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eSIM, SIM Card or Pocket Wi-Fi in Korea: How to Choose (2026)

Checked against official sources on October 20, 2026

Passenger using a smartphone on a Seoul subway train

Summary

Choose a data-only eSIM or SIM if you travel alone, pocket Wi-Fi if several people share one connection, and a data-plus-voice plan if you need a Korean 010 number for text codes. As of October 2026, carrier tourist plans start at ₩6,500 a day. You'll need your passport, and a tourist number can't be used for Korean real-name phone verification.

At a glance

Plans from
₩6,500 a day
Pocket Wi-Fi
₩4,400 a day, up to 10 devices
Korean number
Data + voice plans only
Real-name ID
Not supported on tourist lines
Bring
Passport

Step by step

eSIM, SIM or pocket Wi‑Fi in Korea

Step 1 of 7 · Pick an option

1Compare the options

Data-only eSIM or SIM: for solo trips, from ₩6,500/day

Read all steps as text

  1. 1. Compare the options

    Data-only eSIM or SIM: for solo trips, from ₩6,500/day

  2. 2. Check your phone

    Unlock your phone (country lock off)

  3. 3. Scan the QR code

    Scan the eSIM QR code over Wi‑Fi

  4. 4. Label the line

    Label the new line, for example “Korea”

  5. 5. Set the data line

    Set the Korean line for mobile data

  6. 6. Home line: roaming off

    Keep home for calls and texts; turn its data roaming off

  7. 7. Complete the identity check

    KT voice lines need an online Entry check first

    Korean you will see: 로밍센터 = Roaming center (KT)

Korean for this

  • 유심은 어디서 사요?

    yusimeun eodiseo sayo?

    Where can I buy a SIM card?

  • 와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요?

    waipai bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo?

    What's the Wi-Fi password?

All Korean phrases

Details

You'll want mobile data in Korea for maps, translation and taxi apps. The real choice isn't about speed. It's whether you need a Korean phone number, and how many people will share the connection. This guide compares the options neutrally, using prices from the carriers' own pages.

Before you start

  • Unlock your phone. KT says a phone must have its country lock turned off to use its tourist SIM.
  • Check eSIM support. Look for "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan" in your phone's settings. KT says eSIM works if an EID appears when you dial *#06#.
  • Bring your passport. Korean carriers sell tourist lines against your passport. LG U+ asks you to upload it when you order.
  • Count your group. One pocket Wi-Fi can serve several devices.
  • Check your arrival time against airport counter hours.

Your options

Option What you get Korean 010 number? Good for
Data-only eSIM or SIM Data; incoming calls and texts on some plans No outgoing calls or texts Solo travelers who only need apps and maps
Data + voice SIM or eSIM Data plus a 010 number for calls and texts Yes Restaurant bookings, delivery apps, anything that texts a code
Pocket Wi-Fi A small router shared over Wi-Fi No Families and groups
Roaming with your home carrier Your own number keeps working No Short trips, if your carrier's price is fair

Step by step

Step 1 — Decide whether you need a Korean number

Some Korean services send a text code to a local number. A data-plus-voice plan gives you a 010 number. Even then, carriers say tourist lines can't do Korean real-name identity verification (본인인증bonin injeungIdentity verification), which banks and some apps require. Several visitor services now take a foreign number or email instead. See useful apps.

Step 2 — Check the product rules before you pay

Rules differ by carrier:

  • LG U+. Data-only plans can be bought online or at the airport. Data + voice plans are sold only at the airport. Plans start at your first data use, and you must activate within 60 days of buying. Each passport can buy up to 3 SIM cards.
  • KT. Its Korea SIM and eSIM come with a 010 number. Outgoing calls need a voice top-up of at least ₩5,500. An eSIM plan starts when you install it, and you must install within 30 days of buying. Each person can buy 1 voice SIM and up to 4 data SIMs.

Step 3 — Install or pick up

  • eSIM: scan the QR code over Wi-Fi. With KT, installing starts your plan, so install after you land. KT also warns that an eSIM can be installed only once: don't delete it.
  • Physical SIM or Wi-Fi: collect it at the carrier counter in the arrivals hall. LG U+ lists 24-hour counters at Incheon Terminal 1 (near Gate F) and Terminal 2 (near Gate 3). It also has counters at Gimpo and Gimhae with shorter hours, which can change with flight schedules.

Step 4 — Complete identity verification

KT's voice services work only after an online identity check against your entry record, which it calls the "Entry check". If that fails online, you can do it at KT's 로밍센터roming senteoRoaming center at the airport. KT allows the check for one contract number per passport. Your 010 number then arrives by text.

Step 5 — Return what you rented

Pocket Wi-Fi must be returned before you leave. LG U+ accepts returns at any of its centers at Incheon, Gimpo or Gimhae, and charges the daily fee until the device comes back. For its deposit, LG U+ places a ₩1,111 hold on a credit card in the passport holder's name, or takes a ₩70,000 refundable deposit on a debit card. LG U+ says its data SIMs and eSIMs don't need to be returned.

Prices as of October 2026

These are from the carriers' official pages.

Product 1 day 3 days 5 days 10 days Data
LG U+ data-only eSIM or SIM ₩6,500 ₩18,000 ₩27,500 — Unlimited, no speed cap stated (may be managed when the network is congested)
KT Korea SIM or eSIM, data plan ₩6,500 ₩18,000 ₩27,500 ₩38,500 11 GB a day at full speed, then up to 5 Mbps
KT Korea SIM or eSIM, data + voice — ₩23,500 ₩33,000 ₩44,000 Same data, plus ₩16,500 of call credit (about 60 minutes)
LG U+ pocket Wi-Fi ₩4,400 — — — 4 GB a day, then up to 5 Mbps; up to 10 devices

KT also sells longer plans of up to 90 days, which you can extend online. Prices change, so confirm on the carrier page before you buy.

Rules that changed in 2025–2026

  • Korea tightened identity checks for new phone lines to fight phone fraud. The Ministry of Science and ICT cut the number of lines a foreign passport can open from two to one.
  • From 6 July 2026, face authentication has been phased in at the three major carriers and budget carriers. It applies first to Korean resident cards and driver's licenses. The ministry said in December 2025 that it aimed to extend it to foreign IDs and passports in the second half of 2026.

The procedures for tourists may change. Expect a passport check, and allow extra time at the counter.

Common problems

No signal after inserting the SIM. Turn off Wi-Fi and airplane mode, then restart. KT suggests restarting at least twice until "KT" appears as the carrier.

Data doesn't work on Android. Check the access point (APN) settings. KT lists lte.ktfwing.com for its SIM.

The eSIM QR code won't scan. You need a Wi-Fi connection to install. Don't delete and reinstall it. Carriers may not issue a new code.

A Korean app still rejects your number. The service probably needs real-name verification, which tourist lines don't support. Look for a foreign-number, email or passport sign-up option instead.

You land after the counter closes. Use a 24-hour counter, or buy a data-only eSIM online before you fly.

Questions and answers

Does an eSIM give me a Korean phone number?

It depends on the plan. Data-only eSIMs don't let you make calls or send texts. KT's Korea eSIM includes a 010 number after the entry check. LG U+ sells data + voice eSIMs only at the airport.

Is pocket Wi-Fi cheaper for a group?

Usually, yes. LG U+ charges ₩4,400 a day for a router that connects up to 10 devices. That compares with ₩6,500 a day per person for a data plan. The trade-off is that you carry and charge one device, and everyone has to stay near it.

Do I need to show my passport?

Yes, for carrier SIMs and eSIMs. LG U+ asks you to upload it when you order, and KT verifies your number against your passport and entry record.

Can I keep using my home number?

Yes, if your phone holds two lines, for example a physical SIM plus an eSIM. Keep your home line on for calls and texts, and set the Korean line for mobile data. Turn off data roaming on your home line to avoid charges.

Will my tourist number work for every Korean app?

No. It can receive text codes, but carriers say tourist lines don't support Korean real-name identity verification.

Official sources (6)

Last checked October 20, 2026Next check due April 18, 2027

Rules can change. Confirm on the official site before you travel.

Next stepUseful Apps for Visiting Korea: What to Install (2026)

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