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Basics[]

The Republic of Korea (= South Korea) has 3 mobile network operators:

  • KT
  • SK Telecom
  • LG U+

supplemented by many MVNOs on the three networks.

In South Korea there never have been any GSM networks and their 2G services, switched off as of 2021, were based on CDMA. A 3G/UMTS (2100 MHz) or 4G/LTE capable device must be used. If you are travelling from North America make sure your phone supports 2100 MHz on 3G as many US phones only support 850 or 1900 MHz.

SIM cards of the major providers are sold in the operators' stores, SIMs of the MVNOs rather in convenience stores like CU, 7-Eleven and GS25 like in airports.

Frequencies[]

The 2G network of KT and SK Telecom based on CDMA has been switched off in 2012 and July 2020 respectively, LG U+ 2G/3G CDMA network been switched off in Jun. 2021. There is a very good coverage on 3G up to HSPA+ speed with SK Telecom and KT on 2100 MHz and on 4G/LTE with all operators added by many WI-Fi hotspots in the country. Following table contains frequencies on both standards CDMA and GSM used by each carriers:

Networks 2G (CDMA) 3G/HSDPA 4G/LTE in MHz (bands) 5G*
SK Telecom - 2100 MHz 850 (B5), 1800 (B3), 2100 (B1), 2600 (B7) 3500 (B22)
KT (olleh) - 2100 MHz 1800 (B3), 900 (B8), 2100 (B1) 3500 (B22)
LG U+ - - 850 (B5), 2100 (B1), 2600 (B7) 3500 (B22)

5G was launched in April 2019 as one of the first countries. It's still not available for prepaid so far.

The primary LTE frequencies are in bold.

and KT both work on 3G and 4G/LTE in the cities on frequencies used all over Asia, Australia and Europe. Remember, 2G-only GSM phones as well as pre-OS10 BlackBerrys without 3G support don't work in S. Korea. On the other hand, if your device supports 4G, this country will have the best 4G coverage at almost 100%. Furthermore, Korea has an excellent network of open and commercial WiFis.

Regulations[]

Not so long ago South Korea had severe legal restrictions in place which hampered your internet access if you were not aware of them. Up to 2012 it used to run a whitelist scheme of accepting only certain certified devices to their networks based on their IMEI numbers and no foreign phones could be used in the country on a local SIM card without official approval. Until 2015 you were allowed to buy a SIM card at arrival in the country, but immigration law mandated that your personal data needs to be entered into the system first which could take up to 3 working days.

Luckily things have changed now for the better and you can buy a SIM card like in any other country. Since 2015 all foreigners visiting Korea can open a mobile prepaid account on the day they arrive in the country as authorities have improved the foreigner identification system. Nowadays, you still have to send a request to add your device to the network. This is done at the point of purchase. It can take 20 to 60 minutes before your connection will be activated. That's why you should choose a designated device for your SIM card and tether from it instead of changing the SIM from one device to the other.

Market for visitors[]

All networks are selling plans to visitors and are readily available at the airport both as SIM and eSIM. KT SIM cards can most easily be purchased in their "global stores" called KT Plaza where staff speaks some English or at the airport. Offers can also be bought or ordered before your arrival online sent to you or to be picked up in the country. Finding a SIM card and an English-speaking agent in town, can be a much harder task to do.

Price comparison with the rest of the world[]

In general, UK internet comparison site cable.co.uk has ranked South Korea as 214th of 237 countries/territories in terms of mobile data affordability with data costing on average ₩6,699 (approximately US$5.01) per GB (July 2023). This makes South Korea data plans more expensive compared to many other industrialised countries except for New Zealand, the US, and Switzerland. [Cable 1]

As such, purchasing an international eSIM card prior to your trip in South Korea may be a more cost-effective alternative

Korea eSIM RED[]

Product Info[]

Korea eSIM Red is the 4G LTE prepaid eSIM of SK Telecom, Korean No. 1 Telecom company in terms of subscribers. Basically, it provides unlimited data service at 20Mbps without speed reduction. As so, there will be no difficulty watching youtube 24hrs. When you order online, You can get an eSIM QR code straight via email as long as you don’t need receiving voice or text service but only data. In this case, it’s highly recommended to scan and install before the flight to Korea as it activates only when you start to use data service in Korea, but not in foreign countries. The period of use will be consumed in time based on the time of start of use. For example, if you start to use 3Days product at 11AM on 3rd Jan, the service will be off at 11AM on 6th Jan. It’s possible to start using it anytime you want, but within a year from the time you receive the email of eSIM QR code. Unlike some other eSIM and USIM products in Korea, there is no online passport registration process, which makes it really convenient to use.

If you need a Korean mobile phone number 010 that can receive voice/text messages, not only data, you can use it by receiving the Korea eSIM Red QR code at the SK Telecom Roaming booth at the airport in Korea even if you order online, not via email. It’s like adding on the receiving service to the product of unlimited data only without speed reduction. Korean airports where pickup is possible are Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Gimpo International Airport, Daegu International Airport, Gimhae International Airport, Jeju International Airport, and Jeju Port (22 Feb 2024). However, although receiving service is possible, it’s not suitable for any functions related to identity verification or online financial transactions. This is because the Korean government is enforcing strong laws and regulations to prevent scams such as voice phishing and spam emails.

In addition, there has been a notice that the Korea eSIM Red Plus product, which includes service of outgoing call and text as well, will be released in March 2024. (https://m.krsim.net/page/comparison.html)

If your mobile doesn’t support eSIM but need same function, you can refer to SIM Gold.


You will be able to purchase them in discounted price at the online website.

Price[]

  • 1 Days   US$ 5.9 → US$ 4.5 (23.6% OFF)
  • 3 Days   US$ 16.1 → US$ 12.7 (21.0% OFF)
  • 5 Days   US$ 24.6 → US$ 19.4 (21.0% OFF)
  • 10 Days   US$ 34.4 → US$ 26.9 (21.7% OFF)
  • 20 Days   US$ 54.0 → US$ 42.7 (21.0% OFF)
  • 30 Days   US$ 63.8 → US$ 49.9 (21.8% OFF)

Korea eSIM SKY[]

Product Info

Korea eSIM Sky is the only product available to tourists that operates on the LG U+ network. It provides 3GB full speed and unlimited data at 5Mbps beyond that. You can receive an e-mail containing the QR code and Korean phone number after buying it. It has the phone number starting with 012- to include unlimited receiving voice calls and texts inside and outside of the country. But as it has the number starts with 012-, it’s totally not suitable for any verification at all. Outgoing voice call and text are unavailable. This is due to Korean legislation to block illegal use such as scam of the voice calls and messages. If you want to make a call, messengers like Facebook, Kakao Talk, Facetime, etc are recommended to use as it supports m-VoIP.

Unfortunately, receiving voice call and text are currently guaranteed only for iPhones. It should work with most Android devices but functionality cannot be guaranteed

Moreover, as all iPhones sold in China, as well as many of them are sold in Hong Kong, do not support the eSIM function, checking if your phone supports eSIM would be compulsory.

Price

  • 5 Days  US$ 22.9 → US$ 19.9 (13.1% OFF)
  • 7 Days  US$ 30.3 → US$ 25.9 (14.6% OFF)
  • 10 Days  US$ 32.6 → US$ 27.9 (14.5% OFF)
  • 15 Days  US$ 46.8 → US$ 39.9 (14.7% OFF)
  • 20 Days  US$ 51.2 → US$ 43.9 (14.2% OFF)
  • 30 Days  US$ 60.9 → US$ 51.9 (14.8% OFF)
  • 40 Days US$ 84.3. → US$ 71.8 (14.8% OFF)
  • 60 Days US$ 121.8 → US$ 103.8 (14.8% OFF)

KT (formerly olleh, by Korea Telecom)[]

Kt olleh

KT (Korea Telecom) is the public provider and 2nd network in the country with a good coverage (see above). It's a formerly public enterprise, is relatively cheaper than SK Telecom with the largest WiFi coverage in Korea and a well-organized prepaid plan available. Remember, there is no 2G anymore, just 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Most visitors go for the tourist SIM sold online, at CVS like 7-11 or CU, airports or the rental of a device with a SIM card. Their regular olleh Simple prepaid plan is much harder to get and maintain for a foreigner and geared more to long-time visitors.

Korea SIM Blue Plus[]

This latest product also dubbed as "Ultimate Korean USIM" card comes with unlimited data plans of 5, 7, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. For more details, 10GB data is provided at 4G LTE full speed of max, 150 Mbps, and throttles down to speed of 3Mbps when 10GB is finished. Once you finish 10GB of data, you’ll be receiving additional 2GB of data with full speed every day and then slows down to 3Mbps again. For those 60 and 90 days, amount of date can be used at full speed will be reset every month, which means you can get data of 10GB to use at full speed after every month.

You get a local Korean mobile number starting with 010-. Furthermore, it has unlimited outgoing and incoming local voice calls and texts included. All devices using SIM can be serviced with and Tethering (internet sharing) is available. However, even though the call service is unlimited, if you call the numbers such as starts with 1588/1577/013/050/060 and video call, the period of service will be shortened than the period you purchased. This is because those numbers are not free to call at all, even to Korean, and video call is not a planned as basic service in this SIM.

It is highly recommended to buy it in discounted price on their online website for free delivery in Korea. You can also purchase it in the convenience stores of CUs at the airport and 7-Eleven chains around Korean major international airports (Incheon Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Gimpo, Jeju and Gimhae) and Myeong-dong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Dongdaemun, Jongno or Haeundae. Here's a list from the official site with the locations. But it is much more expensive than online site (about 18%) and you must choose among limited plan options of 7 and 15 days.

The registration will be done automatically at the moment you try register online. As in runs 24hrs, yo can start using it whenever you want after receiving the SIM, but within 10 months from the date of product made. Specific date to begin to use it can be adjusted in advance when registration, too. When it activates after registration, the 'KT' logo will appear on the top of the screen. Koreans can be served if they have additional foreign identification cards in activation.

Extension is impossible.

  • for 5 days: US$ 28 → US$ 22.9 (18% OFF)
  • for 7 days: US$ 34 → US$ 27.9 (18% OFF)
  • for 10 days: US$ 38 → US$ 31.9 (16% OFF)
  • for 15 days: US$ 48 → US$ 40.3 (16% OFF)
  • for 30 days: US$ 70 → US$ 58.9 (16% OFF)
  • for 60 days: US$ 140 → US$ 109.9 (22% OFF)
  • for 90 days: US$ 210 → US$ 151.9 (28% OFF)

KT Mobile Rental and data-only SIM purchase[]

Mobile rental

The same KT stores airport stores also rent SIM cards, smartphones and WiFi routers too at their airport branches and flagship stores called "global stores". You should make a pre-order online, if you want to be sure to get a certain device. They also sell data-only SIMs with the same data price.

SIM card rental and purchase[]

They have special stores called "global stores" at airports and key city points where they support English-speaking service especially to foreigners. They have the broadest service in the country to foreigners: They sell prepaid SIM cards, do phone rentals with SIM cards, do "egg" rentals (see below) and sell WiFi vouchers for their WiFi hotspots. At Incheon airport, KT has several service desks in the arrivals hall where you are likely to find signs advertising SIM cards (as do the other mobile network operators - SK and LG+).

They sell a data-only prepaid SIM and rent out a general prepaid SIM with voice and data. Both SIMs include "unrestricted" data use during the rental period at a max. of 5 Mbps. For rent you need to link your credit card and in case of loss ₩10,000 will be charged. Remember, you need to give or sent back their voice SIM. Rates for both SIM cards are:

  • for 5 days: ₩27,500
  • for 10 days: ₩38,500
  • for 30 days: ₩71,500

Smartphone and WiFi router rentals[]

They rent out different smartphones with SIM cards to use rightaway. The rental fees for phones or WiFi routers are:

  • 1-10 days: ₩3,000 per day
  • 11-20 days: ₩2,000 per day
  • 21-30 days: ₩1,000 per day
  • over 30 days: free

Data is an expensive ₩1.5 per 0.5 KB. But you can book unlimited data on 3G and 4G for ₩5,000 per day. Speed is limited to 5 Mbps.

Furthermore, they rent out "eggs". These are Mifi routers to build a local hotsport running on LTE technology. The rental fee is the the same as for smartphones with the same data pack. Be prepared to pay around ₩200,000 deposit for the rental or have it blocked on your credit card.

Olleh simple

KT prepaid SIM card (olleh SIMple)[]

Availability[]

KT's regular prepaid product (olleh 선불) can be loaded with data packs from ₩4,000 to 50,000 called olleh SIMple at all of their stores. Each top-up amount involves a validity period. Purchase and booking of packages is easiest in their global stores (list of locations). However, note that this SIM can't be purchased at Incheon International Airport, but there are other SIMs you can get on the KT network at the airport (see below). If you are unable to visit a global store, then their English-speaking hotline can act as a translator for you. Also, as of February 3, 2017 prepaid SIM cards are sold only between 10am and 6pm on business days only despite that stores works longer. Same restriction applies to recharging SIM cards with cash in "Global Stores" (if you have a Korean bank card, you can also recharge on Saturday from 10am to 6pm), see below for the option of recharging in convenience stores.

You have to buy the prepaid card itself and it comes without any credit. Default data rate is ₩0.28 per 0.5 KB. It's on 3G/HSPA+ and/or 4G/LTE. If you have a smartphone that supports the LTE bands that KT olleh supports (essential is band 3 on 1800 MHz) then you can sign up for "olleh simple LTE". The SIM card costs ₩5,500 for 3G (Olleh simple) or ₩8,800 for 4G (olleh simple LTE). Nano SIM cards are available only with the 4G option.

One thing to keep in mind is SIM card validity, currently they are offering a plan with minimum 180 days validity (no shorter periods on first time purchase) for ₩30,000. However, you can extend the validity an en existing SIM card for shorter durations than 180 days. So for first time visitors staying in Korea for a month, you will spend ₩30,000 for validity + ₩8,800 for the SIM card + data pack charges (another ₩8800 for 500 MB on 4G).

Data feature packages[]

These monthly packages can be booked on the SIMple card (for 4G/LTE) link:

  • 100 MB: ₩5,500
  • 300 MB: ₩8,800
  • 500 MB: ₩11,000
  • 1 GB: ₩16,500
  • 2 GB: ₩22,500
  • 4 GB: ₩38,500

These monthly packages can be booked on the SIMple card (for 3G and 4G) link:

  • 500 MB: ₩8,800
  • 1 GB: ₩14,300
  • 2 GB: ₩19,800

Also note that you must have some (greater than 0) amount of credit on your card, or else your data package will not work (and customer service may not know why!).

KT's extensive WI-FI network (see below) is added unlimited for free on the packages of 300 MB or more. You will need to connect to the secure olleh Wi-Fi network. It will ask you for authentication - choose SIM authentication.

kt olleh WiFi voucher[]

IMG 4627

Olleh runs the biggest WiFi network with more than 100,000 WiFis in the country, which is a very good alternative to mobile internet in the cities, but quite limited on the countryside (http://zone.wifi.olleh.com/#none). You can buy codes at many 7-Eleven, By the Way, GS25 or Mini Stop stores :

  • 1 hour: ₩1,100
  • 24 hours: ₩3,300

A detailed guide how to log on in English is given here: http://first.wifi.olleh.com/en/aboutService.html.

From summer of 2017 many kt olleh WiFi hotspots have been opened for free use by the public. So check, if you can access it for free, before you buy a voucher.

Technical Settings[]

Many phones pick up the correct carrier settings automatically. If internet doesn't work properly, these additional manual settings are required:

More info (for the different sections)[]

SK Telecom[]

Sk telecom-0

SK Telecom is the biggest mobile provider in South Korea. It has recently added prepaid plans for short term tourists, Korea SIM Gold and Purple. Like KT, SK also has counters at Incheon airport and online shop where SIM cards can be bought.

SK operates 3G on the usual 2100 MHz, but 4G/LTE on the rather unusual 850 MHz (band 5) as primary frequency that is rarely covered by devices from overseas (except those capable of AT&T's LTE in the US as well as many devices from Japan). The more usual 1800 MHz (band 3) is only employed for back-up. But the coverage is reported to be better than that of KT, by press every year. 2G has been switched off in 2020.

Korea SIM Gold[]

Korea SIM Gold is a USIM that provides unlimited data at speed of 20 Mbps without speed reduction. It also provides additional functions such as incoming voice calls and text messages with Korean phone numbers 010 only when picking up at the airport. This is due to Korean legislation to block illegal use such as scam. You won't need an activation process, but just rebooting your phone about 2-3 times could be needed to start using it after inserting USIM. It has the plans of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 or 30 days and cannot be extended. When ordering online, in discounted price, you can choose either you will pick it up at the airport, or free delivery (010 number is not given) in Korea. When picking up from the airport, the order number will be listed in the e-mail you’ll receive, and you can pick up USIM by showing this order number at SKT Roaming booth. You also can get your SIM card at your hotel or and residential place in Korea by free delivery service. If it is a hotel, you’ll need to ask the front if they can keep the parcel to prevent loss issue.

In addition, there has been a notice that the Korea USIM Gold Plus product, which includes service of outgoing call and text as well, will be released in March 2024. (https://m.krsim.net/page/comparison.html)

Since Korea SIM Gold product is a version of eSIM Red, if your mobile doesn’t support USIM or want want it eSIM with same function, you can refer to eSIM Red.

List of SKT Roaming Booth location

- Incheon Internation Airport Terminal 1: SKT Roaming booth on opposite to Gate13 (24 hours / 365days) and Gate2 (6AM~10PM) on the 1st floor.

- Incheon Internation Airport Terminal 2: SKT Roaming booth is in between Gate4 and Gate5 (24 hours / 365 days).

- Gimpo International Airport: SKT Roaming booth is at Gate1 (06:30AM ~ 11:00PM).

- Daegu International Airport: SKT Roaming booth is in Next to the GATE 1, 1F (6AM~10PM).

- Gimhae International Airport: SKT Roaming booth is in between Gate2 and Gate3 (6AM~10PM).

- Jeju International Airport: SKT Roaming booth is in front of international terminal, 1F (7AM~7PM).

- Incheon Harbor T1: SKT Roaming booth is Incheon Port T1 International Passenger Terminal 1F (9AM~6PM / Closed on Sunday).

- Busan Harbor: SKT Roaming booth is Busan Port International Passenger Terminal 2F (06:30AM ~ 7:30PM / 365 days).

Price

  • for 1 day: US$ 6.1 → US$ 4.5 (32.1% OFF) (Parcel service for 1 day is unavailable; phone number not provided)
  • for 3 days : US$ 16.2 → US$ 12.7 (25.9% OFF)
  • for 5 days: US$ 24.5 → US$ 19.4 (28.4% OFF)
  • for 10 days: US$ 34.5 → US$ 26.9 (29.0% OFF)
  • for 20 days : US$ 54.5 → US$ 42.7 (25.7% OFF)
  • for 30 days: US$ 64.0 → US$ 49.9 (28.8% OFF)


PPS Smartphone plan[]

PPS prepaid SIMs can be subscribed only at SK Telecom branch offices (T-world 지점; not at T-World franchise stores and not at roaming centers, so as of 3/2019 not at Incheon Airport). The store in Hongdae/Hapjeong (105, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul; second floor, Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) is known to work (shutdown as of 2022); other stores can be found on Naver Maps. The process will take about 30-45 minutes and you will need to bring a passport or Alien Registration Card.

The Smartphone plans allow for calling and texting. You will need to choose a base plan, with PPS Smartphone General having no daily charge and other plans like PPS Smartphone Lite (₩166 / day) lowering the voice rates. On activation, which will cost ₩8,800 for the SIM card, you have to load a minimum balance of ₩5,000 giving the SIM a validity of 30 days. Top-ups are available and will extend the validity of the phone number and at the same time increase the call credit, with each 30 days costing ₩5,000 and and a total of ₩50,000 being the flat-out fee for 1 year. The phone number remains valid for another 10 days after expiration of the credit. SIM cards do not need to be returned, and accounts will be closed automatically after 12 months; so no need to return to the stores.

For their Smartphone plan the following data bundles can be added, all with a maximum validity of one year or the expiry of the SIM, whichever comes sooner. The data allowance is maintained as a separate account; you cannot convert the call/validity credit into data allowances. Access to the extensive T-Zone WiFi-network is included on all plans and does not impact you data credit.

  • 100 MB: ₩2,000
  • 500 MB: ₩10,000
  • 1 GB: ₩15,000
  • 2 GB: ₩19,000
  • 5 GB: ₩33,000

SKT PPS Smartphone is a good choice for medium-long stays (above 30 days) with medium-intense data usage; 3 months with a total of 5 GB of data will cost ₩56,800 total (₩8,800 SIM card + ₩15,000 for 90 days of validity + ₩33,000 for 5 GB of data) and include about an hour of domestic calls or 680 SMS. It is one of the cheapest and easiest ways for enabling calling (compared to opening a post-paid line). However, the need to visit a SK Telecom branch office will make this less easy than picking up a SIM card right at the airport and will probably make it unpractical for short-term and first-time visitors.

SK Telink - 7mobile[]

SK Telink is their usual consumer brand. But prepaid services are only offered by its MVNO 7mobile. Their prepaid plan T-Money has a base charge of ₩202 per day and these monthly data packages to be added:

  • 100 MB: ₩5,000
  • 500 MB: ₩10,000
  • 1 GB: ₩20,000
  • 2 GB: ₩40,000

For ₩110 per day, access to WIFI of T-Zone (http://www.twifi.co.kr/view/index.jsp) can be added.

SK Telecom prepaid SIM for travellers from Hong Kong Airport[]

5 day or 8 day SIM cards are being offered by Klook Travel Technologies for pick-up at Hong Kong airport for travellers who may be travelling from Hong Kong or transiting through the HKG airport.

  • 2.8 GB (at 4G speeds) for 5 days: ₩20,086 / HK$ 128
  • 5 GB (at 3G speeds) for 8 days: ₩23,225 / HK$ 148

These cards must be pre-ordered and then picked up at HKG International Airport on this website.

SK Telecom Roaming[]

Similarly to KT, SK Telecom rents out smartphones and MIFI routers. Unlike KT they focus more on the internet than some special stores to foreigners. The rentals can be booked online through here.

A smartphone rental is for ₩3,000 per day and ₩6,000 per day for 3G data up to 1 GB (overuse: ₩5 per 0.5 KB) or unlimited WIFI for ₩2,000 per day on T-Zone WIFI (see above). Discount is given to online reservations, long time rentals and returning costumers. Deposits are ₩300,000-700,000 for the devices.

The MiFi is given out for ₩3,000 per day and for ₩5,000 per day you get unlimited data on 3G and LTE.

More information[]

EG SIM CARD[]

EG SIM

EGSIM is a MVNO company that uses KT network in Korea.

They sells 3G/LTE speed prepaid USIM that can be used in Korea, and the target audience is mainly "the people" visiting Korea for tourism/education/business.

There is foreign language support service at the head office.


Place of purchase[]

(1) Homepage: http://www.egsimcard.co.kr

 - Can be purchased at the cheapest price

 - Can be delivered to the desired shipping address

 - Airport pick-up available(This is not available after 2020.11.01 regarding to the COVID-19 issue)

(2) Convenience store

 - Available at many GS25 and E-Mart 24 convenience stores

(3) Naver Smart Store (https://smartstore.naver.com/egmobile)

 - Only data products can be purchased. (Voice products cannot be purchased)

(4) Visit to Seongsu-dong headquarters

 ( 504 , 1st Halla Sigma Valley Seoul Forest Seongsui-ro 51, Seongdong-gu, Seoul)


Product information[]

 As the price of the product varies by vendor, we will inform you of the selling price on the website.

 (You can purchase the product at the lowest price on the EGSIM homepage.)

<Homepage sales products>

(1) Voice + data product (data / voice / text can be used for 30 days)

 -1.5GB data+ 50min voice: ₩30,000 (Homepage discount price: ₩15,000)

 -5GB data + 50min voice: ₩60,000 (Homepage discount price: ₩30,000)

 -10GB data+ 100min voice+ 100EA text: ₩90,000 (Homepage discount price: ₩45,000)

(2) Data products (LTE data can be used unlimitedly during the period)

 -5DAYS: ₩27,500 (Homepage discount price: ₩15,000)

 -10DAYS: ₩38,500 (Homepage discount price: ₩26,950)

 -30DAYS: ₩71,500 (Homepage discount price: ₩50,050)

 -60DAYS: ₩118,000 (Homepage discount price: ₩76,700)

 -90DAYS: ₩150,000 (Homepage discount price: ₩97,500)

More information[]

You can get detailed information about the product through the manual that came with the product when you purchased it.

Other information can be confirmed on the website. (http://www.egsimcard.co.kr)

NeoKOSIM and Link Korea[]

300

NeoKOSIM is a start-up company that has recently launched a partnership with KT to offer a 4G/LTE unlimited data access prepaid SIM card for travelers coming to Korea. The same service is offered as Link Korea.

Data-only pass[]

You can order online on their website and will receive a PDF voucher via your e-mail after payment. SIMs can be picked up at main gateway airports in Korea (Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, Jeju) and their Hongdae Office in downtown Seoul. These SIMs are for purchase and not to be returned. Tethering is possible, no calls or texts, but VoIP. Max. speed is 5 Mbps.

Voice & data pass[]

You can order online on their website and will receive a PDF voucher via your e-mail and will pay when you pick up the SIM. They can be picked up at Incheon airport, at the Olleh KT roaming center (gate 6) inside in the arrival hall 1F. These SIMs are for rental and are to be returned:

The allowances are for data only. Voice and text consumptions will be billed extra. As a deposit you'll need to to provide a credit card or pay ₩100,000 which is given back when you return the SIM. If you don't return it, you shall be charged additionally for all of your calls and text messages to your given credit card.

Pass prices[]

Both product lines are sold/rented for the same rates:

  • 5-day pass for ₩27,500 (~ US$ 25, tax incl.)
  • 10-day pass for ₩38,500 (~ US$ 35, tax incl.)
  • 30-day pass for ₩71,500 (~ US$ 65, tax incl.)

Annex Korea SIM[]

To be picked up in their office in Seoul only, they offer another SIM with unlimited domestic text and voice and 12 GB data, beyond throttled to 3 Mbps. A 15 day pass is sold for US$ 45, 30 days for US$ 72. This SIM is for sale and not extendable, VoIP is blocked.

WiFi router rental[]

They also rent out a 4G WiFI router for US$ 5 per day and ₩200,000 deposit payable by credit card or cash that will be refunded when returned.

Link Korea[]

LINK-KOREA-LOGO

Link Korea has an almost identical offer to NeokoSIM. You'll need to book online on this pageat least 2 days before your arrival to Korea. They will contact you through email to get personal information and arrival date for registration. You can receive confirm email and they will send you a detailed pick-up guide. Pick-up your SIM card at one of their pick-up points in Incheon Airport.

Required deposit: by credit card open or in cash (₩100,000 or 100 US$) for the voice and data SIM. Pick-up point at gate 6 Olleh Roaming Service Desk has 24 hours business hours. Enjoy mobile communication during your trip. Return it after use: Upon the return of the SIM card, the usage fee for calling and texting is calculated and paid by credit card or in Korean Won only. If a SIM card is not returned in time, a fee for the loss of the card (of ₩10,000) and the usage fee will be deducted from the paid deposit. The duration of rental can be extended by calling the service center. Like with Neokosim the data-only SIM is for purchase, not for rental.

They also offer the WiFi router for US$ 5 per day at the same conditions as NeoKOSIM.

More info[]

SIMCARD-KOREA[]

Logo-simcard-korea

They started services in January 2018 using the KT/olleh network in up to LTE+ with 200 Mbit/s. They are distributed by a German company that was formerly marketing the EG SIM and geared to tourists and ARC card holders. SIM card management is done through their Android, iOS or web app.

Order is available with postal delivery. Delivery within Korea 1-2 days. International delivery 1-5 days.

Validity is for max. of 90 days. Extensions for ARC card holders can be made on request. In any case you need to state your arrival date for activation of the card which is done online: make a photo of your passport, visit their activation website, confirm the guidelines and enter mobile phone number, last 3 numbers of the serial code, arrival date, passport number, full name and the scan of your passport. The final card activation will be done about 20 hours before arrival date.

Available plans[]

All plans consist of a voice package and a data package with domestic 3G and 4G/LTE+ data:

  • Basic: €9.95 / ₩1,000 voice
  • Small: €19.95 / ₩1,000 voice + 500 MB data
  • Medium: €29.95 / ₩11,000 voice + 1 GB data
  • Large: €45 / ₩21,000 voice + 2 GB data
  • Premium: €65 / ₩5,000 international voice + unlimited local voice and data

Voice expires after 90 days, data expire after 30 days (can be extended every time without lost of remaining data). These extra packages can be added:

  • 500 MB: ₩8,800
  • 1 GB: ₩14,300
  • 2 GB: ₩19,800
  • unlimited internet & voice: ₩58,500 (only available for the Premium plan)

More info[]

The Arrival Store[]

Arrival

The Arrival Store provides SIM card and phone rentals in South Korea on a daily or monthly basis. They can be ordered online to be collected at Incheon Airport or to be sent to any postal address in Korea.

For short-term travelers they offer SIM cards with unlimited calling, text and data (within S. Korea) for US$ 5 per day (min. of 5 days) plus a once-off US$ 15 SIM card fee.

For long term rentals they offer different rate plans for 3, 12, or 24 month rental contracts on SIM-only plans that can be seen here. Contracts operate on the KT olleh's LTE/4G network and provide unlimited access to this operator's hotspots throughout Korea too.

International eSIM plans for South Korea[]

Given that South Korea's cost per GB of data is higher than the global median and other relatively onerous requirements, international eSIMs can be a popular alternative. However, you need to ensure your device is eSIM compatible. Please see the article eSIM for more info on the eSIM in general. This section focuses on the popular international eSIM providers that offer national plans for South Korea. The ones listed here do not require real-name registration in the way that obtaining SIM cards from national carriers do and can be set-up before arrival in South Korea.

Ubigi[]

Price(in US$) Data(in GB) Duration(in days) Network 5G? Calls SMS Effective cost(in US$ per GB*)
7.00 1 7 SK Telecom 7.00
9.00 3 30 SK Telecom 3.00
29.00 10 30 SK Telecom 2.90

Holafly[]

Holafly offers unlimited internet for South Korea, although local networks may impose a fair use policy data of 3 GB per day, after which data will be throttled until the next day in the plan.

Price(in US$) Duration(in days) 5G? Calls(in minutes) SMS Effective cost(in US$ per GB*)
19 5 1.27
27 7 1.29
34 10 1.13
47 15 1.04
54 20 0.90

*based on a 3GB per day expected fair use policy

RedteaGO[]

Price(in US$) Data(in GB) Duration(in days) Network 5G? Calls SMS Effective cost(in US$ per GB*)
4.31 1 30 SK Telecom, KT 4.31
10.99 3 30 SK Telecom, KT 3.66
17.99 5 30 SK Telecom, KT 3.60

CMLink[]

CMLink Global by China Mobile offers data plans for South Korea. They claim they are unlimited but only a certain portion of the data is high-speed (see below).

Daily high speed data Prices for the given duration (in US$)(figures in brackets indicate effective cost per GB per day) Network Calls SMS
3 days 5 days 7 days 8 days 10 days 12 days 15 days 20 days 30 days
500 MB* 3.44

(2.29)

5.10

(2.04)

7.01 8.03 10.06 12.10

(2.02)

14.65

(1.95)

19.11

(1.91)

26.75

(1.78)

KT
1 GB 5.16

(1.72)

7.64

(1.53)

10.51 12.04 15.10 18.15

(1.51)

21.97

(1.46)

28.66

(1.43)

40.13

(1.34)

KT
2 GB 7.75

(1.29)

11.46

(1.15)

15.77 18.06 22.65 27.24

(1.14)

32.97

(1.10)

42.99

(1.07)

60.19

(1.00)

KT

*for purposes of computing effective costs, 1 GB = 1,000 MB
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