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SIM Cards
Staying connected in South Korea is easier than ever, thanks to fast 4G/5G networks and affordable prepaid options. In this guide, we compare the best SIM and eSIM providers for 2025 including KT, SK Telecom, LG U+, Holafly, Nomad, and Airalo. Whether you want unlimited data, a budget-friendly short-term plan, or instant eSIM activation before you land, these are the top ways to stay online across Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and beyond.
South Korea ranks among the world’s fastest mobile nations, with SK Telecom delivering median speeds over 200 Mbps and 5G that rarely drops, even underground or in the mountains. That means wherever you go, you’ll have world-class data at your fingertips.
In this guide, we break down how to tap into that power: local SIMs from SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ for unbeatable coverage, and eSIMs from Holafly, Nomad, and Airalo for instant setup. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a semester, these are the best ways to stay connected.
Now that you’re connected… here are some fun facts about South Korea you might not know!
The cost of a SIM card in South Korea depends on your length of stay, data needs, and whether you choose a physical SIM or eSIM. In general, expect to pay between $5 and $50 USD for most short-term prepaid plans.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay from leading providers in 2026:
| Provider | Plan Type | Data / Duration | Price | Notes |
| KT (Olleh) | Data Only | 3 GB per day @ LTE, 1-day plan | $4.60 | Great for short visits or layovers |
| SK Telecom | Unlimited LTE | 10-day plan | $27.50 | Premium 5G network, free incoming calls |
| LG U+ | 3 GB per day @ 5G | 5-day plan | $19.60 | Includes free T-Money card for transport |
| Chingu Mobile | Basic Plan (C) | Unlimited @ 3 Mbps | $18 | Affordable option for Samsung & iPhone |
| OneSimCard (eSIM) | Global Data | From $0.01 per MB | Flexible | Works in 200+ countries, no expiry |
| Wraptel (eSIM) | Global Pay-as-You-Go | Data from $0.01 per MB | Flexible | Keep unused airtime for future trips |
Want to see your Pocket WiFi options in South Korea? Dive into the best deals and pick the one that’ll keep your crew online while exploring!
If you want data the moment you land, the smartest move is to pre-order an eSIM or travel SIM online before your flight. That way, you’ll get a QR code for instant activation or a ready-to-pick-up SIM at the airport.
A SIM card for South Korea is one of the easiest ways to stay connected while you travel. Below are six reliable providers that offer great coverage, fair prices, and easy setup for visitors.
LG U+ is one of Korea’s top carriers and a go-to choice for travelers who want strong 5G coverage and consistent speed across the country. Its SIM cards come with unlimited data and a free T-Money card for public transport on 3-day plans or longer.
With pickup available at all major airports and English-speaking staff, LG U+ makes staying connected in South Korea fast, easy, and stress-free.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| 1-Day Pass | 3 GB @ 5G + unlimited 5 Mbps after | $4.60 | Quick 24-hour plan for layovers |
| 3-Day Pass | 9 GB (3 GB/day @ 5G) + unlimited 5 Mbps after | $12.90 | Includes free T-Money card |
| 5-Day Pass | 15 GB (3 GB/day @ 5G) + unlimited 5 Mbps after | $19.60 | Voice/text add-ons optional |
| 10-Day Pass | 30 GB (3 GB/day @ 5G) + unlimited 5 Mbps after | $27.50 | Ideal for short-term travelers |
| 30-Day Pass | 90 GB (3 GB/day @ 5G) + unlimited 5 Mbps after | $51.10 | Includes Korean phone number + pickup at any airport |
Chingu Mobile has quickly become one of the most trusted SIM card providers for foreigners in South Korea. Travelers consistently highlight its affordable pricing, easy setup, and fast activation, along with friendly multilingual staff who help customers in several languages.
Plans range from basic unlimited 3 Mbps data options to high-speed 5G packages with generous daily data and hotspot support.
| Plan | Data | Price | Features |
| Basic Plan (C) | Unlimited @ 3 Mbps | $18 – $36 | Budget option for Samsung & iPhone; unlimited calls + texts |
| Basic Plan (A) | Unlimited @ 3 Mbps | $20 – $50 | Works on all smartphones; hotspot available |
| SpeedUp Plan (C) | 11 GB + 2 GB/day @ 150 Mbps (then 3 Mbps) | $29 – $86 | Fast data for Samsung & iPhone; unlimited after cap |
| SpeedUp Plan (A) | 11 GB + 2 GB/day @ 150 Mbps (then 3 Mbps) | $32 – $93 | Compatible with all devices; hotspot enabled |
| Medium Plan (B) | Unlimited @ 5 Mbps + 38 call minutes | $24 – $71 | Allows number retention when leaving Korea |
KT Corporation (Olleh) is one of South Korea’s “Big Three” telecom giants, known for fast speeds, strong coverage, and reliable customer support. While not the cheapest option, it remains a top choice for short-term visitors who want a seamless connection and the backing of a major national network.
| Plan type | Data | Price | Features |
| Data Only | 3 GB/day @ LTE + unlimited 5 Mbps | $4.60 – $102 | Great for travelers who only need data; includes free transport card on 3-day+ plans |
| Data + Voice | 3 GB/day + ≈ 60 voice min | $16 – $106 | Includes local calls and texts; ideal for mid-length stays |
| Data & Travel | 3 GB/day + optional top-up for calls | $12 – $102 | Flexible plan for light call users; easy to extend or recharge online |
SK Telecom is South Korea’s largest telecom operator and a pioneer in 5G technology. It’s widely trusted for its unmatched speed, coverage, and network stability, making it the go-to provider for visitors who want a trouble-free connection from arrival to departure.
Though priced slightly higher than competitors, it delivers premium performance and customer support that justify the cost.
| Plan duration | Data | Price (USD) | Features |
| 2 Days | Unlimited LTE @ 100 Mbps | $8.50 | Best for layovers or weekend trips |
| 3 Days | Unlimited LTE @ 100 Mbps | $12.80 | Full-speed data for short stays |
| 5 Days | Unlimited LTE @ 100 Mbps | $19.60 | Includes free incoming calls/texts |
| 10 Days | Unlimited LTE @ 100 Mbps | $27.50 | Popular choice for tourists |
| 15 Days | Unlimited LTE @ 100 Mbps | $39.30 | Longer trip plan with recharge options |
| 30 Days | Unlimited LTE @ 100 Mbps | $51.10 | Perfect for students or remote workers |
| 90 Days | Unlimited LTE @ 100 Mbps | $102.00 | Best for extended visits |
OneSimCard, operated by the U.S.-based Belmont Telecom, is a long-running international SIM provider recommended by outlets like PC Magazine, CNN, and The New York Times.
It’s a premium choice for global travelers, offering strong connectivity in Korea via SK Telecom, flexible data plans, and no contracts or expiration hassles.
| Feature | Details |
| Data Rates | From $0.01/MB (with plan) or $0.20/MB (pay-as-you-go) |
| Calls | Free incoming; outgoing from $0.39/min |
| SMS | Free incoming; outgoing from $0.15–$0.45/message |
| Coverage | 200+ countries including South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. |
| Extras | Add U.S., Canada, or UK number; online top-up; optional VoIP app |
Wraptel, based in Canada, focuses on no-hassle global SIM and eSIM solutions for travelers who want flexibility over contracts. It’s known for its no-expiry airtime, transparent pricing, and reliable worldwide connectivity, making it a convenient pick for anyone who travels frequently.
| Feature | Details |
| Data | From $0.01/MB, charged in 10KB increments |
| Calls | Pay-as-you-go; billed per 20 seconds |
| SMS | Free incoming texts in all countries |
| Coverage | 400+ global networks across 200+ countries |
| Extras | Add a U.S., UK, or Canadian number; VoIP app with free inbound calls |
If you want to skip the airport SIM line and get connected the moment you land, an eSIM is the easiest option. Below are some of the most reliable eSIM options for South Korea in 2026.
Why travelers love it:
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 1 Day | Unlimited | $6.90 | Ideal for quick stopovers |
| 5 Days | Unlimited | $20.90 | Great for short trips |
| 10 Days | Unlimited | $36.90 | Balanced option for tourists |
| 15 Days | Unlimited | $50.90 | Longer stay, no throttling |
| 30 Days | Unlimited | $74.90 | Best value for month-long visits |
If you want to see how the Holafly eSIM works and whether it’s right for you, read our full guide next.
Why travelers love it:
| Duration / Plan | Data | Price | Notes |
| 7 Days | 1 GB | $6 | Budget option for light users |
| 30 Days | 5 GB | $14 | Great balance of data & value |
| 30 Days | 10 GB | $17 (*sale) | Most popular plan |
| 3 Days | Unlimited | $11 | Perfect for quick visits |
| 10 Days | Unlimited | $31 | Hassle-free data for longer stays |
* Pricing accurate as of October 2025 based on Nomad’s official website.
Curious how Nomad eSIM compares? Read our detailed breakdown of its features and pricing.
Why travelers love it:
| Duration / Plan | Data | Price | Notes |
| 3 Days | 1 GB | $4 | Short-stay plan on KT network |
| 7 Days | 3 GB | $9 | Great for light users |
| 15 Days | 10 GB | $19.50 | Longer travel flexibility |
| 10 Days (LG U⁺) | Unlimited | $32 | Strong 5G signal, great for streaming |
| 30 Days (LG U⁺) | Unlimited | $62 | Premium unlimited plan |
If you’re deciding between Airalo vs Nomad, our full comparison breaks it down clearly.
The top SIM cards for travelers in South Korea are from KT (Olleh), SK Telecom (T world), and LG U+. All three offer reliable nationwide 4G/5G coverage, unlimited data options, and easy setup at airports or online.
Yes, foreigners can easily get a SIM card in South Korea. Short-term visitors (under 90 days) typically choose prepaid or travel SIMs, while residents or students can get monthly plans after registering an ARC.
Yes, most 7-Eleven stores in South Korea sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists and locals. These SIMs are typically from major carriers like KT, SK Telecom, or LG U+, and can include data-only or voice + data options.
Yes, you can easily buy a SIM card at Incheon International Airport. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have telecom booths from KT (Olleh), SK Telecom (T world), and LG U+ located near the arrival gates.
If your phone supports it, getting an eSIM is usually the better and more convenient option for Korea. With an eSIM, you can activate it instantly online and it’s also easier to keep your home number active while using Korean data at the same time.
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The best global eSIM provider
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A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
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Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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