LG eSIM Korea: Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Trip

If you're planning a trip to Korea and want to stay connected, consider using an LG eSIM. This convenient option allows you to purchase a local data plan without a physical SIM card, making it a great choice for tourists.

LG eSIM Korea is available on select LG smartphones, including the G8X ThinQ and V60 ThinQ. To use the eSIM, you'll need a compatible device and a Korean phone number.

You can purchase a data plan from Korean carriers like SK Telecom, KT, or LG U+, which offer various options for tourists. Some plans include 1GB of data for 7 days, while others offer 5GB for 30 days.

Before traveling to Korea, make sure your LG smartphone is compatible with the eSIM and that you have the necessary documents to register for a Korean phone number.

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If you're planning to use an eSIM in Korea, you'll need to purchase a prepaid eSIM data plan from a third-party vendor that supports LG U+ or other major mobile operators in Korea.

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You can find eSIM plans at various vendors, but it's essential to note that LG U+ does not directly sell prepaid eSIM services for tourists.

To activate your eSIM plan, simply install it outside of Korea, and it will be activated automatically when you arrive in Korea and connect to the local network.

Here are some pick-up locations for eSIM plans in Korea:

No need to wait at stores or fiddle with SIM slots – simply open the email and you're connected.

You can activate the LG U+ eSIM Unlimited Roaming Data Plan immediately after purchase, regardless of your location. The eSIM functionality allows for effortless activation, as there's no need to physically swap out SIM cards.

For a LG U+ Tourist SIM, simply insert the SIM card into an unlocked device, turn it on, and allow the SIM to configure. You'll then connect to the LG U+ 4G LTE network, and your SIM is ready to use with data activated out of the box.

There are two main types of LG U+ SIM card options for tourists: a Physical SIM Card and an eSIM. The eSIM is more convenient for tourists, offering instant activation without the need to visit a store, making it the best choice for travelers with eSIM-compatible devices.

You can set up the eSIM plan in just a few taps, as long as your device is compatible with eSIM technology and is SIM-lock-free. This convenience ensures travelers can start enjoying seamless high-speed data connectivity in South Korea the moment they arrive.

The eSIM also eliminates the hassle of disposing of physical SIM cards after use, making the entire process more environmentally friendly.

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If you're planning a trip to South Korea, you'll want to know about the promotions and offers available for LG eSIM users.

You can get a discount code for the popular k.ride rideshare service, as well as a special taxi code: LGSIM2024, making getting around South Korea more convenient and cost-effective.

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To make the most of your LG eSIM, note that it works best on iPhones and Samsung Android smartphones, but not on Pixel, Oppo, or Xiaomi brand smartphones.

You can purchase a 3-day or longer SIM card and get a ZEROBASEONE hologram sticker, available for pickups from Sept 29~Oct 5 (KST). Just present your voucher at the counter and mention "ZEROBASEONE" to receive your gift!

If you're having trouble with eSIM activation, don't worry! Friendly staff at the pick-up location will assist you, and in case the eSIM doesn't work on your phone, you can receive an alternative physical SIM card or get a full refund.

Here's a summary of the promotions and offers:

The LG U+ eSIM Unlimited Roaming Data Plan offers unlimited 4G data within South Korea, providing stable and high-speed network connectivity.

This plan features an eSIM that doesn't need to be disposed of after use, making it a hassle-free experience for subscribers.

Immediate activation is another notable benefit, and it's compatible with most modern smartphones, including iPhone models after XR/XS and Samsung Galaxy devices after the S20.

The plan also comes with a special promotion offering discounted codes for popular transportation apps like k.ride and taxi services.

LG eSIM Korea offers flexible and affordable data plans for tourists. You can choose from various usage periods, ranging from 1 day to 30 days.

The pricing for LG U+ South Korea SIM cards starts at ₩6,500 for 1 day and goes up to ₩66,000 for 30 days. If you prefer 5G speeds, you'll need to add roughly ₩2,000–₩3,000 to the price.

Voice add-ons are also available, starting at ₩5,500 for 20 minutes, ₩11,000 for 40 minutes, and ₩16,500 for 60 minutes. Larger bundles can be found in the menu.

Here's a breakdown of the prices for different usage periods:

With LG eSIM Korea, you can enjoy affordable cellular connectivity and transportation access during your visit to South Korea.

LG U+ Network Coverage in Korea is solid, with 4G LTE reaching over 99% of the population.

Big cities like Seoul and Busan have the fastest speeds, averaging around 90Mbps for downloads.

In remote areas and underground metro stations, coverage can be more limited.

LG U+’s LTE network reaches 99.9% of Korea’s population, while its 5G service covers about 93%.

In mountain parks like Seoraksan and Jirisan, signal can drop to no service because LG U+ no longer runs 3G.

Prepare offline maps before you hike to avoid this issue.

Network equipment near the Demilitarised Zone is limited by military rules, causing patchy coverage around lookout points like Dora-san.

You can expect your LTE signal to fade in and out in these areas.

A few older highway and rail tunnels lack signal repeaters, resulting in lost service while inside.

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If you're planning to use a 4G LTE eSIM at Incheon Airport Terminal 1, you'll need to follow these steps: go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager, tap Add mobile plan, and then tap Add using QR code. Once you've completed these steps, the eSIM will be active on your phone.

The LG U+ booth is located at Counter #1 and Counter #2 in Terminal 1, and also at Counter #1 and Counter #2 in Terminal 2.

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LG U+ Network Coverage in Korea is quite impressive, reaching over 99% of the population. This means you'll have reliable access to data and voice services in most areas.

In big cities like Seoul and Busan, speeds are the fastest, averaging around 90Mbps for downloads based on OpenSignal data. This is great for tourists who want to stay connected and enjoy high-speed internet.

However, coverage can be more limited in remote areas and underground metro stations. If you're planning to explore rural areas or travel extensively, be prepared for spotty coverage.

LG U+’s LTE network reaches 99.9% of Korea’s population, while its 5G service covers about 93%. This is comparable to other major carriers like SKT and KT.

In mountainous regions like Seoraksan and Jirisan, signal strength can drop to no service, especially if you're hiking or in areas with limited network equipment. It's a good idea to download offline maps before heading out.

Military rules also limit network equipment near the Demilitarized Zone, resulting in patchy coverage around lookout points like Dora-san. Be prepared for your LTE signal to fade in and out.

If you exceed your high-speed data limit, your connection will drop to 5 Mbps. While this is slower, it's still suitable for basic tasks like map browsing and chat apps.

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect from LG U+ speeds in South Korea:

As you plan your trip to Korea, you'll want to consider your SIM card options. LG U+ offers both physical SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists.

You can choose between a traditional plastic SIM card that you insert into your device or an eSIM that can be activated by scanning a QR code. The eSIM is more convenient for tourists, offering instant activation without the need to visit a store.

If you opt for a physical SIM card, you can purchase a prepaid Tourist SIM from LG U+. These SIMs are available for unlocked devices. On the other hand, eSIM data plans are preloaded and sold by select resellers.

To activate your eSIM, you'll need to scan a QR code, which is a quick and easy process. This eliminates the need for a physical card and makes it a great option for travelers with eSIM-compatible devices.

Here are the main types of LG U+ SIM card options for tourists:

Both options provide reliable connectivity, and the choice between them ultimately depends on your personal preference and device compatibility.

LG eSIM Korea offers a convenient and flexible way to stay connected while traveling. You can choose from various validity periods, ranging from 1 to 60 days.

The eSIM card will be activated upon pick up at the airport (Incheon/Gimpo/Gimhae), but you can also activate it later if you prefer. eSIM use is calculated on an hourly basis from the moment of activation.

You'll have access to daily 3GB of 4G/LTE speeds, which is perfect for browsing, emailing, and social media.

To check if your phone supports eSIM, click here, but note that even if your phone model is listed, eSIM support may vary depending on your country and model version.

Here's a summary of the validity periods available:

If you need to extend your eSIM, you can do so within 72 hours after expiration.