📶 Korea SIM vs eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi — Which should you choose?

Korea travel data — free Wi-Fi zone sign in Seoul: choosing SIM, eSIM, or Pocket Wi-Fi

Updated 2025-09-05 “Until I’m satisfied” — continuously updated based on reader feedback.

Need data right after landing? This quick guide helps you pick SIM / eSIM / Pocket Wi-Fi, buy at the airport or online, and set everything up in minutes—with polite Korean phrases ready to use. 입국 직후 인터넷이 필요하다면, 이 글을 따라 SIM · eSIM · 포켓 와이파이 중에서 빠르게 선택해 보세요.

▸ Open Contents (Quick Choice • Compare • Costs • Airport Pickup • Setup • Phrases • Free Wi-Fi • Tips • FAQ)

Quick Choice
Compare Table
Typical Costs
Airport Pickup (Incheon/Gimpo)
5-Minute Setup
Polite Phrases
Free Wi-Fi Spots
👩‍🏫 Teacher’s Tips
❓ FAQ

Quick Choice who should pick what

eSIM
eSIM-ready phone
fast install

SIM
any unlocked phone
simple swap

Pocket Wi-Fi
group / multiple devices
share data

If your phone supports eSIM, that’s usually the fastest and simplest option. 휴대폰이 eSIM을 지원한다면, 공항에서 가장 빠르고 편한 선택이에요.

Compare Table at a glance

Feature

eSIM

SIM

Pocket Wi-Fi

Setup

QR install

Swap card

Power on

Devices

1 phone

3–5 share

Return?

Yes (at counter/box)

Battery

Phone only

Separate device

Backup

Can keep home SIM

Need SIM tray

Works with any phone

Typical Costs ballpark

eSIM
~USD 10–35 / 5–30 days

SIM
~USD 15–40 / 5–30 days

Pocket Wi-Fi
~USD 3–6 per day

Prices change by data limit, speed, and promotion. Think about how many people and how heavy your usage will be.

Airport Pickup (Incheon / Gimpo) where to look

Incheon T1
Arrivals hall counters
SIM · eSIM · Wi-Fi

Incheon T2
Arrivals hall counters
major carriers

Gimpo
Arrivals level counters
SIM · Wi-Fi

Exact locations and hours can change. Follow airport signs for “Roaming / SIM / Wi-Fi” and look for carrier logos at the counters. 표지판에 Roaming, SIM, Wi-Fi라고 쓰여 있는 곳을 따라가면 됩니다.

5-Minute Setup checklist

eSIM

Scan QR

Enable line

Set mobile data

SIM

Power off

Swap SIM

Reboot phone

Hotspot

Turn on

Set password

Share to friends

Problem

Restart

Check APN

Ask counter staff

Keep your home SIM in a safe place, not loose in your pocket. 본국 SIM 카드는 지갑 작은 포켓 등에 따로 보관하세요.

Polite Phrases for the counter

Get attention
저기요.
jeo-gi-yo

eSIM available?
eSIM 설치 가능해요?
ee-sim seol-chi ga-neung-hae-yo?

Ask for plan
데이터 7일 상품 주세요.
de-i-teo chil-il sang-pum ju-se-yo.

Top-up
데이터 충전할 수 있어요?
de-i-teo chung-jeon-hal su i-sseo-yo?

Cheapest option
가장 저렴한 상품 있어요?
ga-jang jeo-ryeo-man sang-pum i-sseo-yo?

Pay by card
카드로 결제할게요.
ka-deu-ro gyeol-je-hal-ge-yo.

Mini script:
“저기요, eSIM 설치 가능해요? 데이터 7일 상품 주세요. 카드로 결제할게요.”

Free Wi-Fi Spots quick list

Cafés
Starbucks · Ediya · Hollys
order first, then ask for Wi-Fi.

Hotels
Lobby & room Wi-Fi
check ID/password at front desk.

Public
“Seoul Wi-Fi” on streets,
subway & many city buses

Public networks sometimes open a login/terms page first. Mobile data from your own plan is usually faster and more secure for banking or reservations.

👩‍🏫 Teacher’s Tips — set up smoothly

1) Screenshot your QR / email.
Save your eSIM QR code and confirmation email offline before boarding.
비행기 타기 전, eSIM QR 코드와 주문 메일을 스크린샷으로 저장해 두세요.

2) Test at the counter.
Before you walk away, open a map and a messenger app once.
카운터를 떠나기 전에 지도·메신저 앱이 바로 열리는지 확인하세요.

3) One backup spot.
Save a nearby café with stable Wi-Fi as your emergency backup place.
근처에 와이파이가 잘 되는 카페를 하나 정해서 예비 장소로 저장해 두면 안심돼요.

❓ FAQ

Is my phone eSIM-ready?
Check your exact model on the manufacturer’s website. Many recent iPhone and Android models support eSIM.
휴대폰 제조사 공식 사이트에서 내 기종이 eSIM 지원인지 확인하는 것이 가장 정확해요.

Can I keep my home number?
Yes. With dual SIM / eSIM, set data to the Korea plan while keeping your home number active for SMS or calls.
듀얼 SIM/eSIM을 사용하면, 데이터만 한국 유심으로 쓰고 본국 번호는 그대로 유지할 수 있어요.

Is tethering allowed?
Often yes, but every plan is different—check the product page or ask at the counter.
대부분 테더링(핫스팟)이 가능하지만, 요금제마다 다르니 상품 설명이나 직원에게 꼭 확인하세요.

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