South Korea – known for Kpop, K-Beauty & insane fashion trends.
It is also the country of Samsung, which has a significant sway over South Korea in terms of politics.
While you may think that East Asia is always warm, it can snow in Seoul during winters.
One thing that South Korea is not known for being a cheap travel destination.
Especially compared to nearby East Asian countries and especially Southeast Asia.
So, what can you do in South Korea? A lot.
The Myeong-Dong shopping district is popular.
Nami Island is a must-see too; the same counts for Jeju Island.
And do not forget about the many palaces, like Gyeongbokgung Palace, and temples, like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
As you can see, there is no reason to be bored in South Korea, and there is a lot to share online on social media.
However, what you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in South Korea.
International roaming can be expensive, which is why I advocate for local prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs.
Those are often inexpensive and allow you to enjoy local rates.
In the case of South Korea, mobile data rates are not low.
In fact, they are the most expensive in Asia (and if you include the Middle East, the second-most expensive behind Yemen).
Even then, getting a local SIM card or eSIM will still be cheaper than international roaming.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in South Korea?
You can get a South Korean SIM card for 8800 KRW (6.70 USD) from SK Telecom in its stores. Tourist SIM cards (known as Korea SIM) by SK Telecom, KT & LG U+ are sold between 5.90 USD (1 day) to 384 USD (6 months) primarily at airports, including Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN).
You may think these prices are outrageous – even for Canadian standards.
However, most South Korean SIM cards sold to tourists include unlimited data (with or without a (daily) high-speed data allowance), which is cool.
But still… it is not pocket change.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in South Korea. Let's go.
Original publication: 17th of December 2019. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in South Korea?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in South Korea, I recommend going with SK Telecom. It is the fastest mobile operator in the country. Its Korea eSIM Red offer truly unlimited data. SK Telecom's tourist SIM cards (Korea SIM Gold and Korea SIM Purple) also offers unlimited data at slower speeds (5 Mbps and 10 Mbps).
South Korea has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- SK Telecom (also known as T World)
- KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
- LG U+
Anyone living in or visiting South Korea can buy a South Korean SIM card with some restrictions, but you do have to comply with South Korea's SIM card registration regulations.
The main restriction is that you can only have one active SIM card in your name in South Korea.
At least… that is when you get a regular prepaid SIM card.
However, if you get one of the travel SIM cards or eSIMs (Korea SIM), then you can have up to four active SIM cards per mobile operator in your name.
Of course, this depends on the mobile operator and the SIM card line.
Besides those restrictions, you are free to use South Korean SIM cards.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a South Korean SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can expect to pay the following for South Korean SIM cards:
- SK Telecom: 8800 KRW, although they are often sold together with a plan (then the price get waived)
- KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh): “Free”, but always sold with a plan (between 8800 KRW and 108 900 KRW)
- LG U+: “Free”, but always sold with a plan (between 27 500 KRW and 143 000 KRW)
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date KRW (South Korean Won) to your currency (let's say JPY – Japanese Yen) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between KRW and USD (US Dollars):
- 10 KRW = 0.75 USD
- 100 KRW = 0.75 USD
- 1000 KRW = 0.75 USD
- 10 000 KRW = 7.65 USD
- 100 000 KRW = 76.25 USD
- 1 000 000 KRW = 762.75 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for South Korea
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local South Korean eSIM, you can get one from SK Telecom (through Korea eSIM Red) or LG U+ (also through Korea eSIM Sky).
But remember that you have to comply with South Korea's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a South Korean eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for South Korea.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for South Korea only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my South Korea eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your South Korea travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: LG U+ (South Korea only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: South Korea & Asia Five Pack
- Holafly: South Korea & Asia – all variants include unlimited data
- Nomad: South Korea, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
- SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my South Korea eSIM buying guide.
South Korean Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through SK Telecom (also known as T World), KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh) & LG U+, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what South Korea can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
SK Telecom (에스케이텔레콤 – T World)
SK Telecom (에스케이텔레콤), also known as T World, is the largest mobile operator in South Korea.
It is also the best mobile operator in the country.
SK Telecom also has the fastest mobile speeds.
It is the most expensive mobile operator in South Korea for postpaid plans.
However, SK Telecom's Korea SIM products (Korea SIM Gold, Korea SIM Purple & Korea eSIM Red) are reasonably priced compared to its competitors.
SK Telecom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down for 4G/LTE refarming
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 28 GHz (n257) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
- VoLTE: Yes (not for Korea SIM products)
- VoWiFi: Yes (not for Korea SIM products)
This is what you will learn about SK Telecom:
* Coverage
* How to Get an SK Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – SK Telecom (T World)
SK Telecom has excellent coverage throughout South Korea.
This was confirmed by Opensignal.
Additionally, it has the best 5G NR availability (together with KT South Korea) and the best 5G NR reach.
Unfortunately, 5G NR is unavailable to prepaid customers or the Korea SIM SIM cards or eSIMs… yet.
Below is SK Telecom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – SK Telecom (T World)
You can get an SK Telecom SIM card, called PPS, for 8800 KRW (which needs a 5000 KRW top-up), in SK Telecom (T World) stores (not at Roaming Centers). The tourist SIM cards and eSIMs (Korea SIM Gold, Korea SIM Purple & Korea eSIM Red) are sold at various international airports and harbors, including Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN), for between 670 USD to 380 USD.
What is the difference between the Korea SIM Gold SIM card, Korea SIM Purple SIM card & Korea eSIM Red?
- The Korea SIM Gold SIM card is a SIM card with a South Korean phone number (for incoming calls and SMS only) offering unlimited data @ 10 Mbps – suitable for short-term use (up to 30 days)
- The Korea SIM Purple SIM card is a data-only SIM card without a South Korean phone number offering 1 GB of high-speed data per day. After using up your 1 GB high-speed data allowance, you get unlimited data @ 5 Mbps – suitable for long-term use (between 60 days and 180 days)
- The Korea eSIM Red eSIM is an eSIM with a South Korean phone number (for incoming calls and SMS only) offering unlimited data with no speed cap – perfect for travelers with an eSIM-compatible phone
Below are the six Korea SIM Gold options (up to 30 days) at regular prices (although you get a discount when you pre-order the SIM card online) – these SIM cards are charged in USD instead of KRW:
| Price | Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 6.10 USD | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 16.20 USD | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 24.50 USD | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 34.50 USD | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 54.50 USD | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 64 USD | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 @ 10 Mbps
Below are the five Korea SIM Purple options (between 60 and 180 days) at regular prices (although you get a discount when you pre-order the SIM card online) – these SIM cards are charged in USD instead of KRW:
| Price | Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 128 USD | 1 GB/day (60 GB) | 60 days |
| 192 USD | 1 GB/day (90 GB) | 90 days |
| 256 USD | 1 GB/day (120 GB) | 120 days |
| 320 USD | 1 GB/day (150 GB) | 150 days |
| 384 USD | 1 GB/day (180 GB) | 180 days |
1 +unlimited data @ 5 Mbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance
Unless you plan on getting a Korean Alien Registration Certificate (ARC) before your up to 90-day visa-free entry expires (180 days for Canadians), the Korea SIM Purple is the only SIM card allowing you to use it for more than 90 days.
The regular SK Telecom SIM card, and the SIM cards of KT South Korea and LG U+, do not allow travelers to use their prepaid SIM cards for longer than 90 days (including Canadians) when registered on an international passport unless very specific and strict conditions are met.
Moreover, the Korea SIM Purple SIM card is the only South Korean tourist SIM card that can be extended (and it has to be done online for 45.80 USD/30 days).
Below are the six Korea eSIM Red options (up to 30 days) at regular prices (although you get a discount when you pre-order the eSIM online) – these SIM cards are charged in USD instead of KRW:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 5.90 USD | Unlimited | 1 day |
| 16.10 USD | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 24.60 USD | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 34.40 USD | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 54 USD | Unlimited | 20 days |
| 63.80 USD | Unlimited | 30 days |
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
You may want to get a travel eSIM for South Korean, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from SK Telecom (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just South Korea or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My South Korea eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: LG U⁺ (South Korea only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: South Korea & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: South Korea & Asia (11 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: South Korea, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my South Korea eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with SK Telecom for now.
Note that SK Telecom offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings (but not for the Korea SIM tourist SIM cards).
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) unless you have a tourist SIM card or eSIM.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SK Telecom (T World)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SK Telecom (T World)
SK Telecom has only one data-featured prepaid plan: PPS (Pre-Paid-Service) Smartphone Plans. It is a data plan (without 5G NR access).
All Viettel Mobile plans can be activated by dialing *098#.
I will list all the prices in KRW (South Korean Won).
To convert KRW to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following PPS (Pre-Paid-Service) Smartphone Plans are available, which initially have to be activated in an SK Telecom (T World) store:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 KRW | 100 MB | 1 year |
| 10 000 KRW | 500 MB | 1 year |
| 15 000 KRW | 1 GB | 1 year |
| 19 000 KRW | 2 GB | 1 year |
| 33 000 KRW | 5 GB | 1 year |
APN/Internet Settings – SK Telecom (T World)
- Name: SK Telecom
- APN: web.sktelecom.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
KT South Korea (주식회사 케이티 – formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
KT South Korea (주식회사 케이티), just KT and formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh, is the second-largest mobile operator in South Korea.
It has the best 5G NR availability together with SK Telecom.
Unfortunately, 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers… yet 🥲.
KT uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down for 4G/LTE refarming
- 3G: 2100 MHz – shut down for 4G/LTE & 5G NR refarming throughout 2022
- 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2100 MHz (Band 1)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) & 28 GHz (n257) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
- VoLTE: Yes (not for Korea SIM Blue)
- VoWiFi: Yes (not for Korea SIM Blue)
This is what you will learn about KT:
* Coverage
* How to Get a KT SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
KT has excellent coverage throughout South Korea.
This was confirmed by Opensignal.
Additionally, it has the best 5G NR availability (together with SK Telecom and the best 5G NR reach.
Unfortunately, 5G NR is unavailable to prepaid customers or the Korea SIM SIM cards… yet.
Below is KT's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
You can get a KT, called SIMple LTE, for “free”, although a top-up or plan purchase is required, in KT stores (especially Global Stores – (1/2). The tourist SIM card, Korea SIM Blue Plus, is sold at various international airports and harbors, including Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN), for between 28 USD to 210 USD.
Below are the seven Korea SIM Blue Plus options (up to 90 days) at regular prices (although you get a discount when you pre-order the SIM card online) – these SIM cards are charged in USD instead of KRW:
| Price | Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 USD | 10 GB + 2 GB/day (10 GB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 34 USD | 10 GB + 2 GB/day (14 GB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 38 USD | 10 GB + 2 GB/day (20 GB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 days |
| 48 USD | 10 GB + 2 GB/day (30 GB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days |
| 70 USD | 10 GB + 2 GB/day (60 GB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 140 USD | 10 GB + 2 GB/day (120 GB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 60 days |
| 210 USD | 10 GB + 2 GB/day (180 GB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 days |
1 +unlimited data @ 3 Mbps after exhausting your data allowance
Be aware that the Korea SIM Blue Plus cannot be extended.
The regular KT SIMple SIM card, and the SIM cards of SK Telecom and LG U+, do not allow travelers to use their prepaid SIM cards for longer than 90 days (including Canadians who have visa-free entry for up to 180 days) when registered on an international passport unless very specific and strict conditions are met.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for South Korea because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from KT.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for South Korea in my South Korea eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: LG U⁺ (South Korea only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: South Korea & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: South Korea & Asia (11 countries) – unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: South Korea, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my South Korea eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with KT for now.
Note that KT offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings (but not for the Korea SIM tourist SIM cards).
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) unless you have the Korea SIM Blue Plus tourist SIM card.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
KT has six data-featured prepaid plans for the SIMple SIM card (not for the Korea SIM Blue Plus SIM card):
- 순 모두다올레(3G)/Pure Moda Olle (3G) (combo)
- 데이터ON/LTE Data On (combo)
- 순 완전무한(3G)/Purely Infinite (3G) (combo)
- LTE 데이터충전/LTE Data Charging
- SIMple 충전 데이터플러스/SIMple Charge Data Plus
- LTE SIMple충전 데이터플러스/LTE SIMple Charge Data Plus
All KT plans can be activated at an LTE terminal in a KT store (1/2).
I will list all the prices in KRW (South Korean Won).
To convert KRW to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
순 모두다올레(3G) (Pure Moda Olle (3G)) PLans – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
The 순 모두다올레(3G) (Pure Moda Olle (3G)) plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access and at 3G speeds), minutes & SMS.
Visit an LTE terminal in a KT store (1/2) to activate 순 모두다올레(3G):
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 800 KRW | 순 모두다올레28 (3G) | 750 MB | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes/1000 calls | 130 minutes | “Unlimited”, 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 37 400 KRW | 순 모두다올레34 (3G) | 1.5 GB | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes/1000 calls | 185 minutes | “Unlimited”, 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 45 100 KRW | 순 모두다올레41 (3G) | 2.5 GB | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes/1000 calls | 250 minutes | “Unlimited”, 500 SMS | 30 days |
Unused data will roll over when your plan auto-renews or when you renew your plan before it expires.
데이터ON (LTE Data On) Plans – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
The 데이터ON (LTE Data On) Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Visit an LTE terminal in a KT store (1/2) to activate 데이터ON:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 000 KRW | 톡/Talk | 5 GB 1 | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes/1000 calls | “Unlimited”, 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 69 000 KRW | 비디오/Video | 110 GB 2 | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes/1000 calls | “Unlimited”, 500 SMS | 30 days |
| 89 000 KRW | 프리미엄/Premium | Unlimited | “Unlimited”, 10 000 minutes/1000 calls | “Unlimited”, 500 SMS | 30 days |
1 +unlimited data @ 1 Mbps after exhausting your data allowance
2 +unlimited data @ 5 Mbps after exhausting your data allowance
순 완전무한(3G) (Purely Infinite (3G)) Plans – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
The 순 완전무한(3G) (Purely Infinite (3G)) plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access and at 3G speeds), minutes & SMS.
Visit an LTE terminal in a KT store (1/2) to activate 순 완전무한(3G):
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 100 KRW | 순 완전무한51 (3G) | 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 67 100 KRW | 순 완전무한61 (3G) | 10 GB 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 84 700 KRW | 순 완전무한77 (3G) | 17 GB 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 108 900 KRW | 순 완전무한99 (3G) | 25 GB 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 +unlimited data@ 3 Mbps after exhausting your data allowance
LTE 데이터충전 (LTE Data Charging) Plans – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
The LTE 데이터충전 (LTE Data Charging) plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Visit an LTE terminal in a KT store (1/2) to activate LTE 데이터충전:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 KRW | 데이터충전 100 MB | 100 MB | 30 days |
| 5940 KRW | 데이터충전 300 MB | 300 MB | 30 days |
| 8800 KRW | 데이터충전 500 MB | 500 MB | 30 days |
| 14 300 KRW | 데이터충전 1 GB | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 19 800 KRW | 데이터충전 2 GB | 2 GB | 30 days |
SIMple 충전 데이터플러스 (SIMple Charge Data Plus) Plans – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
The SIMple 충전 데이터플러스 (SIMple Charge Data Plus) Plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Visit an LTE terminal in a KT store (1/2) to activate SIMple 충전 데이터플러스:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5500 KRW | SIMple 충전 데이터 플러스 100M | 100 MB | 30 days |
| 8800 KRW | SIMple 충전 데이터 플러스 300M | 300 MB | 30 days |
| 11 000 KRW | SIMple 충전 데이터 플러스 500M | 500 MB | 30 days |
| 16 500 KRW | SIMple 충전 데이터 플러스 1G | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 22 000 KRW | SIMple 충전 데이터 플러스 2G | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 38 500 KRW | SIMple 충전 데이터 플러스 4G | 4 GB | 30 days |
LTE SIMple충전 데이터플러스 (LTE SIMple Charge Data Plus) Plans – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
The LTE SIMple충전 데이터플러스 (LTE SIMple Charge Data Plus) plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Visit an LTE terminal in a KT store (1/2) to activate LTE SIMple충전 데이터플러스:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8800 KRW | LTE SIMple충전 데이터플러스 500M | 500 MB | 30 days |
| 14 300 KRW | LTE SIMple충전 데이터플러스 1GB | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 19 800 KRW | LTE SIMple충전 데이터플러스 2GB | 2 GB | 30 days |
APN/Internet Settings – KT South Korea (formerly Korea Telekom & Olleh)
- Name: KT
- APN: alwayson.ktfwing.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
LG U+ (LG유플러스)
LG U+ (LG유플러스), officially LG U+, but I am stubborn and will write it as +, is the smallest mobile operator in South Korea.
It has the fastest 4G/LTE upload speeds in the country.
LG U+ uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – never had it
- 3G: N/A – shut down for 4G/LTE & 5G NR refarming throughout 2022
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about LG U+:
* Coverage
* How to Get an LG U+ SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – LG U+
LG U+ has excellent coverage throughout South Korea.
This was confirmed by Opensignal.
Below is LG U+'s coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – LG U+
You can get an LG U+ tourist data-only SIM card and eSIM for between 27 500 KRW to 143 000 KRW from select resellers (not in LG U+ stores) and airports, including Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN). The Korea eSIM Sky can be obtained online for between 20.95 USD to 108.97 USD (but the incoming call and SMS features only work on iPhones).
Below are the seven Korea eSIM Sky options (up to 60 days) at regular prices (although there is “permanent” promotion going on when purchased online) – these SIM cards are charged in USD at airports and in KRW from resellers:
| Price | Data 2 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 22.90 USD/27 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (15 GB) | 5 days |
| 30.30 USD/35 000 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (21 GB) | 7 days |
| 32.60 USD/38 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (30 GB) | 10 days |
| 46.80 USD/55 000 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (45 GB) | 15 days |
| 51.20 USD/60 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (60 GB) | 20 days |
| 60.90 USD/71 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (90 GB) | 30 days |
| 84.30 USD/99 000 KRW 1 | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (120 GB) | 40 days |
| 121.80 USD/143 000 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (180 GB) | 60 days |
1 from resellers only
2 +unlimited data @ 5 Mbps after exhausting your daily high-speed data allowance
Note: at airports, the salespeople will often only sell you the Korea eSIM Sky instead of the LG U+ data-only SIM card – instead, they will direct you to another stall for other SIM cards (Korea SIM Blue, Korea SIM Purple & Korea SIM Gold), so be aware of this.
You will not be able to find the LG U+ Voice & Data (iPhones only) and Data-only eSIMs from LG U+ stores.
Moreover, LG U+ does not sell prepaid SIM cards to tourists.
One pro compared to most Korea SIM tourist SIM cards and eSIMs is that the LG U+ Voice & Data and data-only SIM cards and eSIMs can be extended (but not the Korea eSIM blue tourist eSIMs).
You can extend your SIM card and eSIM online (not at airports or LG U+ stores):
| Price | Extension |
|---|---|
| 27 500 KRW | 5 days |
| 35 000 KRW | 7 days |
| 38 500 KRW | 10 days |
| 55 00 KRW | 15 days |
| 60 500 KRW | 20 days |
| 71 500 KRW | 30 days |
| 99 000 KRW | 40 days |
| 143 000 KRW | 60 days |
If this sounds like too much effort, you can also get the LG U+ eSIMs from Airalo (5GB/10 days, unlimited/10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers & unlimited/30 days).
As SIM card registration is mandatory in South Korea and the LG U+ eSIMs sold on Airalo are done in direct partnership with LG U+, getting one of these eSIMs from Airalo will not circumvent the registration requirements (you still have to – unlike most Airalo eSIMs).
Luckily, the registration scheme is quick and effortless – but I have some other eSIM recommendations for you later on if SIM card registration is a dealbreaker.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for South Korea, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from LG U+.
Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my South Korea eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: LG U⁺ (South Korea only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: South Korea & Asia (five countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: South Korea & Asia (11 countries) – include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: South Korea, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my South Korea eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with LG U+.
Note that LG U+ offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – LG U+
LG U+ does not sell prepaid SIM cards to tourists.
Instead, the only thing you can do with your unlimited data data-only SIM card or eSIM is to extend its validity online:
| Price | Extension |
|---|---|
| 27 500 KRW | 5 days |
| 35 000 KRW | 7 days |
| 38 500 KRW | 10 days |
| 55 00 KRW | 15 days |
| 60 500 KRW | 20 days |
| 71 500 KRW | 30 days |
| 99 000 KRW | 40 days |
| 143 000 KRW | 60 days |
Check your LG U+ balance online.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – LG U+
Besides the benefits offered with the LG U+ Voice & Data, Data-Only & Korea eSIM Sky SIM cards and eSIMs, no other plans are available with LG U+ because it does not sell regular prepaid SIM cards to travelers.
But I will list all the offers once again for your convenience:
I will list all the prices in KRW (South Korean Won).
To convert KRW to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
| Price | Data 2 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 22.90 USD/27 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (15 GB) | 5 days |
| 30.30 USD/35 000 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (21 GB) | 7 days |
| 32.60 USD/38 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (30 GB) | 10 days |
| 46.80 USD/55 00 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (45 GB) | 15 days |
| 51.20 USD/60 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (60 GB) | 20 days |
| 60.90 USD/71 500 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (90 GB) | 30 days |
| 99 000 KRW 1 | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (120 GB) | 40 days |
| 121.80 USD/143 000 KRW | “Unlimited”, 3 GB/day (180 GB) | 60 days |
1 from resellers only
2 +unlimited data @ 5 Mbps after exhausting your daily high-speed data allowance
APN/Internet Settings – LG U+
- Name: lguplus
- APN: internet.lguplus.co.kt
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in South Korea
Getting a SIM card from SK Telecom (including Korea SIM Gold, Korea SIM Purple & Korea eSIM Red) would do you well when considering a South Korea SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.