 | Data Plans for Tourists){kind=link}
Planning a trip to South Korea and worried about staying connected? Good news—you no longer need to swap out a physical SIM card. Thanks to eSIM (Embedded SIM) technology, you can activate a data plan with just a QR code. For U.S. travelers, this is a game-changer: no waiting in line at the airport, no fiddling with SIM trays, and no surprise roaming charges. In this guide, we’ll cover where to buy eSIMs for Korea, how much they cost, how to activate them on iPhone & Android, and which plans are best for tourists.
Table of Contents
1. Where to Buy eSIM for Korea
There are two main ways to get an eSIM for Korea: buy online before you fly or pick one up after landing.
- Online platforms (before your trip): Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Klook allow you to purchase a QR code before departure. Once you land, your data works instantly.
- Local carriers (after arrival): Korea’s major carriers—LG U+, KT, and SK Telecom—sell eSIM plans at airport counters. These sometimes include a local Korean number, which is useful if you need SMS verification for apps or banking.
2. Cost Comparison: SIM Card vs eSIM
Many U.S. travelers are used to buying prepaid SIM cards abroad. In Korea, however, eSIM often offers better value:
3. How to Activate eSIM on iPhone & Android
Activation is straightforward, whether you use an iPhone or Android:
- Step 1: Purchase your eSIM online or at the airport.
- Step 2: You’ll receive a QR code via email or printout.
- Step 3: Open your phone settings and scan the code.
iPhone (XR, XS, 11 or newer):
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR code
Android (Samsung Galaxy S20+ and later, Z Flip/Fold):
Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
4. Best Data Packages for Short vs Long Stays
Which plan you choose depends on how long you’ll be in Korea:
- Short stays (1–10 days): Airalo and Holafly are the easiest. Airalo offers 3–10GB plans, while Holafly provides unlimited data (but speeds may slow after heavy use).
- Medium stays (2–4 weeks): LG U+ and KT airport eSIMs are more stable, and they include a local number.
- Long stays (1–3 months): Consider KT or SKT carrier eSIMs with renewable monthly plans. These may require showing your passport or alien registration card for ID verification.
5. Affiliate-Friendly Recommendations
If you’d like to set up your eSIM before arriving in Korea, here are traveler favorites:
- 👉 Airalo Korea eSIM – Best budget option for short trips.
- 👉 Holafly Korea eSIM – Unlimited data, perfect for heavy social media users.
- 👉 LG U+ Airport eSIM – Comes with a Korean number, great for app verification.
- ✅ Confirm your phone supports eSIM (*#06# to check EID)
- ✅ Buy at least one plan before leaving the U.S.
- ✅ Keep your original U.S. SIM active for iMessage/WhatsApp
6. FAQs for Travelers
Q1. Can I keep my U.S. number while using a Korean eSIM?
Yes. eSIM lets you keep your U.S. SIM active for calls and texts, while using the Korean eSIM for data.
Q2. Do I need ID to buy an eSIM?
Online eSIMs like Airalo don’t require ID. Carrier eSIMs bought in Korea may require your passport.
Q3. Will eSIM work everywhere in Korea?
Yes. Korea has some of the fastest 5G and LTE networks in the world. Even in smaller cities, coverage is excellent.
Q4. What happens after I leave Korea?
Simply disable or delete the eSIM profile in your settings. No return process is needed.
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| Best eSIM Options for Korea (2025) | Data Plans for Tourists |