If you are planning a trip to Seoul South Korea, considering mobile data options to stay connected so that you can in the very minimum navigate yourself around with Naver maps and use Papago for translatation is absolutely essential
That’s why in todays video I’m going to be talking about ALL the different mobile internet options you have in Korea from traditional SIM cards, esims, mobile data hotspot devices and there are even a free options
This article is by the way basically a text excerpt of my youtube video which I have included here so you can also choose to watch instead
Traditional SIM Cards
The most straightforward way to get mobile data connection in Korea would be to just get a traditional simcard when you arrive at the airports be it incheon, Busan or Gimpo
You will find counters selling SIM cards at the arrival hall and they will sell SIM cards with unlimited mobile data for a fixed number of days with the maximum being 60 days
The prices of the SIM cards start from around 6,600 Korean WON aka 5 US dollars for a day usage to 71,500 WON or around 54 us dollars for a 30 day usage
The prices im quoting here are for Korea telecom so note that prices can vary slightly from provider to provider
Speaking of prices yes you can pick up your SIM cards at the airport but did you know that you can get a 10% discount if you pre order them for pick up when you arrive ?
All you need to have on you is your passport for identification purposes
Do note though that the 10% discount doesn’t apply when you purchase 1 DAY/3 DAYS/60 DAYS/90 DAYS passes
Traditional SIM Cards + T Money Card
You may also choose to save some time and money by purchasing a bundle that comes with the SIM card and a FREE TMoney card
A TMoney card for those who dont know is a prepaid IC card that you use to ride all forms of public transportation in Korea, you can also use it to make small payments, I have previously covered the pass options in Korea here
It typically cost 3,000 Korean WON to purchase by itself but you can it for free if you purchase it via Klook
Its fairly straightforward to purchase, simply enter in your trip dates to check for availability, choose your pick up location, the number of days you are in Korea for and if you would like data only or you would like to also make local calls and texts
Further if you do decide to purchase via klook you could get an additional 10% OFF when checking out, simply use code PHATLIFEPROJECTKLOOK when checking out
ESim
But if you are wishing to save time when you arrive or pretty much want internet connection from the moment your plane lands in South Korea this next mobile data option is for you
Most phones nowadays come with a esim slot
For those who dont know, Esim is a virtual sim card slot that allows your phone to take on another network at the same time so you dont have to purchase an additional physical sim card
Another advantage of the esim option is being able to keep your existing sim card in your phone to keep receiving calls and SMS’es
Just make sure you turn mobile data roaming off, by the way just turning on roaming is one of the mobile data options in South Korea as well but DEFINITELY check with your provider on what the roaming plans are before deciding to do that.
Most phones come with an esim slot – to see if your phone is esim compatible simply check if your phone has an EID which is generally under the About section in the setting of your phone
Korea Telecom which I mentioned before also has an esim option, simply purchase the esim plan to cover the number of days you are in korea for, you will get a QR code and all you need to do is to scan the QR code using your phone to install the esim, recommend you do this before your flight so you are ready to use it from the moment you land
ESims+ FREE TMoney Card
And yes you can also bundle your esim purchase with a FREE T Money card, I like this here from SK telecom
IMPORTANT NOTE
BUT hold up hold up, WAIT! Before you go purchasing a SIM card here’s an important point you need to know – please make sure your phone is not locked by your provider, if it is then the SIM card or ESim are not going to be mobile data options for you in South Korea
The best way to find out if your phone is or isn’t would be to call up your telco provider BEFORE your trip and ASK
Mobile Data HotSpot Device
If your phone is locked to a provider or perhaps you are travelling with family members or a group of friends? You will need to consider other mobile data options
What you will need is a mobile hotspot device
I like this one via KT telecom that gives you unlimited data and also allows up to 3 devices to share the data
Its fairly straightforward to book so I wont walk you through the step by step but all you need is your booking confirmation and proof of ID when picking it up at the airport
Just remember that you will need to RETURN the device when you are leaving Korea and please make sure the device is fully charged before leaving your hotel for the day
FREE Mobile Internet?
But lets say you are on a strict travel budget that leaves no room for any mobile data plans
Or maybe you are part of a group using the mobile data device I outlined earlier and have to temporarily be away from the group
This option is for you
Korea has launched a FREE Wi-Fi service which is available at almost all public places including community centers, welfare facilities, traditional markets, and public buses.
You know you are in a coverage zone when you see this sign
Simply open up your Wi-Fi connection page on your phone and look for public wifi free
And from someone who has used it before I would say whilst the connection can sometimes be patchy the speed is quite impressive for something that is free
Outro
Traveling to a country you’ve never been to before can be intimidating thats why I previously did a first timers guide to South Korea which contains everything I learnt through research and the hard way whilst I was there so you dont make the same mistakes
Ive linked that here in case you want to read it
If you have more questions, do check out the rest of my content on Youtube, Instagram and TikTok or send me a DM there!
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Lastly, watch this space for more PHAT updates on Korea!