The Perfect Guide to Prepaid eSIMs for South Korea Travel in 2023

The ultimate and precise Tips for prepaid mobile solutions for Korea including coping with Q-Code and K-ETA system regarding Covid-19 Quarantine in Incheon International Airport in South Korea

Korea eSIM Red site image

I. For unlocked eSIM-supported smartphones (Unlimited Data + Phone number for receiving voice and messages)

  1. Buy Korea eSIM Red ( https://www.krsim.net/product/Korea-eSIM-Red-4G-LTE-Unlimited-Data/71 ) for Android or iPhone
    or Buy Korea eSIM Sky. ( https://www.krsim.net/product/korea-esim-sky-4G-LTE-Unlimited-data/60/ ) for iPhone only
  2. Receive a voucher email with a QR code and a Korean phone number (in a few minutes).
  3. Contact to Q-Code system ( https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr/cpassportal/biz/beffatstmnt/main.do?lang=en ) and input your information with the above phone number.
  4. Board a plane and landing at Incheon International Airport.
  5. Connect Airport Wi-Fi (SSID: Airport Wi-Fi) and Scan eSIM QR code.
  6. In case of Sky, Activate eSIM by Online. ( https://www.krsim.net/esimact )
  7. Pass the immigration and Enter South Korea.
    * 1 day product is for data only without number

II. Phones without eSIM function (Phone number + Unlimited Voice, Messages and Data)

* Only can be activated with foreign passport.

  1. Purchase Korea SIM Blue Plus ( https://www.krsim.net/product/Korea-SIM-Blue-Plus-4G-LTE-Unlimited-Data-Local-Voice-USIM/40/ ). And input the hotel address for the SIM delivery.
  2. Receive confirmation email (in a few minutes)
  3. Ask the phone number for you through the messenger on krsim.net with your order number on one day before the date you designate as a delivery pick up.
    (If it is weekend or holiday, on the prior working day)
  4. Contact to Q-Code system ( https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr/cpassportal/biz/beffatstmnt/main.do?lang=en ) and input your information.
  5. Boarding a plane and landing at Incheon International Airport.
  6. Pass the immigration and Enter South Korea.
  7. Collect the Korea SIM Blue Plus you have delivered and check the phone number.

III. Phones without eSIM function. (Unlimited Data + Phone number for receiving voice and messages)

  1. Purchase Korea SIM Gold. ( https://www.krsim.net/product/Korea-SIM-Gold-4G-LTE-Unlimited-Data-Only-USIM/44/ )
  2. Receive voucher email including order number (in a few minutes)
  3. Contact to Q-Code system ( https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr/cpassportal/biz/beffatstmnt/main.do?lang=en ) and input your information.
  4. Check ‘I do not possess a mobile phone’ and input the phone number of the hotel as an available contact phone number in Korea.
  5. Boarding a plane and landing at Incheon International Airport.
  6. Pass the immigration and collect baggage.
  7. Visit SK Telecom Desk and pick-up USIM (check the phone number).
    a. Terminal 1 : between Gate #9~#10; 24/7 operation
    b. Terminal 2 : between Gate #4~#5; 24/7 operation
  8. Update to the phone number for Korea SIM Gold on the Q-Code system.
    * 1 day product is for data only without number

IV. Promotion code for krsim.net

When you try to order Korea eSIM Red or Sky, please use the promotion code, “medium23Jan” then, you can get additional discount benefit. It is unclear when it will be over.

Seoul, South Korea/ by Bundo Kim from Unsplash

What is the Best Prepaid SIM in S. Korea for Travelers

수하물.jpg
Arrival Floor (1F) in Incheon International Airport, Where Over 80% of All Prepaid SIM in S. Korea for Travelers Sales Occur

What is the way to be connected in Korea as a short-time travelers with your smartphone, now? There are so many articles that compare one with another. But I found that the information they showed was so out of date that it could mislead travelers rather than helped them.

I had been a researcher (as to Korean mobile telecommunication policy and industry sector) in the public institute for over 10 years, and am following the issue. Recently prepaid SIM market for travelers seems to be growing rapidly and catch my interest.

Then, what on earth is the best prepaid SIM in S. Korea for travelers?

Let’s find the answer from now on.