SIM Card or Pocket Wifi in South Korea: what to choose

Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Alex

Are you traveling to South Korea for the first time and would like to stay connected during your trip? Then you must choose: SIM Card or Pocket Wifi.

Worry not because we will help you decide based on your needs.

Saying that you need an internet connection while traveling through Seoul and South Korea would be an understatement. For someone who doesn’t speak or read Korean, apps like Papago and Naver Maps were a lifesaver for us. However, in those apps, you must be connected to the internet.

It would be challenging to get around without a stable internet connection in a country with such a complex transportation system and many places to discover everything presented in Korean.

The good news is that many options exist, from SIM Cards to Pocket Wi-Fi (or Wi-Fi Eggs) and even eSIM cards. They are all affordable and will make your trip a breeze.

In this post, we will review all the available options and examine their advantages and disadvantages so that you can make an informed choice.

This post contains affiliate links. Read more about it on our disclosure page here.

Table of Contents

SIM Card or Pocket Wifi: What should you choose when visiting South Korea?

SIM Card or Pocket Wifi: What should you choose when visiting South Korea?

SIM Card

On my first trip to Seoul, I had no idea about all the options, and I hadn’t researched before getting there. Thus, as soon as I landed, since I was waiting for my friend and had a few hours to kill, I found a rental office inside the terminal at Incheon Airport.

As you can see from the picture above, a Wi-Fi router would have been cheaper for three days (the amount of time I was spending in Seoul), but I chose a SIM card.

Back then, I had an older iPhone model and had no problems using the SIM card, thus you should not worry about it either, especially when you have a newer phone model.

How does it work

Using a SIM card in South Korea works as in any other country. You buy a brand-new SIM card with a local number that offers certain benefits (traffic, minutes, messages, etc). Nowadays, SIM cards come in all sizes, suitable for all kinds of phones – nano/micro/standard.

Advantages of choosing a SIM Card

A local Korean SIM Card will allow local calls and text messages.

You might also need to use the phone number in certain locations, such as restaurants or bars, and register for local apps.

Also, many of the SIM cards available currently are compatible with almost any type of phone. You only have to carry your phone and worry about charging one device.

Some SIM cards come with a public transportation card. You can charge it and use it for subways and buses in Korea.

Most cards come with unlimited 4G data, so you won’t have to worry about your data consumption.

In our opinion, having a local SIM card is vital, especially if you plan to stay longer in South Korea.

Disadvantages of choosing a SIM Card

One of the main disadvantages is that you will be using a new phone number. This means you can’t be reached on your regular phone number unless you have two phones.

Before you leave, you must check if your phone is compatible with the Korean mobile network. As mentioned, most modern phones shouldn’t have any problems.

Ensure you have unlocked your phone with your mobile provider before your trip.

In many cases, a SIM card with all the benefits is a bit more expensive than getting a portable Wifi device.

SIM Card options and plans

4G LTE Unlimited Data and Optional Voice Call SIM Card is provided by the same network we used when we lived in Seoul.

You get unlimited 4G data for the number of days you choose and the possibility of receiving phone calls and messages. Additionally, you can top up an extra amount by making calls.

This option is available for plans of three days, five days, ten days, 20 days, or 30 days.

You can pick up the SIM from Incheon Airport, Myeongdong, or Hongdae. The exact location depends on the option booked.

Book online ahead of time since there is limited availability, especially during the peak seasons. Additionally, by booking online, you can save on the overall price.

Book your KT SIM card here!

Traveler SIM & T-money Transportation Card offers unlimited data traffic and acts as a public transportation card that can be topped up and used anywhere in Korea.

You get unlimited 4G data and the ability to receive phone calls and messages.

The pick-up point for this SIM is at the Incheon Airport: Terminal 1 between gates 10 and 11 and Terminal 2 between gates 4 and 5.

Number of days available: 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 days

Book your LG U SIM card here!

SKT 4G SIM Card—This option is similar to the LG U one, but you can also get a 3-day card. Please pick it up at Incheon Airport in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

Book your SKT SIM Card here!

eSIM Card

How does it work

Everything is done online. You choose the plan and validity time that best suits you. You will receive a QR code that you will use to activate your plan. Once activated, your coverage will begin according to your selected duration.

Advantages of eSIM Card

It is a zero-waste option. Everything is done on your device without having to switch cards or phones.

You don’t have to worry about opening hours or having to pick up or drop off anything – you receive your QR code via email, whenever and wherever.

Additionally, this is a great option for those who plan to travel to more than one country around Asia. You can upgrade your plan to include nine additional countries: China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This option offers more flexible plans, depending on the time you plan to spend in South Korea and the amount of data you know or think you will need.

You can have multiple eSIM plans for one device.

Disadvantages of the eSIM Card

It is incompatible with all types of phones and you will need to check that before purchasing. All iPhones after the iPhone XS can support eSIM, while for Android phones, you will need to check with the guideline photo on their website for eligibility.

This might not be an option suitable for people who are not technologically inclined.

To activate the plan, you need internet access, so you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi.

Book your eSIM Card here!

Pocket Wifi / Wifi Egg

What is a Wifi Egg/ Pocket Wifi

The pocket Wi-Fi is a small device that can fit in your pocket and acts as a mobile hotspot, offering you internet access wherever you are.

In South Korea, it is also known as “WIFI Egg” because of its original appearance—a white device shaped like an egg.

Advantages of renting a Pocket Wifi

This is the perfect option when you are traveling with your family or a group of friends and want to split the cost. Depending on the device, between 3 and 15 simultaneous connections can be made. However, most pocket Wi-Fis allow the connection of three devices simultaneously.

Another advantage is that you won’t have to change your phone number while traveling. Thus, you won’t have to worry whether the SIM card will fit into your device or if the eSIM is actually compatible with your phone.

Also, connecting to the Wi-Fi device and setting it up is easy, and you won’t have to worry about your phone’s settings or making sure your device is not blocked by your mobile provider.

It is affordable, primarily when you can split it with your friends. Moreover, the system works on a pay-per-day basis, so you can easily customize it depending on how many days you plan to spend in South Korea.

Disadvantages of a pocket Wifi

The main disadvantage, in my opinion, is that you will have to pick it up AND drop it off. That means that you must organize your schedule depending on this. However, in most cases, the office will be set at the airport, so you won’t have to go too far out of your way for this.

Also, it would mean you must carry another device around on top of your phone, camera, and anything else you might have. You can find a solution for this when you are traveling in a group, and you can take turns carrying the device. However, it is worth knowing that pocket Wi-Fis are not too large, and they weigh roughly between 100 and 250 grams.

You will also have to worry about charging it every day since most devices have a battery life of up to 8 hours.

Another major factor to consider is the extra fees you might be required to pay in case of loss or breakage. Anything could happen, and the battery, the charger, or the device could break, resulting in up to 200 USD in fees.

WIFI Egg/ Pocket WIFI Options and plans

4G Pocket WiFi from KT Olleh – offers high-speed internet on a pay-per-day basis – if your trip gets longer, you won’t have to worry about it because you will pay the difference when you drop off the device.

This option allows you to connect 3 devices. The pickup desk is at Incheon Airport (choose between T1 and T2). It is also the fastest and offers unlimited data.

Get your KT Olleh Pocket WiFi here!

What about using free public Wi-Fi in South Korea?

South Korea is a high-tech country home to Samsung, LG, and other internationally famous companies. Naturally, WiFi is widely available.

Public buses offer Wi-Fi, and most restaurants and cafes also have it. You must ask for the password, though.

One issue you might encounter is the language barrier. In South Korea, forms are mainly in Korean, even for touristic things (such as renting a bike).

I wouldn’t rely on public WiFi alone. In a high-tech country, you are “dead” without the internet.

Useful apps you will need while traveling in South Korea

It is worth knowing that South Korea does most things differently than the rest of the world. That’s why you will need to install certain apps before you go.

Since you won’t be able to use Google Maps, you will need Naver Maps (for IOS | for Android) or Kakao maps (for IOS | for Android). I found Naver easier to use and have it installed on my phone.

For translations, Papago is your savior. Use it on pictures or copy and paste the text. (for IOS | for Android)

Subway is another great app you will find handy when you travel by subway in Seoul. (for IOS | for Android)

The same is true if you plan to travel more by bus—you must have the KakaoBus app (for iOS | for Android), which will show you bus maps and arrival/departure times.

If you are planning to travel by taxi, it is safe to hail a cab. However, booking through a dedicated app like KakaoTaxi (for iOS | for Android) will be easier.