October 27, 2025
7 min
Internet in South Korea
How to access the internet in South Korea? Everything you need to know to prepare for your trip in the best possible conditions!
👉 South Korea SIM card: at a glance
- A SIM card is not compulsory, but a mobile Internet connection is almost indispensable for travelling in South Korea.
- The mobile network is excellent (fast and reliable 4G/5G throughout the country, including transport and tourist areas).
- The eSIM is the simplest and most practical solution: activation before departure and immediate connection on arrival.
- The local SIM cardis still a good alternative if your phone isn't eSIM-compatible, but requires more time on site.
- International roaming should be avoided: high costs and risk of out-of-package charges.
- Pocket WiFi can help out, but it's less comfortable and often more expensive for solo or couple travel.
Do I need a SIM card to travel to South Korea?
No, a SIM card isn't compulsory to go to South Korea, buthaving a mobile connection is (almost).
In theory, you can travel relying solely onWi-Fi, which is very common in hotels, cafés and restaurants. Butin practice, it quickly becomes complicated. Between GPS navigation, transport applications, real-time translation and on-site reservations, having the Internet at all times completely changes the travel experience.
SOUTH KOREA
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No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
Buying a local SIM card in South Korea
Another well-known solution isto buy a local SIM card in South Korea, generally available at international airports (Incheon, Busan...) or in some stores in town.
This can be an interesting optionif your phone isn't eSIMcompatible. In this case, you can consult our list of eSIM-compatible devices. However, this solution has a few drawbacks:
- ❌ please allowtime on sitefor purchase and activation
- ❌ there may bequeues
- ❌ some forms are partially in Korean
- ❌ activation is not always immediate
In terms of budget, you should expect to payaround $20 to $30 for 10 to 15 GBof data, depending on the length of your stay. For the same price, an eSIM often offers greater flexibility and instant activation.
Avoid international roaming
Roaming means using your French SIM card in South Korea. In practice, this is generally not a good idea.
Costs can quickly explode if you don't have a very specific international package. A few minutes of navigation or GPS can be very expensive. This solution should be consideredonly for repairs, never for a complete trip.
Pocket WiFi: practical... but restrictive
Pocket WiFi is a small box that you rent to have an Internet connection everywhere.
Advantages :
- ✅ practical if you areseveral people
- ✅ a single connection to share
Disadvantages :
- ❌ you must remember torecharge it every day
- ❌ it's one more thing to carry around
- ❌ it must bereturned at the end of your stay
- ❌ the cost is approximately5 to $8 per day
For solo travelers or couples, this is clearly not the most comfortable solution.
Which eSIM I chose for my trip to South Korea
For my trip to South Korea, I simply chose the eSIM from voilà, and honestly, it was thebest possible choice.
If you're going away forabout two weeks, I'd definitely recommendthe 20GB offer. It's the one I've been using, and thevalue for money is really unbeatable. There's more than enough data for :
- use Google Maps continuously
- order transport
- translate in real time
- share photos and stories
- work or sail without question
The connection wasstable, fast, and above allimmediate on arrivalin South Korea. No stress at the airport, no SIM card to change, no store to look for: the eSIM is installed before departure and works automatically once you're here.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
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JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
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In 3d • Jun 12
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No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
How to choose a SIM card for a trip to South Korea?
Choosing the rightSIM card (or eSIM) for your trip to South Koreaisn't a matter of chance: you need to take into account several essential criteria to ensure that your mobile connection isreliable, suited to your needs and at the right price. Here are the main elements to consider when making the right choice:
1) Data volume (GB)
The number 1 criterion remainsthe amount of data includedin your plan. If you plan to use the Internet for :
- gPS navigation
- translation applications
- social networks
- light streaming
2) Prices and value for money
Look closely:
- total package price
- what's included (GB, SMS, calls)
- validity period
Some offers may seem cheaper at first glance, but includeless data or weaker network coverage. Conversely, a slightly more expensive offer may save you stress on the spot, so don't choose solely ongross price, but rather onactual value for money.
3) Mobile network quality
South Korea has one of the fastest and most reliablemobile networks in the world, butnot all SIM cards offer the same quality of coverage.
Remember to check:
- 4G/5G coverage (especially if you're planning to travel outside major cities)
- the operator's reputation
- feedback from other travelers
4) Local calls and SMS included
Even though many travelers today use the Internet to communicate (WhatsApp, Messenger, KakaoTalk...), some packages also offer :
- including SMS messages
- of local call minutes
If you plan tomake calls in South Korea, this criterion may be important. Otherwise, an eSIM or data-only SIM will often suffice.
5) Compatibility with your phone
First of all, make sureyour phone is compatible with the option you choose :
- eSIM: your device must support eSIM
- sIM card: your device must beunlocked (not locked to an operator)
6) Ease of activation
Some options are activatedbefore departure (like most eSIMs), so you don't have to :
- airport queues
- korean forms
- logistical worries on arrival
Conversely, alocal SIM card purchased locallywill often require more time and patience to activate.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
Where can I buy a SIM card in South Korea?
If you choose to buy a local SIM card in South Korea, it's perfectly possible, and quite simple, provided you know where to go.
At international airports
The most common way is to buy your SIM card directly on arrival at one of the country's major international airports:
- Incheon (Seoul)
- Gimpo
- Busan (Gimhae)
You'll find dedicated counters for the major mobile operators, open every day. Handy if you want to get connected quickly after landing.
What to expect:
- some waiting time depending on the number of visitors
- presentation of your passport
- activation sometimes done on site
In mobile operator boutiques
You can also buy a local SIM card in town, in the official stores of major Korean operators such as SK Telecom, KT or LG U+.
These stores can be found in city centers, shopping malls and tourist areas.
5 things to know before landing in Seoul
Before you leave for South Korea, there are a few very important details you don't always think to check... and yet they can really simplify your trip once you're there. Here are the five things I wish someone had told me before I landed in Seoul.
And if you want even more practical advice, travel tips and feedback from the field, consider subscribing to our Instagram. We regularly share:
- useful tips before and during your trip
- concrete feedback from South Korea
- tips for stress-free, connected travel
How do I activate my Korean eSIM with voilà?
Activating your eSIM for South Korea with voilà takes just a few minutes, literally less than a minute. It's simple, fast and ultra-intuitive.
Step 1: Choose your package
Go to the voilà application and select the eSIM package best suited to your trip (duration, data volume). Everything is clear and transparent, so you know exactly what you're buying.
Step 2: activate eSIM with a single click
Two options to choose from:
- From the voilà application: simply click on "Activate map"
- Via the QR code received by email: scan it with your phone and follow the instructions
No complicated handling, no need to change the physical SIM card.
Step 3: Track your consumption in real time
Once the eSIM has been installed, your package will be activated automatically as soon as you arrive in South Korea. You can then monitor your data consumption in real time directly from the application, so you can stay in control throughout your stay.
SOUTH KOREA
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
SKTelecom, LGU+
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
THAILAND
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
AIS
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
JAPAN
active
20 Go
remaining
Operator
NTT docomo
Expires
In 3d • Jun 12
Top up
No more roaming fees
Travel abroad with confidence: no more roaming fees, connection struggles, or unexpected top-ups. With a travel-friendly eSIM, stay connected everywhere, stress-free and surprise-free.
FAQ : SIM card South Korea
Rony is our in-house travel-connected expert. Always curious and never too far from an airport, he explores the latest destinations while testing the newest eSIM solutions. He signs our articles on travel and mobile technology, with a single mission: to turn his discoveries into clear, reliable, and smart advice to accompany you anywhere in the world.
See also
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4 min
Best eSIM South Korea
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October 17, 2025
15 min
Preparing for Your Trip to South Korea
The complete guide to planning your trip to South Korea: when to go, budget, documents, internet, accommodation, customs, and all the practical advice you need for 2025.
How do I get a mobile network in South Korea?
To get a Internet connection in South Korea, several solutions exist. The country has an excellent mobile network (high-performance 4G/5G), but you still need to choosethe right optionaccording to your budget, your phone and the way you travel.
Here are themain solutions to get mobile network in South Korea :
Buy an eSIM before leaving for South Korea
Today, the simplest and most practical solutionclearly remains eSIM.
Why can't you? Because you can:
No need to search for a store, queue up after a long flight or lug around a physical SIM card. Once eSIM is installed, your phone automatically connects to the local network. Clearly, this is the smoothest way to travel with peace of mind.