It’s hard to imagine traveling in a foreign country without the internet these days.
South Korea is first in global rankings of ICT penetration including internet speed.
If you search “Where to buy a SIM card or Pocket WiFi for travel in Korea?” you will see too much confusing and unhelpful information.
Should I use an LTE SIM card or a Portable WiFi? What are the terms and the price? Is it the cheapest option? Where can I buy a SIM card for Korea? and where can I pick it up? It’s a hassle to find the answers to all the questions.
Staying connected during your travel in Korea doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are the best ways to do so 🙂
How to buy a SIM card or Pocket WiFi for travel in Korea
Table of Contents
Which is better, SIM or Pocket WiFi?
As mentioned, you can use the data by changing the SIM card on your phone or renting a pocket WiFi egg as well.
To determine which is best for you, consider these questions:
1. How many people in your group will be connected to the internet?
2. How long is your trip?
You only can use your SIM card in a phone but people can connect up to 3 devices on the same pocket WiFi. (Service providers say up to 5 people can connect, but if you try it, you will understand why I say you can connect up to 3 people.)
Using a SIM card is easy and private. You don’t need to return it. They also give a discount for every additional day you buy.
A Pocket WiFi is good for two or three people and also cheaper than a SIM card.
However, you always have to bring it with you and recharge it regularly. You also need to return it when you leave. They provide a huge discount from the 6th day.
Hopefully, this information has helped you determine what works best for your trip!
How to Buy a Hardware SIM Card for Korea Travel
So now you’ve decided a SIM card is the best option for you. What happens next? I checked a lot of travel agencies and telecommunication service providers’ websites to compile the best information here.
The below online travel agency provides the best prices and services.
Let’s compare the 4G Unlimited Data SIM Products (Korea Airport Pickup) of famous global online travel agencies. You can choose the product considering the days you want to rent and move to the product page by clicking the prices.
Prepaid Unlimited Data SIM with T-money card for Korea
Marketplace: KLOOK
Price
1 day: 4,800 KRW / 5 days: 20,000 KRW / 7 days: 25,500 KRW / 10 days: 28,000 KRW / 15 days: 40,000 KRW / 20 days: 44,000 KRW / 30 days: 52,000 KRW / 60 days: 99,999 KRW
Details
- Validity: 1-60 days
- Internet speed: Download 300Mbps / Upload 50Mbps
- Service type: Data only
- Data limit: Unlimited 4G/3G
- SIM card size: Normal Nano Micro
- Hotspot Sharing: Yes
- Local telecom operator: LGU+
Pick Up Locations: Incheon International Airport (ICN) T1 & T2
How To Buy an eSIM
If you have recent smartphones, you don’t need to buy a hardware SIM card. An eSIM is a software SIM card that can be embedded in your smartphone. You can easily purchase software eSIM online. Needless to say, you don’t have to struggle to find a SIM pick-up area at the airport. Just search your destination, select the data plan you want, add the eSIM to your smartphone.
Moreover, they support regional SIM as well so that you can use it in many different countries in the same region.
Check your smartphone supports eSIM HERE!
eSIM Price for South Korea
- Unlimited for 10 Days – US$32
- Unlimited for 30 Days – US$62
- 5 GB for 10 Days – US$15
- 10 GB for 30 Days – US$20
- 15 GB for 45 Days – US$28
- 20 GB for 60 Days – US$35
- 30 GB for 90 Days – US$30
How to Rent A Pocket WiFi
When you travel with one or two friends, a pocket WiFi can be the best choice to stay connected. Here’s the cheapest pocket WiFi rental service for Korea travel.
Unlimited Data 4G WiFi for South Korea
Marketplace: KLOOK
Price
3,100 KRW per Day per Device
Details
- Upload/Download Speed: 211.37mbps / 433mbps
- Max. No. of Connected Devices: 3 devices
- Battery Life: 9 hours
- Traffic Flow Limit: Unlimited
Pick Up Locations: Incheon International Airport (ICN) T1 & T2
SIM or Pocket WiFi rental service inside Seoul
What about if you couldn’t make a reservation to pick up your SIM card or portable WiFi? You can buy or rent them in the stores nearby but the price won’t be the same as purchasing it online. But no worries! An online booking service supports a Seoul pick-up in Hongdae and Euljiro (Myeongdong) areas.
Pocket WiFi Rental Service near City Hall, Seoul
4G SIM card in Hongdae station, Seoul
Stay connected during your travel to Korea to help make your trip safe and comfortable.
Written by Dy & Jay.
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