7 Best eSIM cards for Digital Nomads in South Korea
You are a long-term traveler searching for an eSIM or a SIM card in Korea, but you're not sure what to choose? Here's our complete guide to get the best data for the cheapest price.
If you’re a long-term traveler, chances are you won’t find your happiness with the traditional tourist SIM cards.
They’re usually expensive, don’t last long enough and don’t provide enough data or phone calls for remote work. Sometimes, they don’t even come with a phone number, which you’ll want to have in Korea to be able to access many services.
So here are the best eSIM and SIM card options for digital nomads coming to Korea for more than to weeks.
Foreigner-friendly services
The following companies speak great English and let you use the same SIM card as long as you extend your plan.
1. Chingu Mobile
With airport and store pickup, as well as a delivery option, Chingu Mobile might currently be the best option for digital nomads. Their plans get considerably cheaper if you subscribe for three months at a time.
We’d recommend their A_USIM_BASIC PLAN or ESIM_MEDIUM PLAN especially to long-term nomads who need to often call local numbers. If you have an iPhone, go for the cheaper C_USIM_BASIC PLAN.
Be careful when looking at the speed of the unlimited internet. Most plans are capped at 3mbps (which is fast enough for messaging apps, social media and web browsing, but can lag a little bit when streaming videos), which is why they are so much cheaper. They get a bit pricier if you want 5mbps - which could still be too low depending on your needs.
2. Woori Mobile
Similar to Chingu and ideal for long stays, Woori Mobile lets you pick up your pre-paid SIM card at the airport or in one of the multiple stores they have in Seoul. (They also have eSIMs, but you won't have a Korean phone number attached so we don't really recommend this option.)
Their pre-paid cost-effective plans offer unlimited LTE 4G data as well as calls and messages, for what might be one of the best prices out there. (We only ranked it behind Chingu because you have to pick it up in the shop.)
3. Link Korea
Link Korea has been a reliable service for years when it comes to SIM cards. We recommend their Purple prepaid plan if you need fast data (it’s LTE data which can go up to 110-150mbps in Korea) as well as some voice calls.
It has however become a bit of a hassle to get the SIM card, recently. You can only get it in their office, on a weekday, between 9am and 5pm. Once you’ve picked it up though, everything, including extending, can be easily done online.
Link also has a prepaid eSIM plan which is more expensive than Chingu's for a similar service.
For Korean-speaking foreigners or residents
There are three main telecom companies in Korea: SKT, KT and LG U+. All three provide very reliable and fast connection, but are overall more expensive than Chingu and Link.
4. Kimbap Mobile
Kimbap Mobile is a special option for people who will stay long-term in Korea. All their services are in English and they only offer SIM cards, as eSIM are still not the standard option in Korea.
This provider has figured out a clever system that’s actually pretty common among locals: instead of sticking with one carrier forever, they help you hop between the different main telecom companies to take advantage of the best promotions. Every time you switch, there’s a new customer bonus or discount, and Kimbap Mobile shares part of that commission with you.
If you think it's a bit complicated, you are right. But they handle all the paperwork and let you know exactly when it’s time to switch again, so you’re always getting the lowest price possible.
One important thing to know: for this system to really work, you’ll need to switch from a prepaid SIM to a postpaid plan at some point, which is impossible without a Residence Card (ex-Alien Registration Card). Prepaid is fine for short stays, but the real savings and best deals are only available on postpaid plans.
A great option for Digital Nomad visa and Startup visa holders.
5. KT
KT’s plans are quite expensive on their website or at the airport, but if you go to their 'flagship' store next to Hongdae station and speak a little bit of Korean, you can get a permanent monthly pre-paid foreigner SIM card. Expect to pay around ₩35.000 per month.
We do not recommend this option for first-time visitors or very short-term visitors.
Another option is KT M Mobile, the low-cost division of KT. If you have a visa, and the ARC that goes with it (the resident card), you could opt for their cheap plan that starts with 7GB/month (with options to go up to 15GB) at high speed for less than ₩20.000 per month. You can use the automatic translation on the website, but the full process is online and probably a lot easier to do if you're doing it with someone who speaks Korean.
6. LG U+
LG is the cheapest option out of the three main providers. If you reserve online, you can get a three month sim card for ₩130.000 (₩43.000 per month) and you need to tell the counter you want a Korean phone number. It can get picked up at the airport or in any LG store which is a big plus.
But if you need voice calls minutes though, it’s quite expensive to top-up your card.
7. SK Telecom
SKT is the fastest internet and main provider in Korea. For foreigners though, we find their plans to be quite expensive (₩71.000) compared to te others. We don’t really recommend to go with them.
Digital Nomad eSIMs (NO local phone number)
The following providers are practical because they give you data plans SIM cards in any country you visit and adapt well to the digital nomad lifestyle requirements… But they don’t give you a phone number which, as we said at the beginning of this article, is not very convenient in Korea.
8. Ubigi
The options with Ubugi are flexible (you can get 3, 10 and other amounts of GB). You probably don’t need unlimited data in Korea because there’s a lot of free wifi throughout the big cities (especially in Seoul and Jeju) and all cafes provide free wifi!
9. Airalo
Airalo’s two options, unlimited data for 10 days (32 dollars) and 30 days (62 dollars), are quite expensive for Korea.
You can also look at the eSIM database website to compare more options.
FAQ
How much data do I need in Korea?
Not as much as you think. Free WiFi is everywhere in Korea. Cafes all have free WiFi and there are many fast free public WiFis (city WiFi, bus WiFi, etc). Usually, digital nomads are fine with 3GB to 7GB plans.
Why do I need a phone number in Korea?
Phone numbers are at the heart of all administration and identity checks in Korea. You do not have access to their ID check system as a non-resident, but it means a local phone number can be mandatory in some situations. When booking a ticket or ordering online for example, or when queuing at restaurants or in cafes to get a spot inside. Some shops also require a phone number for you to order because they'll send you a message to tell you your order is ready (and everything is done via ordering at the machine).
If you want to know more tips for living as a Digital Nomad in Korea, we wrote a comprehensive guide on the topic!
7 Best eSIM cards for Digital Nomads in South Korea
You are a long-term traveler searching for an eSIM or a SIM card in Korea, but you're not sure what to choose? Here's our complete guide to get the best data for the cheapest price.
If you’re a long-term traveler, chances are you won’t find your happiness with the traditional tourist SIM cards.
They’re usually expensive, don’t last long enough and don’t provide enough data or phone calls for remote work. Sometimes, they don’t even come with a phone number, which you’ll want to have in Korea to be able to access many services.
So here are the best eSIM and SIM card options for digital nomads coming to Korea for more than to weeks.
Foreigner-friendly services
The following companies speak great English and let you use the same SIM card as long as you extend your plan.
1. Chingu Mobile
With airport and store pickup, as well as a delivery option, Chingu Mobile might currently be the best option for digital nomads. Their plans get considerably cheaper if you subscribe for three months at a time.
We’d recommend their A_USIM_BASIC PLAN or ESIM_MEDIUM PLAN especially to long-term nomads who need to often call local numbers. If you have an iPhone, go for the cheaper C_USIM_BASIC PLAN.
Be careful when looking at the speed of the unlimited internet. Most plans are capped at 3mbps (which is fast enough for messaging apps, social media and web browsing, but can lag a little bit when streaming videos), which is why they are so much cheaper. They get a bit pricier if you want 5mbps - which could still be too low depending on your needs.
2. Woori Mobile
Similar to Chingu and ideal for long stays, Woori Mobile lets you pick up your pre-paid SIM card at the airport or in one of the multiple stores they have in Seoul. (They also have eSIMs, but you won't have a Korean phone number attached so we don't really recommend this option.)
Their pre-paid cost-effective plans offer unlimited LTE 4G data as well as calls and messages, for what might be one of the best prices out there. (We only ranked it behind Chingu because you have to pick it up in the shop.)
3. Link Korea
Link Korea has been a reliable service for years when it comes to SIM cards. We recommend their Purple prepaid plan if you need fast data (it’s LTE data which can go up to 110-150mbps in Korea) as well as some voice calls.
It has however become a bit of a hassle to get the SIM card, recently. You can only get it in their office, on a weekday, between 9am and 5pm. Once you’ve picked it up though, everything, including extending, can be easily done online.
Link also has a prepaid eSIM plan which is more expensive than Chingu's for a similar service.
For Korean-speaking foreigners or residents
There are three main telecom companies in Korea: SKT, KT and LG U+. All three provide very reliable and fast connection, but are overall more expensive than Chingu and Link.
4. Kimbap Mobile
Kimbap Mobile is a special option for people who will stay long-term in Korea. All their services are in English and they only offer SIM cards, as eSIM are still not the standard option in Korea.
This provider has figured out a clever system that’s actually pretty common among locals: instead of sticking with one carrier forever, they help you hop between the different main telecom companies to take advantage of the best promotions. Every time you switch, there’s a new customer bonus or discount, and Kimbap Mobile shares part of that commission with you.
If you think it's a bit complicated, you are right. But they handle all the paperwork and let you know exactly when it’s time to switch again, so you’re always getting the lowest price possible.
One important thing to know: for this system to really work, you’ll need to switch from a prepaid SIM to a postpaid plan at some point, which is impossible without a Residence Card (ex-Alien Registration Card). Prepaid is fine for short stays, but the real savings and best deals are only available on postpaid plans.
A great option for Digital Nomad visa and Startup visa holders.
5. KT
KT’s plans are quite expensive on their website or at the airport, but if you go to their 'flagship' store next to Hongdae station and speak a little bit of Korean, you can get a permanent monthly pre-paid foreigner SIM card. Expect to pay around ₩35.000 per month.
We do not recommend this option for first-time visitors or very short-term visitors.
Another option is KT M Mobile, the low-cost division of KT. If you have a visa, and the ARC that goes with it (the resident card), you could opt for their cheap plan that starts with 7GB/month (with options to go up to 15GB) at high speed for less than ₩20.000 per month. You can use the automatic translation on the website, but the full process is online and probably a lot easier to do if you're doing it with someone who speaks Korean.
6. LG U+
LG is the cheapest option out of the three main providers. If you reserve online, you can get a three month sim card for ₩130.000 (₩43.000 per month) and you need to tell the counter you want a Korean phone number. It can get picked up at the airport or in any LG store which is a big plus.
But if you need voice calls minutes though, it’s quite expensive to top-up your card.
7. SK Telecom
SKT is the fastest internet and main provider in Korea. For foreigners though, we find their plans to be quite expensive (₩71.000) compared to te others. We don’t really recommend to go with them.
Digital Nomad eSIMs (NO local phone number)
The following providers are practical because they give you data plans SIM cards in any country you visit and adapt well to the digital nomad lifestyle requirements… But they don’t give you a phone number which, as we said at the beginning of this article, is not very convenient in Korea.
8. Ubigi
The options with Ubugi are flexible (you can get 3, 10 and other amounts of GB). You probably don’t need unlimited data in Korea because there’s a lot of free wifi throughout the big cities (especially in Seoul and Jeju) and all cafes provide free wifi!
9. Airalo
Airalo’s two options, unlimited data for 10 days (32 dollars) and 30 days (62 dollars), are quite expensive for Korea.
You can also look at the eSIM database website to compare more options.
FAQ
How much data do I need in Korea?
Not as much as you think. Free WiFi is everywhere in Korea. Cafes all have free WiFi and there are many fast free public WiFis (city WiFi, bus WiFi, etc). Usually, digital nomads are fine with 3GB to 7GB plans.
Why do I need a phone number in Korea?
Phone numbers are at the heart of all administration and identity checks in Korea. You do not have access to their ID check system as a non-resident, but it means a local phone number can be mandatory in some situations. When booking a ticket or ordering online for example, or when queuing at restaurants or in cafes to get a spot inside. Some shops also require a phone number for you to order because they'll send you a message to tell you your order is ready (and everything is done via ordering at the machine).
If you want to know more tips for living as a Digital Nomad in Korea, we wrote a comprehensive guide on the topic!
7 Best eSIM cards for Digital Nomads in South Korea
You are a long-term traveler searching for an eSIM or a SIM card in Korea, but you're not sure what to choose? Here's our complete guide to get the best data for the cheapest price.
If you’re a long-term traveler, chances are you won’t find your happiness with the traditional tourist SIM cards.
They’re usually expensive, don’t last long enough and don’t provide enough data or phone calls for remote work. Sometimes, they don’t even come with a phone number, which you’ll want to have in Korea to be able to access many services.
So here are the best eSIM and SIM card options for digital nomads coming to Korea for more than to weeks.
Foreigner-friendly services
The following companies speak great English and let you use the same SIM card as long as you extend your plan.
1. Chingu Mobile
With airport and store pickup, as well as a delivery option, Chingu Mobile might currently be the best option for digital nomads. Their plans get considerably cheaper if you subscribe for three months at a time.
We’d recommend their A_USIM_BASIC PLAN or ESIM_MEDIUM PLAN especially to long-term nomads who need to often call local numbers. If you have an iPhone, go for the cheaper C_USIM_BASIC PLAN.
Be careful when looking at the speed of the unlimited internet. Most plans are capped at 3mbps (which is fast enough for messaging apps, social media and web browsing, but can lag a little bit when streaming videos), which is why they are so much cheaper. They get a bit pricier if you want 5mbps - which could still be too low depending on your needs.
2. Woori Mobile
Similar to Chingu and ideal for long stays, Woori Mobile lets you pick up your pre-paid SIM card at the airport or in one of the multiple stores they have in Seoul. (They also have eSIMs, but you won't have a Korean phone number attached so we don't really recommend this option.)
Their pre-paid cost-effective plans offer unlimited LTE 4G data as well as calls and messages, for what might be one of the best prices out there. (We only ranked it behind Chingu because you have to pick it up in the shop.)
3. Link Korea
Link Korea has been a reliable service for years when it comes to SIM cards. We recommend their Purple prepaid plan if you need fast data (it’s LTE data which can go up to 110-150mbps in Korea) as well as some voice calls.
It has however become a bit of a hassle to get the SIM card, recently. You can only get it in their office, on a weekday, between 9am and 5pm. Once you’ve picked it up though, everything, including extending, can be easily done online.
Link also has a prepaid eSIM plan which is more expensive than Chingu's for a similar service.
For Korean-speaking foreigners or residents
There are three main telecom companies in Korea: SKT, KT and LG U+. All three provide very reliable and fast connection, but are overall more expensive than Chingu and Link.
4. Kimbap Mobile
Kimbap Mobile is a special option for people who will stay long-term in Korea. All their services are in English and they only offer SIM cards, as eSIM are still not the standard option in Korea.
This provider has figured out a clever system that’s actually pretty common among locals: instead of sticking with one carrier forever, they help you hop between the different main telecom companies to take advantage of the best promotions. Every time you switch, there’s a new customer bonus or discount, and Kimbap Mobile shares part of that commission with you.
If you think it's a bit complicated, you are right. But they handle all the paperwork and let you know exactly when it’s time to switch again, so you’re always getting the lowest price possible.
One important thing to know: for this system to really work, you’ll need to switch from a prepaid SIM to a postpaid plan at some point, which is impossible without a Residence Card (ex-Alien Registration Card). Prepaid is fine for short stays, but the real savings and best deals are only available on postpaid plans.
A great option for Digital Nomad visa and Startup visa holders.
5. KT
KT’s plans are quite expensive on their website or at the airport, but if you go to their 'flagship' store next to Hongdae station and speak a little bit of Korean, you can get a permanent monthly pre-paid foreigner SIM card. Expect to pay around ₩35.000 per month.
We do not recommend this option for first-time visitors or very short-term visitors.
Another option is KT M Mobile, the low-cost division of KT. If you have a visa, and the ARC that goes with it (the resident card), you could opt for their cheap plan that starts with 7GB/month (with options to go up to 15GB) at high speed for less than ₩20.000 per month. You can use the automatic translation on the website, but the full process is online and probably a lot easier to do if you're doing it with someone who speaks Korean.
6. LG U+
LG is the cheapest option out of the three main providers. If you reserve online, you can get a three month sim card for ₩130.000 (₩43.000 per month) and you need to tell the counter you want a Korean phone number. It can get picked up at the airport or in any LG store which is a big plus.
But if you need voice calls minutes though, it’s quite expensive to top-up your card.
7. SK Telecom
SKT is the fastest internet and main provider in Korea. For foreigners though, we find their plans to be quite expensive (₩71.000) compared to te others. We don’t really recommend to go with them.
Digital Nomad eSIMs (NO local phone number)
The following providers are practical because they give you data plans SIM cards in any country you visit and adapt well to the digital nomad lifestyle requirements… But they don’t give you a phone number which, as we said at the beginning of this article, is not very convenient in Korea.
8. Ubigi
The options with Ubugi are flexible (you can get 3, 10 and other amounts of GB). You probably don’t need unlimited data in Korea because there’s a lot of free wifi throughout the big cities (especially in Seoul and Jeju) and all cafes provide free wifi!
9. Airalo
Airalo’s two options, unlimited data for 10 days (32 dollars) and 30 days (62 dollars), are quite expensive for Korea.
You can also look at the eSIM database website to compare more options.
FAQ
How much data do I need in Korea?
Not as much as you think. Free WiFi is everywhere in Korea. Cafes all have free WiFi and there are many fast free public WiFis (city WiFi, bus WiFi, etc). Usually, digital nomads are fine with 3GB to 7GB plans.
Why do I need a phone number in Korea?
Phone numbers are at the heart of all administration and identity checks in Korea. You do not have access to their ID check system as a non-resident, but it means a local phone number can be mandatory in some situations. When booking a ticket or ordering online for example, or when queuing at restaurants or in cafes to get a spot inside. Some shops also require a phone number for you to order because they'll send you a message to tell you your order is ready (and everything is done via ordering at the machine).
If you want to know more tips for living as a Digital Nomad in Korea, we wrote a comprehensive guide on the topic!
