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

Whenever people ask me which travel eSIM is the best in South Korea, I recommend this easy-to-install eSIM that has been booked 100k+ times. It offers fast 5G speeds, nationwide coverage from the local telco SKT, and unlimited data for 1-30 days. Alternatively, I also like using BNESIM, which has been voted the World’s Best Provider for 5 years. Their South Korea eSIM starts from just $1.83, and you can book here with our promo code TRAVLISTS to get a 30% discount.

In a nutshell

• Best local eSIM providers. If you want to use a prepaid eSIM from a local carrier in Korea, you can get one from SK Telecom here or KT here. These two are the most popular networks among locals. (I have been a KT subscriber for five years and have never encountered any issues with the network.)
• Unlimited data eSIMs for Korea. Heavy internet users who need nonstop data can get this Korea eSIM from Klook. They have all-you-can-use data plans from $6.75. I also recommend this 5G eSIM from Yesim, which offers a free VPN along with unlimited data. Get $5 off when you use our Yesim promo code TRAVLISTS2025.
• Korea eSIM with phone number. Need to make calls and texts while traveling? You can get this eSIM with a local number (+82) offered by LG U+ in Korea.
• Regional eSIMs. If you need coverage in South Korea and other countries, you can use this Asia eSIM from Airalo or this affordable Korea, Japan, and China eSIM from Nomad.

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 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 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 five years now. We tested their eSIM in South Korea, and we liked how easy it was to set up (single-click installation) and how we were able to gather ultra-fast 5G speeds in Seoul. While BNESIM offers cheap data plans starting at $1.8, their service is very premium. Here are the features that you can enjoy:

• One-click eSIM installation for iOS & Android devices
• Mobile hotspot
• 24/7 support
• 5% cashback
• Referral program: Get 2 BNE Coins (worth $2) for every successful referral
• Optional military-grade VPN
• Optional international phone number

BNESIM is also very generous with their promo code offers. You can get up to 30% discount when you book with our promo code TRAVLISTS below:

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. LG U+	1-30 days	Book from $3.89 ➜
2. Klook	1-20 days	Book from $6.75 ➜
3. KT	1-90 days	Book from $4.59 ➜
4. Yesim	1-30 days with free VPN	Book from $7.7 ➜
5. SK Telecom	3-30 days	Book from $12.05 ➜
6. World eSIM	3-30 days	Book from $20 ➜
8. Airalo	10-30 days	Book from $32 ➜
9. Ubigi	7-30 days	Book from $32 ➜

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.

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 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. BNESIM

Best Overall

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.

2. Jetpac

Free Airport Lounge Access*

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.

3. SK Telecom (SKT)

Best Local Provider

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]…”

4. Yesim

Unlimited Data + Free VPN

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. LG U+

With Phone Number

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.

6. KT

Long-term eSIM

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

7. Ubigi

Reusable eSIM

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. Their eSIM comes with a 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 or 1-25GB for 7-30 days, mobile hotspot, reusable eSIM, and unique offline top-up feature
• BEST REVIEW: “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…”

8. Nomad

24/7 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 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 $5
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 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.

9. Airalo

Popular

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…”

10. World eSIM

Recommended for First-Time eSIM Users

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: Unlimited data for 3-30 days, optional Korean phone number (+82), mobile hotspot, referral program & nationwide coverage in South Korea powered by SKT

Free Trial eSIMs for South Korea

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:

• GigSky (free 100MB data)
• Roamless (free 100MB data)

SIM Cards vs. eSIMs

While eSIMs are now widely used by tourists in South Korea, physical SIM cards that can be picked up at Incheon International Airport are still available. Click here to see the best 5G option from KT (booked more than 800,000 times!).

Seoul Travel Deals

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