Best eSIM for South Korea Travel: Deep Dive of Top 3 Brands

Before you make your trip to South Korea, choosing the perfect eSim is as important as buying the right ticket for the trip. I will help you select your eSim by comparing the various options available.

In this article, we’ll explore different segments like data options, costs, network coverage and customer service to make your  trip more enjoyable keeping you connected on the go.  Let’s start!

What Factors Should We Keep in Mind When Picking a Travel eSIM Brand?

Types of Data Packages:

Typically, eSIMs have three main types of data plans: a Total plan with limited data available over a short period of time and a Daily plan that uses a limited amount of data each day. Lastly, an Unlimited plan provides unlimited data for a specific number of days selected.

Cost:

eSIM prices can vary widely, like ranging from $3 to $100. Packages are typically structured based on data volume (MB/GB) or duration (days), with plans varying between options like total, unlimited, or daily usage. So, we should clarify the per GB cost and daily cost, as well as our data needs to get the best deal. Failing to do so could result in inconvenience and extra expenses, such as having to switch providers or buying extra data during your trip.

Coverage (Operator):

To avoid inconvenience, having a network provider that works well in both rural and urban areas is a must. The main network operators that can provide this service are LG U+, KT, and SKT. So, a brand that works with one of these networks will provide the best coverage, keeping you connected at all times.

Hotspot Sharing:

If you're carrying more than one device or traveling with friends, sharing your connection can save you some money. But not all eSIMs let you do hotspot sharing. Always check this before you buy.

Customer Service:

Good customer service support will give you a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. For example, 24/7 client assistance is vital when you run into some issues with your eSIM during an odd hour. Multiple communication choices, such as a chatbot self-service, WhatsApp, or helpline, are a plus.

Top 3 South Korea Travel eSIM Brands I Recommend

Airalo:

Airalo mainly provides a Total plan in over 200 countries, sometimes along with an Unlimited one. For example, in South Korea, it offers only unlimited plans, restricting the number of options you have. For network connectivity, Airalo partners up with LG U+, a leading network provider there. Furthermore, it provides a chatbot after-sales service for communication.

iRoamly:

iRoamly gives the most freedom to its users with three types of data plans including Daily, Unlimited, and Total. To make things even smoother it has worked with one of the biggest network providers, SKT, which means great uninterrupted service and unmatched speeds. Plus it’s an option hard to resist, as having multiple customer support options available.

Holafly:

Holafly uses KT’s network with good coverage but only provides unlimited data plans, so you don’t have many to choose from. In terms of price, it is also more expensive compared to other brands. Moreover, please note that Holafly doesn’t allow hotspot sharing in South Korea.

South Korea Travel eSIM Package Comparisons

Airalo / iRoamly / Holafly Spain travel eSIMs Price Comparison

Summary

For Travellers who use much data:

If you’re traveling and need unlimited data, Airalo is your best option. You won’t have to worry about running out of data during your trip. However, a big downside to this choice is that you only have two options: a 10-day package or a 30-day one.

For Short-term travelers who need flexibility:

iRoamly’s South Korea travel eSIM is the safest option if you are a short-term traveler who needs more flexibility when choosing an eSim data plan. It gives you three broad categories to choose from, along with many options to create a plan according to your needs. There is a daily 1 GB package, a total of 5 to 20 GB package, or an unlimited plan for the number of days you require. To top it all off, iRoamly has more price-friendly plans available in the market.

For long-term travelers: 

Similar to Airalo, Holafly also only offers unlimited plans. But it gives more options in the total number of days ranging from 1 day to 90 days. Unlike the other 2 brands, it doesn’t provide a hotspot option which is a limitation for those who plan to share unlimited data to their laptop or with friends and family. Unless you plan to travel alone and won’t need data on more than one device, Holafy might not be a wise choice.

FAQ

Can I use my eSIM outside of South Korea?

No. These eSIMs are only for South Korea. The Asia regional plans might cover other countries in addition to South Korea.  

Is my device compatible with an eSIM?

Most new phones and tablets work with eSIMs. Best to double-check with your phones maker or look through our list of supportive devices to be sure.

Can a travel eSIM handle calls or texts?

Unfortunately, travel eSIMs usually focus on data and might not support regular calls and texts.  

How should I pick my data package size?

Think about what you’ll be doing online each day. To help you even further, you can use the iRoamly data calculator to estimate how much data you’ll need. It allows you to add the estimated amount of time you spend online and the type of usage you have to calculate daily, weekly, and monthly usage.

Who are the top SIM Card & Mobile Network Providers in South Korea?

1. SK Telecom (SKT) —The biggest player in the mobile network game in South Korea, mainly known for super fast speeds and great coverage. Whether you’re in a big city or out in the countryside, you’re likely to have good service with SKT.

2. KT (Korea Telecom)—KT is a major network provider in South Korea with vast network coverage and high-speed internet connections. It offers good deals to travelers and expats.

3. LG U+—The third big company in the trio, LG U+ offers competitive packages and services similar to the other two. They're known for innovative technology and strong network coverage, especially in urban areas.