South Korea eSIM guide
Using an eSIM in South Korea: install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, then when you land switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming. Days only start counting the first time it connects in South Korea. Plans run on the SK Telecom, LG U+ networks. From NT$39.
South Korea plans
| Data | Days | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500MB | 7 days | 5G | NT$39 |
| 1GB | 7 days | 5G | NT$109 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 3 days | — | NT$169 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 5 days | — | NT$259 |
| 5GB | 30 days | 5G | NT$269 |
| 3GB/day high-speed | 3 days | — | NT$309 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 7 days | — | NT$359 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 10 days | — | NT$479 |
| 3GB/day high-speed | 5 days | — | NT$479 |
| 3GB/day high-speed | 7 days | — | NT$659 |
| 20GB | 30 days | 5G | NT$669 |
| 3GB/day high-speed | 10 days | — | NT$899 |
Prices in TWD; tap a price to check out. Total-data plans: use them until the data or the days run out.Daily plans: a fixed amount of data each day.
How days are counted
Days start counting the first time the eSIM connects in South Korea, so you can install it at home without losing any days.
Use it within 180 days of purchase, after which it expires.
Carriers and speed
Plans can use the SK Telecom, LG U+ networks. See the Network column above: plans marked 5G use 5G where there's coverage and your phone supports it, and 4G elsewhere.
Note: traffic exits through Singapore, so websites see you as being in Singapore rather than South Korea. Everyday use (maps, LINE, bookings, social media) is unaffected; a few services limited to South Korea, such as some local streaming sites, may not work.
How much data do you need?
- Mostly maps and LINE text messages: 500MB for 7 days or 1GB for 7 days.
- Sending photos, looking things up and social media every day: 5GB for 30 days.
- Watching videos, video calls, or a longer stay: 20GB for 30 days.
These are general suggestions; actual usage varies. If unsure, go one size up.
eSIM vs SIM card vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi
| Getting started | Texts to your home number | Who can use it | What to carry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Buy online, scan a QR code to install, no card swap | Your home SIM stays in, texts arrive as usual | One phone per eSIM | Nothing |
| SIM card | Delivered or picked up at the airport, swap cards on arrival | Lost while your home SIM is out (unless dual-SIM) | One phone per card | Keep your home SIM safe |
| Carrier roaming | Request it from your home carrier before leaving | Texts arrive as usual | One phone | Nothing |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Pick up before leaving, return when back | Texts arrive as usual (no card swap) | Several people can connect | The device, charged every day |
Four steps from purchase to connected
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM: see phones that support eSIM, or dial *#06# and look for an EID.
- Pick a plan and check out; you get the install QR code right after payment (also by email).
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave: iPhone guide / Android guide.
- In South Korea, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming. Turn off mobile data on your home line to avoid roaming charges.
Can I get a refund if I don't use it?
South Korea plans can be fully refunded within 30 days of purchase if not yet installed. See the refund policy.
FAQ
Can I make phone calls with a South Korea eSIM?
No. It's a data-only plan with no local phone number. Use LINE or other internet calling; calls and texts to your home number still go to your original SIM (roaming charges may apply abroad).
What if I run out of data?
Total-data plans stop once you use it all; you can buy another plan. For daily plans, see the plan page for what happens when the day's data runs out.
Will I still get verification texts to my home number in South Korea?
Yes. eSIM phones can hold your home SIM and the eSIM at the same time: data goes through the eSIM while your home number still receives texts.
When should I install it?
Before you leave, on Wi-Fi. Days only start counting when it first connects in South Korea, so installing early doesn't cost you days; installing after you land means finding Wi-Fi first to download it.
Ready? Pick a South Korea plan
See South Korea plans