Buying LG U+ South Korea SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Daisy Rodriguez

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Published: December 2024

If you’re looking for a reliable way to stay connected, LG U+ South Korea SIM cards are a top choice for tourists and travelers.

LG U+ South Korea SIM cards offer good connectivity, fast internet speeds, and widespread coverage, making them ideal for exploring the country. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about LG U+, from its network coverage and speed to the best SIM card options, prices, and where to buy them. Whether you’re considering a physical SIM or an eSIM, this detailed guide will help you make the right choice for your travel needs.

I. Overview of LG U+ South Korea – What you need to know

LG U+ (LG Uplus) is a prominent telecommunications company in South Korea that offers mobile network, internet, and IPTV services. Below are some key points about it. 

Foundation: Established in 1996 as LG Telecom, renamed LG U+ in 2010 after merging with LG Dacom and LG Powercom.

Operations: Focused on South Korea, offering mobile, internet, and IPTV services, with roaming via global partners.

Market Position: Third-largest telecom in South Korea with a 23.1% market share, behind SK Telecom and KT.

Coverage:

• Offers extensive coverage, reaching approximately 99% of South Korea’s population.
• Provides strong coverage in major cities such as Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Daegu.
• Has an extensive 5G network in urban areas.
• May have coverage limitations in remote mountainous regions.

Network Speed:

• Among the world’s fastest networks.
• Average 5G download speeds range between 400-500 Mbps.
• Consistently ranks in the top 3 for network speed in South Korea.

Highlights:

• Launched the world’s first nationwide commercial 5G network in 2019, alongside SK Telecom and KT.
• Known for innovative digital services and advancements in AR/VR technology.
• Focuses on B2B solutions and smart home services.
• Has partnerships with content providers like Netflix and Google.

II. LG U+ Coverage in South Korea

Source: nperf.com

The map highlights LG U+’s strong network coverage across South Korea, particularly in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, as well as other urban areas such as Daegu and Daejeon. The extensive 5G and LTE network provides robust connectivity in these densely populated regions. 

Coverage extends to Jeju Island and other smaller cities, ensuring reliable service for both locals and tourists. However, there are some limitations in remote mountainous areas, where the network may not be as consistent.

III. LG U+ Speed in South Korea

Source: Opensignal 

LG U+ offers good internet speeds in South Korea. Its download speed is 117.7 Mbps, making it a strong choice, though slightly behind KT and SK Telecom. For upload speeds, LG U+ is the winner with 20.5 Mbps, perfect for sharing videos or photos quickly. It’s a reliable option for staying connected while traveling or living in South Korea.

IV. Types of LG U+ South Korea SIM Card Options for Tourists

There are two main types of LG U+ SIM card options for tourists:

• Physical SIM Card: A traditional plastic SIM card that you insert into your device.
• eSIM: A digital SIM that can be activated by scanning a QR code, eliminating the need for a physical card.

Comparison Table

Both options provide reliable connectivity, but the eSIM is more convenient for tourists. It offers instant activation without the need to visit a store, making it the best choice for travelers with eSIM-compatible devices.

V. Top LG U+ South Korea SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

Here are the available plans for LG U+ SIM cards for tourists:

• 5 days (120 hours): KRW 25,000 (~$17.38)
• 7 days (168 hours): KRW 32,000 (~$22.25)
• 10 days (240 hours): KRW 35,000 (~$24.33)
• 15 days (360 hours): KRW 50,000 (~$34.76)
• 20 days (480 hours): KRW 55,000 (~$38.24)
• 30 days (720 hours): KRW 65,000 (~$45.19)
• 40 days (960 hours): KRW 90,000 (~$62.57)
• 60 days (1440 hours): KRW 130,000 (~$90.37)

► Recommendation: For short visits, the 5-day plan offers great value. If you’re staying a week, the 7-day plan is the ideal option. For longer trips, the 15-day plan or 30-day plan provides excellent coverage at reasonable rates.

VI. Where to buy LG U+ South Korea SIM cards for tourists?

As a tourist, you can purchase an LG U+ SIM card in South Korea through the following methods:

• Online Reservation: Pre-order a SIM card or eSIM via the LG U+ official website. After payment, visit an LG U+ Customer Center upon arrival to complete the process.
• Airport Counters: LG U+ has service counters at major airports:
  • Incheon International Airport:
    • Terminal 1: Arrivals Hall, near Gates 6-7 and 10-11.
    • Terminal 2: Arrivals Hall, near Gates 4-5.
  • Gimhae International Airport: Arrivals Hall, near Gates 2-3.
  • Operating hours are typically from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Retail Stores: Buy at authorized retailers or convenience stores displaying the LG U+ logo.
• LG U+ Stores: Visit flagship stores in major cities for purchase and activation.

For added convenience, consider using an eSIM, which allows for immediate activation without a physical SIM card. Ensure your device supports eSIM functionality before choosing this option.

VII. A Better Alternative to LG U+ SIM cards – South Korea eSIM

I highly recommend buying an eSIM from a third-party provider because it will avoid facing complicated buying processes. Even though Gigago, the most reliable eSIM provider, does not offer eSIM plans for this carrier, you can also use our SKT SIM services. 

For South Korea, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 3 days with $5.90 . What is great about Gigago South Korea eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.90 – $106.50 .

Thus, 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 top up LG U+ South Korea SIM Card?

When your LG U+ prepaid balance is low, you can recharge using these methods:

• Online with Credit/Debit Card – Quickly top-up through the provider’s website.
• Convenience Stores – Purchase a prepaid voucher and apply it to your SIM.
• ATMs – Withdraw cash and recharge at designated counters.
• Self-Service Kiosks – Available at airports and public areas for quick recharging.

Online top-up is the fastest method, but vouchers provide more flexibility. Ensure your SIM stays active throughout your trip with these easy options!

IX. FAQs about LG U+ South Korea SIM Cards 

X. Conclusion

I hope you find this post helpful in understanding everything about the LG U+ South Korea SIM card options for your trip. With its strong coverage, fast speeds, and easy-to-use plans, LG U+ ensures you stay connected wherever you go in South Korea. Whether you choose a physical SIM or an eSIM, it’s a reliable way to make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable!