Access to the internet is even more important as a traveller – uploading photos, using social media, and finding your way around with Google Maps and public transport information are just a few examples of when you will need it. Purchasing an eSim for South Korea is a great affordable option to ensure you have access to phone data during your visit.
The eSim function is available on all more recent generation mobile phones – before choosing one of the e Sim Korea options below, check whether your phone is eSim compatible, and also ensure your phone is not locked to a specific carrier. If you have an older phone which is not eSim compatible, then check out the options to either purchase a prepaid Korea sim card or rent a pocket wifi for Korea.
Korea eSim Plan Summary of Recommended Options
For those just looking for some quick recommendations for the best Korean eSim plan for tourists without reading the whole article, below is a summary of our recommended options.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ubigi 5G eSim for Korea (use Coupon Code PRETRAVELLER to get your 10% discount)
- 5G connectivity is available in Korea at no additional cost (with a 5G compatible device)
- Use coupon code PRETRAVELLER to get your 10% discount
- A great option for high, medium and low data users.
- Instant confirmation, rechargeable, the Ubigi eSim app can be used in over 190 countries.
- 30 days 3GB/$US 9, 10GB/$US27
- Monthly, Annual Plans and Asian region eSim plans also available
KRSIM eSim RED (use coupon code pretraveller to get a 5% discount)
- Korea only eSim with unlimited 4G data (no high speed data allowance), plus incoming phone number for Korea.
- Instant confirmation. Can recharge by buying another package.
- Also get 30% off Everland Theme Park tickets
- 1 day/$US 5, 3 days/$US 13, 5 days/$US 20, 10 days/$US 27, 20 days/$US 43, 30 days/$US 50
- Unlimited data only. Next day confirmation. Rechargeable.
- Can be used in over 100 countries.
- 6 days - first 6GB at high speed / $US 17
- 8 days - first 10GB at high speed / $US 24
- 14 days - first 15GB at high speed / $US 31, first 30GB at high speed / $US 41
- 30 days - first 15GB at high speed / $US 35, first 30GB at high speed / $US 45
- Unlimited data. Instant confirmation. Rechargeable.
- 1 or 10 countries, no talk or text. Click through for multi country pricing information.
- Korea only, low data usage: 3 days/1GB/$US 5, 5 days/3GB/$US 7, 14 days/3GB/$US 10, 30 days/3GB/$US11
- Korea only, 30 days: 5GB/$US 17, 10GB/$US 30, 15GB/$US 40, 20GB/$YS 54, 30GB/$US 72
- Korea only, daily 500MB high speed data allowance: 7 days/$US 12, 14 days/$US 23, 30 days/$US 36
- Korea only eSim with unlimited 4G data, plus incoming phone number for Korea.
- 3GB per day high speed data allowance
- Instant confirmation. Rechargeable.
- Can be used in over 190 countries
- 10 days/$US 32, 30 days/$US 62
Why Purchase a Korea eSim Plan?
Many accommodation options have guest WiFi, but when you walk out the door, you will not have cost effective access to data – and you really need it for a whole range of reasons, including using public transport timetables, platforms and stations; as well as for using map apps like Naver Map and KakaoMap to get around. Google Maps has pretty limited usefulness in South Korea. Check out our article on the best apps to load onto your phone for your trip to South Korea.
Data only eSim plans along with apps such as Skype or Whatsapp should suit most people. Consider setting up a Skype number so you can easily call people, and they can easily call you.
eSim Korea Prepaid Options
Which Korea e sim plan will best suit your needs for your trip to South Korea? The answer to this question depends on your individual needs with considerations such as:
- How long will you be travelling?
- What will you be using the data allowance for?
- How often will you need to use data?
- Will you require voice and SMS services or data only?
This article provides an overview of the features and costs for our recommended Korea travel esim options. Several of our eSim South Korea providers include an incoming phone number for South Korea, where you can receive calls and text messages for free but cannot make outgoing calls.
Below are details of the data only eSim options for South Korea for travel for 30 days or less. Click on the links to check out further information and to make your booking.
For Korea eSim cards you should receive your eSim booking details either instantly or within 24 hours of placing your order, so this is a much faster option if your phone is a newer generation phone. Make sure you check before booking whether your cell phone can be used with an eSim, as only newer phones have this feature. Also, ensure your phone is unlocked to enable you to use the eSim option.
Costs are accurate as of October 2022, but prices may go up or down depending on product pricing, exchange rate changes and various promotions offered by the different providers. This article will be periodically updated to reflect the latest prices.
Ubigi Korea eSim (use coupon code PRETRAVELLER to get your 10% discount)
The Ubigi eSim is a great option to have instant access to data when travelling to South Korea, and includes free 5G access with a 5G compatible device. Ubigi is also able to be used in over 190 countries, so is a great option if you are planning a multi-country trip or travel overseas regularly.
The Korea eSim option is a great option for medium and high data users, with low, medium and high data options available as detailed below.
- 30 days, 3GB for $US9, 10GB for $US27
- Asia monthly 5GB for $US24, Annual 24GB for $US78
- Asian Region eSim, 1 day/500MB for $US3, 30 days/1GB for $US12, plus monthly Asian plan options available.
Korean eSim RED (use coupon code pretraveller to get a 5% discount)
The Korea SIM unlimited data eSim is a great option to have instant access to data when travelling to Korea. You will also be allocated a Korean phone number, which you can use to receive incoming phone calls only. No outbound calls are possible.
A free T-Money card for Korean public transportation will be provided if a 5 day or longer package is purchased. You can collect in Incheon Airport T1 or T2 after arrival. Credit must be loaded to use this card.
There are six options which are detailed below, which all include unlimited 4G data.
- 1 day for $US 5.
- 3 days for $US 13.
- 5 days for $US 20.
- 10 days for $US 27.
- 20 days for $US 43.
- 30 days for $US 50.
Klook eSim
The Klook eSim is a great option to have instant access to data when travelling to Korea. It is also able to be used in over 100 countries, so is a great option if you are planning a multi-country trip.
The first data allocation is at high speed, and you then get unlimited data at slower network speeds.
There are four Klook eSim data only options as detailed below:
- 6 days – first 6GB at high speed / $US 17
- 8 days – first 10GB at high speed / $US 24
- 14 days – first 15GB at high speed / $US 31, first 30GB at high speed / $US 41
- 30 days – first 15GB at high speed / $US 35, first 30GB at high speed / $US 45
Get Your Guide eSim
The Get Your Guide eSim is a great option to have instant access to data when travelling to Korea for between 3-31 days. It is also able to be used in Korea only, up to 10 countries so is a great option if you are planning a multi-country trip.
The 10 countries plan includes South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
The included data in your purchased plan is at high speed, and you then get unlimited data at slower network speeds. You can also recharge your plan as required.
For each time period there are different high speed data options. For High Use options you will pay between $US 10-55, and for low use options you will pay between $US 9-23.
Airalo eSim for Korea
The Airalo eSim is a great option to have instant access to data and a phone number for incoming calls only when travelling to Korea. Airolo is also able to be used in over 190 countries, so is a great option if you are planning a multi-country trip or travel overseas regularly.
The Airolo South Korea eSim options are great for medium and high data users, with options available as detailed below.
- 10 days, $US 32
- 30 days, $US 62
You may also like to check out the following articles:
Best Sim Card in Korea for Tourists [2024]
Best Korea eSim Plan for Tourists [2024]
Best Tourist Pocket Wifi for Korea [2024]
Join the South Korea Travel Planning Facebook Group
Check out our South Korea Travel Planning Facebook Group – you are welcome to join and it is a great resources to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to South Korea!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Anne Sutherland-Smith is the creative force behind Pretraveller.com, a travel blog that specializes in offering insightful guidance for exploring Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Her passion for these diverse and dynamic regions shines through in her expert advice, particularly in helping travellers stay connected with the latest in SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIMs.
With an unquenchable thirst for Asian and Oceanian cultures, Anne has carved out a niche as a knowledgeable guide for those venturing into the bustling streets of Tokyo, the historical alleys of Kyoto, the vibrant scenes of Seoul, the scenic landscapes of Australia, the vibrant markets of Hong Kong, or the futuristic cityscape of Singapore. Her articles are full of practical tips and detailed information, ensuring travellers are well-equipped for their journeys.
Anne’s approach is grounded in providing reliable, authoritative travel content that enhances the travel experience. From navigating the complexities of digital connectivity on the go to immersing in the local culture, her advice is designed to make travel both enjoyable and seamless.