Buying a SIM card at Jeju International Airport (CJU) 2024: Travelers Guide

If you are traveling to Jeju, South Korea, and need a means of internet connection, consider using a SIM card. At Jeju Airport, you can easily purchase a SIM card to stay connected during your visit.

Buy sim card at Jeju airport

This article will guide you on buying a SIM card at Jeju International Airport once you arrive and give you some advice on alternatives to staying connected while traveling in Jeju that will help save you money and time. 

Keep reading to learn how to buy a SIM card at Jeju Airport for tourists so you can stay connected and make the most of your trip to Jeju. Let’s start!

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Jeju International Airport?

When traveling in Jeju, you have different options to get a local SIM card at Jeju International Airport:

  • SIM Card Kiosks: The easiest option is to grab a SIM card from a kiosk in the arrival area. These kiosks, run by companies like KT, SK Telecom, and LG Uplus, offer a variety of plans and helpful staff to guide you. Expect slightly higher prices compared to other methods.
  • Vending Machines: For ultimate speed and convenience, look for SIM card vending machines. These offer a limited selection of basic plans but are available 24/7. Keep in mind that there’s no staff assistance if you encounter any issues.
  • Online Pre-Order: Plan ahead and order a tourist SIM card online from providers like SimOptions, Keepgo, Klook, or Korean carriers. This offers a wider selection and potential savings but requires pre-booking and might involve delivery times.

South Korean SIM cards offer reliable coverage, fast data speeds, and unlimited 4G data.

▶ Our recommendation:

  • If you only need internet access, choose a prepaid data-featured SIM card.
  • If you also need to make outbound calls, go for a prepaid SIM with data and voice/text
  • If your phone is compatible with eSIM, choose it to avoid hassles related to the physical one, such as swapping SIM, waiting for SIM delivery. See our full list of eSIM-compatible devices.

Important Note: Before buying a SIM card, make sure that your phone is unlocked so it can work with South Korea cellular network carriers.

II. Where to buy a SIM card at Jeju Airport (CJU)?

Rank of airports in South Korea
Rank of airports in South Korea (source: wikipedia)

Despite the fact that Jeju is the 2nd largest airport in South Korea, there is ONLY ONE South Korean mobile network operator selling SIM cards for tourists at Jeju International Airport (CJU) – SK Telecom. 

Location: Gate 5 at International Arrivals hall

Opening hours: 7 am – 16 pm

Pick up SIM card at Jeju international airport

It was noted that you CANNOT GET SIM CARDS at the domestic terminal of Jeju International Airport. It also applies for SIM cards at convenience stores like CU, 7-Eleven, and Olive Young at domestic terminals.

However, luckily Jeju International airport is not like other airports in South Korea such as Busan-Gimhae International Airport. It has a convenient setup where the arrival halls of the domestic and international terminals are connected. It means passengers will not have to take a bus or any other form of transportation to transfer between the two airports. The walk between these two terminals are covered and easily accessible

As an international passenger, it does not matter that you fly from abroad to Jeju airport or take a domestic flight from Seoul Incheon / Seoul Gimpo / Busan Gimhae airport to Jeju airport, the interconnection of two arrivals halls makes your travel more convenient. 

Where can you locate the SK Telecom stand?

If you come from the international arrivals hall:

  • To find it, simply turn right from the international arrival gate, which is located behind the escalators and elevators in front of you.
  • Alternatively, you can also head towards the exit (gate 5) first and then make a right turn.

If you come from the domestic arrivals hall

  • take a walk straight towards gate 5 (just 3-5 minutes)
  • The SK Telecom stand is in the corner
Map of Jeju International airport 1 - buy sim at Jeju airport
Map of Jeju International airport – Gate 5 (source: airport.co.kr)
Map of Jeju International airport – Gate 1-4 (source: airport.co.kr)

Important Notes:

  • Because the SK Telecom booth has limited opening hours, chances are if your flight lands outside of these hours, you cannot buy a SK Telecom SIM card at the airport.
  • A perfect alternative is to buy South Korea eSIM either in advance or upon arrival as long as you have Internet access to download the QR code (you can use free Wifi at the airport).

III. Best SIM Cards Plans of SK Telecom at Jeju International Airport + Price

SK telecom at Jeju airport

SK Telecom provides its tourist SIM card plans at the same standard  throughout the country (both in terms of plan features and prices).

Here are tourist SIM packages of SK Telecom at Jeju International Airport:

PriceData (throttled at 10 Mbps)Validity
6600 KRWUnlimited1 day
18 000 KRWUnlimited3 days
27 500 KRWUnlimited5 days
38 500 KRWUnlimited10 days
60 500 KRWUnlimited20 days
71 500 KRWUnlimited30 days
  • SIM from SK Telecom does not allow users to make calls/send SMS (this is unlike that of KT South Korea and LG U+)
  • You still get a South Korean Phone Number from SK Telecom SIM plans to receive calls and SMS.
  • The 1-day plan does not come with a phone number.

Our recommendation: 

  • If your phone does not support eSIM, and you go for SK Telecom, it is recommended to buy a SK Telecom SIM card online, before departure
  • If your phone supports eSIM, it is best to buy South Korea eSIM. 

III. How much does a SIM card cost at Jeju Airport?

how much does a South Korea sim card at jeju airport south korea

The SIM card plan for travelers of SK Telecom range in price from 6600 KRW (5.05 USD) to 71500 KRW. The cost depends on factors like the plan features, the validity.

The validity for these plans can range from 1 day up to 30 days (60 days validity has coming).

IV. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Jeju Airport – Registration Process

To buy South Korea SIM card at Jeju airport, customers need to prepare: 

  • Passport for identification verification
  • Cash (in Korean Won) or card for payment
  • Unlocked phone

The process of registering will take about 1-2 minutes

Factors to consider before buying a SIM card at Jeju Airport:

  • Check if your phone is unlocked
  • Decide whether or not you need to make outbound calls. The plans that have no features of making outbound calls are much cheaper. 
  • Check the time your flight lands: be aware of the opening hours of kiosks at the airport. For example, KT South Korea’s kiosk just opens from 6 am to 11pm. If you arrive after 11pm, then you can still order it online but have to pick the SIM at the store in Myeongdong or Hongdae.

Our recommendation: To avoid this registration scheme, consider buying eSIM for South Korea. This can be done online before departure or after arrival, from anywhere as long as there is Internet.

VI. Prepaid eSIM data plan – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card Jeju

This option is always available no matter where you are. Buying a prepaid eSIM data plan allows you to skip the hassle of finding a physical SIM card at the airport.

You can land at the Jeju airport and feel confident that you have Internet access right after arrival. The data connection of eSIM plan will be on your phone automatically as long as it connects with the South Korean network operator. 

To buy eSIM for South Korea, you can choose Gigago – one of the best eSIM providers in the world. Plans of Gigago eSIM are considered the most diversifying in comparison with others. 

At Gigago, South Korea eSIM comes with multiple data plan options, starting from a 3-day plan with 1GB of data per day for $5.90 as their most minimal plan. They also have 5-day, 7-day, 10-day, 15-day, 20-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited data per day, with prices from $5.90 up to $106.50.

Once you have purchased the plan, you can activate it by scanning a QR code directly using your phone camera. It will automatically load on your device. That’s simple.

VII. FAQs about Jeju Airport SIM Card Buying

Can I buy a SIM card at Jeju airport at night?

It depends on the company. KT’s booths are open from 6am to 11pm. Other companies are open 24/7. Check hours with your provider before you go.

How much do SIM cards at Jeju airport cost?

Prices usually range from $5 to $110 depending on the plan and how long it lasts.

How long do SIM cards from Jeju airport last?

SIM cards last from 1 day to 3 months depending on what you pay for.

Are there other places to get a SIM card in Jeju besides the airport?

Yes, you can also find SIM cards at local cell phone stores or buy them online.

What do I need to buy a SIM card at Jeju airport?

They may ask to see your passport when you buy. Have a copy and any ID with you just in case.

Can I use a SIM card from Jeju airport elsewhere in Korea?

Yes, a SIM card from the Jeju airport will work in other cities around South Korea without issues.

VIII. Conclusion

We talked about getting a SIM card at Jeju International Airport. It can be quick to buy there but the price is usually higher than other places. You could also think about getting an eSIM. An eSIM works just like a regular SIM but you don’t have to go anywhere to activate it. You’ll still be able to use your phone like normal with an eSIM. Make sure to get everything set up before your trip so you don’t have any problems while traveling