Question 1

Which Korean SIM should a tourist get?

Accepted Answer

For stays under a month, a data-only eSIM is best — buy it online before you land, activate on arrival, and skip the airport counters. You won't get a Korean phone number, but maps, translation and KakaoTalk all run on data.

Question 2

Can I get a Korean SIM without an ARC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tourist eSIMs and prepaid USIMs need only a passport. Postpaid plans and most budget MVNOs require an Alien Registration Card and usually a Korean bank account.

Question 3

Are budget MVNOs in Korea any good?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MVNOs (alddeul phone) lease the same SKT, KT and LG U+ networks and resell them for roughly half the price. Coverage is identical; the main trade-off is less English-language support.

Which Korean SIM is right for you?