Best eSIM for South Korea in 2025
Our in-house expert researchers and journalists conduct independent, unbiased testing of eSIM services, assessing their real-life effectiveness and usability.
By staying current with industry developments and openly sharing our transparent testing methodologies, we ensure readers receive accurate, up-to-date insights so they can make informed choices about eSIM solutions.
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eSIMs are digital SIM cards embedded directly into your device, removing the need for physical SIM cards and offering seamless connectivity for travelers in South Korea. With a South Korea travel eSIM, you can always stay connected and easily switch between local mobile networks to get the best signal without needing a physical SIM. This makes eSIMs the perfect solution for tourists looking for convenience, flexibility, and reliable data while exploring the country.
However, with so many eSIM providers for South Korea now available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for your trip. To make your choice easier, I’ve tested and reviewed the top options to help you find the best eSIM for South Korea in 2025 based on coverage, speed, and value. Read on to discover the best eSIM cards for staying connected during your South Korean adventure.
Top 5 eSIM providers for South Korea - my recommendation
- Saily – overall best eSIM for South Korea in 2025
- Airalo – ideal eSIM for Korea with unlimited data and nationwide reach
- JetPac – best eSIM for South Korea for regional travel options
- aloSIM – eSIM with call and SMS for South Korea
- Nomad – user-friendly South Korea eSIM with wide coverage
Things to consider before choosing an eSIM for travel in South Korea
To choose the best eSIM for South Korea, consider your specific needs. Here are some key tips to help you decide:
- Coverage in South Korea. Ensure your preferred eSIM has coverage across South Korea, including big cities and rural areas. If you’re traveling across the region, pick an eSIM that doesn’t only have coverage in South Korea but also in neighbouring countries like Japan, China, and more.
- Calls and messages. Decide if you only want data or want to make calls and send messages. Some eSIM providers offer data-only plans, while others include a phone number for making calls and sending SMS.
- Data plans. Estimate how much data you’ll need during your South Korea trip and select an appropriate eSIM plan. Some eSIMs offer fixed plans, while others have pay-as-you-go packages. If you opt for a fixed plan, ensure there’s an option to top-up your data.
- Travel duration: Ensure the eSIM's validity period aligns with your travel plans to avoid prematurely losing access to eSIM services.
- Tethering capability. Check if the eSIM provider allows tethering, i.e., letting you share your device's data connection as a mobile hotspot.
- Price. Compare eSIM prices to find the most affordable option that matches your budget.
The best eSIMs for South Korea – detailed list
Together with the Cybernews team, I analyzed the best eSIM providers for South Korea, comparing network coverage, speeds, and data plans. After careful evaluation, these are the best options for reliable connectivity during your travels.
1. Saily – best South Korea eSIM in 2025
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supported network: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | No |
| Starting price: | $3.39 (1GB for 7 days) |
Created by the founders of NordVPN, Saily is Korea's top eSIM with flexible plans. It features virtual location masking, ad blocking, and web protection for secure browsing, making it the best choice for traveling.
Regional plans: Saily offers both global and regional coverage, including Asia and Oceania plans that cover South Korea along with neighboring countries like Japan, China, and many others. They also provide local plans for over r 200 destinations worldwide.
Plan options for South Korea: This eSIM provider has 5 plans for South Korea: 1GB for 7 days and 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB for 30 days. Saily is a data-only eSIM; it doesn’t support calling and texting.
South Korea plans pricing: Saily’s plans for South Korea start from $3.39 for a 1GB plan (valid for 7 days). Here are all of Saily’s local plans for South Korea:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $3.39 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $7.64 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $9.34 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $16.99 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $27.19 |
Network coverage: Saily eSIM partners with local mobile service providers in South Korea to guarantee comprehensive data coverage. The eSIM service doesn’t disclose which local carriers it works with.
Activation process: Saily has a user-friendly app that you can use to set up your eSIM, buy data, monitor your usage, and do so much more.
It only takes a few clicks to install and activate this eSIM. I downloaded the Saily app, created an account, purchased a plan, and clicked the install button on the app to set it up. To activate the eSIM, you’ll need to turn on cellular data and roaming.
You need internet access to activate your eSIM, so I recommend doing this a day before your trip. Saily doesn’t perform any eKYC verification.
Customer support: Saily offers support to users via a 24/7 live chat operated by a responsive customer service team. For less urgent inquiries, customers can also reach support through our ticket system.
2. Airalo – popular eSIM for South Korea
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200 |
| Supported network: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | Yes, only on Discover+ plan |
| Starting price: | $32.00 (unlimited for 10 days) |
Airalo eSIM is an excellent choice for South Korea, offering affordable, unlimited data plans with wide coverage. It provides both local and regional options, ensuring reliable service for travelers.
Regional plans: Airalo offers local, regional, and global plans covering South Korea. Its regional Asia plan covers South Korea and other East Asian countries.
Plan options: Airalo has only 2 data plans for South Korea. Both plans come with unlimited data — one is only valid for 10 days, and the other is valid for 30 days. Both plans are capped at 3GB daily, after which you’ll get slower speeds. However, the connection is reset daily.
Airalo is one of the few providers that offers unlimited data in South Korea. While this eSIM supports calling and texting, you can only access these services on its Discover+ global plans.
South Korea plans pricing: Airalo has only two local plans for South Korea:
| Data plan | Price |
| Unlimited data for 10 days | $32.00 |
| Unlimited data for 30 days | $62.00 |
Network coverage: Airalo works with LG U+, a local mobile service carrier, to provide reliable data coverage in South Korea. It supports LTE in the country.
Activation process: Airalo is incredibly easy to use, thanks to its app. The app has a neat, minimalist interface. I figured out my way around the app within a few seconds, which says a lot about its design.
Airalo has different eSIM activation methods. You can scan a QR code or activate the eSIM via the Airalo app. I opted to use the app, and the process isn’t very different from Saily’s activation. However, you need to verify your identity before you can use this eSIM.
Customer support: Airalo provides customer support via a help center, 24/7 live chat, and email.
3. JetPac – best eSIM for South Korea for regional travel plans
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200 |
| Supported network: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | No |
| Starting price: | $1.00 (1GB of data for 4 days) |
JetPac eSIM offers affordable plans for 200 regions, including South Korea. It provides a range of data options, from short-term to extended plans, suited for various travel needs.
Regional plans: JetPac’s Asia-Pacific plan covers 16 countries, including South Korea.
Plan options: Jetpac doesn’t have local plans for South Korea, but its Asia-Pacific plan covers the country. You can choose from 8 local eSIM plans, offering 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB of data and valid for 4, 7, and 30 days.
South Korea plans pricing: JetPac is one of the most affordable eSIM providers on the market. Its Asia-Pacific plans start at only $1.00 for 4 days (1GB) and go up to $75.00 for its 40GB (30 days) plan. Here’s a list of Jetpac’s local plans for South Korea:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 4 days | $1.00 |
| 3GB for 7 days | $11.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $15.00 |
| 10GBf or 30 days | $23.00 |
| 15GB for 30 days | $26.50 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $39.00 |
| 30GB for 30 days | $60.00 |
| 40GB for 30 days | $75.00 |
Network coverage: JetPac works with two local network carriers in South Korea, KT and SK Telecom. It supports 3G,4G and 5G in the country.
Activation process: Installing JetPac is easy. Start by installing the app from Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Then, create an account, pick a plan, and scan the QR code to install the eSIM on your device. You’ll need to set the eSIM as your primary source of data and turn on the mobile data when you arrive in South Korea. You can manage your eSIM easily from the Jetpac app.
Customer support: JetPac offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. And additionally, for immediate assistance, you can also reach them via WhatsApp.
4. aloSIM – best eSIM for SMS and traditional calling
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200 |
| Supported network: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $6.00 (1GB for 7 days) |
aloSIM is a strong eSIM option for South Korea, especially if you need SMS and traditional calling. It offers a wide range of local data plans, plus regional and global options, with support for LTE and 5G.
Regional plans: aloSIM offers regional eSIMs that include coverage in South Korea. I came across mentions of the Asia Five Pack, which used to cover five countries including South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, but I couldn’t find a way to buy it. One link under South Korea’s page led to an error, and another mention on the Asia eSIM page didn’t include any purchase option. At the time of writing, only the Asia Pack with 13 countries is available.
Plan options: aloSIM has 6 local plans for South Korea, offering 1GB for 7 days, 2GB for 15 days, or 3GB, 5GB, 10GB for 30 days, and "unlimited" 10-day plan, which provides 1.5GB of high-speed data per day before slowing to 512 Kbps.
South Korea plans pricing: aloSIM’s local plans for South Korea start at $6.00 (1GB for 7 days) and go up to $35.00 (unlimited GB for 30 days). Generally, aloSIM offers great value for money. Here’s an overview of aloSIM’s plans for South Korea:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $6.00 |
| 2GB for 15 days | $9.00 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $18.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $29.00 |
| Unlimited GB for 10 days | $35.00 |
Network coverage: aloSIM collaborates with local partners – SK Telecom and KT Corporation II — to offer LTE and 5G in South Korea. Each aloSIM data plan includes a free international phone number for calls and SMS, but aloSIM requires using the separate Hushed app for that.
Activation process: You can activate your aloSIM eSIM via the app. All you need to do is choose a data plan and provide the activation code as required. aloSIM doesn’t perform any identity verification.
aloSIM has a sleek app that you can find on the Play Store or Apple’s App Store. The app has a clean interface and is easy to use, even if you’re new to eSIMs.
Customer support: aloSIM has a blog, email, a 24/7 live chat, and helpful troubleshooting guides, but it’s generally not as user-friendly as Saily or Airalo.
5. Nomad – simple eSIM for South Korea with broad coverage
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200 |
| Supported network: | LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | No |
| Starting price: | $6.00 (1GB for 7 days) |
Nomad is a flexible eSIM for South Korea, offering affordable local, regional, and global plans. With options for both short and long stays, it provides reliable coverage and convenient activation.
Regional plans: Nomad offers regional packages including South Korea. The APAC plan covers 14 or 21 countries, with plans starting from $5.50 for 1GB over 7 days.
Plan options: This eSIM has over 10 data-only plans for South Korea. It has Day Plans that give you either 500MB or 3GB daily. But you can continue browsing at a throttled speed of 512kps after your data runs out. Nomad also has Regular Plans offering 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 1OGB, 15GB, or 20GB of data, valid for 7 to 30 days.
South Korea plans pricing: Nomad plans are priced competitively. Its Day Plans for South Korea start at $2.50 for 500MB per day, while its Regular Plans start at $6.00 for $1GB for 7 days. Here’s a list of Nomad’s regular plans for South Korea:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $6.00 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $11.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $17.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $24.00 |
Network coverage: Nomad works with KT olleh, SK Telecom, and LG U+ in South Korea, providing 4G or 5G speeds depending on the area.
Activation process: To install your Nomad eSIM, scan the QR code provided by the company. Once the eSIM is installed on your phone, follow the on-screen instructions to activate it. No identity verification is required to use this eSIM. However, you’ll need internet access to install and activate this eSIM.
You can top-up and monitor your data consumption via the Nomad app. The app’s menu is arranged nicely, so you can find your way around it at a glance.
Customer support: Nomad offers live chat both on their app and website. Its customer service team responds quickly to email queries, and you can find answers to most questions on its FAQ and help center.
6. GigSky - versatile eSIM for South Korea
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200 |
| Supported network: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $3.99 (1GB for 7 days) |
GigSky is a versatile eSIM for South Korea, offering regional, global, and even inflight plans. Though data-only, it includes a free 100MB option and broad international coverage.
Regional plans: GigSky has 6 eSIM plans for the Asia Pacific region. These plans offer from 100MB to 50GB of data and are valid for 7 to 90 days. Offers five global plans ranging from 1GB (valid for 7 days) to 50GB (valid for 180 days). Additionally, a separate "World Plan" includes 5GB of data, valid for 30 days.
Plan options: GigSky has 4 paid data plans for South Korea, offering 1GB to 10GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days. It also includes a free plan with 100MB of data valid for 7 days. In addition to its fixed data plans, GigSky offers unlimited data plans for many locations. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have unlimited data plans for South Korea. Also, this is a data-only eSIM, so it doesn’t come with a phone number for calls and SMS.
South Korea plans pricing: GigSky’s plans for South Korea are relatively affordable. Here’s a quick rundown of its plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 100MB for 7 days | Free |
| 1GB for 7 days | $3.99 |
| 3GB for 15 days | $9.34 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $15.29 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $28.04 |
Network coverage: GigSky doesn’t disclose which carriers it works with in South Korea. However, it promises high-speed internet in the country.
Activation process: GigSky uses a QR-based activation. You’ll receive a QR code in your email when you purchase a plan. Simply scan this code to initiate the GigSky eSIM installation.
GigSky’s app is one of my favorites of all the eSIMs on this list, and it plays a huge role in making the eSIM user-friendly. The app is well-organized. It’s easy to purchase more data, monitor your data consumption, and do a lot more.
Customer support: You can reach GigSky’s customer support team via live chat, email, or phone.
7. Holafly – South Korea eSIM offering flexible plan lengths
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200 |
| Supported network: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | No |
| Starting price: | $6.90 |
Holafly eSIM is a customizable option for South Korea, offering unlimited data plans that adjust to your trip length. It supports both local and regional use, with high-speed connectivity and easy setup.
Regional plans: Holafly lets you enjoy unlimited data with its regional plan for Asia. The best part is that there aren’t any fixed plans. You just select your trip duration, which can be up to 90 days.
Plan options: In terms of its local plans, Holafly offers the same perks as the regional ones. There are unlimited data plans with a duration between 1 and 90 days, making this eSIM suitable for shorter and longer travels. However, there are no phone calls or texts in its South Korean eSIM.
South Korea plans pricing: The pricing might be the biggest drawback for some users. But before you jump to conclusions, check out this breakdown:
| Data plan | Price |
| Unlimited data for 1 day | $6.90 |
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $29.90 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $50.90 |
| Unlimited data for 30 days | $74.90 |
| Unlimited data for 60 days | $106.90 |
| Unlimited data for 90 days | $139.90 |
Network coverage: Holafly works with South Korea’s KT and SK network carriers. It also supports LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G internet connections based on the region’s coverage.
Activation process: You can easily install Holafly by scanning a QR code. You’ll receive it via email, and once you scan it, you just need to complete the installation prompts on your screen. After you finish, you can find everything you’re looking for in the Holafly app. This allows you to manage or change your eSIM plan at any time.
Customer support: Holafly comes with various support channels, including 24/7 live chat, email, WhatsApp messaging, guides, and an FAQ section.
8. Instabridge – reliable and affordable eSIM service for South Korea
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 190 |
| Supported network: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | No |
| Starting price: | $2.00 (1GB for 7 days) |
InstaBridge is the most affordable eSIM provider in South Korea, offering budget-friendly plans and fast speeds. It includes prepaid and pay-as-you-go options with extensive coverage through local carriers.
Regional plans: Instabridge’s global plans and regional plans cover South Korea.
Plan options: Instabridge offers four prepaid data plans for South Korea: 1GB for 7 days, 20GB for 7 days, 3GB for 15 days, and 10GB for 30 days. It also has pay-as-you-go plans.
South Korea plans pricing: Instabridge’s prepaid South Korea plans start at only $2.00 for 1GB (7 days) and go up to $24.00 for 20GB (7 days). Its pay-as-you-go plan for South Korea starts at $4.00/GB. Here’s a breakdown of Instabridge’s South Korea plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $2.00 |
| 3GB for 5 days | $5.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $24.00 |
| Pay-as-you-go plan | $4.00 per GB |
Network coverage: Instabridge collaborates with KT South Korea and SK Telecom to guarantee extensive data coverage. It supports 4G and LTE in the country.
Activation process: Activating an Instabridge eSIM is easy. You need to install the Instabridge app, purchase a data plan, and activate it on your phone. Instabridge doesn’t perform any KYC verifications.
Instabridge has a super simple app that you can use to manage your eSIM. You can monitor your usage, buy more data, and do a lot more via the app.
Customer support: Instabridge has an extensive help center and email support. However, we wish it also had a 24/7 customer service option available.
Comparison of the 5 best eSIM providers for South Korea
The table below shows the key features of the eSIMs for South Korea above, allowing you to compare them at a glance:
| Saily | Airalo | JetPac | aloSIM | Nomad | |
| Plan options: | 7 and 30 days | 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 365 days | 4, 7, and 30 days | 7, 10, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days | 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 30, and 45 days |
| Compatibility: | All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM | All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM | All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM | All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM | All iPhone and Android devices that support eSIM |
| Networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G | 3G, 4G, 5G | LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Calls: | ❌ No | Yes (only on Discover+ global plan) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Texts: | ❌ No | Yes (only on Discover+ Global plan) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Price from: | $3.39 | $32.00 | $1.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
Before choosing an eSIM for South Korea, ensure the provider meets all your requirements. For example, confirm that the eSIM is compatible with your device and has eSIM plans that align with your travel duration and data needs.
How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for South Korea
Alongside the team at Cybernews, I reviewed several eSIM providers to see how they stacked up in real-life use. We looked at things like coverage, data speed, plan options, pricing, and how easy it was to get help from customer support. Here’s a quick breakdown of what I focused on when picking the top South Korea eSIMs:
- Coverage (30%). Nationwide South Korea coverage (plus regional roaming) is non‑negotiable. I favored eSIMs that partner with top local carriers to keep you online whether you’re in Seoul or the countryside.
- Network and speed (20%). The type of network your eSIM supports determines the speed of your connection, so I picked eSIMs that support 5G, 4G, 3G, and LTE. This guarantees relatively good speeds in South Korea.
- Data plans and price (20%). A mix of prepaid, pay‑as‑you‑go, and flexible bundles earns top marks. I compared plan sizes against cost to find the best deal for the budget.
- Usability and compatibility (15%). Easy activation, intuitive app, and broad device support (iOS, Android, tablets). I chose eSIMs that work with a variety of different devices to ensure easy installation.
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Customer support (15%). Quick, helpful service via live chat and email can save your trip when things go sideways. I prioritized providers with 24/7 multi‑channel support.
What is the best mobile network in South Korea?
The jury’s still out on the best mobile network in South Korea. However, two companies that are often cited among the leading network providers in the country are KT (Korea Telecom) and SK Telecom.
KT is a pioneer of 5G technology in South Korea, while SK Telecom is known for its AI integration. While they both offer high-speed internet, SK Telecom is known to have slightly better speeds.
Most of the eSIM providers I’ve highlighted above work with either or both companies. These network providers boast 100% nationwide coverage in South Korea and support 5G in the country.
Pros and cons of using eSIM in South Korea
There are many benefits to using an eSIM for travelers in South Korea, but there are also some drawbacks. Generally, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but it’s important to know the potential downsides of using an eSIM in South Korea. With that said, here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of using an eSIM in South Korea
- Instant Internet access: Using an eSIM means you get access to the internet the moment you arrive in South Korea.
- Keep your phone number: You don’t have to remove your regular SIM card to use an eSIM. This means you can keep your number and use the eSIM for data.
- Save money: eSIM plans are considerably cheaper than roaming costs, so using an eSIM can help you save money. This is one of the biggest reasons why many travelers choose an eSIM in South Korea.
Cons of using an eSIM in South Korea
- Compatibility issues: Many older phones (made before 2018) don’t work with eSIMs. If you’re not using an eSIM-compatible phone, you can’t use an eSIM during your trip to South Korea.
- Difficulty switching devices: Unlike physical SIM cards that you can easily take out from one device and insert into another, the only way to switch an eSIM between devices is to go through the entire installation and activation process from scratch. This can be a major inconvenience if you damage your phone while traveling.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Many newer iPhones and Android devices support eSIMs, but it's best to confirm if your specific device is compatible with eSIMs. Read on to find out how to check if your phone supports eSIM.
iPhone models, including iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE (2nd generation), 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, work with eSIMs.
You can activate eSIMs through the cellular settings menu. If you’re still unsure if your iPhone supports eSIMs, consult your iPhone’s specifications or contact the eSIM provider.
eSIM compatibility on Android phones varies by model and manufacturer. Many newer Android devices, such as Google Pixel phones, Samsung Galaxy series (S20, S21, and above), and select devices from other manufacturers, support eSIM technology. You can typically activate your eSIM through the Network & Internet or Connections menu on your Android phone settings.
How to set up and activate the eSIM data plan for South Korea
It’s easy to set up and use an eSIM. Most providers have detailed instructions online explaining how to set up your South Korea eSIM. I’ll briefly explain the most important things to know below.
How to buy an eSIM
- Identify the provider and plan you want.
- Download the eSIM app or visit the provider’s website.
- Create an account and purchase a plan.
- You’ll receive an email with instructions on how to install your eSIM in South Korea.
Note: If you don’t find an eSIM activation guide on the provider’s website or app, I recommend contacting their customer service team for support.
How to activate an eSIM in South Korea
Installing and activating an eSIM is generally a straightforward procedure. Depending on the eSIM provider you’ve chosen, you may have one or more methods available to install and activate your eSIM.
eSIM providers usually have detailed instructions to guide users through the installation and activation process. Here are the main ways you can activate an eSIM on your phone:
This is one of the most common ways to activate eSIM. Here’s how you can do it:
- Sign up and choose a plan that suits your needs. I recommend Saily eSIM. Get 5% OFF for any plan
- Download and install the app from your eSIM provider
- Tap activate in the app to start the installation
The eSIM will be automatically installed on your device. You might need to adjust some settings to complete the activation.
QR-based installation is similar to the app-based method, but instead of using a button to activate, you'll scan a QR code. Here's how it works:
- Select a data plan to purchase
- Download your eSIM provider’s app
- After purchase, you will receive a QR code via email, along with clear instructions for installation and activation
- Scan the QR code to begin the process
- To activate the eSIM, set it as your primary data SIM and enable roaming
While less common, manual eSIM installation is still an option with some providers. Though it involves a few more steps, it’s still fairly straightforward:
- Purchase an eSIM plan directly from your provider’s website or app
- You'll get an eSIM activation code, along with an SM-DP+ address and additional details
- For iOS devices, go to Settings > Mobile Data, then input the provided eSIM details.
- For Android, navigate to Settings > Network and Internet, and look for the option to add a new eSIM manually
Providers will typically offer detailed instructions on setting up your eSIM. I recommend following their specific guide to ensure a smooth activation process.
Where to buy a prepaid eSIM card for South Korea?
You can buy an eSIM for South Korea from the website or app of your preferred eSIM provider. The process isn’t different from buying other items online. Simply scan through the eSIM provider’s site or app and pick your preferred eSIM plan for South Korea. Then, click to buy.
eSIM providers usually have multiple payment options, including debit/credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more. However, you may be required to create an account before you can buy an eSIM.
When to order/activate an eSIM card for South Korea?
While you can purchase and activate your eSIM at any time, I recommend setting it up just a day before you travel to South Korea. This is important as you may need internet access to install your eSIM. Also, if you activate your eSIM too early before you travel, it could expire before your trip ends, leaving you without access to the internet.
Keep in mind that some eSIMs are activated once you install the provider’s app, but others need to be connected to a local network before they start working. Generally, waiting until a day before you travel to activate your eSIM ensures you can get internet access as soon as you arrive in South Korea.
Things to know about using an eSIM card in South Korea
South Korea is one of the Asian countries with the most expensive mobile internet charges. Hence, an eSIM is a great way to avoid hefty prices. Here are a few things to know about using an eSIM in South Korea:
- Make sure your phone is unlocked: Locked phones are tied to specific mobile service providers, and you can’t use an eSIM on them.
- Make sure your phone supports an eSIM: Check if your phone supports eSIM technology. Not all mobile devices are compatible with eSIMs.
- Calling and phone number: Most eSIM plans don’t support calling or come with a phone number. While some eSIM providers offer phone numbers, they’re only for receiving calls and SMS.
- Activation timing: The validity of some eSIM cards begins after installation, while others start upon connecting to a supported network. Ensure you activate your eSIM card within the specified time frame.
- Activation process: Check which activation methods your eSIM supports. The most common eSIM activation methods are QR code scanning, app-based activation, or manual activation.
How to make calls with an eSIM in South Korea
Would you like to make calls and send SMS in South Korea using your eSIM? Here are the options available to you:
- Select a provider with a calling option: Look for an eSIM provider that offers a phone number you can use to make calls. Airalo and aloSIM both support calling and texting.
- Use a domestic SIM card: Use your existing physical SIM card to make calls while reserving the eSIM solely for data. Remember that international calls are more expensive.
- Use VoIP apps: Explore Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice. These apps use data to make calls over the Internet, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional cellular networks.
Best eSIM for South Korea: final thoughts
Staying connected while traveling in South Korea, whether you're navigating the streets of Seoul or catching a train to Busan, can be a challenge. That’s where a travel eSIM comes in. With a South Korea eSIM, you can skip the hassle of hunting down a local SIM card and get online instantly.
To get the most out of your trip, it’s important to pick a provider that fits your needs, has a reliable coverage, budget-friendly pricing, or easy setup. That’s why I recommend Saily. It offers fast activation, flexible data plans, competitive prices, and solid coverage in South Korea and beyond.
While Saily is my top pick, every eSIM on this list offers something valuable depending on your travel needs. To make things even easier, I recommend installing your eSIM before your flight and activating it upon arrival, so you can stay connected from the moment you land in South Korea.
Also read:
Best eSIM's for Japan: check out best eSIM's for Japan travel
Best eSIM's for Vietnam: travel Vietnam hassle-free
Best eSIM's for Philippines: explore Philippines with travel eSIM
FAQ
What is the cheapest eSIM card for South Korea?
Instabridge has the cheapest eSIM for South Korea, with plans starting at $2.00 for 1GB of data (7 days). Saily offers a similar plan — 1GB for 7 days — at a slightly higher price of $3.39.
Which eSIM is best for Korea travel?
Saily is the best eSIM for South Korea due to its reliable network coverage and affordable pricing, starting at just $3.39. This eSIM ensures seamless connectivity as soon as it connects to a supported network, making it a top choice for travelers looking for hassle-free service in South Korea.
Does eSIM give you a Korean number?
Yes, some eSIMs, like Airalo and aloSIM, give you a South Korean number that you can use to make calls and send SMS.
Which eSIM in Korea provides unlimited data?
Airalo is the best South Korea eSIM if you want unlimited data. It is one of the few eSIMs that offer unlimited data packages in the country, ensuring you can enjoy an uninterrupted connection without worrying about data caps.
