Introduction
If you have decided to travel to Seoul, choosing the right mobile service is a top priority. For a seamless experience, a reliable South Korea eSIM is highly recommended to stay connected instantly. There are four main types of mobile services available. If you are planning an international trip for the first time, I strongly suggest checking out the guide below first:
[[Guide to 4 Types of Mobile Services for Traveling in Seoul]]
Today, I will provide a detailed guide on the various types of eSIM services offered by major Korean carriers for those who have chosen the "eSIM service" as their primary way to stay connected in Korea.
1. eSIM Services from Korea's Major 3 Carriers (SKT, KT, LG U+)
The "Big 3" mobile carriers in South Korea—SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+—offer the most stable and high-speed Korea Travel SIM options for tourists.
(1) Data Only Plans Comparison
These plans allow you to use unlimited data for a selected period. You will be assigned a local Korean "010" number, which allows you to receive incoming voice calls and SMS for free within Korea. While these are data-focused, you can still make calls to friends and family back home using M-VoIP services like FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Messenger.
Pricing by Period (Unit: KRW): The eSIM rates for the three major carriers are compared in the table below. The service period officially begins the moment you scan the eSIM QR code.
| Period | SK Telecom | KT | LG U+ | LG U+(5G) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | 6,500 | 6,500 | 6,500 | 9,500 |
| 2 Days | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 15,000 |
| 3 Days | 18,000 | 18,000 | 18,000 | 25,000 |
| 4 Days | 23,000 | 23,000 | 23,000 | 30,000 |
| 5 Days | 27,500 | 27,500 | 27,500 | 34,500 |
| 6 Days | 31,900 | 31,900 | 32,000 | 39,000 |
| 7 Days | 35,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 | 42,000 |
| 8 Days | 36,300 | (NONE) | 36,500 | 43,500 |
| 9 Days | 37,400 | (NONE) | 37,500 | 44,500 |
| 10 Days | 38,500 | 38,500 | 38,500 | 45,500 |
| 15 Days | 55,000 | 55,000 | 55,000 | 65,000 |
| 20 Days | 60,400 | 60,500 | 60,500 | 70,500 |
| 30 Days | 71,500 | 71,500 | 71,500 | 81,500 |
| 40 Days | (NONE) | (NONE) | 99,000 | 109,000 |
| 60 Days | 107,000 | 107,200 | 143,000 | 153,000 |
| 90 Days | 143,000 | 143,000 | 192,500 | 202,500 |
- Feature 1: The eSIM rates provided by the three major carriers are almost identical.
- Feature 2: LG U+ is the only provider among the Big 3 that offers dedicated 5G plans.
- Feature 3: For plans exceeding 30 days, LG U+ is significantly more expensive than the other two companies.
Unlimited Data Speeds:
- SKT: Maximum speed of 100Mbps consistently.
- KT & LG: LTE speed up to 3GB per day. After 3GB, unlimited data at a QoS speed of 5Mbps. The 3GB LTE allowance resets every night at midnight.
- LG U+ 5G Plan: Unlimited data usage at speeds up to 20Gbps.
(2) Data + Voice + SMS Plans
These plans provide unlimited data along with a local 010 number that enables both outgoing and incoming calls and SMS. Having a Korean phone number for tourists is essential for SMS verification required by major Korean apps. This is a must-have for using food delivery apps (Coupang Eats), taxi-hailing services (Kakao T), and digital waiting systems.
Product Structure: This plan involves purchasing a "Data Only" base and then "Prepaying" for a Voice + SMS balance.
- Requirements: Passport verification is mandatory, and only one service can be requested per passport.
Pricing by Period (Data Base - Unit: KRW):
| Period | SK Telecom | KT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | 6,500 | 6,500 |
| 2 Days | 12,000 | 12,000 |
| 3 Days | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| 4 Days | 23,000 | 23,000 |
| 5 Days | 27,500 | 27,500 |
| 6 Days | 31,900 | 31,900 |
| 7 Days | 35,000 | 35,000 |
| 8 Days | 36,300 | (NONE) |
| 9 Days | 37,400 | (NONE) |
| 10 Days | 38,500 | 38,500 |
| 15 Days | 55,000 | 55,000 |
| 20 Days | 60,400 | 60,500 |
| 30 Days | 71,500 | 71,500 |
| 60 Days | 107,000 | 107,200 |
| 90 Days | 143,000 | 143,000 |
- SKT: Data Only bases from 2 to 90 days, Voice+SMS top-ups available.
- KT: Data Only bases from 3 to 90 days, Voice+SMS top-ups available.
- LG U+: Currently only provides Data Only options for eSIM services.
Voice + SMS Top-up: You can charge between 5,500 KRW and 55,000 KRW at a time, up to a maximum of 330,000 KRW.
Outgoing Rates:
- Domestic calls: 4.4 KRW/sec, Domestic SMS: 33 KRW, Domestic MMS/LMS: 110 KRW.
- International calls (USA, Canada, HK): 990 KRW/min. Others: 1,227.6 KRW/min.
- International SMS: 165 KRW (MMS/LMS unavailable).
(3) Purchase Method & Benefits
"How to Buy:" Reserve through the official website and receive your voucher via email. On-site purchase is also possible.
Exclusive Benefits (March 2026):
- SKT: 2-day+ plans include free T-Money card (3,000 KRW) and Palace Pass (10,000 KRW).
- KT: 3-day+ plans receive 10% discount and free Trip Pass card.
- LG: 3-day+ plans receive 10% discount and T-Money card.
(4) ((Focus)) LG U+ TOUR PASS for Ultra-Short-Term Travelers
- Pricing: 3-day (LTE 18,000 / 5G 25,000) | 5-day (LTE 27,500 / 5G 34,500).
- Unlimited Transportation Card: Valid for regular buses/subways nationwide. (Excludes Express trains).
- Voice/SMS: Not supported on eSIM version of Tour Pass.
2. eSIM Services from Korean MVNOs (Budget Carriers)
Korean MVNOs offer competitive South Korea eSIM services with stable connections at lower prices. Chingu Mobile is highly regarded for English support.
(1) Data Only: Unlimited at 10Mbps. 14 days (30,000 KRW) to 120 days (140,000 KRW).
(2) Data + Voice:
- High-Speed: 2GB/day at 150Mbps + Unlimited calls. (7 days/35,000 KRW – 180 days/260,000 KRW).
- Budget: 300MB/month at 150Mbps + Unlimited calls. (7 days/20,000 KRW – 180 days/120,000 KRW).
3. How to Use the Service: Reservation to Activation
Visit official sites, reserve online, and scan the QR code in your email voucher.
- SK Telecom: [[skroaming.com]]
- KT: [[roaming.kt.com]]
- LG: [[lguplus.com]]
- Chingu Mobile: [[chingumobile.com]]
4. Essential Information Before Use: Checklist
- Data works immediately; Voice/SMS requires passport verification.
- Country Locked devices are not supported. Unlock your phone before arrival.
- Personal identity verification for financial services is generally not possible.
- Illegal use results in immediate suspension.
- eSIM-compatible devices only.
[[Click here to check if your device supports eSIM]]
5. Conclusion: Which eSIM Should You Choose?
- LG U+ is more expensive for stays over 30 days.
- LG U+ TOUR PASS is highly recommended for short-term trips (under 5 days).
- LG U+ is the only provider selling 5G plans currently.
- MVNOs offer better value for long-term travelers or students due to unlimited calls.
Ready to explore Seoul?
[[Compare all connectivity options: SIM vs eSIM vs Roaming]]
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which carrier offers the best 5G eSIM for tourists in Korea?
A: Currently, LG U+ is the primary provider among the Big 3 offering dedicated 5G eSIM plans with extreme data speeds.
Q: Does the Korean eSIM include a local phone number?
A: Yes, most Data Only plans provide a 010 number for incoming calls and SMS. For outgoing calls, you must select a Data+Voice plan.
Q: Can I activate the eSIM before arriving in South Korea?
A: You can install the eSIM profile early, but the service period typically starts only when you scan the QR code and connect to a Korean network.
Author: TH Jeong