When visiting Korea, a stable internet connection is essential. From navigating Seoul’s subway to translating restaurant menus and posting photos of palaces or K-pop street shows, having a local SIM card or eSIM saves time, money, and stress.
Korea has excellent mobile networks, and there are many options for travelers—from physical SIM cards you can collect at the airport to modern eSIMs you can activate before landing.
Here are the 10 best SIM cards and data solutions in Korea for tourists, what they offer, and why you might choose one over the others.
1. LG U+ Tourist SIM
Why it’s good:
LG U+ is one of Korea’s three biggest carriers. Their tourist SIM is perfect if you want fast, nationwide coverage with simple pricing.
Best for:
Travelers who want a physical SIM card ready to use at the airport.
Those who need unlimited data and good call quality.
Features:
Unlimited 4G/LTE data (speed may slow after a certain limit, but still fast enough).
Free incoming calls and texts, with optional voice minutes.
Convenient pickup at Incheon or Gimpo airport.
2. S.K. Telecom (SKT) Prepaid SIM
Why it’s good:
SKT is Korea’s largest and fastest mobile network with incredible coverage, even in rural areas.
Best for:
Travelers going outside Seoul, into smaller cities or hiking regions.
Those who need a reliable connection 24/7.
Features:
Unlimited 4G/LTE data packages from 5 days to 90 days.
Free incoming calls and texts.
Hotspot (tethering) supported on most plans.
3. KT (Olleh) SIM Card
Why it’s good:
KT (also known as Olleh) is very popular with tourists because of its strong urban network and affordable short-term packages.
Best for:
Travelers staying mainly in Seoul or Busan.
Data-focused users who want a simple, short-term SIM.
Features:
Unlimited data with 5G in major cities.
Free Wi-Fi access at KT hotspots around the country.
Affordable plans for 5–30 days.
4. Korea SIM Card (General Airport Option)
Why it’s good:
Many vendors at airports sell “Korea SIM Card” packages, which are partnerships with local carriers.
Best for:
Tourists who forgot to order online and need a SIM immediately on arrival.
Travelers staying less than a month.
Features:
Data-only or data + voice options.
Different packages depending on duration.
Available at counters in Incheon, Gimpo, and Jeju airports.
5. Unlimited Data Only SIM (Data-Only Option)
Why it’s good:
If you mainly use messaging apps like WhatsApp or KakaoTalk and don’t need a local phone number, a data-only SIM is the cheapest choice.
Best for:
Social media users.
Digital nomads who communicate online only.
Features:
Unlimited data, usually no voice or text services.
Available from major carriers and online booking sites.
6. Airalo eSIM (South Korea)
Why it’s good:
If your phone supports eSIM, Airalo is one of the most convenient options—no need to visit a store or pick up a SIM.
Best for:
Travelers who prefer to activate before arriving.
Short-term visitors (7–30 days) who just need data.
Features:
Data-only plans (1GB to unlimited for 7–30 days).
Easy to install using a QR code sent by email.
Very competitive pricing.
7. eSIM South Korea (Various Providers)
Why it’s good:
Multiple providers (Nomad, Holafly, etc.) now offer eSIMs for South Korea, each with slightly different packages.
Best for:
Travelers who do not want to swap physical SIM cards.
People visiting multiple countries who want multi-region eSIMs.
Features:
No physical pickup required.
Flexible data packages.
Works as soon as you land, as long as your device supports eSIM.
8. Incheon Airport 4G SIM
Why it’s good:
This is a pick-up option at Incheon Airport, ideal if you want to arrange online and collect right after landing.
Best for:
Tourists arriving at Incheon and want to connect immediately.
People who want a simple, prepaid, physical SIM ready on arrival.
Features:
Packages for 5, 10, 20, or 30 days.
Unlimited 4G data.
Staff help with installation.
9. Klook SIM Card Packages
Why it’s good:
Klook (a travel booking platform) allows you to pre-book SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi and pick them up at the airport.
Best for:
Tourists who like to book everything online in advance.
Travelers looking for discounted deals.
Features:
Wide selection of SKT, KT, and LG U+ SIMs.
Sometimes cheaper than buying directly at the airport.
Easy to cancel or change dates if your travel plans shift.
10. KT Corporation eSIM / SIM
Why it’s good:
KT Corporation also offers direct eSIM packages for tourists in addition to physical SIM cards.
Best for:
Travelers who want to buy from a trusted carrier directly.
Those staying longer than a week.
Features:
Unlimited data with strong city coverage.
Pickup at airport kiosks or QR activation.
Extra benefits like KT Wi-Fi hotspot access.
Comparison Table –
|
SIM Card / eSIM
|
Best For
|
Approx. Price Range (USD)
|
Pickup / Activation
|
Data Limits
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LG U+ Tourist SIM
|
Balanced coverage and value
|
$25 – $60 (5–30 days)
|
Airport pickup (Incheon/Gimpo)
|
Unlimited 4G (speed slows after ~10GB/day)
|
|
SK Telecom (SKT)
|
Best coverage (cities + rural)
|
$30 – $70 (5–30 days)
|
Airport pickup, city centers
|
Unlimited 4G (high speed)
|
|
KT (Olleh)
|
City travelers, affordable
|
$25 – $60 (5–30 days)
|
Airport pickup, city centers
|
Unlimited 4G/5G
|
|
Korea SIM Card (Generic Airport)
|
Last-minute travelers
|
$25 – $60
|
Purchase at airport kiosks
|
Unlimited 4G (varies by vendor)
|
|
Unlimited Data-Only SIM
|
Data-heavy users, no calls
|
$20 – $55
|
Airport pickup or online order
|
Unlimited data, no calls
|
|
Airalo eSIM
|
Tech-savvy travelers
|
$4.50 – $20+
|
Instant QR code (online)
|
Data-only (1GB–20GB or unlimited)
|
|
Other eSIM Providers (Holafly/Nomad)
|
Multi-country travelers
|
$19 – $50+
|
Instant QR code (online)
|
Unlimited data options
|
|
Incheon Airport 4G SIM
|
Quick airport setup
|
$25 – $65
|
Incheon Airport pickup desk
|
Unlimited 4G
|
|
Klook SIM Packages
|
Discount hunters, planners
|
$20 – $60
|
Pre-book online, collect at airport
|
Unlimited 4G/5G
|
|
KT Corporation eSIM/SIM
|
Trusted local carrier
|
$25 – $60
|
QR code (eSIM) or airport pickup
|
Unlimited 4G/5G
|
Key Tips for Tourists:
Passport needed: For physical SIM cards, you must present your passport at pickup.
Coverage: SKT has the widest coverage, KT is great in cities, LG U+ is a strong budget option.
eSIMs: Perfect if your phone supports it (iPhone XR+, Samsung Galaxy newer models).
