South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, offering ultra-fast 5G, nationwide LTE coverage, and tourist-friendly prepaid SIM options . Whether you’re visiting Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, or remote mountain areas, prepaid SIM cards in Korea provide seamless connectivity without long-term contracts.
This guide covers SK Telecom (SKT), KT, and LG U+ , including prices, coverage, frequencies, unlimited data options, and eSIM alternatives.
SIM Types Available: Physical SIM, eSIM, Data-only SIMNetwork Technologies: 3G (limited), LTE, 5GSIM Validity: 1 day to 90 days (tourist SIMs)Registration: Passport-based (no Korean ID required)Best For: Tourists, business travelers, short stays
Availability Prepaid SIM cards are widely available across South Korea , especially in major cities and tourist hubs.
Available 24/7 at airports
Easy activation for foreigners
No credit checks or local address required
Where to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards in Korea
Incheon International Airport (ICN) Gimpo Airport (GMP) Busan Gimhae Airport Telecom operator stores (SKT, KT, LG U+)
Convenience stores (limited plans)
Online (pickup at airport or hotel)
Digital eSIM platforms
Mobile Network Frequencies in South Korea Operator 3G 4G LTE 5G SK Telecom 2100 MHz 850 / 1800 / 2100 MHz 3.5 GHz KT 2100 MHz 900 / 1800 / 2100 MHz 3.5 GHz LG U+ — 850 / 2100 MHz 3.5 GHz
✅ Most unlocked phones worldwide work perfectly in Korea.
Coverage & Speed Comparison Operator Coverage Average 4G Speed 5G Availability SK Telecom ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 80–150 Mbps Excellent KT ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 70–140 Mbps Excellent LG U+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 60–120 Mbps Very Good
At a Glance Comparison Feature SK Telecom KT LG U+ Best Overall Coverage ✅ ✅ ❌ Fastest 5G ✅ ✅ ✅ Tourist SIM Options Excellent Excellent Good eSIM Support Yes Yes Yes Data-Only SIM Yes Yes Yes
Biometric User Registration
No biometric registration required Passport verification only
SIM registered instantly at purchase
Device Registration
No IMEI registration required Fully compatible with international unlocked phones
SIM Card Price (Tourist SIM)
5 Days Unlimited Data: USD 20–2510 Days Unlimited Data: USD 30–3530 Days Unlimited Data: USD 55–65
Prices vary slightly by operator and location.
Top-Up Methods
Telecom retail stores
Official mobile apps
Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)
Online recharge portals
SK Telecom is South Korea’s largest and most reliable network , ideal for travelers exploring rural areas.
Prepaid Plans – Data Add-Ons Add-On Data Price Validity 1 GB KRW 5,500 24 hours 3 GB KRW 12,000 7 days 5 GB KRW 18,000 30 days
Validity Speed Policy Price 5 Days Unlimited (Fair Use) KRW 27,500 10 Days Unlimited (Fair Use) KRW 38,500 30 Days Unlimited (Fair Use) KRW 66,000
Feature Included Local Calls Limited SMS Yes Hotspot Yes 5G Access Yes
App Unlimited / Discount KakaoTalk Unlimited WhatsApp Unlimited Instagram High-speed quota YouTube High-speed quota
Tablets & mobile routers supported
No voice or SMS
Ideal for laptops and hotspot devices
KT Prepaid SIM Cards KT is known for excellent urban performance and competitive pricing .
Prepaid Data Add-Ons Add-On Data Price Validity 1 GB KRW 5,000 24 hours 3 GB KRW 11,000 7 days 5 GB KRW 17,000 30 days
KT Unlimited Data SIM Plans Validity Speed Policy Price 5 Days Unlimited KRW 25,000 10 Days Unlimited KRW 35,000 30 Days Unlimited KRW 60,000
KT Data Feature Packages Feature Included Hotspot Yes 5G Yes International SMS Limited
App Benefit KakaoTalk Unlimited LINE Unlimited Facebook Discounted data YouTube High-speed quota
KT Data-Only SIM
Popular for WiFi egg replacement
Supports 5G routers
LG U+ Prepaid SIM Cards LG U+ is a budget-friendly option with strong 5G coverage in cities.
Prepaid Data Add-Ons Add-On Data Price Validity 1 GB KRW 4,500 24 hours 3 GB KRW 10,000 7 days 5 GB KRW 15,000 30 days
LG U+ Unlimited Data SIM Plans Validity Speed Policy Price 5 Days Unlimited KRW 23,000 10 Days Unlimited KRW 33,000 30 Days Unlimited KRW 58,000
LG U+ Data Feature Packages Feature Included Hotspot Yes SMS Yes 5G Yes
App Benefit KakaoTalk Unlimited Instagram Discounted YouTube High-speed quota
LG U+ Data-Only SIM
Cheapest data-only option
Ideal for short stays
How to Check Remaining Balance
USSD Code: *114#Official mobile apps
Customer service counters
SMS notifications
How to Check SIM Number
Dial *#100#
Check SIM card packaging
View in phone settings
Official Websites Mobile Apps Tourist SIM Cards Tourist SIMs are:
Short-term (1–90 days)
Unlimited data options
Airport pickup supported
Multilingual support (English, Chinese, Japanese)
Digital eSIM Providers Popular eSIM options for Korea include:
Airalo
Nomad eSIM
Holafly
Ubigi
✅ Instant activation
Other Options
Pocket WiFi rental
International roaming
Local MVNO SIM cards
Activation Process
Insert SIM or scan eSIM QR code
Passport verification (if required)
Network auto-activation
Ready within minutes
Help Line Numbers Operator Customer Support SK Telecom 114 KT 100 LG U+ 101
English support is widely available.
Conclusion Prepaid SIM cards in South Korea offer world-class speed, excellent coverage, and simple activation , making them perfect for tourists and short-term visitors. SK Telecom is best for nationwide coverage, KT balances price and performance, while LG U+ is ideal for budget travelers. For maximum convenience, eSIMs are an excellent alternative.
No matter which option you choose, staying connected in South Korea is fast, affordable, and hassle-free. 🇰🇷
