Buying SKT South Korea SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Daisy Rodriguez

|

Latest update: August 2025

With their outstanding network coverage and high-speed connections, SKT South Korea SIM cards & eSIMs are designed to keep tourists connected easily. This guide provides everything you need to know, from available options and pricing to where to purchase and how to top up your plan, ensuring a lovely experience throughout your journey. 

I. Overview of SKT South Korea

SKT is South Korea’s largest carrier and a global 5G pioneer, making it a reliable choice for travelers who want stable connectivity across major destinations. Here are some key points about it: 

• Founded in 1984 and renamed in 1997, SKT holds roughly 48% market share with over 31 million subscribers, and launched the world’s first nationwide 5G network in April 2019.
• SKT’s coverage is strong in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island, with only some limitations in remote mountainous areas.
• Other highlights:
  • First to launch a national 5G service globally in April 2019.
  • Merged with SK Broadband in 2015 to expand fixed-line services.
  • A pioneer in AI, metaverse development, and 6G research in South Korea. 

II. SKT Coverage in South Korea

Source: nperf.com

SKT offers one of the most extensive network coverages in South Korea, covering 99% of the country’s populated areas – from cities, towns, highways, to train lines and the vast majority of tourist sites.

Its strongest coverage is in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, ensuring reliable connectivity for urban travelers. 

SKT also provides excellent coverage across smaller cities and key regions like Jeju Island, though some remote mountainous areas may experience limited signals. Their 5G network currently covers about 85% of the population, making it a top choice for high-speed internet access.

III. SKT Speed in South Korea

Source: Opensignal 

SKT is known for its outstanding mobile network speed, consistently ranking as one of the fastest in South Korea.

• 5G speeds: Independent crowdsourced tests (e.g., Ookla, Opensignal) show average download rates of 120 – 250 Mbps and uploads of 20 – 40 Mbps on SKT’s 5G. Cities with near-complete 5G are Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Ulsan, Suwon, Jeju City. Airports like Incheon (ICN) & Gimpo (GMP) have full 5G indoors and on airport rail links.
• 4G LTE speeds: Where 5G is not yet available, LTE still delivers 40 – 90 Mbps down / 10 – 20 Mbps up – more than enough for HD video calls or Netflix.

These figures ensure smooth streaming, gaming, and video calls, making it a reliable choice for both residents and travelers.

IV. Types of SKT South Korea SIM Card Options for Tourists

SK Telecom (SKT) offers two primary SIM card options for tourists visiting South Korea:

• Physical SIM Cards
• eSIMs (Embedded SIMs)

Comparison of SKT SIM Card Options for Tourists

From this table, we can easily conclude that eSIMs are more convenient for tourists due to instant activation, digital handling, and the fact that there is no need for a physical card. However, ensure your phone supports eSIM before choosing this option.

V. Top SKT SIM cards & Prices for Tourists

SKT provides three tourist options—USIM, eSIM, and the T Wi‑Fi Router—but for SIM/eSIM specifically, both offer the same features and speeds: unlimited LTE data with an advertised maximum of up to 100 Mbps

USIM is the physical SIM for foreigners visiting Korea, while eSIM delivers the same service in digital form. You can purchase either as data‑only or as data + calls + SMS, depending on your needs.

For the SIM/eSIM (Data, Call, SMS) used within Korea, the key terms are:

• Data: Unlimited LTE with an advertised maximum speed of up to 100 Mbps (fair‑use may apply).
• Incoming usage: Receive voice calls and texts within Korea for free.
• Outgoing usage: Outgoing voice calls/texts are available after you add credit (recharge) post‑purchase.
• Apps: m‑VoIP (e.g., Voice Talk, FaceTime, etc.) is allowed within your data allowance.

Detailed data plans and pricing:

Domestic call/SMS rates (within Korea)

These rates apply when using the SKT SIM (Data, Call, SMS) inside South Korea; outgoing usage requires recharge after purchase.

• Voice calls (Korea → Korea): 4.4 KRW per second (≈ 264 KRW per minute).
• Text messages (Korea → Korea): SMS 33 KRW per message; LMS/MMS 110 KRW per message.
• Reception: Incoming calls and texts are free of charge within Korea.

Notes:

• “Unlimited” means no hard cap, but speeds may be reduced if fair‑use thresholds are exceeded.
• Prices already include VAT.
• Eligibility is limited to foreigners; Korean passport holders cannot purchase this product.

► See more details on this page: https://www.skroaming.com/usim/usim

VI. Where to buy SKT South Korea SIM cards for tourists?

You can purchase SKT tourist services at airport counters, in city branches, or online before you travel. Airports are the most convenient and provide immediate setup, city stores may offer slightly better pricing but require more time, and online reservations secure availability and unlock discounts for select products.

1. Airports

Buy a South Korea SIM at Incheon Airport 

Upon arrival, you can conveniently buy an SKT SIM card at major international airports:

• Incheon Terminal 1: SKT Roaming Center near Gate 13, Arrivals (1F)
• Incheon Terminal 2: SKT Roaming Center between Gates 6–7, Arrivals (1F)
• Gimpo: SKT Roaming Center near Gate 1, Arrivals (1F)
• Jeju: SKT Roaming Center near Gate 5, Arrivals (1F)

Remember to bring your passport for identity verification. Queues are common during peak arrival times, but staff can assist with activation on the spot.

2. City Centers

SK Telecom branches are widely available in Seoul (Myeong‑dong, Gangnam), Busan (Seomyeon, Haeundae), Daegu (Dongseong‑ro), and other districts.
Note that registration and plan selection may take longer than at airport desks, and you will still need your passport.

3. Online Before Departure

Consider buying an SKT SIM card online for a proactive and convenient approach before your trip.

You can buy SKT SIM or eSIM cards directly from the SKT itself but it may take effort for registration.

If you prefer to set everything up in advance with multiple data sizes and instant email delivery, a third‑party eSIM running on SKT’s network is a convenient alternative.

VII. Gigago eSIM for South Korea runs on SKT network

Gigago’s South Korea eSIM uses SK Telecom’s network and offers daily data plans (1/2/3 GB per day), total data plans (5/10/20/50 GB), and an “Unlimited” option that gives 1 GB/day at high speed then unlimited at 5 Mbps.

Plans are data‑only (no local number), allow hotspot/tethering, and are delivered within 5–10 minutes by email for QR‑based installation. Pricing ranges from $5.90 to $106.50 depending on plan and duration (3–30 days). It does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in South Korea; there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How to set up and activate SKT SIM cards

A quick compatibility and unlock check before your flight will make activation effortless on arrival.
Confirm your phone is carrier‑unlocked; verify eSIM compatibility if applicable; and keep data roaming ON when you land to attach to the network automatically.

• eSIM: Scan the QR over Wi‑Fi, follow on‑screen prompts, and enable data roaming on arrival.
• USIM: Insert the SIM, accept APN settings if prompted, and enable data roaming.

IX. Topping up voice/SMS on SKT USIM

If you need more voice/SMS credit on a USIM, topping up is simple through stores, the app, or in‑network support.
You can buy vouchers at convenience stores, add credit via the SK Telecom app, or dial for assistance to keep your number active.

• Convenience stores: Purchase a voucher at CU, 7‑Eleven, or GS25 and follow the code instructions; common denominations are 10,000 KRW and 30,000 KRW.
• SK Telecom app: Register your SIM and add credit with a supported card.
• Assistance: Dial 114 from your SKT SIM or visit an SKT store for help.

X. FAQs about SKT South Korea SIM Cards & eSIMs