Loading destination…
South Korea eSIM
5 data plans · from £4.10 · instant QR code by email
Choose your plan
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
5 data plans · from £4.10 · instant QR code by email
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
10 GB
30 days
Streaming, tethering and heavy use
£11.50
£1.11/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across SKTelecom, LG Uplus.
Setup
It takes about a minute. Tap the install link we email you, leave the line switched off, then switch it on when you land — and you're online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
South Korea: 19 plans, from 3 to 50 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 30 days. 19 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.
11 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on SKTelecom, LG Uplus.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
No regional bundle includes South Korea cover — a single-country plan is the only option here, and it is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A South Korea travel eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads straight to your phone — no plastic card, no queuing at an airport counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (the QR code is in there too), and your phone adds a second line alongside your normal SIM. It stays dormant until your trip begins, then connects automatically to SKTelecom, LG Uplus on 5G where available, LTE everywhere else. Your normal number carries on working for calls and texts while the eSIM handles the data.
Maps, messaging and taxi apps use very little data — roughly 300–500 MB a day. If you add photos, social media and the occasional video, expect to use closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip, a 5 GB plan is usually plenty; for two weeks, tethering, or heavy use, opt for 10 GB or more, or choose a top-up plan you can reload as you go. South Korea plans start at £4.10 across 5 sizes, with the per-GB price clearly shown so you can easily spot the best value.
Yes. A South Korea travel eSIM is a local data plan rather than international roaming — you pay the price you saw online, and there are no per-megabyte charges from your home network provider. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, switch data roaming off on your normal SIM, and nothing unexpected turns up on your next bill. Full refund at any time before installation, so buying ahead costs you nothing.
Kimchi Jjigae
A spicy and savory stew made with well-fermented kimchi, pork, tofu, and scallions.
Gwangjang Market or local mom-and-pop shops
Bibimbap
A mixed rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, gochujang (chili paste), and a fried egg or sliced meat.
Jeonju or Gogung in Seoul
Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
Thick slices of pork belly grilled at your table, wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, ssamjang, and side dishes.
Wangbijib (Seoul) or any local BBQ joint
South Korea connectivity guide
South Korea has among the most complete mobile coverage in the world, including deep in the Seoul subway, so connectivity itself is rarely the problem. The problem is a specific one: a significant part of Korean digital life is gated behind identity verification tied to a Korean phone number, and a data-only eSIM does not give you one. Knowing which services that affects, and which have workarounds, matters more here than anywhere else in this catalogue. This guide covers that, the networks, and the data.
Read the full South Korea guide →Tteokbokki
Chewy rice cakes simmered in a sweet and fiercely spicy gochujang sauce, often with fish cakes.
Street food stalls in Myeongdong or Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town
Japchae
Sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with thinly sliced vegetables, meat, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Traditional markets or as a side dish in restaurants
Naengmyeon
Chewy, handmade buckwheat noodles served in a tangy iced broth or a spicy sauce.
Ojang-dong Heungnamjip (Seoul)
Haemul Pajeon
A savory Korean pancake made with a batter of egg and wheat flour, heavily loaded with green onions and seafood.
Dongnae Halmae Pajeon (Busan)
Yangnyeom Chicken
Korean fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce, often enjoyed with beer.
Kyochon Chicken or BHC Chicken locations nationwide
Gimbap
Seaweed rice rolls filled with egg, pickled radish, spinach, carrots, and sometimes meat or tuna.
Gimbap Cheonguk
Hotteok
A sweet street food pancake filled with a molten syrup of brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon.
BIFF Square (Busan) or Insadong (Seoul)
Gyeongbokgung PalaceSeoul
The largest and most striking of the Five Grand Palaces. Wearing a traditional Hanbok gets you free entry.
2-3 hours
Bukchon Hanok VillageSeoul
A residential neighborhood boasting hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanoks) with charming alleys.
1-2 hours
N Seoul TowerSeoul
Perched on Namsan Mountain, it offers the best panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis.
2-3 hours · book ahead
Myeongdong Shopping StreetSeoul
The epicenter of Korean skincare and cosmetics, packed with bustling crowds and street food carts.
2-4 hours
Nami IslandChuncheon
A picturesque, tree-lined island famous as a filming location for Korean dramas. Beautiful year-round.
Half day
Gamcheon Culture VillageBusan
Known as the 'Machu Picchu of Busan', featuring vibrantly painted houses built on a steep coastal mountain.
2-3 hours
Haeundae BeachBusan
South Korea's most famous beach, offering pristine sand, luxury hotels, and a vibrant nightlife boardwalk.
Half day
Bulguksa TempleGyeongju
A masterpiece of Buddhist art and a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the golden age of Silla.
2 hours
Seongsan IlchulbongJeju
A dramatic tuff cone crater rising from the sea, famous for sunrise views and Haenyeo (women diver) shows.
2-3 hours
Seoraksan National ParkSokcho
Renowned for its breathtaking autumn foliage, dramatic peaks, and scenic hiking trails.
Full day
Subway (Seoul/Busan)
Highly efficient and spotless. Buy a T-money card from a convenience store and tap in/out.
1,400 KRW base fare
KTX High-Speed Train
Connects major cities at speeds up to 305 km/h. Book seats in advance via the Korail website or app.
59,800 KRW (Seoul to Busan)
Intercity Express Buses
Operate from large bus terminals. Premium buses feature reclining seats, charging ports, and personal curtains.
20,000-40,000 KRW depending on distance
Local City Buses
Color-coded buses operating on extensive routes. Tap your T-money card when boarding and exiting.
1,200-1,500 KRW
Domestic Flights
Primarily used to reach Jeju Island from Seoul (Gimpo Airport) or Busan.
30,000-80,000 KRW one-way
Ride-hailing
Kakao T, Uber (called UT locally)
Kakao T is universally used, but requires a local number to set up. UT (Uber) works with foreign cards and numbers.
Paying for things
Basics
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Minor impact; mostly just a day off for workers. |
| Independence Movement Day | March 1 | Banks and offices closed, patriotic events. |
| Children's Day | May 5 | Amusement parks and family attractions become extremely crowded. |
| Memorial Day | June 6 | Banks and government offices closed. |
| Liberation Day | August 15 | Offices closed, major sites remain open. |
| National Foundation Day | October 3 | Offices closed, tourist spots operate normally. |
| Hangul Day | October 9 | Offices closed, celebratory events for the Korean alphabet. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Couples' holiday; restaurants and shopping areas are packed. |
Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.