eSIM Providers in South Korea: KT, SK Telecom, LG U+ and Travel eSIMs

Looking for eSIM providers in South Korea? The three Korean carriers, KT, SK Telecom and LG U+, all sell eSIMs to short-term visitors. Apple lists all three. If you only need data, a travel eSIM you install before you fly is simpler. This guide shows what each carrier offers and how a travel eSIM compares.

Short on time? Our South Korea eSIMs are data only, run on SK Telecom's network and activate when you arrive. The plans differ by data and days, so pick the size that matches your trip.

Data-only plans for South Korea · See all South Korea eSIMs · All destinations

Which carriers offer eSIM in South Korea?

Apple's list of eSIM carriers shows KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom for South Korea. Each one supports carrier activation, activation by QR code or carrier app, and prepaid plans for international travelers. None is listed for eSIM Quick Transfer (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service on iPhone). Here is the short version:

• KT: a visitor eSIM with a Korean 010 number, calls, texts and data. It is the one to look at if you want a local number.
• SK Telecom: listed by Apple for eSIM on iPhone, including prepaid plans for international travelers.
• LG U+: listed by Apple for eSIM on iPhone, including prepaid plans for international travelers.
• Travel eSIMs: data-only plans sold online by providers like SimOptions. You buy and install before you leave, with no store or passport check.

Plans and prices change often, so check each carrier's page for what's on sale now.

KT eSIM for visitors

KT sells its visitor SIM and eSIM through KT Roaming. KT's own user guide (Korea SIM / eSIM user guide) says:

• What you get: calls, SMS and data, with a Korean number that starts with 010.
• Data: unlimited, but you get 11 GB of high-speed data each day. After that, speed drops to up to 5 Mbps.
• Calls and texts: you need to complete an identity check (the "entry check") first. Incoming calls and texts are then free. Outgoing calls and texts need a top-up.
• One check per passport: if the online check doesn't work, you can do it at a KT roaming center at the airport.
• Limits: it is for short stays and can be extended up to 90 days. Each person can buy 1 voice SIM and up to 4 data SIMs.
• Your phone: the country lock must be off.

How to install a KT eSIM

1. Connect to Wi-Fi. You need a connection to download the eSIM.
2. On iPhone, scan the QR code with the Camera app and follow the steps. KT's guide has you label the plan, pick it as your default line and turn on cellular data.
3. On Android, KT gives the path Connections > SIM card manager > Add mobile plan > Add using QR code. Menu names vary by phone.
4. Finish the identity check. KT sends your 010 number by SMS once it is done.

SK Telecom eSIM for visitors

Apple lists SK Telecom for eSIM on iPhone, activated by QR code or carrier app, and for prepaid plans for international travelers. For its current visitor plans, voice and text options, ID checks and phone requirements, see the SK Roaming eSIM page.

LG U+ eSIM for visitors

Apple lists LG U+ for eSIM on iPhone, activated by QR code or carrier app, and for prepaid plans for international travelers. For its current visitor plans, voice and text options and supported phones, see the LG U+ Korea eSIM page. Before you buy any eSIM, dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM.

South Korea travel eSIM: data without a local SIM

A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You get a QR code by email, install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, and it connects when you land. According to the plan details on our South Korea eSIM page:

• Network: runs on SK Telecom in South Korea, with 4G, LTE and 5G support.
• Data only: no Korean phone number, no calls or SMS. You call and message with apps like WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or FaceTime. See how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.
• Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach South Korea.
• No paperwork: no passport check and no airport counter.
• Top-ups: available if you run low on data.
• Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.

Our SimOptions eSIMs with a phone number don't cover South Korea. If you need a Korean number, for example for local services, KT's visitor eSIM is the better fit. Stopping in Taiwan as well? See eSIM providers in Taiwan.

How much data do you need?

The South Korea plans run from 1 GB for 3 days up to 100 GB for 180 days. As a rough guide:

• A few days: 1 GB or 3 GB for maps, messages and tickets.
• About a week: 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days.
• One to two weeks: 20 GB for 15 days.
• A month or longer: 50 GB for 30 days, or the larger plans.

Heading to other countries too? A regional Asia eSIM may suit you better. For a full comparison of plans, read our guide to the best eSIM for South Korea. Adding Japan to your trip? Read about eSIM providers in Japan.

How to set up your South Korea eSIM

1. Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. See how to check eSIM compatibility.
2. Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
3. Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
4. Label the line "Korea" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
5. When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.

Not connecting? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.

Carrier eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?

A KT, SK Telecom or LG U+ eSIM fits if

• You need a Korean number for calls or texts (KT includes one).
• You don't mind an identity check with your passport.
• You've checked that your phone works with the carrier's eSIM.

A travel eSIM fits if

• You only need data and use messaging apps for calls.
• You want it installed before you board, with nothing to sort out at the airport.
• You want to keep your home number active at the same time.

FAQs

Which carriers offer eSIM in South Korea?

KT, SK Telecom and LG U+. Apple lists all three for eSIM on iPhone, including prepaid plans for international travelers.

Does KT offer an eSIM?

Yes. KT sells a visitor eSIM through KT Roaming with a Korean 010 number, calls, texts and data. You need to complete an identity check to use calls and texts.

Where can I buy an eSIM for South Korea?

Online, before you travel. You can buy from the Korean carriers' visitor sites or from a travel eSIM provider like SimOptions, then install it on Wi-Fi. KT also has roaming centers at the airport for the identity check.

Do I get a Korean phone number with an eSIM?

With KT's visitor eSIM, yes. For SK Telecom and LG U+, check their visitor pages for number and voice options. Our travel eSIMs are data only.

Which network does the SimOptions South Korea eSIM use?

It runs on SK Telecom, with 4G, LTE and 5G support.

Can I use my own SIM abroad in South Korea?

Possibly, but roaming prices depend on your home operator. A travel eSIM lets you keep your home SIM for calls and use local data. See how to set up a dual eSIM.