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Korea SIM card: Where to buy your Korean SIM?
Stay connected on your trip to South Korea with a Korea SIM card for tourists. Discover the best Korean SIM options, including prices, plans, and alternatives.
Getting a Korea SIM card is a convenient way to ensure seamless internet access, easy navigation, and smooth communication in South Korea.
In this guide, we tell you where you can buy a prepaid SIM card in Korea for foreigners. We also cover the best options. Plus, keep an eye out for a digital alternative: an unlimited data travel eSIM from Holafly.
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Receive verification codes and log into your WhatsApp while you're in South Korea.
Where to buy a Korea SIM card?
When it comes to buying a South Korea SIM card for tourist use, there are two options: purchasing a SIM card upon arrival at the airport or ordering in advance.
1. Buy a SIM card on arrival
Prepaid local SIM card kiosks and counters are located at major international airports, such as Jeju Airport, Daegu Airport, and Gwangju Airport. These kiosks are near the arrival gates, making it easy for travelers to grab a SIM card in Korea before leaving the airport.
You’re also likely to find major Korean SIM card providers at local shops, metro stations, and convenience stores.
2. Buy a Korea SIM card online before you travel
You can also choose to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Korea for foreigners from trusted online retailers such as Klook and Trazy. These local SIM providers deliver SIM cards to your designated Korean airport or accommodation in Korea.
Or you can choose to order Korean SIMs from Amazon with providers like KT and SK Telecom to your home address. KKday, an international travel platform, also offers tourists the option to order Korean SIM card travel packages to their home address before their trip to Korea.
How much does a Korean SIM card cost?
A local SIM card for Korea can cost anywhere from ~$5 for a 1-day unlimited data plan to ~$52 for a 30-day unlimited data plan.
For a reliable South Korea SIM card at a reasonable price, it’s best to choose a local mobile network. These include SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+.
| Provider | Plan | Price | Data | Call | Text |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK Telecom SIM card | 1-day plan | KRW 6,600 (~$5 USD) | Unlimited (with data caps) | Free incoming calls | Free texts |
| SK Telecom SIM card | 3-day plan | KRW 18,000(~$14) | Unlimited (with data caps) | Free incoming phone calls | Free texts |
| KT SIM card | 1-day plan | KRW 6,600 (~$5 USD) | Unlimited (with data caps) | Outgoing phone calls for a fee | Outgoing calls for a text |
| KT SIM card | 5-day plan | KRW 27,500(~$20) | Unlimited (with data caps) | Outgoing calls for a fee | Outgoing calls for a text |
| KT SIM card | 10-day plan | KRW 38,500(~$28) | Unlimited (with data caps) | Outgoing calls for a fee | Outgoing calls for a text |
| KT SIM card | 20-day plan | KRW 60,500(~$45) | Unlimited (with data caps) | Outgoing calls for a fee | Outgoing calls for a text |
| KT SIM card | 30-day plan | KRW 71,500(~$52) | Unlimited (with data caps) | Outgoing calls for a fee | Outgoing calls for a text |
| LG U+ | 5-day plan | KRW 27,500(~$20) | 120 hours (bundled hours for data usage) | Voice calls included for a fee | Texts included for a fee |
| LG U+ | 10-day plan | KRW 38,500(~$28) | 240 hours | Calls included for a fee | Texts included for a fee |
| LG U+ | 15-day plan | KRW 55,000(~$40) | 360 hours | Calls included for a fee | Texts included for a fee |
| LG U+ | 30-day plan | KRW 71,500(~$52) | 720 hours | Calls included for a fee | Texts included for a fee |
Which is cheaper: eSIM vs. SIM card for South Korea?
Travel eSIMs are a more contemporary way of staying connected in foreign destinations like South Korea. The best part is that they’re affordable and easy to set up.
The most suitable option between an eSIM and a SIM becomes transparent when comparing cost and convenience.
Here’s a quick comparison between local South Korea SIM card plans vs. Holafly’s eSIM plans for Korea. An important thing to note is that Holafly offers complete flexibility for matching your plan to your vacation, so you never have to pay for more than what you need. It’s also crucial to know that Holafly offers data-only SIMs.
| Provider | Unlimited data, 3 days | Unlimited data, 5 days | Unlimited data, 10 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| SK Telecom SIM card | ~$14 | – | – |
| KT SIM card | – | ~$18 | ~$26 |
| LG U+ | – | ~$19 | ~$27 |
| Holafly eSIM for South Korea | $12.90 | $20.90 | $36.90 |
Can foreigners get a SIM card in Korea?
While you can easily get a local phone number and physical SIM card in South Korea, you should be mindful of a few requirements before you travel:
- Valid passport: You’ll need this mandatory identification to register for a Korea SIM card for tourists
- Unlocked phone: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and support various network bands. Locked phones won’t accept Korean SIMs.
- Payment method: Ensure you have a valid international debit/credit card or cash to pay for a prepaid SIM card in Korea.
Top tip: Since tourist visas usually last up to 90 days, the same goes for prepaid SIM cards for travelers. Prepaid Korea SIM card travel packages typically max out at 90 days for tourists.
Can I use a SIM card from another country in Korea?
This depends entirely on whether your phone is carrier unlocked and your existing mobile plan offers data roaming services in Korea. Whether you’re on T-Mobile roaming, Verizon roaming, or AT&T roaming plans, it’s worth checking if you can use your mobile data in Korea without high roaming charges.
Some monthly plans offer inclusive roaming while others require you to purchase a travel or roaming pass before you travel to foreign destinations like Korea. Roaming rates often vary from zone to zone.
Holafly’s eSIM for Korea: Unlimited data without the hassle
Buying a Holafly eSIM for South Korea is the best alternative to opting for Korea SIM cards. Besides an easy purchase process, you can enjoy unlimited mobile data wherever you are.
Plus, Holafly’s virtual SIMs are easy to activate. Say goodbye to fumbling around with small physical SIM cards just to get connected. To stay connected, all it takes is a visit to the Holafly website and a QR code scan.
Enjoy 24/7 customer support, the flexibility to match your plan to your vacation, and no complicated sign-up processes. Simply buy an eSIM for Korea online, activate it within seconds, and get unlimited data for the entirety of your trip.
On the other hand, if you’re traveling to South Korea for a long-term vacation, consider Holafly Plans, our monthly eSIM subscription service offering unlimited data (in 170+ destinations) for only $64.90 per month. If you’re planning to go on an Asia tour, look into Holafly’s eSIM for Asia for a more well-rounded solution to your internet needs. You’ll be able to enjoy unlimited data in 16 Asian countries, including South Korea.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
