Pocket WiFi in South Korea: Your complete 2026 guide

Yes, South Korea is famous for being one of the most connected countries on earth. But the reality? Free public WiFi exists in cafes and subway stations, but it's often slow, requires Korean phone verification, or simply doesn't reach where you need it. 

Pocket WiFi solves that problem. Here's everything you need to know to stay connected.

What is pocket WiFi and how does it work?

Pocket WiFi (called a "WiFi Egg" or "WiFi Dosirak" in Korea) is a small, battery-powered device that connects to local 4G or 5G networks and creates a private WiFi hotspot. Once switched on, your phone, laptop, or tablet connects to it just like any other WiFi network (no SIM swapping required).

For travelers in South Korea, the appeal is straightforward. Most pocket WiFi units support 3 to 10 devices simultaneously, making them ideal for couples, families, or groups sharing one rental. You keep your home SIM card (and your phone number for calls and texts), while the pocket WiFi handles all your data needs.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Battery life: Most devices run 6–9 hours on a full charge. If you're out all day exploring Bukchon Hanok Village or hiking in Seoraksan, bring a power bank.
• Coverage: South Korea's networks (SKT, KT, LG U+) offer excellent coverage in cities and tourist areas. Even Jeju Island and the DMZ have solid signals. Remote mountain trails might have weaker reception.
• Fair usage policies: Some "unlimited" plans may throttle speeds after heavy usage (streaming movies all day, for example). For typical tourist usage (maps, messaging, social media) you won't hit these limits.

Even with these considerations, pocket WiFi remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways for travelers to get online in South Korea.

Top providers and prices in South Korea

Here are six leading pocket WiFi rental options available to travelers visiting South Korea, covering a range of budgets and needs:

1. KT Pocket WiFi

KT is one of South Korea's "Big Three" telecom providers and offers the most popular pocket WiFi rental among tourists, with over 800,000 bookings on major travel platforms. The device provides unlimited 4G LTE data with nationwide coverage.

Pricing starts at $2.98/day or $37.23/month (30-day base). The device supports up to 3 simultaneous connections and offers battery life depending on the model: MKL-E2000 – 10 hours, IML520 – 16 hours, IML540 – 9.5 hours, HW-E5885 – 30 hours. 

Pickup is available at Incheon Airport (both terminals), Gimpo Airport, and Gimhae Airport in Busan. Requirements include a valid ID (passport or alien registration) and a credit card in your name for the deposit; debit cards are not accepted. 

The main advantage is KT's reputation for reliable speeds and coverage. The downside? The 3-device limit may not suit larger groups.

2. WiFi Dosirak

WiFi Dosirak offers pocket WiFi rentals across Korea with full 4G LTE coverage. The service provides fast internet at affordable prices, allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously. Each device can be used by up to 5 people, though 2–3 users are recommended for optimal performance.

The daily rental fee is $1.96 for 2GB or $2.64 for unlimited data. Discounts apply from the 6th day, reducing the price to $1.56 /day for 2GB and $2.10/day for unlimited. Battery life varies depending on usage.

Pickup and return are available at Incheon Airport (Terminals 1 & 2), Gimpo Airport, Gimhae Airport, Daegu Airport, Cheongju Airport and SEOUL Customer Center. To pick up the device, present your reservation confirmation voucher. 

Devices must be returned before going through the departure process. Late returns must be shipped via EMS, DHL, or other international carriers, with shipping charges and additional rental fees paid by the customer.

3. SK Telecom (SKT)

SK Telecom (SKT) T Wi-Fi Router is South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, known for the best nationwide coverage and fast speeds. The daily rental provides unlimited 4G LTE data, with a maximum speed of 20 Mbps. 

Each device supports up to 3 simultaneous connections and can be used with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Battery life runs approximately 6–8 hours, and a complimentary power bank may be included depending on availability.

Rental fees start from $8.14 for 2 days, with options available up to 5 days for $18.26, all on unlimited data plans. Devices can be picked up at Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, Gimhae Airport, and Jeju Airport, and a credit card and passport are required for the security deposit. Debit cards are not accepted.

Lost or unreturned devices incur a $67.71 fee. Rental periods can be extended by contacting the customer center. Devices must be returned on time, as rental fees and loss fees will be charged automatically if the device is not returned within the rental period.

4. LG U+

LG U+ Pocket WiFi stands out for supporting up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for larger families or groups. The device provides unlimited data (after the daily 4GB limit, speeds continue at up to 5 Mbps) and a battery life of around 7+ hours. 

Daily rental typically costs ~$4–5/day when booked through the official site or travel platforms. Pickup is available at Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae Airports, and a credit or debit card is required for the deposit. 

LG U+ offers excellent coverage in urban areas and major tourist destinations, though it has the smallest market share among Korea’s Big Three carriers. A free power bank may be provided, and up to 3 reservations per passport are allowed. 

Any loss or damage must be reported immediately, and fees apply if the device is not returned; fees are refunded if the device is recovered within 14 days. For rental extensions or questions, you can use the chat service on the LG U+ website.

5. Korea Wireless

Korea Wireless (operated by the same company as Japan Wireless) caters specifically to international tourists and offers multilingual customer support seven days a week. Their pocket WiFi provides unlimited 4G LTE data across South Korea, supporting up to 6 simultaneous devices. 

The pocket WiFi lasts about 16 hours on a single charge. It costs $4.10 per day, and you can pick it up at Incheon (Terminals 1 & 2), Gimpo, Gimhae airports, or Busan Harbor.

Rental packages include the WiFi router, USB cable, AC adapter, and travel pouch at no extra charge. SIM cards are also available as an alternative and do not require return. Reservations must be made online before pickup, and devices should be returned at the dedicated counters.

6. Pocket WiFi Korea

Pocket WiFi Korea operates on KT’s network and provides unlimited 4G LTE data with nationwide coverage. The device supports up to 3 simultaneous connections and offers a battery life of approximately 8 hours. 

Daily rental starts from $3.99/day, and no deposit is required, though a credit card registration is needed for potential loss or damage fees. Pickup and return are available at Incheon Airport (Terminals 1 & 2), Gimpo Airport, and Gimhae Airport.

With over 350,000 satisfied customers, the service is praised for reliability, simplicity, and straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Pocket WiFi Korea also offers discounts for multiple device rentals, instant confirmation upon online booking, and 24/7 customer support. 

Quick comparison

Pros and cons of using pocket WiFi in South Korea

Pocket WiFi offers a convenient way to stay connected while exploring South Korea, but it's not perfect for everyone. Here's what you need to know:

Pros

• Connect multiple devices at once: One pocket WiFi can handle 3–10 devices simultaneously. Families or groups can share a single rental instead of buying separate SIM cards for everyone - splitting a $3/day rental between four people costs less than $1 each.
  
• No phone unlocking required: If your phone is carrier-locked or you don't want to swap your SIM card (and lose your home number), pocket WiFi lets you get online without touching your device settings. You can still receive calls and texts on your regular number.
  
• Private and secure connection: Unlike public WiFi at cafes or airports, your pocket WiFi creates a password-protected network that only you and your travel companions can access. No security risks from shared networks.

Cons

• Higher cost than eSIM for solo travelers: At $2–5 per day, pocket WiFi rentals can add up. An eSIM from providers like Airalo or Nomad might cost $4–14 for a week of data, which is significantly cheaper if you're traveling alone.
  
• Another device to manage: You'll need to keep the pocket WiFi charged, carry it everywhere (if you leave it at the hotel, no internet), and remember to return it before your flight. Lose or damage it, and you're facing replacement fees of ₩150,000–200,000 ($100–150).
  
• Requires credit card for pickup: Unlike eSIMs that activate instantly, pocket WiFi requires a credit card (not debit) in your name for the security deposit at airport pickup. If you don't have one, this option isn't available to you.

Alternatives to pocket WiFi in South Korea

If carrying an extra device doesn't appeal to you, an eSIM is the simplest alternative. These digital SIM cards install directly on your phone via QR code - no physical card to swap, no device to carry or return. 

Here are three top eSIM providers for South Korea:

1. Holafly

Holafly is the go-to choice for travelers who want unlimited data without tracking gigabytes. Plans are duration-based (5 to 90 days), with pricing that works out to roughly $6.90/day for short trips down to $2.55/day for longer stays.

• Unlimited data on SK Telecom and LG U+ networks
• 5G/4G speeds with excellent coverage in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju
• Share data via hotspot (up to 500MB/day)
• 24/7 customer support and instant delivery via email

2. Airalo

Airalo is the budget-friendly option with the most flexibility, offering both capped data bundles and "unlimited" plans. Prices range from $4 for 1GB (3 days) up to $49 for 50 GB (30 days). Unlike Holafly, Airalo does not currently offer unlimited data plans for South Korea.

• Works on LG U+ network with local speeds
• Easy management and top-ups through the Airalo app
• Best for light to moderate data users who want cost transparency

3. Nomad

Nomad offers flexible eSIM plans for South Korea, with options for both capped data and unlimited use. Their plans start small for short trips or light users, and scale up for heavier usage or multi-country travel. The eSIM connects to SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ networks, delivering reliable 4G/5G speeds across the country. 

• 1GB/7 days ($4) up to 20GB/45 days ($24), unlimited plans $11–$31 for 3–10 days
• Multi-country eSIMs available (China-Japan-Korea combo)
• Add-on data purchases available if you run low

eSIM comparison