South Korea eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone that lets you activate a mobile data plan by scanning a QR code, with no physical SIM card needed. With Gohub, there are also no roaming fees.

Gohub eSIM for South Korea works with all eSIM-capable smartphones — including iPhone XS/XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. Your phone must be network-unlocked; carrier-locked devices will not accept a third-party eSIM. Check Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM on iPhone, or SIM Manager on Android, to confirm support or check with our supported devices checker.

Scan the QR code from your email while on Wi-Fi. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (Samsung) or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (Pixel and others). When you arrive in South Korea, switch the eSIM on and turn on data roaming for it. Some plans activate as soon as you install them, so check when your plan starts before you scan the QR code (see the next question).

It depends on the plan. Some start when you install the eSIM, others on first connection in South Korea. Check "Activation" in Plan details.

No. Gohub's South Korea eSIMs are data-only, so you can buy and install them online without a passport.

No. It's data-only, so calls and texts go through your home SIM or apps like WhatsApp over mobile data.

Yes. Hotspot works on Gohub South Korea plans, and shared data comes out of your plan. Check Plan details for any hotspot limit.

Your speed drops to the level shown in Plan details. Daily and fixed-data plans slow to 256 kbps, and Unlimited plans give 500 MB of high-speed data a day, then 10 Mbps. The eSIM stops working when your days end.

Yes. It connects to SK Telecom and LG U+ automatically, with strong signal in Seoul, Busan, Jeju and other cities and weaker signal in remote mountains and on smaller islands.

Don't delete it, because the QR code works only once. Check you're on Wi-Fi, your phone is unlocked and data roaming is on, then restart your phone. Still stuck? Contact our 24/7 support. Our 1-hour replacement covers activation and usage issues.

An eSIM is easier: there's no device to carry, charge or return. A pocket WiFi connects several devices, but an eSIM can share data through hotspot too.

Usually, yes. Seoul's subway has strong signal, and KTX signal can drop briefly in tunnels. Download offline maps and your tickets before you board.

Only partly. South Korea restricts detailed map data, so Google Maps gives limited walking, driving and transit directions. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead, and download them before you arrive.

KakaoTalk and Naver Map work over mobile data, but Baemin and Coupang may need a Korean phone number to verify your account. Since the eSIM is data-only, sign up before your trip using your home SIM.