The Must-Have Travel Essential for South Korea
So you're planning a trip to South Korea and you're looking for the best way to stay connected.
In a country where there's a language barrier, having a seamless data connection is especially important! Having a seamless data connection allows you to use translation apps, search for top food spots, and navigate new cities with ease!
This guide covers the best eSIM plans for tourists in South Korea, offering convenience, affordability, and reliable connectivity. Let's dive into the world of eSIMs and find the perfect plan for your South Korean adventure!
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What’s eSIM and device compatibility?
eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a modern technology that eliminates the need for physical SIM cards. Built directly into your device, eSIM provides convenience and flexibility, no more fumbling with SIM card swaps.
Before purchasing an eSIM for your trip, it’s important to check whether your device is eSIM compatible.
Most iPhone models after the iPhone 11 line are eSIM-compatible. This includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone XS/XR.
Apart from iPhones, several Android smartphones also support eSIM technology. These include Google Pixel devices, Samsung Galaxy series, Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi, and Oppo.
You can see the full list of eSIM-compatible phones here.
![[Global] eSIM Compatible Devices](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1716259670/ckyu0xbi1p5ayp26fcir.jpg)
Benefits of using eSIMs over physical SIM Cards in South Korea
Take in the picturesque views from N Seoul Tower! Credits: Joshua Delica on Unsplash
Exploring South Korea is easier without connectivity concerns, thanks to eSIM technology. Here are the key benefits of using eSIMs while traveling:
1. Instant Activation
With eSIMs, activation is instantaneous, allowing travelers to access cellular services immediately upon arrival at a new destination. This eliminates the need for lengthy setup processes or visits to local stores.
2. Flexibility
You can easily switch between mobile networks and plans. Whether you're exploring multiple destinations on a single trip or traveling with varying data needs, the ability to customize your connectivity on the fly ensures uninterrupted communication throughout your journey.
3. Enhanced Convenience
Travelers can activate cellular plans directly from their devices, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. This means you don’t have to waste time looking for SIM card shops upon landing in a new country or deal with physical SIM card swaps — so there’s no risk of losing your original SIM card, which can be a hassle to replace.
Choosing a suitable South Korea eSIM plan
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right eSIM plan for your trip — mainly your trip duration, data needs, and price.
Trip duration
When selecting an eSIM plan for South Korea, consider the length of your stay. For longer trips, choose a plan with extended validity to ensure continuous access to high-speed internet. Shorter trips can benefit from smaller, more cost-effective plans that meet your specific needs without unnecessary data costs.
Data needs
![[Global] Klook eSIM Data Usage](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716437033/ec0twzd747xet4oa99uf.jpg)
Next, how much mobile data do you need? If you plan to visit multiple cities or need to work remotely, opt for an eSIM data plan with ample mobile data and reliable high-speed internet. Ensure your chosen package offers enough data for your daily usage!
Here's a rough guide to see how much data you'll need:
- 500MB per day: sufficient for basic daily communications
- 1GB/2GB per day: sufficient for regular social media use and navigation
- 3GB per day: sufficient for heavy social media use including watching videos, plus sharing hotspot to other devices
- Unlimited data: no need to worry about data usage
Price
Of course, considering your budget is also an important part of travel planning. Luckily, Klook offers affordable South Korea eSIM plans, starting from just USD$1.15!
Best South Korea eSIM plans
![[Global] Benefits of Klook eSIM](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716256352/bahyz6uh6lxogmqndsch.jpg)
You can purchase an eSIM for your upcoming trip on Klook! Klook offers a wide range of affordable high-speed 4G/5G South Korea eSIMs that cover multiple destinations starting from just USD$1.15. Here's why you should choose eSIMs:
- Seamless connectivity: Enjoy internet access the moment you arrive in your destination
- In-app experience: Activate your eSIM easily through the Klook app
- Compatible: eSIM plans are designed for both iOS and Android devices
- Affordable: South Korea eSIMs start from just USD$1.150
- 24-hour support: Klook's customer service team is available around the clock to assist with any issues
Choose from two types of eSIM data package types — data in total or data per day.
Data in total plans means that the total mobile data will be provided upfront, and it’s up to you to control your daily usage during your trip. Here are some available plans:
1GB in total, 5 days
- Package type: Data in total
- Data package: 1GB total
- Validity: 5 days
- Price: USD$1.15
15GB in total, 15 days
- Package type: Data in total
- Data package: 15GB total
- Validity: 15 days
- Price: USD$17.25
Alternatively, select a daily plan where you’ll receive your data each day. This ensures that you don’t use up all your available data at once, leaving you with little to no data toward the end of your trip. Here are some popular daily plans:
1GB per day, 8 days
- Package type: Data per day
- Data package: 1GB/day
- Validity: 8 days
- Price: USD$15.69
Unlimited data, 8 days
- Package type: Data per day
- Data package: Unlimited data
- Validity: 8 days
- Price: USD$12.25
How to install and activate your South Korea eSIM
After purchasing your eSIM on Klook, it only takes a few steps to install and activate it.
1. Find your purchased eSIM order under “My Orders”
![[Global] Activating the Klook eSIM (Pre-trip)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716258219/cxvzdpiwzf6updw3296q.jpg)
2. Before your trip, install the eSIM by scanning a QR code provided in the booking details OR activate it directly on the Klook app
![[Global] Activating the Klook eSIM (Upon Arrival)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1716258256/pky8hsyn59x2sf7uxjoi.jpg)
3. When you arrive at your destination, head to your phone settings and switch to your eSIM.
The eSIM is only activated after you connect to the local network. The eSIM is valid for your selected duration after activation on a 24-hour basis. For example, if you purchased a 3-day eSIM and activated it on 1 Oct at 9PM, it will be valid until 4 Oct 9PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eSIMs better than SIM cards?
For travelers, eSIMs offer greater convenience than traditional SIM cards. They can be easily installed beforehand, which allows you to enjoy internet connection the moment you land in a new country.
Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about losing your physical SIM card since there is no need to swap out SIM cards.
Are eSIMs available for international travel?
Of course, eSIMs are the best mobile data choice for an international trip and allows you to stay connected without changing your physical SIM card.
Where can I buy South Korea eSIMs?
You can purchase eSIMs on the Klook app and the Klook website. Download the Klook app on iOS and Android.
What's the price of South Korea eSIMs?
It depends on the countries or regions you visit, the data usage and the number of days you will travel. South Korea eSIM high-speed Internet plans start at just USD$1.15.
How do I check the eSIM compatibility of my device?
When you book via the Klook app, it is indicated clearly if your device is eSIM compatible on the eSIM product page. Alternatively, check out the full list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Take note that you can still purchase the product for other people or devices if your device is not compatible with eSIMs!
🇰🇷 Seoul Travel Essentials 🇰🇷
Top things to do in Seoul
- Visiting multiple attractions in Seoul? Get the Klook Pass Seoul and enjoy up to 52% savings!
Getting around
- Airport transfer: AREX Incheon Airport Express | AREX Incheon Airport Express with T-money Card Car Transfer
- Train: KORAIL Pass
- Bus: Intercity Bus
Stay connected with our South Korea eSIM and find the best places to stay in Seoul — plus exclusive hotel promos and bundle deals!
More South Korea Inspiration
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