Best eSIM for South Korea

For a typical Korea trip, a 10 GB / 15–30 day data eSIM from Yesim, Ubigi or Airalo covers maps, Naver and KakaoTalk. Going Japan + Korea? One Asia-Pacific plan saves juggling two eSIMs. Need a Korean phone number for deliveries or verification? That needs a local SIM — travel eSIMs are data-only.

Last updated: 28 Oct 2026 (Pacific/Auckland)Common networks: SK Telecom, KT, LG U+

Comparison — South Korea

Approx USD list prices from provider pages and public round-ups, checked Oct 2026 — ranges, check the provider for today's price. Kiwis: these are charged in USD, so roughly add 70–75% for NZD before card fees — check the exchange rate before you buy.

Provider	Data	Days	Approx price	Hotspot	Best for
Yesim Value	10 GB	30	~US$15–20	Yes	Asia-Pacific plan covers Japan + Korea on one eSIM (NTT/SKT reported)
Ubigi	10 GB	30	~US$15–20	Yes	Well reviewed for speed in North Asia; local breakout reported
Airalo	10 GB	30	~US$18–22	Yes	Familiar app; Asialink regional packs
Saily	10 GB	30	~US$18–22	Yes	Clean app; install once, top up by country
Holafly	Unlimited*	15–30	~US$40–70	Capped	Only for very heavy data; fair-use caps apply

Data-only vs a Korean number. Naver Map works fine on a data eSIM, but some Korean apps (Coupang, Baemin, some bank or ID verification) want a Korean mobile number. If you need that, a local prepaid SIM/eSIM from a Korean carrier is the answer; for tourists, data-only is enough.

Japan + Korea trip? Price one regional Asia plan against two country plans with the same GB — the regional plan usually wins on convenience and is close on price. See our Japan page.

Quick take

Buy a 10 GB Yesim or Ubigi plan before you fly and turn it on when you land at Incheon. Heavy streamer or hotspot user? Compare a 20 GB fixed plan before paying for 'unlimited'.

Check Airalo Check Holafly (official site) Check Saily (official site) Check Nomad (official site) Check Ubigi (official site) Check Yesim

FAQ

Do I need a Korean phone number as a tourist?

Usually not. Maps (Naver, Kakao), KakaoTalk and translation apps work on a data-only eSIM. You only need a Korean number for some delivery, banking or verification apps.

Is there one eSIM for Japan and Korea?

Yes. Asia or Asia-Pacific regional plans (e.g. Yesim, Airalo Asialink) cover both on one profile. Check both countries are named on the plan's list.

Does Google Maps work in South Korea?

Only partly — walking and driving directions are limited. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap, which work fine on any travel eSIM.