How much does a travel SIM card for South Korea cost?

Why should you buy a travel SIM card for South Korea?

In recent years, South Korea has become a must-visit destination for many travel enthusiasts. And a travel SIM card is an essential item to pack when visiting the Land of the Morning Calm.

Purchase a travel SIM card for South Korea for a more convenient trip

Traveling involves constant exploration, check-ins, and moving around. It can be difficult to rely solely on hotel Wi-Fi or public hotspots, especially when you're lost or need to search for a location or specific information. Therefore, having a South Korean SIM card with you throughout your journey is essential.

Using a South Korean travel SIM card offers unexpected benefits, such as:

• The SIM automatically connects to international networks without the need to manually select a network or configure settings.
• The cost of a South Korean SIM card is affordable, with various types available, making it perfect for short-term travelers.
• Convenient for sharing mobile data (personal hotspot) with friends and family.
• Easy to stay in touch, make calls, and send messages on social media apps.
• Freely access the internet for check-ins, booking rides, or using translation services.
• Convenient for using navigation and map apps to find your way around.

What types of South Korean SIM cards are available?

There are many types of travel SIM cards for South Korea, and depending on your needs and travel goals, you can choose the most suitable SIM card for your trip.

Here are two common criteria for categorizing South Korean SIM cards: by form and by function.

By form

South Korean travel SIM cards are generally divided into two types: physical SIM cards and eSIMs (electronic SIM cards). These two types differ in form and usage. You can find more detailed information in the comparison table below:

eSIMs are highly valued for their convenience during installation, as they can be used alongside your existing SIM card without needing to remove it. However, eSIMs are only available on certain newer devices, and their popularity is not yet as widespread as that of physical SIM cards.

Types of travel SIM cards for South Korea currently available on the market

Physical SIM

The physical travel SIM card for South Korea is the traditional type of SIM card that is used in devices like phones and tablets. This type of SIM is usually inserted into trays on the device and serves basic functions such as enabling communication and network connectivity.

Features of a physical SIM card:

• Form Factor: Physical SIM cards come in three standard sizes: mini SIM, measuring around 2.5cm with a metal core and a wide plastic border around it; micro SIM, around 1.5cm long, with a metal core and two thin plastic edges; and nano SIM, which is about 0.8cm with a metal core and a single thin plastic edge around it.
• How to Use: The SIM is designed with removable plastic edges for easy handling. Mini SIMs are typically used in older mobile phones with physical keypads; just insert it directly into the phone. Micro SIMs and nano SIMs are used in smartphones and tablets, where you need to remove the plastic border to fit the SIM card into the device's SIM tray.
• Network Switching: With a physical SIM, you simply insert it into your device once your plane has landed in South Korea. Typically, the SIM will activate automatically after turning the phone back on or disabling airplane mode.
• Compatible Devices: Physical SIMs are compatible with most devices, though occasional issues with connectivity or SIM errors may occur. In such cases, travelers should carefully read the instructions provided by the SIM card provider, as these steps often include guidance on switching network settings specific to local telecom services.

eSIM

Similar to the physical SIM, an eSIM also supports basic functions such as calling, messaging, and network connectivity. The eSIM operates alongside your primary SIM in the device. However, activating the eSIM on the network may take a bit more time.

Features of eSIM (Electronic SIM):

• Form Factor: eSIM is extremely small, measuring only around 0.5cm. This electronic material is embedded directly onto the device’s motherboard, making it a permanent part of the device.
• How to Use: When purchasing a travel eSIM for South Korea, the provider typically sends a QR code via email. You can activate the eSIM by scanning the code and following the on-screen instructions on your device.
• Network Switching: Activating an eSIM requires a stable internet connection and prompt troubleshooting in case of issues. Providers often recommend activating the eSIM while still in your home country. Once activated, the eSIM will automatically switch networks upon arrival in South Korea.
• Compatible Devices: eSIM is currently compatible only with certain models of phones. There may be occasional difficulties when activating it. It’s recommended to activate the eSIM early and seek support if problems arise during the process.

By Functionality

When categorized by features and pricing plans, travel SIM cards for South Korea are available in various types to suit the specific needs of travelers. Here are three popular options with notable features:

• SIM with Full Calling and Data: This type of SIM provides a full phone number and supports features like making calls, texting, and internet access.
• SIM with Data Only: This SIM is designed solely for internet access, with data plans that offer daily limits of 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, or even unlimited data depending on the package.
• South Korea Travel SIM with Call Features Only: This SIM comes with a South Korean phone number and is limited to calling and texting functions. Internet access is not available.

How much does a 4G SIM cost in South Korea?

In South Korea, there are three major telecom providers offering travel SIM cards. Among them, SK Telecom is considered the most reasonable, with various SIM types starting at just 109,000 VND.

SK Telecom

• 1-Day SIM: Unlimited data, no phone number provided. Prices start from 109,000 VND.
• 3-Day SIM: Unlimited data, phone number included. Prices start from 309,000 VND.
• 5-Day SIM: Unlimited data, phone number included. Prices start from 473,000 VND.
• 10-Day SIM: Unlimited data, phone number included. Prices start from 655,000 VND.

KT Telecom

• 5-Day SIM: Unlimited data, no phone number provided. Prices start from 558,000 VND.
• 7-Day SIM: Unlimited data, phone number included. Prices start from 680,000 VND.
• 10-Day SIM: Unlimited data, phone number included. Prices start from 777,000 VND.

GL U+ Telecom

• 5-Day SIM: Unlimited data, no phone number provided. Prices starting from 485,000 VND.
• 7-Day SIM: Unlimited data, phone number included. Prices starting from 631,000 VND.
• 10-Day SIM: Unlimited data, phone number included. Prices starting from 680,000 VND.

*The prices for South Korea travel SIM cards are for reference only and may vary at different times.

Should I buy a SIM in South Korea or Vietnam?

In Vietnam

4G travel SIM cards for South Korea are available for purchase both in Vietnam and South Korea. However, it is recommended to buy them in Vietnam to set up your SIM card in advance, following the instructions and seeking assistance from the provider if any issues arise.

Hiện có rất nhiều đơn vị uy tín giúp bạn dễ dàng mua sim Hàn Quốc mà không cần cung cấp thông tin cá nhân cũng như có thể mua trực tuyến, mua tại điểm bán vô cùng thuận tiện:

- Các đơn vị bán sim du lịch trực tuyến: Gigago, Simdulich, Gloka, Gohub, Globalsim…

- Các công ty phân phối sim du lịch:

• Simdulich: 17-19-21 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, TP.Hồ Chí Minh; 26, ngõ 110 Trung Kính, Hà Nội.
• Gloka: 8 Tạ Quang Bửu, Hà Nội; 231 Lê Thánh Tôn, TP. Hồ Chí Minh.

- Các công ty du lịch uy tín: Hiện các công ty du lịch như Mytour Travel cũng cung cấp dịch vụ sim điện thoại hầu hết các quốc gia, trong đó có Hàn Quốc. Liên hệ tổng đài 1900 2083 của Mytour để được hỗ trợ chi tiết.

In South Korea

If you haven't had the chance to purchase a travel SIM card for South Korea in Vietnam, you can buy one once you arrive in South Korea. However, the process will be a bit more complicated. For a network SIM, you will need to present your passport and follow the activation instructions at the counter. For a calling SIM, you'll be required to fill out a form or registration document provided by the sales staff. During peak seasons, some travelers may need to pre-register on the website with their passport number and collect their SIM card 1-2 days after arrival.

Here are some convenient places to buy SIM cards in South Korea, many of which are open 24/7 for your convenience:

• SIM counters at Incheon Airport (near Seoul): Terminal 1 (SKT Roaming counter between Gate 5-6, Gate 9-10); Terminal 2 (SKT counter between Gate 4-5)
• SIM counter at Gimhae Airport (Busan): Roaming Center, 2nd Floor, Central Hall between Gate 2-3
• Convenience stores in South Korea: GS25, 7-Eleven, CU…

Service counter for purchasing Korean tourist SIM cards at Incheon Airport (Image source: @simdulich)

How to set up and use a SIM card in South Korea

If you're unsure about how to set up and use a South Korean SIM card, or if it's different from the SIM cards you use in Vietnam, follow the detailed guide below to get started!

SIM card setup

Physical SIM

The physical travel SIM card for South Korea operates just like any regular SIM card. First, check whether your device uses a mini SIM, micro SIM, or nano SIM, then trim the plastic edge accordingly to fit the SIM tray. Insert it and turn on mobile data for automatic activation.

The way mobile data or roaming data is used may differ between IOS and Android operating systems. Specifically:

Insert the physical South Korea travel SIM into your device.

Esim

For South Korea's travel eSIM, you will typically receive a QR code via email, and then follow the installation instructions provided below.

Activating eSIM on IOS devices:

• Step 1: Open the settings app and select ‘Cellular’.
• Step 2: Tap ‘Add eSIM’ in the menu.
• Step 3: You can either ‘Transfer from a nearby iPhone’ using a previously installed SIM, or ‘Use QR Code’ if you are setting up a new one. If using a QR code, scan it, then tap ‘Add Cellular Plan’ and enter the activation code from your carrier to complete the setup.

Instructions for activating eSIM on an iPhone

Kích hoạt esim trên hệ điều hành Android:

• Bước 1: Mở ứng dụng cài đặt, chọn “Kết nối”.
• Bước 2: Nhấn “Quản lý sim”, sau đó chọn “Thêm eSIM”.
• Bước 3: Gói cước được chỉ định sẵn sẽ tự động tải về và kích hoạt trên esim của bạn.

Nếu sử dụng mã QR, hãy chọn “Quét mã QR từ nhà cung cấp dịch vụ” sau đó nhập mã kích hoạt của nhà cung cấp, gói cước sẽ tự động tải về và kích hoạt trên esim của bạn.

Hướng dẫn kích hoạt esim trên điện thoại Samsung

Using the SIM card

Instructions for activating the SIM card

There are two simple methods to activate and use your SIM card:

• Step 1: Set up by inserting the physical SIM card into the tray or activate the eSIM on your device as instructed above.
• Step 2: Turn on mobile data once you arrive in South Korea. Typically, the SIM card will automatically connect to the local network and allow internet access immediately. However, in case of any issues, you may need to manually enable roaming or adjust the APN settings to resolve the problem.

Instructions for topping up your SIM card

When should you top up your tourist SIM card? You only need to add credit to your South Korea tourist SIM if your plan includes calling features or if you wish to extend the usage period of your SIM card while in the country.

Where can you top up your South Korea tourist SIM card? Convenience stores like GS25, 7-Eleven, and CU offer this service and are open 24/7. You can top up by purchasing a top-up card or ask the store staff for assistance, depending on the store's procedures. Alternatively, you can easily top up through online payment apps, e-wallets, or credit cards such as Visa or MasterCard.

To check your balance, you can use the network provider's app or dial the following key combinations:

• To check the expiration date of your South Korea 4G SIM: *118*35#.
• To check your data usage: *118*50# or *118*55#.
• To check your remaining call credit: SK dial #55, KT dial #00, LG U+ dial 81.

GS25 stores in South Korea offer SIM card top-up services (Image source: @mcji11er)

Guide to making calls in South Korea

While the country code for Vietnam is +84, in South Korea, the country code is +82. To dial a phone number, simply combine this country code with the phone number, omitting the leading 0. However, calling procedures may differ slightly between countries, specifically:

• Calling from South Korea to Vietnam: Dial 0084 (country code) + (phone number). For example, if the phone number in Vietnam is 0909.456.789, you should dial 0084909456789.
• Calling from Vietnam to South Korea: Dial 0082 (country code) + (phone number). For example, if the phone number in South Korea is 0123.456.789, you should dial 0082123456789.

In some cases, when calling a landline (fixed-line phone), you will need to include the area code for the specific city or province after the country code.

Kinh nghiệm khắc phục sim gặp sự cố

Thông thường sim du lịch Hàn Quốc sẽ sử dụng được luôn sau khi kích hoạt, tuy nhiên có một số trường hợp bị mất kết nối hoặc kết nối không ổn định trong quá trình sử dụng. Để khắc phục sim gặp sự cố, đầu tiên cũng là phương pháp phổ biến nhất chính là tắt nguồn khởi động lại máy.

Ngoài ra, một số thiết bị sẽ không nhận APN (tên điểm truy cập) tự động mà cần cài đặt thủ công, bạn có thể khắc phục sự cố bằng việc điều chỉnh APN thích hợp theo mã mà nhà mạng đưa ra.

Cài đặt thông số APN trên hệ điều hành IOS

Configuring APN settings on Android devices

Tips for purchasing a South Korea tourist SIM card

In addition to buying a South Korea tourist SIM in Vietnam for easier activation, travelers can choose the type of SIM and data plan that best fits their needs and trip duration. Additionally, constantly using 4G/5G/LTE mobile data can drain your battery, especially on Android devices. Be sure to bring a portable charger and disable unnecessary app notifications to avoid disruptions while using the SIM card.

Depending on your needs, choose the appropriate SIM card features and usage duration. Opt for a reliable South Korea 4G SIM card from trusted providers with good reviews on the market and travel forums to avoid issues like activation failure or connection problems while in South Korea.

Here are all the answers to the question of how much a South Korea tourist SIM card costs, along with other related instructions on setup and activation. We wish you a smooth and enjoyable trip, with plenty of great check-ins in the Land of the Morning Calm.

Dung

Image source: Dung & Internet