Buying KT Olleh South Korea SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

KT Olleh South Korea SIM card is a reliable choice for tourists needing seamless connectivity while exploring South Korea.

where to buy kt olleh south korea sim card

In this guide, you’ll discover everything about KT Olleh South Korea SIM card, including its coverage, speed, types of SIM cards and eSIMs, where to buy them, and how to top them up. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, this detailed guide will help you choose the best plan to stay connected.

I. Overview of KT Olleh South Korea – What you need to know

KT Corporation, formerly known as Korea Telecom, is a leading telecommunications provider in South Korea. It offers services such as mobile communication, internet, and IPTV. Below are what you should know about it. 

Foundation: KT Corporation, formerly Korea Telecom, was established in 1981 as a state-owned enterprise and privatized in 2002.

Popularity:

  • It operates primarily in South Korea and partners with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Rwanda.
  • Approximately 22 million mobile subscribers as of 2023.

Rank: KT is the second-largest mobile carrier in South Korea, with around 31% market share.

Coverage:

  • Covers 98% of South Korea’s populated areas.
  • Strong network presence in cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju.
  • 5G network covers about 80% of the population, with some gaps in rural or mountainous areas.

Speed:

  • Offers very fast network speeds, with average 5G download speeds of 449.3 Mbps.
  • Frequently ranked among the top 5 globally for network speeds.

Highlights:

  • Pioneered the launch of commercial 5G networks in 2019.
  • First in South Korea to introduce unlimited data plans.
  • A leader in AI-powered customer service and submarine cable networks in Asia.
  • Focused on smart city development and other innovative projects.

KT remains a reliable and innovative choice for telecommunications in South Korea.

II. KT Olleh Coverage in South Korea

kt olleh coverage in south korea

Source: nperf.com

Based on the coverage map, KT Olleh offers strong network coverage in South Korea’s major cities, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju. The urban areas show dense and reliable coverage, ensuring consistent user connectivity. 

Rural and mountainous regions have some gaps in coverage, though the overall network reaches 98% of populated areas. The 5G network covers approximately 80% of the population, excelling in high-demand locations like Seoul.

III. KT Olleh Speed in South Korea

kt olleh south korea mobile speed

Source: Opensignal 

According to a June 2023 report by Opensignal, KT Olleh offers competitive mobile speeds in South Korea, ranking among the top 3 carriers in the country. KT provides an average of 143.6 Mbps for download speeds, which is slightly behind SK Telecom but faster than LG U+. 

KT’s upload speed averages 17.6 Mbps, which is slightly lower than that of other major carriers like SK Telecom and LG U+. Despite this, KT’s network delivers a reliable and fast experience for streaming, gaming, and video calls.

IV. Types of KT Olleh South Korea SIM Card Options for Tourists

KT Olleh offers two main types of SIM card options for tourists visiting South Korea:

  • Physical SIM Cards
  • eSIMs (Embedded SIMs)

Comparison of KT Olleh SIM Card Options for Tourists

FeaturePhysical SIM CardeSIM
FormPhysical cardDigital QR code
ActivationManual setup at a storeInstant online setup
CompatibilityRequires unlocked devices with SIM slotNeeds eSIM-supported devices
AvailabilityAirports and storesOnline purchase anytime
ConvenienceStore visit requiredActivate anywhere
FlexibilityOne device per SIMMultiple profiles on one device
ReplacementPhysical card neededRe-downloadable

Recommendation: For tourists, eSIMs are more convenient due to their instant activation, flexibility, and ease of use. Just ensure your device supports eSIMs before choosing this option.

V. Top KT Olleh South Korea SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

KT Olleh delivers flexible prepaid SIM card plans tailored for travelers, whether you’re staying in South Korea for a short trip or an extended visit. These plans come with unlimited LTE data and complimentary incoming calls and texts. Plans of these offerings include:

Plan NameDurationPrice (KRW)DataPrice (USD)
72 Hours3 days18,000Unlimited (after 3GB at 5Mbps speed)12,780.00
120 Hours5 days24,700Unlimited (after 3GB at 5Mbps speed)17,537.00
240 Hours10 days34,600Unlimited (after 3GB at 5Mbps speed)24,566.00
480 Hours20 days54,400Unlimited (after 3GB at 5Mbps speed)38,624.00
720 Hours30 days64,300Unlimited (after 3GB at 5Mbps speed)45,653.00
1440 Hours60 days107,200Unlimited (after 3GB at 5Mbps speed)76,112.00
2160 Hours90 days143,000Unlimited (after 3GB at 5Mbps speed)101,530.00

The plans provide unlimited LTE data, with speeds reduced to 5Mbps after using 3GB per day. Free incoming calls and SMS are included, while outgoing calls and SMS incur additional charges.

KT Olleh prepaid SIM cards ensure visitors stay connected effortlessly during their trip to Korea. With high-speed LTE data and free communication options, travelers can select a plan tailored to the duration of their stay for smooth connectivity.

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

You can buy an KT Olleh SIM card in 3 ways – at the airports, in the city and even before your departure! Let’s explore each option in detail.

1. Buy KT Olleh SIM Cards at South Korean Airports

Major international airports offer convenient locations to purchase KT Olleh SIM cards:

  • Incheon International Airport (ICN):
    • Terminal 1: 1F Arrival Hall, near Gate 10 (KT Roaming Center)
    • Terminal 2: 1F Arrival Hall, near Gate 6 (KT Roaming Center)
  • Gimpo International Airport (GMP): 1F Arrival Hall, next to Gate 1 (KT Roaming Center)
  • Gimhae International Airport (PUS): 1F Arrival Hall, near Gate 3 (KT Roaming Center)

Note: Purchasing at the airport is straightforward but may involve higher prices and potential queues.

2. Purchase in South Korean City Centers

kt olleh store

KT Olleh Store in Seoul, South Korea

After arrival, you can purchase SIM cards in major cities:

  • Seoul:
    • KT Olleh stores in Myeongdong and Gangnam districts
    • Authorized retailers and convenience stores
  • Busan:
    • KT Olleh stores in Seomyeon and Haeundae areas
    • Electronics markets and convenience stores

Purchasing in the city may offer better prices but can involve a more complex registration process, including verification of personal information.

3. Purchase Online Before Departure

buy kt olleh sim online

Buy a KT Olleh South Korea SIM on kkday website 

Process:

  • Order through reputable travel SIM providers or online platforms.
  • Provide basic information such as name and shipping address.
  • Receive the SIM card at your address before departure.
  • Activate upon arrival in South Korea following provided instructions.

This method ensures you have a working SIM card immediately upon arrival, often at a more reasonable price, and avoids the hassle of searching for one after landing.

VII. A Better Alternative to KT Olleh SIM cards – South Korea eSIM

south korea esim gigago

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 KT Olleh South Korea SIM Card?

1. Online Top-Up:

Visit the KT Roaming website and enter your contract number to proceed with the top-up.

2. In-Person Top-Up:

Visit any KT store in South Korea. Provide your phone number or contract details, and the staff will assist with the top-up.

3. Mobile App:

Download the KT app, register your SIM card, and manage top-ups directly through the app.

4. Convenience Stores:

Purchase a recharge voucher at convenience stores. Follow the instructions on the voucher to add credit to your SIM card.

Important Notes:

  • Ensure your payment method (credit/debit cards or cash) is accepted.
  • Check for any service fees before topping up.
  • Confirm that the top-up extends your SIM card's validity if needed.

IX. FAQs about KT Olleh South Korea SIM Cards 

Can tourists purchase KT Olleh SIM cards upon arrival in South Korea?

Yes, tourists can buy KT Olleh SIM cards at major international airports like Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae.

Is it possible to buy a KT Olleh SIM card online before traveling to South Korea?

Yes, you can purchase a KT Olleh SIM card online through authorized retailers and have it delivered to your address before departure.

What should I do if I encounter issues with my KT Olleh SIM card or eSIM?

Contact KT Olleh customer service via their hotline or visit a KT service center for assistance.

Can I keep my KT Olleh SIM card for future trips to South Korea?

Yes, but ensure the SIM card remains active by topping up or using it periodically, as inactivity may lead to deactivation.

X. Conclusion

I hope this guide on KT Olleh South Korea SIM cards has provided all the information you need to stay connected during your trip. From understanding your purchasing options to exploring the benefits of eSIMs, you now have the tools to choose the best plan for your needs. For ultimate convenience and flexibility, eSIMs are a fantastic option to consider. Enjoy your journey in South Korea!