Best Korea SIM card for Tourists - Which one should you get?

Essential to your Seoul-searching getaway is a Korea SIM card for tourists. Whether you are visiting for a few days or an extended period, getting the best SIM card in Korea for tourists will help you stay connected and also aid you in navigating, even if you are in Busan or on Jeju Island.

In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best Korea tourist SIM card, with options for Korea eSIM with phone number. We’ll also share more about the Wise card to make spending a breeze while you’re abroad.

Best eSIM and SIM card for tourists in South Korea

With multiple providers offering various Korea SIM cards for tourists, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you. Below is a quick comparison of some of the best SIM cards in Korea for tourists and Korea eSIM options available for travellers.

What to consider when choosing your tourist SIM card to travel in Korea?

Choosing the best Korea SIM card for a tourist is dependent on various factors. Does your holiday duration match the validity period of your selected Korea SIM card for tourists? How much data do you require?Do you need a Korea eSIM with a phone number?

For the latter, you will need to provide your passport information and photo registration. This is for verification purposes. Otherwise, you may not be able to make and receive voice calls – just data alone.

Some Korea SIM cards for tourists may also offer additional features such as free incoming local and international calls, and also a free transportation card. The one thing to note is that the speed is usually lowered after the first 3 GB is used daily, however, this may not be the case for all telcos in Korea.

Korea SIM card price for tourists

The cost of a South Korea SIM card for tourists depends on the provider, data allowance, and validity period. Both physical SIM cards and eSIMs from local telcos are similarly priced, typically ranging from KRW 6,500 to KRW 143,000 (MYR 20.04 to MYR 440.77). Getting an eSIM from a global provider is more pricey, from USD 32 to USD 62 (MYR 141.90 to MYR 273.36), depending on the validity chosen.

Beyond price alone, those seeking out a Korea SIM card for tourists may also want to look at the value.

While Korea eSIM tends to be slightly more expensive than a physical Korea tourist SIM card, it might offer more convenience. In return, you get a seamless, hassle-free experience since you don’t need to swap out your current SIM card (that may go missing).

What’s the difference between a Korea tourist SIM and tourist eSIM?

One of the key differences between a Korea SIM card for tourists and a Korea eSIM is that one is physical and the other, digital. With the Korea eSIM, you can buy and activate it instantly, without going to a store or ordering it and waiting for it to be shipped. Do check your phone compatibility before you buy.

Globetrotters who have Korea as just one portion of their itinerary (a ferry from Busan to Fukuoka just takes a few hours) may not want to juggle multiple SIM cards. They turn to global eSIM providers for multi-country or regional plans for convenience.

However, if you need a Korean phone number, use a Korea eSIM or SIM. It can help with making dinner reservations or confirming that face-lift appointment in Gangnam.

Here are some of the best Korea SIM cards for tourists, as well as Korea eSIM options:

KT

KT¹ offers exclusive prepaid plans for foreigners visiting Korea. It has both physical Korea SIM cards for tourists as well as the option of a Korea eSIM with phone number that can be used locally in Korea. While LTE data is limited to 3 GB a day, this is more than enough for an average user.

SK Telecom (SKT)

SK Telecom (SKT)² comes in both physical Korea SIM cards for tourists, as well as the Korea eSIM with phone number. However, travellers need to verify their passport information in order to make and receive phone calls. You can ignore this step if you only want to use the data. The data allowance should satisfy most tourists, as there’s unlimited data that one can continue to use at fast speeds of up to 100Mbps.

✈️ Planning a trip to Korea? Find out more about Korea requirements, restrictions and more in our handy guide for Malaysians

LG U+

LG U+³ is yet another local telco that offers both physical Korea SIM cards for tourists, as well as Korea eSIM with phone number. You might also recognise this as a leading electronics brand that makes mobile phones, televisions and so on. The plans are pretty standard, but the validity does not suit travellers who are going to be in Korea for more than 60 days.

Airalo

Travellers in the market for a Korea eSIM can also look to global provider Airalo⁴ for its 10-day and 30-day plans, offered under the LG U+ network. Airalo also has a free welcome eSIM to South Korea for new users of its service.

Similarly, although the speed will be reduced after the first 3 GB per day, this Korea eSIM is only valid for a maximum of 30 days. It is also more pricey than the eSIM offered directly by LG U+ itself.

However, if you plan to move around from South Korea to another country, being on a global provider seems like a more convenient choice.

🏨 If you're planning a trip to Seoul specifically, here's a quick guide on which areas you should stay in Seoul to maximise your time there.

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Where to get a tourist SIM card in Korea?

You can buy or pick up a Korea SIM card for tourists at the airport, as some local telcos have shops there. Another option are mobile stores within the city itself, or you can also order a Korea eSIM or Korea SIM card for tourists online prior to arrival.

Get the most out of your MYR to KRW spending and conversions with the Wise card

Whether it’s food, clothes or souvenirs, get the Wise card to save as you spend with the rate you see on Google without any foreign exchange or hidden fees.

Sign up for a free Wise account and order a physical Wise card for a low, one-time fee to start spending in KRW. All you need to do is top up your account in MYR and let Wise’s auto conversion do the trick. Alternatively, you can convert your ringgit at your desired rate. Either way, you’ll be getting the mid-market rate with low, transparent fees.

The Wise card is available in both digital and physical formats, and can be added to your Apple or Google Pay wallets. You can get up to 3 virtual cards with card details for secure online spending. At times where you need cash, you can use your physical card to get some free overseas ATM withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR monthly.

Avoid pesky hidden fees and make your KRW spending go further with Wise card.

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Sources:

1. KT
2. SK Telecom (SKT)
3. LG U+
4. Airalo
5. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information