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Will my phone work in South Korea?
Find out which options to use your phone in South Korea, from roaming to eSIM cards. Plus, learn the basics on what you need to use your phone there.
Yes, your phone will work in Korea. South Korean networks use LTE and 5G NR frequency bands, just like local carriers in the USA.
This said, you still need to consider which option is best for staying connected on your trip to South Korea. This guide will walk you through the basics and available options.
Plus, we talk about how a travel eSIM is a top-tier option to get mobile data for carrier-unlocked phones.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Can I use my phone in South Korea?
South Korea uses 18 frequency bands, most of which are also used in the USA. So, you don’t need a special “South Korea phone” to get online.
However, if your phone is carrier-locked, you’ll be limited to international roaming. Options like eSIMs and SIM cards are also available for unlocked carrier devices.
Here’s what you should know about local carriers if you plan to use your phone in Korea.
| Home country | Carriers | Will my phone work in South Korea? |
|---|---|---|
| USA | T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon | Yes, but check if your phone is carrier-unlocked |
How to use your phone in South Korea
Your US phone will work in South Korea, and you have four options to stay connected on your trip.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each option offers and how they work.
eSIM
An eSIM is the most reliable option to use abroad on eSIM-compatible phones.
A great choice is to use the Holafly eSIM for South Korea. This eSIM includes unlimited data, up to 500 MB of hotspot data, 5G data speeds, and 24/7 customer support with pricing ranging from $6.90 to as little as $1.55 per day.
Plus, you can activate your eSIM before traveling, meaning you get mobile data as soon as you land.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Roaming
T-Mobile has the Experience Plans, which offer travelers up to 15 GB of high-speed data at no extra cost. However, Experience plans themselves can cost up to $100 monthly.
But Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T users mostly rely on roaming passes. Depending on your carrier, these passes range from $5 to $55 and can include unlimited data, phone calls, and texts while using the phone service in Korea.
Physical SIM card for South Korea
If you have an unlocked carrier phone, you can use a Korea SIM card from local providers like SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+.
These plans range from ~$5 to ~$52, work for 30 days, and can include unlimited data. Phone calls and texts have a small fee based on your preferred plan.
You can find these around the country, from official stores at international airports or convenience stores like 7-Eleven or CU.
Pocket WiFi for South Korea
Using a pocket WiFi in South Korea is a reliable option if you’re traveling in groups or need to share data to work remotely.
However, pricing can be as high as $49 daily, without including add-ons like portable chargers or delivery fees.
Plus, a pocket WiFi can incur penalties if something happens to the device, adding over $200 to the final price.
You can use an eSIM as a cheaper alternative. That’s where Holafly Plans become a great option—for $64.90 a month, you get unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, and 5G data speeds.
Plus, you can use your plan in over 170 destinations without needing to add a new data plan, and it’ll cost you less than $2.16 a day.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Will your phone work in South Korea? The verdict
Your phone will work in South Korea, but finding the ideal option ensures you save money and get a reliable internet connection.
US carriers have high roaming fees, which can be up to $84 a week with roaming passes.
That’s where using an eSIM for South Korea for shorter trips or Holafly Plans for demanding users becomes cost-effective.
So, choose your preferred option and get unlimited data and up to unlimited hotspot data during your trip to South Korea.
Say goodbye to plastic SIMs
Our eSIMs can't be damaged, broken, or lost – they're the future for every type of traveler.
Traveling somewhere else in Asia? Find out how to use your cell phone there:
FAQs
Yes, but ensure you have an unlocked-carrier phone to avoid paying daily roaming fees.
When traveling to South Korea, ensure that you take a voltage converter and plug adapter, as they use 220V, which is higher than the 120V used in the US.
Yes, you can use WhatsApp in South Korea without issues. However, locally, apps like KakaoTalk are preferred over WhatsApp.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
