheap 5G data plans starting at $4, their service is very premium.

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I have tested BNESIM in Seoul, and it got me connected to local networks like SK Telecom (SKT) and KT. We also like that their app allowed us to install their eSIM in a single click. What’s more, they offer a 30% discount, which is one of the most generous offers for tourists.

Bestselling eSIM for Korea on Klook

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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 $1.45 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 to use an eSIM and want a simple way to connect online.

Top South Korea eSIM Providers

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

1. SK Telecom (SKT)

4G/5G Korea eSIM with Unlimited Data

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PRICE: From $12.9
NETWORK: SKT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 3-30 days, mobile hotspot (share your data!), incoming calls and texts, & nationwide coverage

Our first South Korea eSIM provider that we recommend is SK Telecom or SKT. They are a leading network in Korea that is trusted by tens of millions of locals, foreign residents, and tourists. This is also the bestselling eSIM on Klook with more than 30,000 bookings.

“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]…”
Customer review for SKT eSIM

2. Jetpac

4G/5G Korea eSIM with $1 Plan

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PRICE: From $4
NETWORK: KT and SKT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1-30GB data redeemable within 1 year, validity of 30 days once connected to an overseas network, free lounge access in case of a flight delay (registration required)

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly data plan, consider Jetpac. This eSIM provider has a $1-for-1GB plan that is among the cheapest in the market. Jetpac, which is owned by the Singaporean telco Circles.Life, also brings up their eSIM game a notch by providing free airport lounge access to their users whose flight gets delayed.

3. BNESIM

Best Overall eSIM Provider

PRICE: From $3.89
PROMO CODE: 30% off with coupon code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: KT and SKT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Fixed, daily, or monthly 500MB-100GB data, mobile hotspot, responsive customer support, optional VPN, optional international phone number, & nationwide coverage in South Korea powered by KT and SKT networks

Our next Korea eSIM recommendation is BNESIM, voted the world’s best eSIM provider for four years now! With their affordable SIM card for Korea, you can enjoy one-click eSIM installation, 5G connectivity powered by SKT and KT, mobile hotspot with no throttling, and an intuitive eSIM management app for iPhones and Android phones. What’s more, you can even add a VPN or international phone number to your eSIM.

“Pricing is very reasonable, and support is responsive”
Customer review for BNESIM eSIM on TrustPilot

4. Nomad

South Korea eSIM Provider with 24/7 Support

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PRICE: From $4
PROMO CODE: 5% off with our Nomad eSIM promo code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: KT and SKT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited or fixed 1-20GB data valid for 1-30 days, mobile hotspot, & reliable customer support

Our team at Travlists and Tripcky recommend Nomad for their round-the-clock customer support. More than their fast 5G internet speeds with unlimited data offer, Nomad stands out to us for how responsive they are to their customers. 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.

“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”
Customer review for Nomad eSIM on TrustPilot

5. KT (formerly KT Olleh)

Korea eSIM with Unlimited Data

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PRICE: From $12.89
NETWORK: KT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data at 4G/5G speeds for 3-30 days, mobile hotspot (share your data!), incoming calls and texts, & nationwide coverage in South Korea

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 personally am 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.

6. Ubigi

Fastest eSIM for South Korea

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PRICE: From $5
PROMO CODE: 10% off with our Ubigi promo code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: SKT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited or fixed 500MB-25GB fixed data allocation valid for 1 day-1 year, 5G connectivity, mobile hotspot, reusable eSIM, and unique offline top-up feature

Another renowned global eSIM brand is Ubigi, 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 that you can view here. Their eSIM also comes with a unique function: you can top-up your plan even with no internet connection. This is perfect if you suddenly exhaust all your data while in the middle of your trip.

“Thank you for making getting internet access on my trip seamless! Won’t ever be going through my home provider again with this [eSIM] option”
Customer review for Ubigi eSIM on TrustPilot

7. Airalo

Most popular eSIM for South Korea

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PRICE: From $32
PROMO CODE: 10% off with our Airalo promo code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: LG U+
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data valid for 10 or 30 days, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in South Korea powered by LG U+

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.

8. Yesim

Souuth Korea eSIM with VPN

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PRICE: From $7.7
PROMO CODE: Get €3 off with our Yesim promo code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: SKT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited or fixed 3-20GB valid for up to 30 days, mobile hotspot, VPN for iPhones, and nationwide coverage from SK Telecom

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.

9. World eSIM

Recommended for first-time eSIM users

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PRICE: From $20
PROMO CODE: 5% with our promo code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: SKT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 3-30 days, 5G plans, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in South Korea

If you’ve never used an eSIM before or have been frustrated with your experience with another provider, then World eSIM is for you. The same company that made Japan’s bestselling Ninja WiFi brings World eSIM, the better way to stay connected in South Korea. What we love about World eSIM is their simple and intuitive platform and unlimited data plans that first-time eSIM users will like.

10. LG U+

South Korea eSIM with Unlimited Data

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PRICE: From $12.55
PROMO CODE: 10% off with code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: LG U+
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Unlimited data for 3-30 days & mobile hotspot

LG U+ is another telco in South Korea that has eSIMs readily available for tourists. A close friend of mine who is a Korean 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 have 5G capability, so you can enjoy a high-speed internet experience as you explore Hongdae, Myeongdong, Itaewon, and more.

11. Roamless

South Korea eSIM with In-app Calls

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PRICE: From $10.95
PROMO CODE: Get $5 credit with coupon code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: SKT and KT
WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1-5GB data plans, free trial (100MB), and in-app calls

While it is not yet possible to get a Korea eSIM with a local phone number (starts with 010+), you can still make calls in Korea and 200+ destinations with Roamless. This eSIM provider offers in-app calling to 200+ destinations starting at only $0.01 per minute (works very much like Skype). If you do not necessarily need a Korean phone number, this digital SIM card is perfect for you.

12. GigSky

South Korea eSIM with Free Trial

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PRICE: From $0
PROMO CODE: 10% off with GigSky coupon code TRAVLISTS
NETWORK: GigSky
WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1-10GB fixed data, free trial, mobile hospot, and nationwide coverage

Trusted by Visa and Apple as one of their first eSIM partners, GigSky is one of the most reputable eSIM providers for tourists today. They are the first provider to launch virtual SIM cards with a free trial (no strings attached) and also the first to launch cruise plans. If you would like to try one of the best eSIMs for South Korea, sign up here and receive your free 100MB worth of data from GigSky.

South Korea eSIMs with unlimited data

Klook’s eSIM for South Korea has unlimited data plans starting at $6.7. This is one of the most popular options for tourists who want to have non-stop internet connectivity.

Other great alternatives include the following:

PROVIDER DURATION PRICE
1. SK Telecom ➜ 3 days $12.55
2. Ubigi ➜ 7 days $32
3. KT ➜ 3 days $12.89
4. Yesim ➜ 1 day $7.7
5. Nomad ➜ 1 day $2.5
6. World eSIM ➜ 3 days $19
7. Airalo ➜ 10 days $32

Two of my friends who visited me just two weeks ago purchased the Korea eSIM by Klook. One had an iPhone and another a Samsung Galaxy Phone — the eSIM worked well in both phones. To check if the same eSIM is available on your travel dates and if your device is compatible, click below:

South Korea eSIM with Phone Number

Purchasing an eSIM with a Korean mobile number is currently not available online. You will need to visit a local KT, SKT, or LG U+ store to undergo their KYC (know-your-customer) process, which involves a presentation of your passport.

If you do not want to go this route, you can simply book this SIM card that comes with a local phone number. As an alternative, you may want to get BNESIM’s Korea eSIM and add an international phone number. Learn more here.

South Korea eSIM with Free Trial

Still not sure if you want to use an eSIM in South Korea or if virtual SIM cards are for you? Try one for free — no strings attached. You can get any of the following Korea eSIMs with free data:

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