eSIM for Seoul

Seoul: what to know before you go

From the airport

Incheon (ICN) is about an hour from the centre by the AREX train. Transit cards work on the subway and buses.

Maps

Google Maps shows transit but not full walking or driving directions in Korea. Naver Map and Kakao Map are the local apps, and both have English.

Coverage

5G and 4G are excellent across the city and in the subway. Public wifi is common and often needs a registration.

Ride apps

Kakao T is the main taxi app. Having data from the moment you land lets you call one at the airport.

How much data you need

A week of maps, rides and photos takes about 4 to 5 GB.

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

Seoul: when people go

6 to 9 February 2027: Seollal, Lunar New Year

Seollal falls on 7 February 2027 and the public holiday runs from 6 to 9 February. Train tickets are released about a month ahead and sell out within minutes, most independent restaurants and small shops close, and the subway and city buses run reduced holiday timetables, while convenience stores stay open.

Late March to mid April 2027: cherry blossoms

Cherry blossom in Seoul typically peaks around 3 to 10 April, and the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival was set for 8 to 12 April in 2026, with dates that follow the bloom. Yeouido and the lakeside paths fill with people, so check the district's notices on your phone and expect slow data in the crowd.

Late June to late July 2027: the rainy season

The weather agency's 1991 to 2020 averages put the rainy season in Seoul between 25 June and 26 July, with frequent heavy rain, and in 2026 the central region's season officially began on 1 July. Keep a weather app and the subway app open, and have indoor plans ready.

14 to 16 September 2027: Chuseok

Chuseok falls on 15 September 2027 and the holiday runs from 14 to 16 September, with the same pattern as Seollal: train tickets sell out about a month ahead, many small businesses close and neighbourhoods such as Hongdae, Gangnam and Itaewon are noticeably quieter. Palaces and museums stay open with holiday hours, so check opening times on your phone before you go.

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 Seoul

Why does Google Maps not work well in Korea?

Map data export is restricted, so Google shows transit and places but limited walking and driving routes. Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for directions.

How much does an eSIM for Seoul cost?

Seoul 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 Seoul?

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 Seoul?

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 Seoul 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.