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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.
That said, you’ll 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.
We’ll also explain why a travel eSIM is one of the best ways 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 local SIM cards are also available for unlocked devices.
Here’s what you should know about local carriers if you plan to use your phone in South 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 for staying 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 way to stay connected abroad on an eSIM-compatible phone.
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.
You can evem activate your eSIM before traveling, so you’ll have mobile data the moment 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, these plans themselves can cost up to $100 monthly.
Fop most Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T users roaming passes are the more common option. 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 South Korea.
Physical SIM card for South Korea
If you have an unlocked phone, you can use a Korea SIM card from local providers like SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+.
These plans typically cost between ~$5 to ~$52 for 30 days and can include unlimited data. Phone calls and texts are usually charged separately, depending on the plan.
You can find these SIM cards across the country, from official stores at international airports or convenience stores like 7-Eleven or CU.
Pocket WiFi for South Korea
Pocket WiFi in South Korea is a reliable option if you’re traveling in groups or need to share data for remote work.
However, costs can run as high as $49 daily, not including extras like portable chargers or delivery fees. If the device is lost or damaged, you could also face $200 or more in penalties.
You can use an eSIM as a more convenient 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.
Even better, the same plan works in over 170 destinations without adding separate data packages, bringing the cost down to less than $2.16 per 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 choosing the right option will help you save money and ensure a reliable internet connection.
US carriers often charge high roaming fees, reaching up to $84 per week with roaming passes.
That’s why using an eSIM for South Korea is a smart choice for shorter trips, while Holafly Plans are ideal for frequent or demanding users.
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.
