An ‘eSIM‘ or embedded SIM is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card that is embedded directly into a device. Now standard on many phones, they are particularly popular for traveling as they can be downloaded from anywhere with just an internet connection. In this blog, we’ll review how & when to set up an eSIM for your next trip to South Korea!
Before Your Trip
1) Ensure Your Device is eSIM Compatible
It’s important to note that eSIM compatibility can vary depending on the specific model, region, and carrier. Always double-check with the manufacturer or carrier to ensure eSIM support for your specific device & location.
You also can check your compatibility yourself with using the methods below!
2) Purchase an eSIM Plan
Getting an eSIM for data in South Korea offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to activate the service digitally without needing a physical SIM card. With immediate connectivity upon arrival, you can also use local services like maps and translation apps seamlessly without the hassle of visiting a service desk at the airport.
Here are some plans we recommend for hassle-free activation:
- *SKT
- Plan Length: 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 90 days
- Data Options per Day: Unlimited, Optional Voice & SMS (incoming calls & SMS are free of charge once your passport is verified)
Korea 4G/LTE eSIM: Unlimited Data + Optional Voice (1~90 days) by SKT
- *SKT
- Plan Length: 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 days
- Data Options per Day: Daily 1GB or 2GB
Korea Daily Data eSIM (2~10 days) for Travelers
- Multi-Country eSIM
- Options:
- Asia 7 Countries (Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore)
- Asia 11 Countries (South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Macau)
- Data Limits: Asia 7 Countries (Daily 500MB, 1GB, 2GB), Asia 11 Countries (Fixed 5GB, 10GB, 20GB)
- Validity: Asia 7 Countries (1, 5, 7, 10, 15 days), Asia 11 Countries (3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 30 days)
- Options:
Asia Countries Data Only eSIM (1~30 days) for Travelers
Looking for a plan that includes a local (010) Korean phone number? Here are our eSIM recommendations that include phone services:
- *KT
- Plan Length: 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 days
- Data Options per Day: 3GB of 4G/LTE, unlimited 5Mbps, optional Voice/SMS available after charging
- Pick-up locations: Incheon International Terminal 1 & 2, Gimpo International Airport, Gimhae International Airport (Busan), Busan Port International Passenger Terminal Roaming Booth
Korea 4G/LTE eSIM: Unlimited Data + Optional Voice & SMS (3~30 days) by KT
- *LG U+
- Plan Length: 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 days
- Data Options per Day: 3GB of 4G/LTE, unlimited 5Mbps, optional Voice/SMS available after charging
- Pick-up locations: Incheon International Terminal 1 & 2, Gimpo International Airport, Gimhae International Airport (Busan)
Korea eSIM: Unlimited Data + Optional Voice eSIM (3~60 days) by LG U+
- Long-term eSIM
- Plan Length: 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 days
- Data Options per Day: 2GB at 4G/LTE speed per day, incoming & outgoing domestic voice calls are free of charge
Korea eSIM: Unlimited Data & Voice eSIM (15~180 days)
3) Download & Label the eSIM profile
- Connect to stable Wi-Fi & locate the QR code you received via email after purchase.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM and scan the QR code
Do NOT activate the eSIM until you’ve arrived in South Korea
Upon Arrival in South Korea
Go to your phone’s cellular/mobile data settings.
Enable the eSIM you downloaded.
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM.
Set the eSIM as your primary data line.
Restart your device to finalize activation.
Your phone should now connect to a local network.
*For eSIM packages requiring pick-up, simply visit the corresponding provider’s booth before leaving the airport and present your passport & booking confirmation.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Ensure easy activation by booking with your full name as the reservation name and passport must match EXACTLY.
- To pick up SIMs in person, you must bring your original passport to receive the QR code (photocopies or scans of passports will not be permitted).
- Double-check that your device is unlocked to support foreign carriers! (Especially if your device was purchased through a phone plan provider in the US, Canada, or Japan.)
- Only activate the eSIM after landing in South Korea & ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid activation issues.
- Double-check that your data roaming is switched on.
- Some devices will require a full restart of the device to run the eSIM software properly – when in doubt try this first!
- You can also try toggling Airplane Mode on & off to refresh network connection if you notice your data running slowly or not connecting.
- Never delete your eSIM profile from your device during your plan period, as the download QR code is typically one-time use.
Have any more questions?
If you have more questions about eSIMs, let us know in the comments, or feel free to contact us.
To find out more about SIM cards, check out our blog!
- All About eSIMs in Korea 2024
- All About 2024 Korea SIM Card / eSIM / WiFi
- SIM Card vs Pocket WiFi vs eSIM: Which to Use in Korea?
If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for more informational posts like this one.
