Data matters more here than in most countries: Google Maps has no reliable walking directions in Korea because map data cannot be exported, so you need Naver Map or KakaoMap - and both need a live connection. An eSIM bought before departure has you online in the immigration queue.
- Arrive already connected. Google Maps has no reliable walking routes in Korea, and the local Naver Map and KakaoMap do not work offline at all.
- An eSIM installed before departure activates the moment you land, so you are on the network while still queueing at immigration.
- Saily for South Korea: 5 GB/30 days at 10.99 USD, 10 GB/30 days at 18.99 USD, or a 10-day day-capped plan at 34.99 USD.
- A physical SIM from an airport operator counter often bundles a free T-money transit card - worth it if you would be buying one anyway.
- Every local SIM needs passport registration, and the airport counters are in the arrivals halls of both Incheon terminals.
- SK Telecom, KT and LG U+ are the three networks; coverage differences barely matter for a visitor, price and the bundled extras do.
Why the connection matters more here
Google Maps cannot give you reliable walking directions in South Korea. Korean law restricts the export of detailed mapping data, so the global apps run on a degraded dataset. The apps that work - Naver Map and KakaoMap - are excellent, and both need a live connection to do anything.
So the goal is to land connected, not to sort it out after immigration.
Saily plans for South Korea
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed data | 1 GB | 7 days | 3.99 USD |
| Fixed data | 3 GB | 30 days | 8.99 USD |
| Fixed data | 5 GB | 30 days | 10.99 USD |
| Fixed data | 10 GB | 30 days | 18.99 USD |
| Fixed data | 20 GB | 30 days | 29.99 USD |
| Day-capped | 5 GB/day, then throttled | 10 days | 34.99 USD |
Buying locally
- The three networks are SK Telecom (SKT), KT and LG U+. For a visitor the coverage differences are academic; what differs is the price and what comes bundled.
- The standard tourist product is a 10-day unlimited-data prepaid package, "unlimited" meaning a few gigabytes a day at full speed and a reduced speed after that.
- Some LG U+ and KT tourist SIMs come with a free T-money card, which is a genuine saving if you have not already bought one.
- Passport registration is required for every SIM sold in Korea. Budget a few minutes at the counter.
- Where - official operator counters in the arrivals hall of Incheon Terminal 1, and in the arrivals hall and Transportation Center of Terminal 2. Standard hours are roughly 06:00 to 22:00, with some kiosks running around the clock. Flagship stores in Myeongdong, Hongdae and Gangnam in Seoul, and near the station in Busan.
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) sell tourist SIMs too, but you then do the registration and activation yourself online.
Short verdict
Buy the eSIM before you fly unless you specifically want a Korean number or the bundled T-money card - in which case pick up a physical SIM at the airport counter and accept the queue.
Comments
No comments yet. Share the first one.
Share a tip
Sign in to continue.