Korea eSIM 5G Comparison: SKT & LG U+ Prepaid eSIMs for travelers
At a glance
For foreign travelers visiting South Korea, mobile internet is an essential element for using various services necessary for travel, ranging from maps and navigation to translation, social media, transportation, and restaurant searches and reservations.
Especially recently, as eSIMs that can be used without the need to swap a physical SIM card have become widespread, an increasing number of travelers are pre-purchasing prepaid eSIMs for their trips to Korea.
Among them, travelers who want a fast data connection can consider the 5G prepaid eSIMs offered by South Korean mobile carriers.
In this article, focusing on the 5G prepaid eSIMs from SKT and LG U+ available to foreign travelers, we will compare their data services, Korean phone numbers, call services, and how to use them.
Three Reasons Why Foreign Visitors to Korea Choose 5G Prepaid eSIMs
1. Access to Fast Local 5G Networks
South Korea has a well-established telecommunications infrastructure nationwide, allowing travelers to enjoy a stable mobile internet connection throughout their trip.
By using a 5G prepaid eSIM from a local Korean mobile carrier, you can conveniently access various online services—such as real-time maps and navigation, social media, photo/video uploads and downloads, and HD video streaming—without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.
Especially when streaming high-definition content like K-Pop or K-Dramas, or using large amounts of data during your travels, you can take advantage of high-speed connectivity via the 5G network.
However, actual data speeds may vary depending on your location, network environment, device specifications, and time of use.
2. Reasonable Communication Costs
Using international roaming services from your home carrier while traveling abroad can lead to unexpectedly high costs based on daily rates or data consumption.
In contrast, prepaid eSIMs from Korean local carriers directly connect to domestic networks instead of relying on international roaming, providing 5G data at an affordable price depending on the chosen plan.
Therefore, for travelers who plan to use a significant amount of mobile data over several days or weeks in Korea, it offers a cost-effective way to save on communication expenses compared to conventional roaming.
3. Convenience of a Local Korean Phone Number
The benefits of a 5G prepaid eSIM go beyond fast data connectivity.
Depending on the plan, another key advantage is that a local Korean phone number is provided, enabling voice calls and text messaging services.
Unlike data-only eSIMs, having a local Korean phone number is highly convenient for situations that require a local contact number during your trip, such as making restaurant or attraction reservations and hailing taxis.
Thus, for visitors to Korea, a prepaid eSIM is more than just a tool for internet access—it serves as a practical, all-in-one travel communication solution that combines high-speed data with local mobile services.
5G SKT vs LGU+ Prepaid Korea eSIM/SIM Service Comparison
As of September 2026, prepaid 5G Korea eSIM and SIM services for foreign travelers are provided by SKT and LGU+ (excluding KT). Here is a comparison of the key features of both carriers.
1. 5G Speed & Data
SKT & LGU+: Both carriers offer unlimited 5G data with no speed throttling.
Comparison Point: Neither carrier specifies a maximum speed limit, ensuring a smooth experience in a standard unlimited data environment. (SKT: Previously had a 200 Mbps speed cap, but is currently listed with no speed limit.)
2. Voice Call Services
SKT: Voice calling can be easily activated online via passport identity verification (eKYC).
LGU+: To use voice calls, you must visit an LGU+ roaming center in person upon airport arrival to complete identity verification.
Comparison Point: Both providers require passport verification to use voice calls. However, SKT allows the verification to be completed conveniently online and offers a one-time 5-minute free call benefit (worth ₩1,320), making it more convenient for travelers.
3. Network Coverage
Both carriers provide nationwide network coverage, with virtually no noticeable difference in performance within major cities.
However, when traveling to suburban or rural areas, SKT tends to offer slightly more stable coverage compared to LGU+.
Conclusion
With a 5G network that is significantly faster and more stable than traditional LTE services, you can enjoy a seamless, high-speed data environment throughout your entire trip.
Currently, both SKT and LGU+ are running promotional discount events for 5G, allowing you to access high-quality 5G services at an affordable cost.
If you want convenient voice calling along with data, SKT is recommended; if your primary focus is data usage, both SKT and LGU+ are excellent choices.
Prepare Your Korea Travel eSIM in Advance
If you need high-speed mobile data and a local Korean phone number for your trip to South Korea, choose a 5G prepaid eSIM that suits your travel itinerary and data needs.