Phone, SIM and eSIM in Korea: how to get online

As a tourist you buy a physical USIM at the roaming centers of Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju airports. They're also sold at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and Emart24; stock varies by store.

You can also buy it online in advance and pick it up at the airport.

You buy an eSIM online and set it up with a QR code. First check whether your phone supports eSIM. LG U+ recommends *#06# for this: if an EID appears, your device supports eSIM.

LG U+ also lists restrictions: the eSIM doesn't work on Google Pixel or OPPO devices. Devices bought abroad may not work depending on network conditions. And once activated on a device, an eSIM can't be reinstalled or reissued.

At LG U+, data-only plans include internet plus incoming calls and texts, but no outgoing calls or texts. You can't add voice later. So take data + voice right away if you want to make calls. At LG U+, data + voice is only available at the airport; up to 3 SIMs are possible per passport.

With voice/SMS, SMS verification for restaurant and taxi apps works. Identity verification for banking or government services isn't supported. Data-only doesn't support SMS verification.

KT offers foreigners the prepaid package "LTE Welcome" in several data tiers. According to KT, you sign up with your passport, in a shop only. Without real-name verification with a foreigner ID number, the service is limited to 90 days. Without a top-up or verification, calls are blocked after 14 days and the contract ends after 44 days. You'll find current prices at KT.

SK Telecom offers the add-on T Global for ₩3,300 per month. It's meant for foreigners staying in Korea for at least 90 days; you sign up in a shop.

According to a media report, since 6 July 2026 an ID check alone is no longer enough when you sign up for a new mobile line or port your number. You can choose between face authentication, a mobile ID card (Mobile ID) or a resident registration extract issued the same day (chobon). The face data must be deleted right after the check.

The report doesn't say how this applies to foreigners. Best ask in the shop what you need to bring.