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Staying connected

Korea eSIM, SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi?

Tell us how long you're staying, how much data you use and who's coming. We'll compare eSIMs, Korean SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi by what you'd pay in total.

Prices checked on 14 Oct 2026 against each provider's own page

Pocket Wi-Fi is one router for everyone.

Daily data amounts are our estimates for typical phone use, not figures from the providers. Dollar and won amounts are converted at ₩1,342 to $1 (US Federal Reserve rate for 9 Oct 2026); your card's rate will differ a little. Links marked "Affiliate link" may earn us a commission at no cost to you; it never changes the order. How this works

What "unlimited" means in one day
0 GB 2 GB 4 GB 6 GB 8 GB Airalo unlimited eSIM then 1 Mbps LG U+ pocket Wi-Fi then 5 Mbps LG U+ eSIM or SIM no speed cap

Solid bars are full speed; dashed bars are the slowed speed after the daily allowance. Airalo's day is 24 hours from when you activate the eSIM; LG U+ pocket Wi-Fi resets at midnight.

Which type suits you

eSIM

You buy and install it before you fly, and data works the moment you land. Usually the cheapest. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked. Most eSIMs for tourists are data only, so you keep your home number for messaging apps.

Korean SIM card

A physical card you pick up at an airport counter, for phones without eSIM. LG U+'s plans also come with a Korean 010 number if you choose a plan with calls.

Pocket Wi-Fi

A small router the whole group connects to. Good value for families, but someone has to carry and charge it, and you return it at the airport.

Things worth knowing

Do I need a Korean phone number?

Some Korean apps send a text message to a Korean number when you sign up, for example to book restaurants or call taxis. A Korean number from a tourist SIM works for these, but not for banking or government identity checks. If you only need maps, messaging and browsing, you don't.

Will my phone work with an eSIM?

Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. On an iPhone, check Settings > General > About: 'No SIM restrictions' next to Carrier Lock means it is unlocked. iPhone XS and later support eSIM. LG U+ says its eSIM doesn't work on Google Pixel or OPPO phones.

What does "unlimited" really mean?

Airalo gives full speed for the first 3 GB each day, then slows to 1 Mbps until the day resets. LG U+'s SIM and eSIM plans have no speed cap. LG U+ pocket Wi-Fi gives 4 GB a day at full speed, then 5 Mbps until midnight.

Where do I pick up a SIM card or router?

LG U+ counters: Incheon T1 Gate F and T2 Gate 3 are open 24 hours; Incheon T1 Gate A and T2 Gate 8 are open 06:00–22:00; Gimpo Gate 1 06:30–23:00; Gimhae 06:00–22:00. Pocket Wi-Fi: a credit card in the passport holder's name gets a ₩1,111 hold (not charged). With a debit card you pay a ₩70,000 deposit, refunded when you return the router.

Sources

Last checked 14 Oct 2026.