Complete Guide to Seoul SIM Cards 2025: Best Options for Tourists
The moment you land in Seoul, internet connectivity becomes your top priority. Whether you need maps for the subway, translation apps to order food, or want to share photos on Instagram, a reliable data connection is absolutely essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting connected in Seoul, from where to buy your SIM card to the best plans for your needs.
📱 Your SIM Card Options in Seoul
1. Airport Purchase (Most Convenient)
You can buy SIM cards immediately upon arrival at Incheon Airport (ICN) and Gimpo Airport (GMP). This is the most convenient option, though prices may be slightly higher.
Where to Buy at Incheon Airport
- Terminal 1: B1 Floor (Near Medical Center / Gate 8)
- Terminal 2: B1 Floor (Near Medical Center / Gate 27)
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Daily)
Airport SIM Card Comparison
| Provider | 5-Day Plan | 10-Day Plan | 15-Day Plan | 30-Day Plan | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KT Travel SIM | ₩20,000 | ₩35,000 | ₩50,000 | ₩70,000 | Best coverage, 5G support |
| SKT magicT SIM | ₩19,000 | ₩34,000 | ₩48,000 | ₩65,000 | Excellent nationwide coverage |
| LG U+ Roaming SIM | ₩18,000 | ₩32,000 | ₩45,000 | ₩60,000 | Most affordable option |
2. Buy Online Before Arrival (Recommended)
Order online before your trip for airport pickup or delivery. This saves time and guarantees availability.
Recommended Online Platforms
-
Korea SIM Card (koreasimcard.com)
- Airport/hotel pickup available
- Multi-language support (EN, KR, CN, JP)
- Instant QR code after purchase (skip airport pickup)
-
KT Roaming (kroamer.com)
- KT's official online store
- ₩3,000 delivery fee (free for orders over ₩30,000)
- Pre-activated SIM ready to use
-
AliExpress Korea SIM
- Cheapest option
- 3-7 day shipping time
- Order 2 weeks before travel
3. Buy in Seoul
Arrived in Seoul without a SIM? No problem.
Convenience Store Purchase
- GS25, CU, 7-Eleven: Available at all locations
- Price: 5 days ₩15,000 / 10 days ₩25,000
- Downside: Limited English support, may need staff assistance
Recommended Subway Station Locations
- Myeongdong Station: Exit 4 GS25
- Dongdaemun Station: Exit 8 CU
- Hongik Univ Station: Exit 1 GS25
- Gangnam Station: Exit 7 7-Eleven
📊 eSIM vs Physical SIM Comparison
| Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | QR code scan, instant | Requires swapping SIM cards |
| Price | Slightly cheaper (₩2,000-₩5,000 discount) | Standard pricing |
| Activation | Works on airplane mode | Requires device restart |
| Compatibility | eSIM-supported devices only (iPhone XS+, Galaxy S20+) | All smartphones |
| T-money | Not included | Many cards include T-money function |
💰 Detailed Plan Comparison
For Short Trips (3-7 Days)
-
KT 5G Travel SIM (5 days)
- Data: 2GB daily + 20 min voice/text
- Speed: 5G (in supported areas)
- Price: ₩20,000
-
SKT Prepaid SIM (7 days)
- Data: 5GB total (3G speed after limit)
- Speed: LTE
- Price: ₩25,000
For Medium Trips (10-15 Days)
-
EG Sim Korea (10 days)
- Data: Unlimited (1GB daily high-speed, then 3G)
- Speed: LTE
- Price: ₩28,000
-
Discover Seoul Pass + SIM (15 days)
- Data: 1.5GB daily + tourist pass
- Speed: LTE
- Price: ₩45,000
For Long Stays (30+ Days)
-
KT Monthly Unlimited
- Data: 30GB monthly (5Mbps after limit)
- Speed: 5G
- Price: ₩70,000
-
SKT Long Stay SIM (60 days)
- Data: 1GB daily high-speed
- Speed: LTE
- Price: ₩120,000
🔧 Setup and Usage Guide
Physical SIM Setup Steps
-
Power Off Your Device
- Completely shut down your smartphone
-
Replace SIM Card
- Use SIM ejector tool to open tray
- Insert Korean SIM card
- Close the tray securely
-
Restart Device
- Turn on your phone
- Wait for automatic carrier detection (1-2 minutes)
-
APN Settings (if needed)
- Settings → Mobile Network → APN
- Add new APN:
- Name: KT/SKT/LG U+ (your provider)
- APN: lte.ktfwing.com (KT) / lte.sktelecom.com (SKT) / lte.lguplus.co.kr (LG U+)
eSIM Setup Steps
-
Prepare QR Code
- Save QR code from email or text
-
Install eSIM
- Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
- Scan QR code
- Select carrier (if multiple options)
-
Activate Line
- Set as primary line
- Enable data roaming
✅ Checklist and Useful Tips
Before Buying
- Check Device Unlock Status: Ensure your phone isn't carrier-locked
- Verify eSIM Compatibility: iPhone Settings → General → About → Check for eSIM
- Know Your Travel Dates: Select appropriate plan based on exact dates
- Estimate Data Usage: Check your daily average usage (video streaming uses lots of data)
What to Get When Purchasing
- English instructions
- Customer service contact
- Top-up guide
- T-money function confirmation
Local Tips for Usage
Data Saving Tips
- Enable Wi-Fi auto-connect
- Turn off auto-play for videos
- Limit background data for apps
- Use Low Data Mode
Troubleshooting Common Issues
-
No Data Connection
- Restart device
- Check data roaming is enabled
- Reset APN settings
-
Customer Service Hotlines
- KT: +82-2-1544-0003 (24/7)
- SKT: +82-2-1599-0114 (24/7, English available)
- LG U+: +82-2-1544-0012 (24/7, English available)
-
Exchanges/Returns
- Unused SIM: Full refund within 7 days of purchase
- Partially used: Pro-rated refund possible
- Airport purchase: Immediate exchange at airport counter
🎯 Best Choice for You
One-Day Visit or Business Trip
Recommended: Buy eSIM at airport immediately
- Why: Hassle-free, instant activation
- Expected Cost: ₩15,000-₩20,000
3-7 Day Tourist
Recommended: Pre-order KT 5G Travel SIM online
- Why: Best quality, airport pickup available
- Expected Cost: ₩20,000-₩35,000
10-14 Day Traveler
Recommended: EG Sim unlimited data
- Why: Generous data, affordable price
- Expected Cost: ₩28,000-₩45,000
30+ Day Long Stay
Recommended: Monthly plan or local resident SIM
- Why: Cost-effective, same service as locals
- Expected Cost: ₩70,000-₩80,000
💡 Pro Tips
Best Times to Buy
- Peak Season (July-August, December): Expect queues at airport, book online in advance
- Weekend Arrivals: Airport counters are busy, consider buying in city on Monday
- Promotions: Look for discounts during April-May and September-October
Hidden Benefits
- KT SIM: Service at all KT branches nationwide
- SKT SIM: Free access to SKT WiFi zones
- LG U+ SIM: Airport lounge discounts
Using T-money Function
Most tourist SIMs include T-money function for transportation.
- Top-up: ₩10,000-₩50,000 at any convenience store
- Usage: Subways, buses, taxis, convenience store payments
- Check Balance: Download T-money app
📍 Getting Additional Help in Seoul
Major Carrier Store Locations
- KT Gangnam Center: 152 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu
- SKT Times Square: 15 Yeouijung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu
- LG U+ Myeongdong: 67 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu
Emergency Procedures
- Lost SIM: Contact customer service immediately to suspend service
- Device Issues: Free consultation at carrier stores
- International Emergency: Use international roaming services
Don't let connectivity worries hold you back in Seoul! With this guide, you can choose the perfect SIM card for your travel duration and needs. Enjoy your Seoul adventure with reliable internet from day one!
