korea tour card counter

Download Mobile Guidebook

View card usage instructions, purchase/top-up guidelines, payment/use locations, and discount affiliates all at once.

Discounts/Benefits

Present your card to receive various benefits such as discounts and giveaways.

Purchase/Top-up

Find a nearby card purchase/top-up location.

Additional Usable Locations

You can use the credit loaded onto the KOREA TOUR CARD to make payments at various locations.

Transportation Information

Check subway, bus, airport, train station & route information.

about Korea by neue

Transportation Cards of South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide explains “Korea’s Transportation Cards,” covering types such as T-money, Cashbee, M-Pass, Korea Tour Card, and Single-Use Cards, along with usage, recharging, transfers, and tips for efficient travel in South Korea.

South Korea boasts one of the most efficient and convenient public transportation systems in the world. Central to this system are transportation cards, which streamline the process of paying for rides on buses, subways, and even taxis. For foreigners living in or visiting South Korea, understanding the different types of transportation cards, how to recharge them, and how transfers work can significantly enhance the travel experience. This guide provides an in-depth look at South Korea’s transportation cards, including types, usage, recharging methods, and transfer policies.

Table of Contents

Types of Transportation Cards

1. T-money Card

The T-money card is the most widely used transportation card in South Korea. It can be used on buses, subways, taxis, and even some convenience stores and vending machines.

• Where to Buy : T-money cards can be purchased at convenience stores such as GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, and Ministop, as well as at subway station kiosks.
• Initial Cost : The card itself typically costs around 2,500 to 4,000 KRW, excluding the initial recharge amount.

If you need more accurate and updated information, please visit the corresponding page. ( www.t-money.co.kr )

2. Cashbee Card

Another popular option, the Cashbee card, functions similarly to the T-money card and can be used across various modes of transport.

• Where to Buy : Available at convenience stores like GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, and Ministop, and some subway stations.
• Initial Cost : The cost of the Cashbee card is similar to that of the T-money card.

If you need more accurate and updated information, please visit the corresponding page. ( www.cashbee.co.kr )

3. M-Pass (Metropolitan Pass)

The M-Pass is designed specifically for tourists. It offers unlimited rides on subways and buses within the Seoul Metropolitan area for a specified number of days.

• Where to Buy : M-Pass can be purchased at Incheon International Airport, tourist information centers, and select subway stations.
• Validity and Cost : Available for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days, with prices starting at around 10,000 KRW for a one-day pass.

4. Korea Tour Card

This card caters to tourists and offers additional benefits, such as discounts at various tourist attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants.

• Where to Buy : Available at convenience stores, subway stations, and tourist information centers.
• Initial Cost : Typically costs around 4,000 KRW.

5. Single-Use Transportation Card

Single-use transportation cards are convenient for short-term visitors or occasional riders who do not want to invest in a reusable card.

• Where to Buy : These cards can be purchased at ticket vending machines located in subway stations.
• Cost : The cost includes a base fare plus a deposit of 500 KRW, which can be refunded after the trip by returning the card to the deposit refund machines available at the station.

How to Use Transportation Cards

• Boarding : When boarding a bus, simply tap your card on the card reader located near the driver. The fare will be automatically deducted.
• Exiting : Before exiting, tap your card again on the card reader near the rear door to register your departure.

• Entering : Tap your card on the card reader at the turnstiles to enter the subway system.
• Exiting : Upon arrival at your destination, tap your card again on the reader at the exit turnstiles.
• Payment : Not all taxis accept transportation cards, so look for a sign indicating card acceptance. If accepted, tap your card on the reader at the end of your ride.

4. Convenience Stores and Other Uses

• Purchases : T-money and Cashbee cards can be used for small purchases at participating convenience stores and vending machines. Tap your card on the reader at the checkout.

How to Recharge Transportation Cards

1. Convenience Stores

• Process : Visit any convenience store (e.g., GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop) and ask the cashier to recharge your card. You can choose the amount you wish to add, typically ranging from 1,000 KRW to 90,000 KRW.

2. Subway Stations

• Recharge Machines : Locate the recharge machines available at most subway stations. Select the language option (English is usually available), place your card on the reader, and insert the cash to add the desired amount.

3. Online Recharge

• Mobile Apps : Some mobile apps allow you to recharge your transportation card using a smartphone. Apps like “T-money” offer this feature, but a Korean bank account is often required.
• Internet Banking : If you have a Korean bank account, you can recharge your card through internet banking services.

4. Automatic Recharge

• Linked Accounts : Some cards can be linked to a bank account for automatic recharge when the balance falls below a certain threshold. This service typically requires registration through the card issuer’s website or a bank.

Transfer Policies

1. Free Transfers

• Subways and Buses : South Korea offers free transfers between buses and subways, or between different buses, as long as the transfer is made within 30 minutes of tapping out (1 hour during late night hours).
• Conditions : To qualify for a free transfer, you must use the same transportation card and tap in and out correctly. Multiple transfers can be made without incurring additional base fares, but distance fees may still apply.

2. Transfer Limits

• Transfer Count : Typically, you can make up to four transfers per journey, including between different buses and subways.
• Time Limit : The total journey, including transfers, should not exceed 2 hours.

3. Exceptions

• Same Bus Route : Free transfers are not allowed between the same bus route. You must transfer to a different bus route or mode of transport.

Additional Tips

1. Checking Your Balance

• Balance Readers : Balance readers are available at subway stations and on buses. Tap your card to check the remaining balance.
• Mobile Apps : Some transportation cards have mobile apps that allow you to check your balance and transaction history.

2. Card Registration

• Online Registration : Register your transportation card online to protect against loss or theft. Registered cards can be deactivated and the balance transferred to a new card.
• Personal Information : When registering, you may need to provide personal information and a contact number.
• Refund Process : If you no longer need your card, you can request a refund for the remaining balance. Visit a card issuer’s service center or a designated refund location, such as a major subway station.
• Service Fee : A small service fee may be deducted from the refunded amount.

Understanding and using transportation cards in South Korea is crucial for efficient and convenient travel. With multiple types of cards available, each offering unique benefits, you can choose the one that best fits your needs. From purchasing and recharging to making transfers, these cards simplify the process of navigating South Korea’s extensive public transportation system. By familiarizing yourself with the usage, recharging methods, and transfer policies, you can make the most of your travel experience in South Korea.

In summary, “Korea’s Transportation Cards” such as T-money, Cashbee, M-Pass, Korea Tour Card, and Single-Use Transportation Card, are essential tools for navigating public transport. They offer convenient payment options and seamless transfer capabilities, making your travels across South Korea efficient and enjoyable.

Tourist Information Center Address 85 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (In front of Samilgyo Bridge) T 1800-9008 Email [email protected] Operating Hours 10:00 ~ 19:00 (Closed on Lunar New Year's and Chuseok holidays)

Transportation Card / Travel Pass

This is an all-in-one prepaid transportation card you can use not only for transportation fares such as bus, subway, and taxi but also for certain retail purchases such as convenience stores, fast food places and cosmetics store. When you use public transportation, and especially when you make a transfer, this card applies discount benefits, making it especially useful to tourists. - After purchasing a card, you can charge the card up to KRW 500,000 with cash, credit card, or a bank account transfer.

• After purchasing a card, you can charge the card up to KRW 500,000 with cash, credit card, or a bank account transfer.
• T-money card has a discount benefit that applies when you board any Seoul, Gyeonggi, or Incheon bus within 30 minutes after boarding a subway; you can transfer up to 4 times in one journey.
• You can transfer money in between T-money cards (less than KRW 20,000); the cost of the card itself is non-refundable.

Convenience stores (GS25, CU, Ministop, 7-Eleven, etc.) Customer Safety Office in Subway Station (Line 1-4) or I Center (Line 5-8), SKT, KT, LGU+ agents (Mobile T-Money USIM only), online T-Money Shop

Convenience store GS25, 7-Eleven, some vendors (refund amount less than 20,000 won / GS25.20,000 won) Convenience store CU, Ministop, E-Mart 24 (refund amount less than 30,000 won) T-money service center in subway station (refund amount is less than 50,000 won) Bank ATM / Shinhan, Woori, Hana, Kookmin, etc. (Refund amount less than 500,000 won) Mobile / SKT, KT, LGU+ (refund amount less than 500,000 won) Visit T-money Town at Seoul Station (refund amount is less than 500,000 won)

This is a transportation daily pass which enables the users to ride the public transportation such as Seoul metropolitan subway and Jeju buses up to 20 times a day. Your passport and a deposit of KRW 5,000 is required upon purchase. After you exceed its number of days of use, you can continue to use the card as a T-money card.

• 1-Day Pass: KRW 15,000 / 2-Day Pass: KRW 23,000 / 3-Day Pass: KRW 30,500 / 5-Day Pass: KRW 47,500 / 7-Day Pass: KRW 64,500 (includes a deposit of KRW 5,000, which is refunded after a deduction of KRW 500 when you return the card)
• The first day of use will be calculated as the first day you use the card until the midnight of the day.
• This card cannot be used on Airport Railroad Express, Shinbundang Line, Red Bus (R), and ITX.

T-money Town at Seoul Station (9 AM–6 PM): Only Weekdays

3. Korea Tour Card

기This is a transportation-tourism card exclusively for foreign nationals that includes discounts and/or benefits from 170 different brands in total related to tourism, shopping, K-wave (hallyu), performances, etc. in addition to basic transportation card features.

• Price: KRW 4,000 / This card should be charged and used like a T-money card

CU, 7-Eleven, gs25, emart24, Jeju Int'l Airport, AIR SEOUL, Woori Bank (Incheon Int'l Airport, Gimpo Int'l Aiport), Seoul Metro, Shinhan Bank (Incheon Int'l Airport, Hongik University Branch, Myeong-dong Branch, Gimpo Int'l Airport), Global Tax Free (Doota, Head Branch of Olive Young at Myeong-dong); for convenience stores and emart, please check the Korea Tour Card website.

Major convenience store chains (varies according to each branch), T-money Centers in subway stations (only amounts below KRW 50,000 can be refunded) Woori Bank (Gimpo), Incheon Currency Exchange Counter’s T-money Town (Below KRW 30,000–500,000) *Price of the card itself (KRW 4,000) is non-refundable

4. Discover Seoul Pass

This tourist pass card is exclusively for foreign nationals. It gives you free entry or discount benefits at certain tourist spots in Seoul for a set period of time and can also be used as a transportation card. It can also be used on the airport railroad (1 time only) and for Seoul Public Bike (Ttareungi).

• 24-Hour Pass: KRW 50,000 / 48-Hour Pass: KRW 70,000 / 72-Hour Pass: KRW 90,000won ※Mobile passes cannot be used as transportation cards.

Choose between card and mobile pass → Pass type → Pickup → Payment (Credit Card, PayPal, Alipay, etc.) After you purchase the card online, pick up your card from Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 1 or 2, Gimpo Int'l Airport, or Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center. Where to Buy: Discover Seoul Pass, WAUG, KLOOK, Konest, Hanchao, KKDAY, HaB Korea, GMarket Global, CTrip, Tripadvisor, Subway Korea App, etc.

Download Discover Seoul Pass App / Mobile version cannot be used as T-money card

Available for purchase at Incheon Int'l Airport and designated sellers within Seoul: 4 currency exchange counters (Hana Bank) in the Arrivals Hall at Incheon Int'l Airport, Hana Bank in B1F at Incheon Int'l Airport, 3 CU convenience stores in the Arrivals Hall at Incheon Int'l Airport Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center, KEB Hana Bank (Hongik University Station branch), Gwanghwamun and DDP City Tour Bus ticket office, Hongik University and Dongdaemun Tourist Information Offices, Seocho Tourist Information Center, Mapo Tourist Information Center, Myeong-dong Premium Lounge, L7 Hotel (Myeong-dong, Gangnam, Hongdae branches), Skypark Myeongdong (I, II & III), Central, Dongdaemun, and Kingstown (Dongdaemun branch) Millennium Hilton Hotel, THE PLAZA Seoul Hotel, Fraser Place Namdaemun, Central Hotel, Koreana Hotel, SM Artium, Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun, Tmark, Center Mark Hotel, etc.

5. Korail Pass

This is a railroad pass for foreign nationals. It gives you unlimited use of KTX Standard Room Seats or Saemaeul-ho Standard Room Seats or any lower seat types (2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day, and 5-Day passes available).

• Normal Prices (For adults aged 28 or older) Select 2 days (2 days out of 10 days): KRW 121,000 /3 days in a row: KRW 138,000 Select 4 days (2 days out of 10 days):KRW 193,000 /5 days in a row: KRW 210,000
• Saver (2–5 persons) Prices (For adults aged 28 or older)
• Select 2 days: KRW 111,000 / 3 days in a row: KRW 128,000 Select 4 days: KRW 183,000 / 5 days in a row: KRW 200,000
• Accepted Cards: VISA, MASTER, AMEX, JCB, DINERS/China UnionPay cards (Only accepted for offline purchases)
• You can immediately start using the card after you reserve a KR pass and print its E-ticket on the Korail English website

Korail Pass Reservation Page on Korail Home Page KORAIL Travel Center – Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, Suwon Station, Yeongdeungpo Station, Cheongnyangni Station, etc

In My Korea

Korean SIM Cards And Tourist ESIMs At Incheon Airport 2024

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you’ve probably considered getting a Korean SIM card or an alternative, such as an eSIM, pocket WiFi router, or free WiFi. Learn how to get a tourist SIM card at Incheon Airport, what data and call plans are available, how much SIM cards cost, and lots more in this detailed guide. Discover how to stay connected wherever you go in Korea.

Navigating the vibrant streets of Seoul, ordering mouth-watering Korean dishes, and translating tricky Hangul signs, become a breeze if you can connect to the net. Use essential travel apps like Papago, Naver Map, Kakao Taxi, and Seoul Subway to communicate, navigate, and get around.

This article will guide you through the process of purchasing a Korean SIM card at Incheon Airport. It will explain about tourist SIM cards, including eSIMs, what the cheapest SIM card options are, and provide you with lots more really useful tips about connecting to the internet in Korea.

Table of Contents

For those who prefers watching a video version of this article:

Affiliate Disclaimer :  This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Korean SIM Cards For Tourists: Summary

This detailed article to buying a Korean SIM card for tourists at Incheon Airport will cover lots of topics, including Korean mobile operators , Korean SIM card options , how to buy a SIM card , Korean eSIM cards , and alternatives to SIM cards , such as WiFi and roaming. There are also lots of my own tips.

If you don’t want to read through everything, this section of the article provides a short summary of why you should buy a tourist SIM card at Incheon Airport , how much tourist SIM cards cost, and whether you should book online or buy on arrival. I hope this summary helps you with your Korea trip planning.

Why Purchase A Korean SIM Card At Incheon Airport?

As a tourist traveling to South Korea, purchasing a SIM card at Incheon Airport can be a convenient and efficient way to ensure you stay connected during your trip. Most travellers to Korea arrive at Incheon Airport and having a SIM card from the moment you arrive can be really useful.

Here are some reasons why you might want to buy a SIM or eSIM card at Incheon Airport:

• Convenience : Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, you’ll find several telecom providers offering SIM cards with a variety of plans. This means you can start your trip with a working phone, without the need to search for a store in the city.
• Tourist Friendly : Incheon Airport sells tourist SIM cards , which are designed for travellers to Korea and are valid from 1 to 90 days. These are easier to get than regular Korean SIM cards.
• Language Issues : Staff at Incheon Airport are used to dealing with customers in English and a range of other languages. It’ll be much easier to ask questions and solve issues at the airport.
• Variety of Plans : Whether you need a data-only plan or one that includes voice calls and text messages, you’re likely to find a plan that suits your needs. All providers offer unlimited data plans, which can be very useful if you plan to use map or translation apps extensively.
• Ease of Use : Once you purchase a tourist SIM card, all you need to do is insert it into your phone, and you’re good to go. Most providers will offer assistance if you’re unsure how to install the SIM card. If you want an eSIM, the staff can also show you how to set up that.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Phone Compatibility : Your phone needs to be unlocked in order to use a Korean SIM card. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you won’t be able to use the SIM card. It’s best to check your phone and provider before travelling to Korea.
• Cost : While buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, it might not always be the most cost-effective option. It’s worth doing some research beforehand to compare prices and plans. You can often save money by ordering online and collecting at the airport.
• Duration of Stay : If you’re only staying for a few days, it might be more economical to use international roaming or rely on Wi-Fi hotspots or routers instead of buying a SIM card.
• Number of Travellers : SIM cards only allow one phone or tablet to connect to the internet, but if you’re travelling in a group, that means getting one for each person. A portable WiFi router might be more convenient in Korea for large groups vs. separate SIM cards.

These issues, and more, will be discussed in this article. Overall, there are many benefits of getting a SIM card or some other method of connecting to the internet. Planning ahead and being prepared, such as by reading this article, will help you get the best deal and avoid any headaches on arrival.

How Much Does A Korean SIM Card Or eSIM Cost?

Here’s a cost comparison of prepaid Korean SIM cards with unlimited data at Incheon Airport and from Klook , one of the best tour operators in Korea, as well as eSIM prices. The highlighted options are the best prices available for each period from any of the three major mobile operators in Korea.

As you can see from the information below, prepaid data SIM cards for 7 and 15 days are only available at Incheon Airport and can’t be purchased online. Prepaid data SIM cards and eSIMs are typically cheaper when bought online, but you might also consider getting a pocket WiFi router , too.

Please note : The cost of SIM cards and eSIM cards from the 3 major Korean mobile operators at Incheon Airport are the same. Both physical SIM cards and eSIM cards at Incheon Airport come with the same network and security guarantees, so you can use either one when visiting Korea.

Incheon Airport 4G SIM

Unlimited Data Sim

1 Day: ₩6,600

3 Days: ₩18,000

5 Days: ₩27,500

7 Days: ₩35,000

10 Days: ₩38,500

15 Days: ₩55,000

20 Days: ₩60,500

30 Days: ₩71,500

Klook Prepaid 4G SIM Card

1 Day: From ₩5,700

3 Days: From ₩15,700

5 Days: From ₩23,800

7 Days: N/A

10 Days: From ₩32,800

15 Days: N/A

20 Days: From ₩51,500

30 Days: From ₩60,800

Klook Prepaid 4G ESIM Card

Unlimited Data eSim

3 Days: From ₩17,500

5 Days: From ₩24,500

10 Days: From ₩34,500

20 Days: From ₩53,500

30 Days: From ₩63,500

All of the information regarding SIM card prices is based on research conducted at Incheon Airport and from online resources, including Klook and others. I will endeavour to keep prices updated so that you can make the right decision regarding the best Korean SIM card for you.

These prices are based on services offered by the 3 major mobile operators in Korea.There may be cheaper SIM card options available through smaller Korean mobile operators, but I can’t guarantee their quality and service. Therefore, I won’t discuss them in this article.

Should I Book Online Or Buy At Incheon Airport?

The simplest way to get a tourist SIM card in Korea is to buy one when you arrive at Incheon Airport. There are 24 hour desks run by all three major mobile operators in Korea who sell Korean SIM cards at similar prices and all with unlimited data as a standard option. ESIMs are available, too.

However, there are advantages to booking a SIM card online and collecting it at Incheon Airport from the same booths that sell tourist SIM cards. Booking online is usually cheaper, as SIM card resellers offer an incentive to book through them. Furthermore, you can research about which SIM you need.

Researching before you travel, such as by reading this article, will help you know which companies offer the best service, where to get the best price, which SIM card has the best reputation, and if there are any alternatives available. You might also want to get a global eSIM if you plan to travel more.

Therefore, I recommend researching online first, then booking online to save money and to choose the best tourist SIM card that’s right for you. For people who want to travel to other countries after Korea, such as Japan or Taiwan, I recommend looking into global eSIMs as these may save you more.

If you do want to book a Korean sim card online, here are some of the sites I recommend. You can order online and collect the sim card at Incheon Airport.

• Get Your Guide

For those who want an eSIM instead, you can get those at Incheon Airport, or book local, roaming, and global eSIMs from these sites:

• Airola eSIMs
• Ubigi eSIMs
• Nomad eSIMs
• Klook eSIMs

Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be able to easily and conveniently connect to the internet in South Korea. Incheon Airport is a great place to get a SIM card or portable WiFi router and the helpful and friendly staff can assist you in many different languages.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa , but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected : Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay : For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul : Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators : Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook , Trazy , Viator , and Get Your Guide . These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.

Seoul City Passes : Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass . These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around : For public transport, grab a T-Money Card . Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass . To see more of Korea, there are many rental car options from Klook , EconomyBookings , and RentalCars .

Travel Money : Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea : I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

Travel Insurance : It is important to insure your trips to protect yourself against the unexpected. World Nomad is a specialized travel insurance provider with options for different coverage for travellers from around the world. You can also purchase cover when you are already travelling.

How To Learn Korean : The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

Korean Tourist SIM Card Providers

In South Korea, there are three major mobile operators that provide SIM cards for tourists: KT , SK Telecom , and LG U+ . These major mobile operators essentially offer the same service and have great coverage across the country. They also have similar plans with similar prices for tourists.

• KT (Olleh): Korea Telecom (KT) is one of the largest network companies in South Korea. They offer a variety of prepaid SIM cards that can be pre-ordered and picked up at the airport. They also offer a Voice & Text SIM card which can be topped up with credits for voice calls.
• SK Telecom: SK Telecom is ideal for customers with small usage amounts and short-term visitors to Korea. Their rate plans include basic charge, voice service fee, VAT, and subscription fee. Pre-paid additional services are charged on a daily basis.
• LG U+: LG U+ offers physical SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists. They provide unlimited data and phone calls, Wi-Fi and Phone rental services. Their eSIM can be used on any device that supports eSIM technology. LG U+ offers extensive network coverage across South Korea.

Mobile phone connections in Korea are always good (especially compared to my home country of England!). Whichever phone provider you choose, you’ll experience great connectivity and coverage wherever you are in Korea. That’s true even when hiking in Korea’s national parks!

If you want to know what the SK Telecom’s SIM card is like, check out my review of the SK 4G SIM card that you can buy at Incheon Airport. I talk about the SIM price, coverage, service, reliability and other factors that are all really important when considering which SIM card to buy in Korea.

Personally, I use KT mobile services in Korea and haven’t had problems with connecting to the internet or making calls. According to the 2022 mobile experience awards , SK Telecom was the clear winner with the best overall experience, 5G experience, and consistency, as shown in the image below.

Korean SIM Cards For Tourists In 2024

The type of SIM card plan you get as a tourist in Korea depends on what you want to use your phone for. As with any SIM card plan, there are a number of options you should consider when making your choice, such as if you get calls with data or just data, and whether you have unlimited usage or not.

Prepaid Korean SIM Cards With Unlimited Data

A SIM card with unlimited data is the standard option for tourists travelling to Korea and is an easy and convenient SIM card option that will allow you to connect to the internet whenever you like and for as long as you like. These SIM cards will allow you to receive calls for free, but you can’t make calls.

Prepaid Korean SIM cards with unlimited data are priced per day, with various fixed-period SIM card options available. Not all companies provide sims for the same number of days, but the prices for data-only SIM card plans for 30 days or fewer are the same for all phone companies in Korea.

These are the SIM & eSIM card prices you’ll pay if you buy them at Incheon Airport:

60 Days: ₩107,200

90 Days: ₩143,000

40 Days: ₩99,000

60 Days: ₩143,000

To show that these are the correct prices (at time of publishing this article), here are the pictures I took from Incheon Airport of the tourist SIM and eSIM prices by the 3 major mobile operators.

Prepaid Korean SIM Cards With Data, Calls & Texts

When you purchase a Korean SIM card with data from Incheon Airport or online, there is an option to add-on the ability to make outgoing calls and to send text messages. Unlimited data SIMs typically only allow incoming calls and text messages, but for a small fee you can add calls and texts.

To request the ability to make calls and to send texts with your Korean prepaid SIM card, you should top-up the SIM card. Please note : You must state that you want to get calls and text messages when you collect and install your sim card at Incheon Airport.

The cost to add-on calls and texts to your SIM card package for all mobile operators is as follows:

• ₩5,500 for 20 minutes of calls (some operators have a minimum add-on of ₩11,000)

Personally, I think most tourists to Korea won’t need call services and there are lots of ways to make calls without this add-on. You can download apps such as Kakao Talk , Messenger, What’s App, and other messaging services that allow you to talk using data instead. It’s much cheaper.

The main benefit of a Korean SIM card with calls is to use it to call Korean phone numbers, which could be useful to book meals out, reserve tickets, and use certain Korean apps. However, I believe the majority of tourists to Korea will be able to travel perfectly fine without this feature.

90 Day Korean SIM Card Plans

If you plan to stay in Korea for longer than a week or two, such as to study, visit friends or family, or travel across the country, then a 60 or 90 day Korean SIM card plan could be a good option for you. Purchasing a 60 or 90 day SIM card is cheaper and easier than buying multiple 30 day SIM card plans.

How To Extend Tourist SIM Plans

For those travellers to Korea who originally purchased a 30 day SIM card plan from one of the major mobile operators, but want to use these services for longer, it’s possible to extend tourist SIM plans beyond the original 30 days. Tourist SIMs can be used for a maximum of 90 days in total.

Extending a tourist SIM card is simple and can be done online through the relevant mobile operator’s website. All you need to do is enter your phone number and agree to pay for an extra 30 days of service. This renewal fee is typically cheaper than the cost of the original plan, up to 50% cheaper .

Please note : You must extend your SIM plan before your current plan has expired, otherwise you’ll need to sign up for a new SIM card and won’t get any discounts for extending. Monthly extensions aren’t available on tourist SIM cards that were originally valid for under 30 days.

How To Buy A Tourist SIM Card At Incheon Airport

Buying a tourist SIM card at Incheon Airport is really easy. Whether you preordered a SIM card before you travelled, or you want to buy one when you arrive, the process is more or less the same. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to purchase a tourist SIM card at Incheon Airport:

1. Arrival at Incheon Airport : Once you arrive at Incheon Airport, proceed to the arrival hall after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage. This is the same process for either terminal.

2. Locate SIM Card Booths : Look for the SIM card booths of the three major Korean mobile operators: SK Telecom , KT , and LG U+ . These booths are located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You might need to take a waiting ticket if it’s busy when you arrive.

3. Choose a Plan : Review the different SIM card options available, including the length of the prepaid SIM contract and cost. All of the SIM card plans at Incheon Airport come with unlimited data allowance. If you’ve preordered a SIM card online, you can collect it at the relevant booth here, too.

4. Phone Compatibility : Before purchasing a SIM card, make sure your phone is completely unlocked with your mobile provider. This is especially important if your phone is from The United States, Canada, Japan, or The Philippines. Korean tourist SIM cards are Normal, Nano, and Micro sized.

5. Purchase : Once you’ve decided on a plan that suits your needs, you can purchase the SIM card at the booth. Some operators also offer the option to include a T-money Transportation Card , which is a public transportation card that you can charge and use to take subways and buses in Korea.

If you purchased a SIM card online before travelling to Korea, such as those from Klook, you will need to show your voucher to the staff at the relevant booth to collect your reserved SIM card. You will also need to show your passport in both situations to prove your identity and register the SIM.

6 . Installation : After purchasing, you can ask the staff at the booth to help you install the SIM card in your phone. There is also a small table near the SIM card booth where you can eject your current SIM card using a small metal tool to release it from your phone.

7 . Activation : Once the SIM card is installed, follow the instructions provided to activate it. You should now be able to use your phone to make calls and access the internet in Korea. If your phone doesn’t connect to the internet at first, try turning the power on and off and checking again.

Incheon Airport SIM Card Booth Opening Hours

There will be at least 1 SIM card booth at Incheon Airport for each Korean mobile operator that is open 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday. No matter what time you arrive at Incheon Airport, you will be able to collect or purchase your SIM card and start using it straight away.

The SIM card booths near gate 10 on the 1st floor Arrivals Hall of Incheon Airport are open 24 hours. This is for KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+. Other booths are available from 6am until 10pm daily.

How To Preorder A Korean SIM Card Online

Preordering a Korean SIM card online through agencies such as Klook can not only save you money vs. SIM card prices at Incheon Airport, you can also get some added extras included, too. Here’s a step-by-step guide about how to purchase a tourist SIM card online for South Korea:

1. Choose a Provider : There are several websites where you can purchase a SIM card for South Korea, such as Klook, Get Your Guide, Trazy, and KK Day. I’ll provide more details about these later.

2. Select a Plan : Search for ‘Korean SIM card’ (or use my direct links) on your chosen site and you’ll see various options available. These may include unlimited data plans, plans with limited data, and plans that also include voice calls and text messages. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

3. Enter Your Details : After selecting a plan, you’ll need to provide some information. This includes your full name, passport number, and arrival date, as well as the location you want to collect the SIM card. Don’t forget, you’ll need your passport to collect and activate the SIM card when you arrive.

4. Make a Payment : Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, proceed to the payment section. Most websites accept international credit cards and PayPal and some, such as Klook, might offer reward points or discounts for using their services.

5. Confirmation : After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email or voucher with details about your purchase. This email will also include instructions on where and how to pick up your SIM card at Incheon Airport. Show this voucher or email when you arrive to collect your SIM card.

6. Pick Up Your SIM Card : Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, head to the pick-up location mentioned in your confirmation email. Don’t forget to bring your passport and confirmation email for verification.

Remember, before you preorder a SIM card, it’s important to check if your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Korean network before purchasing a SIM card. You can find out more about that in the ‘ What to check before you buy a SIM card ‘ section later in this article.

Where To Preorder Korean SIM Cards Online

There are lots of websites that offer discounted SIM cards to use in Korea and it can be hard to know which ones to trust and which have the best prices. To make it easier to choose the right SIM card for you, here are 4 of the best SIM card resellers that I recommend when travelling to Korea:

Klook SIM Cards

Klook is one of the best tour operators in Korea and has a reputation for offering a wide selection of services, including tourist SIM cards and WiFi rental. Their easy-to-use website and booking system makes it fast and simple to preorder your SIM card for South Korea. You can reserve your must-do tours at the same time, too.

Get Your Guide SIM Cards

Get Your Guide are arguably one of the biggest and best global tour operators that has a significant presence in Korea. They offer a combined SIM and T-Money Card package that’s really useful for first time travellers to South Korea. If you’ve booked through Get Your Guide when travelling to other countries, you know you can trust their services.

KKDay SIM Cards

KKDay is a growing Asia-based tour operator that offers a range of SIM card options for travellers to Korea, including one SIM card plan with international delivery. If you want to try a Korean SIM card not from one of the 3 major Korean mobile operators, you can get them from KKDay. They’re usually cheaper than the SIM cards you’ll find at Incheon Airport.

Trazy SIM Cards

Trazy is a Korea-based travel booking site with lots of unique activities and experiences that you won’t find on other sites. There are lots of great SIM card options on Trazy, as well as packages that include transportation cards, that can be collected at Incheon Airport or in other parts of Seoul. You can also book SIM cards with voice and SMS credits included.

Preordering SIM Cards Vs. Buying At Incheon Airport

Whether you preorder a SIM card online or buy one at Incheon Airport, the service you receive from the 3 major Korean mobile operators will be the same. The main difference between these options is price, with preordering about 10% cheaper vs. tourist SIM card prices at Incheon Airport.

Here’s a quick overview of the main benefits of both processes, followed up by a comparison between the two options so you can see why you might want to consider preordering a Korean tourist SIM card when you travel to Korea instead of getting it at Incheon Airport.

Preordering Online : Preordering a SIM card online allows you to compare different plans and prices at your own pace, matching them to your own needs. You can also check out reviews from other customers and see what their experience was like, which will help to reassure you about your choice.

Once you’ve made a decision, you can make a purchase from the comfort of your home and in your own currency. Upon arrival in Korea, simply pick up your SIM card at the designated counter at Incheon Airport. This saves you time and potentially money, as online platforms often offer discounts.

Buying at Incheon Airport : Purchasing a SIM card directly at Incheon Airport is straightforward and convenient, especially if you didn’t have time to preorder online. There are several counters selling SIM cards, each offering different plans. You can ask the staff any questions and they will help you activate the SIM card on the spot. However, prices at Incheon airport are higher compared to online.

Here’s a comparison table to summarise the differences between preordering a SIM card and buying one at Incheon Airport when you arrive:

Korean ESIM Cards At Incheon Airport

A popular alternative to physical SIM cards for travellers to Korea is an eSIM. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a relatively new technology that has the same benefits of a physical SIM, without needing one. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you download a “software SIM” from a network provider.

For tourists traveling to South Korea, using an eSIM can be a convenient option as you don’t need to remove (and risk losing) your home country’s SIM card. Depending on your eSIM, you can also use the service in other countries without the need for another SIM card.

The potential benefits of using an eSIM in Korea include:

• Convenience : No need to physically swap SIM cards when you travel.
• Cost : Some eSIMs offer cheaper rates than regular SIM cards, however, be sure to check the conditions, data limits, and reviews when booking a low-cost eSIM. Some plans allow you to pay only for the data you use, which could be cheaper than unlimited data plans.
• Environmentally Friendly : Less plastic waste is produced without physical SIM cards.
• Future Travel : Some eSIMs provide roaming services, so you can use the eSIM in other countries, which can save money when visiting multiple countries.

However, there are some potential disadvantages of eSIMs that you should consider:

• Compatibility : Not all devices support eSIM yet.
• Limited Data Allowance : Some eSIMs may throttle data speeds after a certain amount of data has been used. Be sure to check the daily allowance.
• Swapping Providers : If you frequently switch between carriers, using an eSIM can be more complex than simply swapping physical SIM cards.
• Activation : You may need to activate the eSIM as soon as it’s installed, which means you’ll either need to download and install it before you travel, or wait until you land at Incheon Airport.

Overall, there are many benefits to eSIMs and tech-savvy travellers will be fine using these alternatives to physical SIM cards. However, I recommend carefully checking the terms and conditions of eSIM plans to make sure you’re getting a good deal and can use an eSIM with your phone.

How To Use eSIMS In Korea

Using an eSIM in Korea isn’t really any different from using a physical SIM card, except for the installation. Once the eSIM is installed, you should be ready to browse the web and receive phone calls and texts. Here’s a basic overview of how to use an eSIM when you travel to Korea:

1. Check Device Compatibility : Ensure your device supports eSIM. Many newer smartphones and tablets have this feature, particularly those made after 2020. Check this list of eSIM compatible devices to see if your phone can accept an eSIM or not.

2. Choose a Provider : Search for providers in Korea that offer eSIM services. All 3 major mobile operators offer eSIM cards online and at Incheon Airport. Some international providers also offer global eSIM plans which can be used in other countries, too.

3. Purchase and Download : Once you’ve chosen a plan, you can purchase it online and download the eSIM right onto your device. However, check the conditions of your eSIM as it may be activated the moment it’s installed. Some eSIM providers might also require you to download an app.

4. Activation : Follow the provider’s instructions to activate your eSIM. This usually involves scanning a QR code or entering a confirmation code. Be sure to check the instructions carefully.

Each eSIM company will have their own rules and instructions for using an eSIM in Korea. I recommend thoroughly checking the instructions provided by your chosen provider before signing up

Physical SIM Cards Vs. ESIMs For Korea

Whether you choose to use a physical SIM card or eSIM card when you travel to Korea is really down to your own personal preference. The price for both physical SIM cards and eSIM cards from Korean mobile operators at Incheon Airport is the same and the data plan for both is unlimited.

However, there are more options for eSIM cards than just those offered by Korea’s mobile operators. Global eSIMs allow you to route through the phone networks of other countries, such as from Hong Kong, to access the internet in Korea. These typically won’t give you a phone number, though.

Global eSIMs can be cheaper to use in Korea than local (Korean) eSIMs and they can be used in other countries too. This can be really useful if you plan to travel to multiple countries and only want to get one phone plan. Again, check eSIM card reviews to find out which plans are the best for you.

Here’s a comparison between physical SIM cards and eSIM cards for travellers to Korea:

Where To Buy Tourist ESIMs For Korea

The 3 major Korean mobile operations all offer eSIMs at Incheon Airport and the price for physical SIM cards and eSIM cards are the same. They offer unlimited data eSIMs for fixed periods that have the same coverage and reliability as a physical SIM card. The price for these eSIMs are as follows:

3 Days: ₩15,700

5 Days: ₩23,800

10 Days: ₩33,300

20 Days: ₩53,500

30 Days: ₩62,300

It is also possible to buy Korean and global eSIMs online before you travel to Korea. As with physical SIM cards, buying an eSIM online is often cheaper than buying it at Incheon Airport and you gain the benefits discussed previously, which you can see in the drop down box below:

To save you time searching for the best Korean eSIMs from the many online companies offering local and global eSIMs, here are 4 companies that I recommend for reliable network connections, good prices, strong customer reviews, and availability in Korea and abroad.

Airalo ESIM

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices. The Airalo Korean eSIM operates through the LG U+ network and is available in 10 or 30 day packages. They also offer Global eSIMs that can be used in 130 countries.

Ubigi offers eSIMs that you can use in your phone, tablet, laptop, and even connected cars. Simply get an Ubigi eSIM plan for mobile data and save money. Prices start at $5 for a 7-day eSIM that gives you up to 1GB of data. Perfect for people who don’t plan to use their phone a lot but still want to stay connected. Local, regional, and global eSIMs available with various levels of data.

The Nomad eSIM is designed for people who like to travel and stay connected. You can travel to over 165 countries with one Nomad eSIM and pay almost local rates in each. For travellers to Korea, there is a 5GB / 10GB data plan for 30 days which starts at $12 / $20 and gives you access to either KT or SK Telecom’s local mobile network. This eSIM would be ideal for tourists who want to use their phone a lot.

As mentioned, Klook is one of the best tour operators in Korea and have a reputation for offering a wide selection of services, including tourist eSIM cards. Their easy-to-use website and booking system makes it fast and simple to preorder your eSIM card for South Korea. They offer eSIMs from local mobile operators, as well as from other providers.

Alternatives To Buying A Korean SIM Card

There are several alternatives to buying a tourist SIM card when you visit Korea, including WiFi routers that connect to the same networks, free WiFi access from local access points, and using your home phone plan in roaming mode. Here’s a brief overview of each of those options.

Portable WiFi Routers

Renting a portable WiFi router from Incheon Airport is one of the most popular alternatives to buying a Korean tourist SIM card for several reasons.

First, portable WiFi routers can be used by multiple devices, which means families only need one router instead of multiple SIMs.

Also, a router has a lower cost for short-term travellers (under 2 weeks) with WiFi routers starting at ₩3,200 per day.

Furthermore, you can use routers for longer than planned and pay the excess when you return it at Incheon Airport.

Portable WiFi routers have near-perfect coverage across Korea and use the same secure networks as local SIM cards.

To rent a portable WiFi router from Incheon Airport, you will need to reserve and pay using a credit card with the following requirements:

• The card must have more than 3 months validity remaining.
• You can only use Visa or Mastercard.
• You must use the same card to reserve and collect the WiFi router.
• The card must be in the same name as the person booking and collecting.
• Debit cards are not accepted.

The credit card guarantees that you’ll return the WiFi router (or else you’ll be charged for the device) and allows you to extend the amount of time you use the router without having to renew your original contract. Simply pay the excess when you leave from Incheon Airport.

Free WiFi In Seoul & Korea

Korea, especially in cities like Seoul and Busan, has great public WiFi that is available for free and you can definitely travel Korea using only free WiFi. Most cafes, restaurants, public transport, and public places offer free WiFi that’s easy to connect to and has high-speed internet access. Subway stations, buses, and train stations all offer free WiFi, which makes them practical places to plan your day’s travelling and check your location. Hotels also offer free WiFi.

Home Mobile Service Provider

Many mobile operators offer roaming services that allow you to use your own phone plan overseas, such as in Korea. This may be a simpler and still cost-effective way of using data and making calls while you’re abroad, especially if you don’t want to deal with installing a new SIM card when travelling. The price and services will depend on your phone service provider, so you’ll need to contact them to see if it’s a good option for you.

Best Option For Staying Connected In Korea

What’s the best way to stay connected in South Korea? There are several options to get connected when you visit Korea, including SIM cards (physical and eSIM), WiFi routers, free WiFi, and roaming services from your home mobile operator. Each have their own benefits and disadvantages.

Based on my experience travelling in Korea and using SIM cards, WiFi routers, and free WiFi to connect the internet, I recommend a combination of SIM card and free WiFi . Having internet access while you walk around Seoul and other places is extremely useful, especially to check directions.

However, you’re not likely to use large amounts of data while you’re looking around palaces or seeing the sights like the Seoul Sky Observatory. The times when you’re likely to use lots of data are often in places where you can access free WiFi, such as in your hotel, in a cafe, or on a bus or train journey.

Therefore, I recommend a SIM or eSIM card that has enough data for apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Taxi , but not more than you need as you can use free WiFi to stream videos, download books, etc. When I travel to the UK, I get a SIM card with a couple of GB of data and use free WiFi for streaming.

This 2GB Global eSIM from Airola is only $17 and lasts for 15 days, covering 130 countries (including Japan), so you can use it even if you have a layover in another country or plan to visit other countries. It has 2GB of data, which is usually enough if you use free WiFi for big data demands.

What To Check Before Buying A SIM Card

Whether you plan to buy a Korean SIM card, eSIM card, or a global eSIM card, you should check if your phone is compatible or not. Korean tourist SIM cards work on the 4G network, so you should check your phone is capable of handling 4G, which most phones made in the last 5 years will do.

Before purchasing a Korean SIM card or eSIM card, there are several things you should check:

• Phone Compatibility : Ensure your phone is compatible with the SIM or eSIM. For eSIMs, this typically means having a latest-generation phone.
• Sim Card Size : Korean tourist SIM cards are available in Normal, Nano, and Micro sizes, which should fit most modern phones. Check your phone if you’re not sure of your SIM card size.
• Locked phones : Some operators lock phones so they only work with their own network, meaning you can’t add a Korean SIM. However, this is less common these days and was banned in the UK in 2021. If you’re not sure if your phone is locked, contact your operator.
• Data Speed : Some operators advertise unlimited 4G internet access, but the speed may drop to 128kbps after a certain amount of data is used. Make sure to check the details of the data plan.
• Duration of Stay : The duration of your stay in Korea will determine the best option for you. There are options available from 1 and 90 days. If you buy a plan for fewer days than you need, it’s not possible to extend the SIM contract, except for plans that are 30 days or more.
• Number of Devices : If you’re traveling in a group and need to connect multiple devices to the internet, a pocket WiFi might be a better option. Portable WiFi is often cheaper for groups vs. buying multiple SIM cards, but the downside is that everyone will need to be in the same area.
• Activation Process : For eSIMs, you’ll typically receive an activation QR code via email. You’ll need to scan this code and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM.

If you plan to use an eSIM card in Korea, you will need a more modern phone, typically something made since 2020, such as a Samsung Galaxy S20 or iPhone 11 or newer versions of these devices. Some phones with dual SIMs, such as the Chinese iPhone Max, can’t accept eSIMs.

To check if your phone can accept eSIM cards or not, this article about how to check if you phone supports eSIM lists all the models that accept eSIMs. It also details how to install an eSIM in different situations. Sites selling eSIMs, such as Klook, will also include detailed instructions.

Travel Tips For Visiting South Korea

This site has lots of useful practical, informative, and inspiring articles that I hope will help you discover the best that Korea has to offer. If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, here are a few of my personal tips to help you travel safely and easily around the Land of Morning Calm.

• Download useful apps to help you travel in Korea, including Naver Map (more reliable than Google Maps), Kakao Taxi (Korea’s Uber), Seoul Subway , Papago (Korean translation), Agoda (for hotel bookings) and Klook (for tours).
• Get a transportation card : Save money on buses and subways in Korea with a transportation card, such as a T-Money card or Korea Tour Card . Korean payment cards, such as WOWPASS , come with T-Money functions and some of the SIM cards mentioned include a T-Money card.
• Don’t exchange money at the airport : Exchanging money at Incheon Airport is one of the most expensive ways to get holiday money. There are much better ways to spend in Korea, such as by using a WISE travel money card or WOWPASS, a local debit card for tourists.
• Check the weather : Spring and autumn are lovely times to visit Korea, while summer (hot and wet) and winter (cold and dry) can be challenging. Read about Korea’s seasons to help you figure out the best time to visit Korea, as well as what to see, do, eat, and experience.
• Book ahead : This is especially true if you’re travelling in cherry blossom season or autumn foliage season , when tours, festivals, and hotels are often sold out in advance. It’s cheaper to book ahead, too, especially for flights to Korea and for hotels in Seoul and other cities.
• Eat local food : If you’re travelling all the way to Korea, you should definitely not miss the chance to try authentic Korean dishes such as samgyeopsal , kimchi jjigae , or tteokbokki . Discover the best Korean dishes and street foods in my articles about Korean food and drinks .

Above all, the best advice I can give you about travelling to Korea is to be open minded and try as much as you can, even if it looks a bit unusual or scary. There are a lot of unique experiences awaiting you in Korea, some you may miss out on if you don’t take a few chances. Travel safe and travel well.

Korean SIM Cards For Tourists FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about buying a Korean sim card for tourists at Incheon Airport, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

Can I buy a Korean SIM card at Incheon Airport?

Travellers to Korea can buy a local SIM card or eSIM card at Incheon Airport in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There are 24 hour booths run by the 3 major mobile operators in Korea and they all offer SIM and eSIM card plans with unlimited data for tourists with plans between 1 and 90 days in length.

Are Korean SIM cards expensive?

Korean SIM card costs for tourists to Korea are reasonable, starting at ₩6,600 for a 1-day SIM card and as little as ₩62,300 for a 30-day SIM card. The price of eSIM cards from Incheon Airport are the same as physical SIM cards and both come with unlimited data.

What is the best Korean SIM card for tourists?

The best Korean SIM card for tourists is the SK Telecom 4G SIM card as this mobile operator ranked highest overall in 2022 for cellular services in Korea. However, all 3 major mobile operators in Korea offer high-quality tourist SIM services for more-or-less the same price and with equally good connection and security levels.

Do I need to preorder a Korean SIM card?

It is not necessary to preorder a SIM card when you travel to Korea, however, buying a SIM card online is often cheaper, allows you to check reviews, and can be paid for in your home currency. Preordered Korean SIM cards can be collected at the same booths in Incheon Airport that sell tourist SIM cards.

Where can you buy Korean SIM cards at Incheon Airport?

You can buy SIM and eSIM cards at Incheon Airport in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. All 3 major mobile operators have booths inside the arrivals halls of Incheon Airport (both terminals) that are open 24 hours.

How much is a Korean SIM card Per Day?

Korean SIM cards start at ₩6,600 for a 1-day SIM card, but get cheaper when you book them for longer periods. A 10-day SIM card starts at ₩33,300 while a 30-day SIM card starts from ₩62,300.

Support In My Korea Thanks for reading. If you want to help me to create more great content in the future, why not buy me a coffee? A strong coffee helps me write more and is a simple way to show gratitude for this free content.

Liked This? Pin It For Others

If you enjoyed reading this article, then please share this with your friends on Pinterest.

Related Articles

10 Best Hotels In Hongdae 2024: Seoul’s Coolest District

Move to Korea To Teach English: 8 Tips To Help You Settle Into Korea

The Korea Tour Card: Tourist Transportation Card 2024

Hi! My name is Joel, I'm the author of In My Korea and writer of this article. I've lived, worked and travelled in Korea since 2015 and want to share my insights, stories and tips to help you have the best experience during your trip to Korea.

I love learning more about Korean culture, hiking the many mountains, and visiting all the coolest places in Korea, both modern and traditional. If you want to know more about my story, check out the ' about me ' section to learn why I love living in Korea.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

PHAT guides to make your travels stress free!

SOUTH KOREA

Korea travel pass comparison 2024 – best card to use in seoul.

• February 2, 2024

Planning to travel to Seoul South Korea? You’re going to want to read this Korea travel Pass Comparison analysis where I compare all the different travel pass options that are out there such as the WOWPass, Namane, T-Money card, Discover Seoul pass and many more to help you choose the right Korea travel pass for your trip

After allm it is not a simple question to answer as that depends on many factors such as what you’re looking for the travel pass to do, how long you plan to stay in South Korea for and what you plan to do while you’re in South Korea

In this article I am going to summarise everything I found out while researching before I went on my trip to help you save time!

(1) T-Money Pass (T-Pass)

The T Money pass (short for Transportation Money Pass) is a card both locals and tourist can use on all forms of public transportation in Seoul

(2) MPass (Metropolitan Pass, M-Pass)

The price INCLUDES a deposit of 5,000 Korean WON, you will get this back together with whatever card balance is left when you return the card at the T Money Town and like the T Money pass you will be charged a 500 WON service fee for the refund

– Public transportation on Seoul and Jeju Island (only) – unlike the T money pass you are limited to 20 transportation rides a day

You CANNOT top Up a MPass

Returning the card to get the remaining balance back. If the balance is over 500KRW, service fee of 500KRW will be charged

(3) Discover Seoul Pass

Basically the Seoul Pass is worth it if you plan on doing a LOT of sightseeing the downside is if you’re planning to hang around Korea for more than 3 days you will still need to get another one of the passes mentioned in this article

(4) Korea Tour Card

You may have also heard of the Korea Tour Card which is currently discontinued until further notice as you can see on the website here ( https://www.koreatourcard.kr/bbs/purchase.php?&lang=en )

(5) WOWPass

This is the closest alternative to the WOWPass but for me the only notable difference was the ability to customise the card

To help you with your decision here’s a summary table comparing all the Korea travel passes

As you can see so here is no one best korea travel pass that suits everybody, it just really depends on what your looking for the card to do!

Subscribe to my newsletter and get monthly travel updates sent to your inbox!

Subscribe to me on Youtube for long form content

Follow me on  Instagram  or  Tiktok to join me on my travel adventures!

Share this Post

Related Articles

Is the Korea Tour Card right for You?

The Korea tour Card is a card that tourist or short term travellers can use to ride all forms of public transportation as well as

Japan Airlines FREE Domestic Flights to anywhere in Japan!

If you’re travelling to Japan soon AND are thinking of exploring cities outside of Tokyo you NEED to know about this free domestic flights Japan

Climate Card vs TMoney card – WHICH one should i get?

If you’re travelling to South Korea soon you’ve most probably already came across the TMoney card and Climate card during your trip research. This article

5 MUST Eat Dishes In Singapore (by a MALAYSIAN)

I have been visiting Singapore consistently for the last 20 years it is the ultimate foodie paradise and so in today’s video I’m going to

Steve Chong

Food and travel blogger.

Hi there and welcome to the Phat Life Project a blog dedicated to helping you simplify your travels by showing you PHAT things to see, eat, do and try one city at a time

When I’m not travelling though I’m usually living the PHAT life in Sydney.

Phat (Adjective); Definition: Highly Gratifying

All my content is free to read and watch – I do not specifically get paid to write any articles or to travel

If you’ve found value in the content I share, I’d love a coffee. Thank you!

TRAVELLING SOON?

Shop travel gadgets + more, phatlifeproject.

Follow me on Instagram

• About the Visit Korea Committee
• Organization
• How to visit us
• VISIT KOREA YEAR 2023-2024
• Korea Grand Sale
• KOREA TOUR CARD
• Smart Tourist Information System
• Public agencies providing tourism services
• Theaters, art centers, and museums
• Tourism information by region
• PR Materials
• Visit Korea Committee Activities
• Printed Materials
• Video Materials

Main Projects

8 Best Tourist Cards & Travel Essentials for Your Korea Trip

We regret not preparing our Korea tourist cards including the T-Money Card as well as other travel essentials such as the  SIM card , eSIM , and pocket WiFi on our previous Korea trips. We just winged it and thought we could easily buy them upon arrival anyway.

Don’t be like us – it pays to have these Korea travel essentials ready before your trip. This will save you the hassle of having to look for stores offering them in Korea. And, you may actually save on costs since you can strategically plan your Korea itinerary with all the benefits in mind.

Best Korea tourist cards for transportation, shopping, and e-money

1. t-money card.

It’s a no-brainer. A T-Money Card should be the first thing that you should prepare before your Korea trip. It is the most popular Korea transport card with the largest number of affiliated partners. You can mainly use your T-Money Card to pay for public transportation like trains, buses, and taxis. Aside from that, you may also use it to pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and retail brands.

Read our T-Money Card guide for more information on the costs, where to buy, and benefits.

BUY T-MONEY CARD

Cashless payments are a thing in South Korea. In fact, many stores no longer accept cash payments. With the WOWPASS , you can use it as a prepaid debit card to pay for your purchases in Korea. Aside from that, it also serves as a Korea transport card so you can pay for public transportation including trains, buses, and taxis. You can top-up, withdraw, or exchange currencies at machines found in airports, subways, and even hotels.

This special Korea tourist card offers better exchange rates than banks, airports, or money changers, and accepts 16 currencies including USD, EUR, SGD, HKD, and even PHP. What’s even better is that it also offers brand cashback benefits, which is really great for tourists who love shopping and dining in Korea. You can check your balance, history, and benefits by downloading the WOWPASS mobile app .

BUY WOWPASS

3. NAMANE Card

A NAMANE Card is a prepaid travel card in Korea you can use as payment for transport and offline purchases. But what sets this card apart from the rest is that it is customizable. This means you can design your own card, making it a cute souvenir item from Korea .

Another advantage of this Korea tourist card is that there is no authentication needed and no limit to who can use the card, so even minors can use it. You may download the NAMANE Card app to check your balance and transactions.

BUY NAMANE CARD

4. Climate Card

Released in Jan 2024, the Climate Card is a special kind of Korea mass transit card which allows you unlimited rides on Seoul’s public transportation including trains, buses, and bikes. You can choose from 1-day to 30-day validity periods. This card is perfect if you are mainly exploring the capital city of Seoul.

Best Korea tourist cards and passes for attractions

5. discover seoul pass.

If you are mainly exploring the capital city of Seoul and nearby places, we highly recommend that you get a Discover Seoul Pass . With this Korea tourist card, you get FREE or discounted access to over 100 tourist attractions in Seoul and beyond like Lotte World , N Seoul Tower , Nami Island , and so much more!

Choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or 120-hour validity, depending on your trip duration. The card itself also serves as your Korea transport card where you can top-up to pay for public transport.

Check out our Discover Seoul Pass guide where we discussed the benefits, costs, and sample itinerary in greater detail.

BUY DISCOVER SEOUL PASS

6. Klook Seoul Pass

If you are staying longer in Korea, we recommend the Klook Seoul Pass as it is valid for 30 days. You can handpick the top attractions you want to visit without squeezing them into a number of days like the Discover Seoul Pass, which will force you to use it within 24 hours to 72 hours, depending on what you avail.

With the Klook Seoul Pass, you have the freedom to pick the attractions you want to visit and when to visit them. Choose from 2, 3, or 4-attraction passes and get up to 52% discount. Some of the top attractions include Everland, Nami Island, N Seoul Tower, Lotte World, and COEX Aquarium to name a few.

BUY KLOOK SEOUL PASS

Korea travel essentials for communication and connectivity

7. korea sim card.

South Korea is one of the countries with the fastest internet speed so you are assured that the data from their SIM cards are of top quality. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, we recommend that you get a SIM card since it’s handy and more efficient than getting another device like a pocket WiFi. You can even get an eSIM if you don’t want to insert another SIM card into your mobile phone.

There are various Korea SIM card options to choose from. You may read our Korea SIM card guide so you can compare the prices and advantages.

BUY KOREA eSIM

8. Korea Pocket WiFi

If you are traveling in groups, we suggest that you get a pocket WiFi instead since it can be shared with up to 5 devices. A pocket WiFi actually costs less than a SIM card, but there are also disadvantages to it like the battery life may only last for 7 to 9 hours, and you need to physically return the device before you fly back home.

You may read our Korea pocket WiFi guide so you can see the costs and benefits before making a decision.

RENT POCKET WIFI

These are some of the best Korea tourist cards, transportation cards, and travel items we wished we paid more attention to and actually bought when we went to Korea. So, if we were you, secure your Korea tourist card ahead and you’ll thank us later!

Before you go, you may be interested to read our 5-day Korea winter itinerary , 5-day Korea spring itinerary , Incheon Airport to Seoul guide , Korean street food guide , Korea souvenirs list , and Korean words and phrases .