Internet & SIM Cards

Buy a SIM at the airport

Both Incheon and Gimpo airports have SIM card counters from KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+. Booths are open 24/7 and accept walk-ins, but the queue can be long during peak hours.

Typical tourist SIM: - 5 days: ~30,000 KRW - 10 days: ~40,000 KRW - 30 days: ~70,000 KRW

Most are unlimited data with a fair-use cap. Bring your passport — required for activation.

Pocket WiFi rental

If you’re traveling as a group (2–5 people) and want to share, a pocket WiFi device is often cheaper per person than individual SIMs. Pre-book online with KT WiFi or local providers, pick up at the airport, drop off at the airport on your way out.

• Roughly 8,000–12,000 KRW per day
• 6–8 hour battery life
• Connect up to 5 devices

eSIM options

Many travelers now use eSIM apps (Airalo, Holafly, Klook) bought before departure. They’re activated on arrival, no physical SIM swap needed. Slightly more expensive than airport SIMs but more convenient.

Public WiFi

Free public WiFi is everywhere in Seoul, marked “SeoulWiFi” or “PublicWiFi@Seoul.” It works but is slow during peak times. Most cafes, subway stations, malls, and major hotels offer free WiFi too.

Translation apps

• Papago (Naver) — best Korean translation app, much better than Google Translate for Korean
• Camera mode translates menus and signs in real time
• Voice mode for back-and-forth conversation

Don’t expect Google services

A few things to know: - Google Maps walking and transit routes are unreliable in Korea — use Naver Map or Kakao Map - YouTube, Gmail, etc. work fine - Most Korean services prefer or require Korean phone numbers for full features

Charging

Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs (round, two-pin) at 220V/60Hz — same as most of Europe. Most modern hotels have universal sockets. Bring an adapter if your country uses different plugs.