Prices checked 2026-10-05 · from Airalo, SK Telecom, KT and LG U+
Where these numbers come from
- Airalo (network SK): unlimited 3 days US$12 · 5 days US$20 · 7 days US$29 · 10 days US$35 · 15 days US$49 · 30 days US$69, slowing to 1 Mbps after 3 GB a day; fixed data from US$4 (1 GB, 3 days). Converted at 1 USD = ₩1,325, so the won amounts are approximate.
- Korean carriers' data-only eSIMs for visitors: SK Telecom, KT and LG U+ all charge ₩6,500 for 1 day, ₩35,000 for 7 days and ₩38,500 for 10 days (VAT included). Where a carrier has no plan for your exact length, the next longer plan is used.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: SK Telecom T Wi-Fi (online price; ₩4,400 at the counter) ₩3,300 a day, or KT WiFi Router (30-day plan) ₩55,000; one device for up to 3 people.
- Prices are what the sellers listed on 2026-10-05. Free extras (T-money cards, palace passes) are mentioned, not subtracted.
How to choose, in one minute
- Alone, about 1 GB a day, 7 days (cheapest first): a pocket Wi-Fi ₩23,100, an Airalo 10 GB eSIM ₩23,841, an SK Telecom eSIM ₩35,000, an Airalo unlimited eSIM ₩38,411. A pocket Wi-Fi is one more thing to carry and charge; an eSIM is not.
- Three people, 1.5 GB a day each, 7 days: a pocket Wi-Fi ₩23,100, an SK Telecom eSIM ₩105,000, an Airalo 20 GB eSIM ₩115,233, an Airalo unlimited eSIM ₩115,233 — the shared pocket Wi-Fi only works while you stay together.
- Heavy use, 4 GB a day, 7 days: a pocket Wi-Fi ₩23,100, an SK Telecom eSIM ₩35,000, an Airalo unlimited eSIM ₩38,411, an Airalo 50 GB eSIM ₩64,901. Airalo's unlimited plan slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB a day; the pocket Wi-Fi tops out at 20 Mbps; SK Telecom says up to 100 Mbps and LG U+ says no speed cap.
What this calculator doesn't know
Network speed where you'll be, discount codes and promotions, and data-and-voice plans with a Korean number. Prices change; check the seller before you buy.
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Questions
What is the cheapest way to get mobile data in Korea?
It depends on how much you use and how many of you share. For one person, 7 days at 1 GB a day, cheapest first: a pocket Wi-Fi ₩23,100, an Airalo 10 GB eSIM ₩23,841, an SK Telecom eSIM ₩35,000, an Airalo unlimited eSIM ₩38,411. For three people at 1.5 GB a day each: a pocket Wi-Fi ₩23,100, an SK Telecom eSIM ₩105,000, an Airalo 20 GB eSIM ₩115,233, an Airalo unlimited eSIM ₩115,233.
Airalo or a Korean carrier for unlimited data?
For 7 days, a Korean carrier's data eSIM is ₩35,000 and Airalo's unlimited plan is US$29 (about ₩38,411). Airalo's unlimited plans slow to 1 Mbps after 3 GB a day; KT slows to 5 Mbps after 11 GB a day; SK Telecom says up to 100 Mbps; LG U+ says no speed cap. Airalo's fixed-data plans are the cheap option for light users.
Do these eSIMs come with a Korean phone number?
The plans compared here are data only. KT, SK Telecom and LG U+ also sell data-and-voice plans with a Korean 010 number; KT sells those only at its airport roaming centers after a passport check. You can still call with apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime over data.
What do I need to rent a pocket Wi-Fi?
Your passport and a credit card in your own name for the deposit — debit cards are not accepted. You pick it up at a carrier roaming center at the airport and return it there when you leave. One device is shared by up to 3 people (SK Telecom).
Will my phone work with a Korean eSIM?
It must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. KT says the country lock on your device must be turned off; check with your carrier before you fly.