A photo of South Korea
Destinations / South Korea

South Korea eSIM

1-tap install

Data only

Full refund before installation

1. Select plan

Multi-traveler eSIMs

Group discount up to 15% for 6+

1

Add 1 more to unlock 5% off. 6+ travelers get 15% off.

2. Fare transparency

South Korea 10 GB · 30 days (×1)$6.89

Total due

$0.69 / GB · $0.23 / day

$6.89

Refund any plan you haven’t installed, up to 30 days from purchase.

Need setup help?

Support within 24 hours at support@vigxoesim.com

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$6.89

South Korea 10 GB · 30 days (×1)

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Setup

Set the eSIM up before you fly to South Korea

Set up your eSIM before you travel. Install it once from the link in your email, switch it on when you arrive, and you’re online.

On iPhone (iOS)

  1. After purchase, open the confirmation email and tap the install link — the eSIM adds itself (iOS 17.4+). Older iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR from the same email.
  2. Label the plan (e.g. “vigxo travel”) and set your home line to keep calls/SMS.
  3. Turn on Data Roaming for the vigxo line — this uses the local partner network, not your home carrier.

On Android

  1. Tap the Android install link in your email (recent Android) — or Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
  2. Download the profile and set vigxo as your Mobile data line.
  3. When you land, turn on data roaming for the vigxo line so that line can use the local network.

Good to know

  • Works on eSIM-capable phones (iPhone XR/XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+). Older or carrier-locked phones may not support eSIM.
  • Install before you fly on Wi‑Fi — you only need to enable it when you land, no signal required to set up.
  • Data-only plans: keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. Use WhatsApp/FaceTime over data.
  • Prices are final at checkout. Full refund before you install the eSIM.

What you can actually buy for South Korea

5 plans for South Korea, from 3 to 50 GB. Validity runs from 30 days to 30 days. 5 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.

5 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 list above shows the best-priced plan for each size and validity; the count here includes every plan.

Regional plans that also cover South Korea

48 regional plans include South Korea. The widest covers 127 countries — worth it if South Korea is one stop of several, rather than the whole trip.

Regional coverage starts at $7.99 for 3 GB over 15 days.

How eSIMs work in South Korea

A travel eSIM for South Korea is a digital SIM your phone downloads — no plastic card, no airport pickup counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (a QR code is included too), and it installs a second line alongside your existing SIM. Install it on Wi-Fi before you fly. When you land in South Korea, turn on data roaming for that line so it can use SKTelecom, LG Uplus on 5G where available and LTE everywhere else. Your home number keeps working for calls and texts; the eSIM carries the data.

How much data do you need in South Korea?

Maps, messaging and rideshare apps are light — roughly 300–500 MB a day. Add photos, social and the occasional video and you’re closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip a 5 GB plan is comfortable; for two weeks, sharing, or heavy use, choose 10 GB or more, or a reloadable plan you can top up on the go. South Korea plans start at $3.29 across 5 sizes, with the per-GB price shown on every one so the right choice is obvious.

What do you pay for data in South Korea?

A travel eSIM for South Korea is a local data plan. You pay the price shown at checkout. Set the eSIM as your data line and turn data roaming off on your home SIM, so your home carrier does not add this trip's data to your bill. Full refund before you install.

Setting up your South Korea eSIM

  1. 1. Buy a plan — your install link and QR code arrive by email right after payment.
  2. 2. While you’re still on Wi-Fi before you fly, tap the install link in your confirmation email — or open Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM and scan the QR.
  3. 3. Land in South Korea, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, and you’re online.

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 →

What to eat in South Korea

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

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)

What to see in South Korea

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

Getting around South Korea

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.

Practical things worth knowing in South Korea

Paying for things

  • Widely available, but strictly physical cards. Some foreign contactless implementations fail on older Korean terminals.
  • Apple Pay is slowly rolling out but support is extremely limited. Google Pay is generally not accepted.
  • Cash still useful for: Street food vendors, Recharging T-money transit cards, Small underground shopping malls
  • Local wallets: KakaoPay, NaverPay (Both difficult for tourists to set up without an Alien Registration Card)

Basics

  • Emergency number: 112 (Police), 119 (Ambulance/Fire), 1330 (Tourist Helpline)
  • Plugs: C, F · 220V
  • Tap water: yes
  • Tipping is not practiced and may be refused. A service charge is usually included in luxury establishments.

Public holidays in South Korea

New Year's DayJanuary 1Minor impact; mostly just a day off for workers.
Independence Movement DayMarch 1Banks and offices closed, patriotic events.
Children's DayMay 5Amusement parks and family attractions become extremely crowded.
Memorial DayJune 6Banks and government offices closed.
Liberation DayAugust 15Offices closed, major sites remain open.
National Foundation DayOctober 3Offices closed, tourist spots operate normally.
Hangul DayOctober 9Offices closed, celebratory events for the Korean alphabet.
Christmas DayDecember 25Couples' holiday; restaurants and shopping areas are packed.

Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.

Networks in South Korea

Plans for this destination run on SKTelecom, LG Uplus.

Networks
SKTelecom (5G), LG Uplus (5G)
5G
5 of 5 plans on this page are marked 5G in the catalogue.
Hotspot
Hotspot & tethering supported
APN
Set automatically on install. If the phone does not set it, use the install guide. Do not type an APN from somewhere else. Install guide

Checked 20 Oct 2026. Source: the plan catalogue on this page (operators, networks, and 5G flags).

Before you buy

Comparisons

South Korea eSIM — questions, answered

When does my South Korea eSIM start counting?
Your validity window starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in South Korea, not when you buy it — so you can install it before you fly and it only begins on arrival.
Will my phone work in South Korea?
You need an eSIM-capable, carrier-unlocked phone (iPhone XR/XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+). Check the compatibility page before you buy — and if it turns out your phone can’t use it, you get a full refund since nothing was installed.
Can I keep my number and WhatsApp in South Korea?
Yes. Your vigxo plan is data-only, so your primary SIM stays active for calls, texts and your usual number. WhatsApp, iMessage and all your apps keep working over the eSIM data.
What if I run out of data in South Korea?
If your plan is reloadable, you can top up the same eSIM from your dashboard — no reinstall needed. Otherwise, buy a new plan; it comes as a new eSIM with its own QR code.
How do refunds work?
Full refund before installation, within 30 days of purchase. Once an eSIM is installed the data is released to you, so it can’t be refunded after that.