eSIM for Jeju

Jeju: what to know before you go

Getting there

Seoul Gimpo to Jeju is one of the busiest air routes in the world, with flights all day. The airport (CJU) is on the north coast near Jeju City. Book the flight and the rental car ahead in holiday weeks.

Renting a car

The sights are spread around the island, so many visitors rent a car. Foreign visitors generally need an international driving permit as well as their own licence, and each rental company lists its own rules, so check before you book.

Maps

Google Maps has been limited for driving and walking directions in Korea. Korea approved the export of detailed map data to Google in February 2026, but turn-by-turn directions were not yet available at the time of writing, and locals use Naver Map or KakaoMap. Install one before you fly and check whether Google's directions have changed.

Hallasan

The summit trails need a reservation made online in advance, have entry cut-off times that change by season and close in bad weather. Conditions on the mountain change fast, so check the park's official site before you plan the day.

How much data you need

A week of driving with maps, bookings and photos takes about 4 to 6 GB. Navigation uses little, and photos and video use most.

Written 24 October 2026. Opening rules, fees, prices at attractions and event dates change, so check the official site before you rely on them.

Jeju: when people go

October 2026 to March 2027: Hallasan winter hours

Entry cut-off times for the summit trails are earlier in winter, and a reservation does not override them. Weather warnings can also close trails, so keep the confirmation on your phone and check the park's official site the day before.

6 to 9 February 2027: Seollal

The Korean Lunar New Year holiday runs from 6 to 9 February, with Seollal itself on 7 February in the official almanac. Koreans travel too, so book flights and rental cars early.

14 to 16 September 2027: Chuseok

The harvest festival holiday runs from 14 to 16 September, with the main day on 15 September. It is another holiday stretch when flights and cars are in demand, so book ahead.

South Korea eSIM 2026: prices, network and coverage

10 plans, from $2.49 (1 GB, 7 days) to $23.99 (50 GB, 30 days). Networks: LG Uplus 5G and SKTelecom 5G.

Network

LG Uplus 5G, SKTelecom 5G

Top-up

Yes, from the app, on the same eSIM

Validity starts

At the first connection at your destination

Install by

Shown on your order. An eSIM that is never installed expires

Your number

Stays active, plans are data only

Hotspot

Uses the same plan data, no separate charge

After the daily allowance

Day passes slow down to 512 Kbps

Updated November 12, 2026

Questions about Jeju

Can I hike Hallasan without a reservation?

The two trails that reach the crater lake, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa, need a reservation made online in advance. Rules have changed over the years, so check the park's official site.

Does Google Maps work on Jeju?

For finding places and for public transit, yes. Driving and walking directions have been limited in Korea, so use Naver Map or KakaoMap as well and check Google's status before you go.

How much does an eSIM for Jeju cost?

Jeju uses the South Korea plans, because an eSIM belongs to a country and not to a city. Plans start at $2.49 for 1 GB, valid for 7 days. There are 10 plans, from 1 GB to 50 GB, plus unlimited day passes.

Do I need a local SIM card in Jeju?

No. The eSIM is a SIM card in digital form: you install it from a QR code before you leave, and there is nothing to buy at the airport or swap in your phone.

How is it different from roaming in Jeju?

With roaming, your own carrier bills the data you use abroad, usually by the day or by the megabyte, at the prices of your plan. The eSIM is prepaid: you know the cost before you leave and nothing is added later. Keep data roaming off on your usual line, so it cannot charge you.

Which networks does the Jeju eSIM use?

Wigoo connects to LG Uplus and SKTelecom, with 5G where it is available. Each plan lists the operators it uses.

Can I add more data?

Yes. You top up the same eSIM from the app, without installing a new one.

Do I keep my phone number?

Yes. Plans are data only, so your usual line stays active for calls and texts, and WhatsApp keeps working as always.

When do the validity days start?

Not when you buy and not when you install: the days start counting when the eSIM connects to a network at your destination for the first time. A 30 day plan gives you 30 days from that first connection.

How long do I have to install the eSIM?

An eSIM that is never installed expires. The "Install by" date is shown on your order, on the site and in the app, so you can buy ahead of your trip. Install it before that date, on Wi-Fi.

Can I use the eSIM as a hotspot?

Data used through a personal hotspot comes out of the same plan, and Wigoo does not charge it separately. A laptop uses far more data than a phone, so for work a day pass or a bigger plan is safer.

What happens when the data runs out?

Plans are prepaid, so there are no extra charges: when the data is used up, the connection stops until you add more from the app. Day passes give a daily allowance at full speed, then continue at reduced speed (512 Kbps) until the next day.

When should I install the eSIM?

Before you leave, on Wi-Fi. When you land, set the Wigoo line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it.