How to Use Korean eSIM for Travel | Setup Steps and Precautions
For those planning a trip to Korea, having a reliable smartphone communication environment is an essential preparation for comfortable activities on-site.
From moving from the airport to the hotel, searching routes on Google Maps, checking subway transfers, using translation apps, finding cafes and restaurants, posting on social media, to staying in touch with family and friends, there are many opportunities to use your smartphone during your trip to Korea.
That's where the Korean eSIM comes in handy. By adding a data plan to a compatible smartphone without having to swap out a physical SIM card, you can use data communication during your stay in Korea.
In this article, we will clearly explain the benefits of Korean eSIM, what to check before departure, how to set it up, how to choose the right data capacity, precautions during use, and how to troubleshoot if you can't connect.
For communication plans for your trip to Korea, click here
→ View Korean eSIM products and pricing plans
Communication Methods Available During Your Trip to Korea
There are mainly four ways to access the internet during your trip to Korea.
- International roaming on a line contracted in Japan
- Rental Wi-Fi
- Korean physical SIM card
- Korean travel eSIM
Each option varies in terms of cost, setup method, whether you need to pick it up, and portability.
| Comparison Item | Korean eSIM | Korean SIM Card | Rental Wi-Fi | International Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Method | Purchase and set up online | Purchase in advance or locally | Pre-booking and pickup | Check with your current telecom provider |
| SIM Card Swap | Not required | Required | Not required | Not required |
| What to Carry | Smartphone only | Smartphone only | Router and charger | Smartphone only |
| Pickup and Return | Not required | Received at purchase | Required | Not required |
| Best for | Those who want to prepare before traveling | Those using devices that do not support eSIM | Those who want to share with multiple people | Those who want to use their regular line |
While international roaming can be easy to use, costs and conditions vary depending on your contract.
Rental Wi-Fi is easy to share among multiple people, but it requires carrying a router, charging it, and picking it up and returning it.
Korean physical SIM cards can sometimes be purchased at the airport or telecom company stores, but you may need to go through the purchase process, swap the SIM card, and set it up.
With Korean eSIM, you can purchase and set it up online before departure, making it suitable for those who want to use their smartphone immediately upon arrival in Korea.
Situations Where Data Communication is Needed During Your Trip to Korea
When Moving from the Airport to the Hotel
After arriving at Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport, you will use the airport railway, subway, bus, or taxi to get to your hotel.
If you have a connection, you can check transfer routes, travel times, hotel addresses, and reservation information on the spot.
When Moving by Subway or Bus
In urban areas like Seoul and Busan, you will often use the subway or city buses.
It is convenient to use map apps or transportation apps to check transfer information, station exits, and walking routes to your destination.
When Searching for Cafes or Restaurants
During your trip to Korea, you may want to search for popular cafes, restaurants, street vendors, and shopping spots on the spot.
You can check business hours, closed days, reviews, menus, and directions from your current location, making it easier to adjust your plans during your trip.
When Using Translation Apps
If you want to check menus or signage, it is reassuring to be able to use translation apps or image translation.
Even in situations where communication is difficult at hotels, restaurants, or transportation, using your smartphone makes it easier to convey your intentions.
When Using SNS or Messaging Apps
You will also need data communication when posting photos or videos taken during your trip on social media or contacting family and friends via LINE or WhatsApp.
Relying solely on free Wi-Fi at hotels or cafes may leave you without communication while on the move. If you want to use your smartphone freely while out, it is advisable to prepare your own communication environment.
Things to Check Before Traveling to Korea
Before purchasing and setting up your Korean eSIM, check the following items.
- Is your smartphone compatible with eSIM?
- Is the SIM lock removed?
- Is Korea included in the supported countries of the plan?
- Do the travel days match the plan's validity period?
- Is the required data capacity included?
- Is there a stable Wi-Fi environment available?
- Can you confirm the QR code after purchase?
Check if Your Device is eSIM Compatible
Not all smartphones are compatible with eSIM. Even the same model may not support eSIM depending on the country of sale, telecom provider, or model number.
Before purchasing, please check your intended smartphone on the list of eSIM compatible devices.
Check the SIM Lock Status
Devices with SIM locks may not be able to use international travel eSIM.
Check the SIM lock status from your smartphone's settings or the my page of your current telecom provider.
Check Travel Days and Validity Period
The required plan varies depending on your travel schedule, whether it's a 3-day trip, a week-long trip, or a long-term stay.
Please check the start date and available days to ensure you can communicate until your return date before purchasing.
Benefits of Using Korean eSIM
No Need to Swap SIM Cards
Korean eSIM is used by adding a data plan internally to your smartphone. Since you do not need to remove the physical SIM card you use in Japan, it helps prevent the loss of the SIM card.
Can Be Prepared Online Before Departure
You can purchase online and set it up using a QR code, reducing the hassle of searching for a SIM card at the airport or store upon arrival in Korea.
No Need for Pickup or Return at the Airport
Unlike rental Wi-Fi, there is no need to pick up a dedicated router at the airport or return it after your trip.
Since you can communicate with just your smartphone, it is also suitable for those who do not want to carry extra luggage.
Choose Based on Travel Days and Data Capacity
Prepaid Korean eSIMs are characterized by their ease of choosing plans that match your travel days and smartphone usage.
You can consider plans that fit your required duration and capacity, from short trips to long stays.
Can Keep Your Japanese SIM Line
If your smartphone supports dual SIM, you may be able to add a Korean eSIM while keeping your main line used in Japan.
However, if international roaming is enabled on your main line in Japan, unintended communication charges may occur. Please switch the line used for mobile data communication to the Korean eSIM.
Tethering May Be Available
If you have a tethering-compatible plan, you can share your connection with other devices like a computer or tablet.
Whether tethering is allowed depends on the plan and device, so please check the compatibility details on the product page before purchasing.
For communication plans for your trip to Korea, click here
→ View Korean eSIM products and pricing plans
Who Should Use Korean eSIM
- Those who want to use maps and transportation apps immediately upon arrival in Korea
- Those who do not want to purchase a SIM card at the airport
- Those who do not want to carry a Wi-Fi router
- Those who do not want to remove their Japanese SIM card
- Those who frequently search for cafes and restaurants
- Those who want to post photos and videos on social media
- Those planning a solo trip or short stay
- Those who want to prepare their communication environment before departure
On the other hand, if the smartphone you plan to use is not compatible with eSIM, you will need to consider a Korean physical SIM card or rental Wi-Fi.
How to Set Up Korean eSIM
The setup for Korean travel eSIM generally follows these steps.
- Check if your smartphone is eSIM compatible
- Check the SIM lock status
- Choose your travel days and data capacity
- Purchase the Korean eSIM
- Check the QR code received via email
- Add eSIM from your smartphone's settings
- Scan the QR code
- Turn on the eSIM line after arriving in Korea
- Select the Korean eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming if necessary
For detailed operation methods, please refer to the eSIM setup guide.
Add eSIM Before Departure
Installing eSIM may require a stable internet environment.
Since you may not be able to connect to the airport Wi-Fi upon arrival in Korea, it is advisable to set it up in a stable Wi-Fi environment at home before departure.
However, the timing of when the service starts may vary by product.
- Plans that start the usage period from the time of eSIM installation
- Plans that start when connected to the local network in Korea
- Plans that become effective from a specified start date
Please check the usage start conditions of the plan you purchased before setting it up.
Scan the QR Code
Scan the QR code received after purchase from the eSIM addition screen on your smartphone.
If you are displaying the QR code on the same smartphone, the camera on that device will not be able to scan it. Please display it on a computer, tablet, or another smartphone, or print it out on paper to scan.
Turn on the Line After Arriving in Korea
After arriving in Korea, turn on the added Korean eSIM line and select it for mobile data communication.
Since international travel eSIM connects to a local partner telecom company, you may often need to turn on data roaming.
Basic Settings for iPhone
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Cellular"
- Select "Add eSIM"
- Select "Use QR Code"
- Scan the QR code
- Select the Korean eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for the Korean eSIM
Basic Settings for Android
- Open "Settings"
- Select "Network & Internet," "Connections," "SIM," etc.
- Select "Add SIM" or "Add eSIM"
- Scan the QR code
- Select the Korean eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for the Korean eSIM
- Set up APN if necessary
On Android, menu names may vary by manufacturer and OS, such as Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, AQUOS, and Xperia.
How Much Data Capacity is Needed for Your Trip to Korea?
The required data capacity during your trip to Korea varies depending on the number of travel days and how you use your smartphone.
| Main Usage | Data Consumption Trend | Considerations for Choosing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| LINE & Email | Relatively low | If communication is the main focus, consider a low capacity |
| Google Maps & Transportation Searches | Low to moderate | If used daily, allow for some extra capacity |
| Web Searches & Translation | Relatively low | Usage during sightseeing is unlikely to consume a lot of data |
| Viewing SNS | Moderate | Images and short videos consume data |
| Posting Photos & Videos | Moderate to high | If posting frequently, consider a high capacity |
| Video Streaming | High | If watching frequently, consider a high capacity or unlimited plan |
| Video Calls | High | If used for long periods, be cautious of capacity |
| Tethering | Varies based on usage | Choose a plan with extra capacity when using a computer |
If Maps and Communication are the Focus
If your main activities are LINE, email, map searches, transportation information, web searches, and translation apps, you may find that relatively low data capacity is sufficient.
If Posting on SNS is Frequent
If you frequently view and post photos and videos on Instagram, TikTok, etc., your data consumption will be high.
If you want to post many photos and videos during your trip, it is advisable to choose a plan with ample capacity.
If Using Video Streaming or Tethering
If you plan to watch videos on YouTube, make video calls, or use tethering to a computer, consider a high-capacity or unlimited plan.
For guidelines on data usage by purpose, please refer to the data usage estimates.
Checklist Before Using Korean eSIM
- Is the device compatible with eSIM?
- Is the SIM lock removed?
- Do the travel schedule and available days match?
- Have you selected the required data capacity?
- Can you confirm the QR code?
- Is the Korean eSIM line turned on?
- Is the Korean eSIM selected for mobile data communication?
- Is data roaming for the Korean eSIM turned on?
- Is APN setup necessary?
- Are you not using mobile data on your Japanese main line?
Precautions When Using Korean eSIM
Data Communication Only Plans Do Not Support Regular Calls or SMS
The Korean eSIM from JAPAN&GLOBAL is a data communication-only plan, so it does not support outgoing or incoming calls or SMS using a regular phone number.
However, you can use data communication-based calling and messaging apps like LINE, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.
If you need a regular phone number or SMS, please check the details of the eSIM with phone number or whether you can use your main line in Japan.
Do Not Delete eSIM During Your Trip
The eSIM QR code may only be usable once. If you delete the eSIM after installation, you may not be able to reconfigure it with the same QR code.
If you cannot connect, do not delete the eSIM immediately; first, check the line settings, data roaming, APN, etc.
Be Cautious of Overseas Communication via Your Japanese Main Line
If you keep your Japanese main line on a dual SIM device, mobile data communication may automatically switch to the Japanese line.
To avoid unintended international roaming charges, set the mobile data communication to the Korean eSIM and turn off automatic switching if necessary.
Communication Conditions Vary by Location
Communication conditions can vary depending on the local network you are using, the time of day, buildings, and congestion.
In subways, deep inside buildings, underground shopping areas, event venues, and crowded tourist spots, communication may temporarily weaken.
You May Be Out of Service Before Arriving Locally
If you install the Korean eSIM in Japan, you may see "out of service" or "no service" because you cannot connect to the local network in Korea.
After arriving in Korea, turn on the line and check data roaming and mobile data communication.
If You Cannot Connect to eSIM After Arriving in Korea
If you cannot communicate after arriving in Korea, check the following items in order before deleting the eSIM.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and check mobile communication
- Check if the Korean eSIM line is turned on
- Check if the Korean eSIM is selected for mobile data communication
- Turn on data roaming for the Korean eSIM
- Turn on airplane mode and then turn it off
- Restart your smartphone
- Check if APN setup is necessary
- Set network selection to automatic
- Check the plan's start date and validity period
- Check if you have exhausted your data capacity
Check the Line and Mobile Data
Simply installing the eSIM may leave the line turned off.
Check if the added Korean eSIM line is turned on and if the Korean eSIM is selected for mobile data communication.
Check Data Roaming
With international travel eSIM, you may not be able to communicate if data roaming is turned off.
Please turn on data roaming for the Korean eSIM, not the Japanese main line.
Check APN Settings
Depending on the plan, you may need to set the APN manually.
If the APN information is provided after purchase, please check for any errors in the input.
Contact Support Without Deleting eSIM
If the issue persists after checking the settings, please contact support without deleting the eSIM.
When contacting, it is helpful to prepare the following information to convey the situation clearly.
- Order number
- Name of the device you are using
- OS version
- Current location
- eSIM line settings screen
- Mobile data communication settings screen
- Data roaming settings screen
- APN settings screen
- Error messages displayed
For general troubleshooting methods, please refer to troubleshooting when eSIM cannot connect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean eSIM
When Should I Set Up Korean eSIM?
It is recommended to complete the addition of eSIM before departure in a stable Wi-Fi environment.
However, some products may start the usage period from the time of installation, so please check the usage start conditions of the plan you purchased.
Can I Use It Immediately After Arriving in Korea?
If you complete the installation before departure and correctly set the eSIM line, mobile data communication, and data roaming after arriving in Korea, you can use it after connecting to the local network.
Does Korean eSIM Come with a Phone Number?
The data communication-only Korean eSIM does not come with a regular phone number.
You can use data communication-based calling and messaging apps like LINE and WhatsApp.
Is APN Setup Required for Korean eSIM?
Depending on the plan and device, it may be automatically set or require manual setup.
Please check the APN information provided after purchase.
Can I Use Tethering with Korean eSIM?
Whether tethering is allowed depends on the plan and smartphone you are using.
If you plan to connect a computer or tablet, please check the compatibility details on the product page before purchasing.
How Many GB Do I Need Per Day for My Trip to Korea?
If your main activities are maps, searches, and messaging, you can manage with relatively low capacity.
If you frequently use SNS posting, video streaming, video calls, or tethering, consider a plan with ample capacity or an unlimited plan.
Does the Usage Period Start if I Install in Japan?
The conditions for starting usage vary by plan. It may start at the time of installation or when connected to the local network in Korea.
Please check the usage start conditions of the product you purchased in advance.
Conclusion | Prepare eSIM Before Your Trip to Korea
During your trip to Korea, there are many situations where you will need smartphone communication, such as moving from the airport, transferring subways, searching for maps, translating, finding cafes, and posting on social media.
Korean eSIM can be used without swapping a physical SIM card, and there is no need to pick up or return rental Wi-Fi. It is easy to prepare before departure, making it suitable for those who want to use the internet immediately upon arrival in Korea.
Before purchasing, please check the following points.
- Is your smartphone compatible with eSIM?
- Is the SIM lock removed?
- Do the travel days match the plan's validity period?
- Is the required data capacity included?
- Is data roaming or APN setup necessary?
- Do you need a phone number or SMS?
- Is tethering supported?
Choose a Korean eSIM plan that suits your travel days and smartphone usage.
