What Are The Best Travel eSIMs for South Korea?

South Korea welcomes over 10 million international tourists per year who come for its unique balance of centuries old traditions and high-tech modern culture; not to mention some of the world’s most popular boy bands (BTS).

Some of Seoul’s star attractions – Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum of Korea, and Bukchon Hanok Village, among many others – are why the city was ranked 8th most beautiful in the world by the Global Power City Index.   

If you’re thinking of travelling to South Korea, you’re going to need to think about your mobile device coverage. It should be noted that South Korea is one of the most wired countries on earth – you can find a WiFi connection nearly everywhere in Seoul. But there’s a lot more to South Korea than Seoul, and you’ll want to stay connected with the seamless data coverage and convenience of an eSIM.

With eSIM cards there’s no swapping out physical cards and you can be connected as soon as your plane touches down at Incheon International Airport. In fact, an eSIM plan can be activated on your mobile before you even board the plane.  

_{Can tourists get local eSIMs?}

The local telecom market in South Korea is dominated by three providers – SK Telecom, KT (Olleh), and LG U+. However, there are limitations for tourists when it comes to using eSIMs from these providers. As of now, these carriers do not widely offer convenient eSIMs to tourists online. For example, SK Telecom requires that you authenticate your passport information at an airport roaming centre. That’s not something you’re going to want to deal with after a long trans-continental flight.

That’s why most tourists use travel eSIM providers (like Sim Local, Airalo, and Holafly), which partner with local carriers to give solid coverage without the hassle of paperwork. You can also get a physical SIM at the airport or at convenience stores, and some local providers offer long-term prepaid plans with passport verification.

Here’s what to consider when choosing an eSIM for your trip to South Korea.

✅ Network Coverage: Ensure the provider offers robust coverage not just in Seoul but in all areas you plan to visit. Whether you’re touring the coastal roads of Jeju Island or visiting the tea plantations of Boseong, you’ll want coverage to navigate and communicate.

✅ Data Requirements: Select a plan that aligns with your data usage in South Korea to avoid additional costs.

✅ Validity Period: Match the plan's validity with the duration of your stay to maintain uninterrupted connectivity.

✅ Additional Features: Some providers offer extras like incoming phone numbers, which can be handy for restaurant reservations and other forms of digital verification. 

_{5 Best eSIM options for South Korea}

Some of the best plans for your trip to South Korea include Smartroam, Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, and Ubigi.

_{1. Smartroam}

South Korea 20 GB

Smartroam

20GB

$34.00

30 Days

Buy now

Top Seller

Sim Local’s Smartroam eSIM plans run on the SK Telecom mobile networks in South Korea, using the best available data to keep you connected. You can get a range of data-only plans, including the top seller of 20 GB for 30 Days for $34.00, or you can get smaller plans like 10 GB for $21.50. The 20 GB for 30 days is perfect for extended stays and a large bank of data, so you can be connected and share your experiences with friend, family, and followers. Those with a short stay planned will want to consider a 7-day plan with 1 GB for only $4.50.

South Korea 1 GB

Smartroam

1GB

$4.50

7 Days

Buy now

Hotspots and tethering are allowed, and you can use data-driven communication tools, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Instagram, and others to stay in touch. You also get live customer support from a real person, instant connectivity when you land, and a money back guarantee if you change your mind for whatever reason.

_{2. Airalo}

Airalo’s LG U+! eSIM plans have a limited range of options for South Korea, with only two plans available; both of which are unlimited data. You can get either 10 days of unlimited data for £25.5 or unlimited data for 30 days at £49.50. Operating on the LG U+ network, these plans are advertised as “unlimited,” but your data speed gets throttled to 5 mbps after 3 GB usage per day. It’s also a data-only service that is not compatible with Pixel devices.

_{3. Nomad}

Nomad provides flexible and affordable eSIM plans, starting at £4.64 for 1 GB for 7 days and up to 20 GB at £18.55 for 45 days. It connects users to the KT (Olleh) network in South Korea at 4G speeds. Add-ons are available too if you need more data or wish to extend a pre-purchased plan.  

_{4. Holafly}

Holafly’s customizable eSIM plans offer unlimited data coverage in South Korea. With Holafly, you don’t need to purchase an eSIM plan with a set duration. You can customize your unlimited data plan for any duration between one and 90 days, with pricing adjusted according to how many days you want coverage. Holafly also offers 24/7 customer support, immediate activation, and the ability to keep your WhatsApp number.

_{5. Ubigi}

Ubigi is another eSIM provider offering coverage in South Korea on the SK Telecom network. Data speeds are 5G on various plans that range from 1 GB for 7 days at £3 to unlimited for 30 days at £60. With Ubigi, you will receive a QR code that you can instantly activate upon arrival in South Korea. They also offer top-ups using the Ubigi app, which doesn’t require WiFi or remaining data. 

_{Try eSIM for free!}  

Still wondering about eSIM? There’s a free trial for new users!

Sim Local is offering a free eSIM trial for those looking to experience eSIM and learn more about the growing popularity of this type of mobile data coverage.   

For first time users, Sim Local is offering FREE TRAVEL DATA on a global plan for one day – no strings attached! Experience all the benefits and convenience of staying connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or those crushing roaming charges.

Start Free Trial 

Please note: Your phone must be compatible with eSIM and unlocked from its provider. Before committing to a purchase, why not download Sim Local's free eSIM to make sure your phone is compatible.