2025 Korea eSIM Picks & Comparison (Plans, Speed, Setup & Buying Guide)

Want reliable data in Korea without swapping SIMs? This guide compares the most practical 2025 eSIM plans for Korea: daily unlimited, fixed-data bundles, long-stay options, and hotspot-friendly picks. You’ll also get setup steps, troubleshooting, carrier/network notes, and a clean buying checklist. For a step-by-step travel tutorial, see our companion article: 2025 Korea eSIM Travel Setup Guide.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Short trips (3–7 days): Daily unlimited or 5–10GB fixed bundle for maps, socials and payments.
• One to two weeks (7–15 days): 10–20GB or “10/15 days unlimited” depending on streaming needs.
• One month & digital nomads: 20–30GB or long-stay unlimited with fair use (FUP) disclosure.
• Sharing hotspot: Pick a plan that explicitly allows tethering (many do; check the product page).

Recommended product: Korea Prepaid Travel eSIM (multiple plan options) .

Check Device Compatibility (1 minute)

Most recent iPhones and many Android flagships support eSIM. Confirm in seconds: eSIM compatible devices.

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM (or “Add Cellular Plan”).
• Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM/eSIM (path varies by brand).

Plan Types & When to Choose Each

Daily Unlimited (FUP-based)

Simple and stress-free for city hopping. After heavy continuous usage, carriers may apply temporary fair-use policy (FUP) throttling. Perfect for maps, messaging, payments, and moderate video.

Fixed-Data Bundles (e.g., 5GB/7 days, 10GB/15 days, 20–30GB/30 days)

Great balance of price and predictability. Ideal if you upload photos, navigate, and stream lightly. Consider 20–30GB for a month-long stay or hybrid work.

Long-Stay / Nomad Options

Look for 30-day unlimited (with FUP) or large-volume bundles. If hotspot is important, confirm it’s allowed.

Network & Speed Notes

Korea’s leading networks are SKT and LGU+ with excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities. 5G availability depends on handset support, coverage and the selected eSIM plan.

Buy & Setup (Takes ~3 Minutes)

1. Purchase: Pick your plan/days → pay.
2. Check email: Your QR code & setup email is delivered within 24 hours.
3. Install eSIM: Scan QR on iPhone (Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM) or Android (Settings → eSIM/SIM).
4. Activation timing: Enable it after landing in Korea to align validity with local time.
5. APN & data roaming: Turn on mobile data and data roaming; adjust APN per the email if needed.

Plan Options & Key Specs

• Plan tiles: 5GB/7 days, 10GB/15 days, 20GB/30 days, 30GB/30 days (examples; check the product page).
• Network: LGU+ / SKT (based on plan), 4G LTE with selective 5G where supported.
• Hotspot: Supported on most plans (see product page details).
• Voice/SMS: Data-only eSIM (no voice/SMS numbers).
• Delivery: QR code sent via email within 24 hours of purchase.
• Install window: QR must be installed within 90 days of purchase (per plan rules).
• Start of service: First network connection in Korea starts the validity clock.

Product page: Korea Prepaid eSIM — plan details & pricing

FAQ

Can I keep my physical SIM or original eSIM active?

Yes. Keep your home number for OTPs while using the Korea eSIM for data.

When will I receive the QR code?

Within 24 hours by email, with setup steps and APN info.

When should I activate?

After you arrive in Korea, so the validity aligns with local time.

Is hotspot allowed? Any throttling?

Most plans allow hotspot. Heavy sustained usage may trigger fair-use (temporary throttling).