eSIM FAQ
Can I purchase eSIM before visiting Korea?
You can purchase eSIM in advance, but it can be used in Korea only. You should start using it in Korea within the expiration date since you cannot use it after the period is expired.
[eSIM] What is an eSIM?
eSIM stands for 'Embedded SIM' and it refers to the SIM that is built within the phone. Existing SIM can be removed from the device, but the eSIM is embedded in the phone permanently and user profiles are downloaded by mobile network providers to operate the eSIM.
You can check the included options for each product below and select the best one for you.
The Data Only plan provides internet access but does not support outgoing calls or text messages.
The Data + Voice plan includes both data and full call/text functionality.SIM Card Types: Data Only vs. Data + Voice Feature Data Only Data + Voice Data True True Incoming Call/Text True True Outgoing Call/Text False True Purchase Online & Airport Airport Only Do I need to book in advance?
You may use our service by visiting one of our LG U+ Customer Centers on the day of your arrival, with no prior reservation. However, booking in advance provides additional benefits, so we encourage you to make a reservation before you visit.
See LG U+ customer center locations.If I only need data, which product can I use?
You could rent a pocket Wi-Fi, or purchase a data SIM or eSIM. While the portable Wi-Fi requires the payment to be settled upon return, the Data SIM or the eSIM do not need to be returned once it has been paid off upon purchase.
What are the rates for outgoing calls/texts?
The rates for outgoing calls and text messages vary depending on your SIM type.
- Data SIM / eSIM: Lower domestic call rates but requires a separate plan for voice calls.
- Mobile Phone SIM: Standard mobile plans with higher domestic call rates.
Check the tables below for details.
Category Voice Call Text Message Domestic Outgoing 4.4 KRW/sec
264 KRW/minSMS 55 KRW/message
MMS 1,100 KRW/messageInternational Outgoing Varies by country SMS 165 KRW/message Phone
Outgoing Call & Text Message Rates for Mobile PhonesCategory Voice Call Text Message Domestic Outgoing 11 KRW/sec
660 KRW/minSMS 55 KRW/message
MMS 1,100 KRW/messageInternational Outgoing Varies by country SMS 165 KRW/message Is it possible to do an identity verification using the purchase SIM?
Identify verification cannot be done using the Data eSIM and voice topped-up Data SIM , but a simple text verification service that only uses the numbers is available. However, for data-only SIM, both the identity verification and text verification services are not available.
International Call Rate by Country
The cost of international calls varies by country. Below is a table with the call rates per minute for different countries. Rates are subject to change based on carrier policies and promotions.
Country-specific Call Rates GuideCategory Country Code Rates
(per minute)Category Country Code Rates
(per minute)China 86 ₩ 1,082 USA 1 ₩ 825 Japan 81 ₩ 937 Canada 1 ₩ 970 Taiwan 886 ₩ 1,267 Germany 49 ₩ 1,049 Hong Kong 852 ₩ 1,049 France 33 ₩ 1,049 Singapore 65 ₩ 1,049 UK 44 ₩ 1,049 Malaysia 60 ₩ 1,267 Italy 39 ₩ 1,049 Thailand 66 ₩ 1,267 Australia 61 ₩ 1,049 Indonesia 62 ₩ 1,267 New Zealand 64 ₩ 1,049 India 91 ₩ 1,709 Russia 7 ₩ 1,485 - For inquiries regarding call rates to countries not listed above, please contact us via chat on our Support Center or call the LG U+ Customer Center at 010-3998-1004 (charges apply, free for U+ mobile users).
What should I consider when choosing the best eSIM for Korea?
There are a couple of things to consider when choosing the best eSIM for your travel to Korea.
-
Data Allowance and Validity
The product's data plan should fit your itinerary. Check whether the product offers an appropriate data plan that meets your data usage needs. -
Speed and Coverage
Speed and coverage are directly linked to your network experience. Without reliable speed and coverage, you may struggle with connectivity issues while traveling. -
Provider Reputation
A trusted provider ensures reliable connectivity and accessible customer service to meet various needs. LG U+ is one of the top network providers in Korea and offers a high-quality eSIM product with excellent service.
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Data Allowance and Validity
Which SIM should I buy? Data SIM? eSIM?
Both the Data SIM and eSIM allow you to use data as well as phone/text service on your own phone in Korea.
The Data SIM can be activated immediately at the airport, and the eSIM can be used immediately scanning the QR Code sent to you upon purchase without an additional activation procedure. However, please ensure that you check the eSIM compatibility before purchasing it.eSIM supported devices
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
- You can check if your device supports eSIM by following the steps below.
- The service may not be available for the devices purchased oustide of South Korea depending on network condition.
(※ eSIM cannot be used on Google Pixel, OPPO devices.)
01
Dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad.
02
If you see the EID, your phone supports eSIM
Can I top up voice after purchasing eSIM (Data Only)?
Top-up for Data Only eSIM product is unavailable. You should buy a Data+Voice eSIM product to top up for voice after purchase.
Can I use an eSIM with my Apple Watch or iPad?
Yes, you can use an eSIM with Apple Watch (Wi-Fi models) and iPad (Cellular models) that support eSIM technology. However, activation and carrier support may vary by country and service provider.
Up to how many SIMs can I purchase?
A single passport holder can purchase up to 3 SIM cards.
Can I remove and reinstall my eSIM?
Once an eSIM is activated in a device, it cannot be reinstalled or reissued.
If you need any help using LG U+ eSIM's data plan, please reach out via the chat service on our website or call the customer support center at 010-3998-1004 (charges apply / free when called from U+ mobile phones). For foreigners residing in Korea, please call 114 (U+ Customer, Free) or 080-851-1004 (U+ Non-customer, Free).
If you have further questions, feel free to visit our Support Center to submit an inquiry.What should I do if I cannot use the eSIM service despite purchasing it?
You can set up eSIM while connected to the Internet. If you are still unable to use the service after following the steps above, please reach out via the chat service on our website or call the customer support center at 010-3998-1004 (charges apply / free when called from U+ mobile phones). For foreigners residing in Korea, please call 114 (U+ Customer, Free) or 080-851-1004 (U+ Non-customer, Free).
What should I do if I can't use the internet during usage?
You can try resetting the network settings following the instructions below:
- iPhone: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings or Transfer
- Android: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings
If you still cannot resolve the problem, please reach out via the chat service on our website or call the customer support center at 010-3998-1004 (charges apply / free when called from U+ mobile phones).
For foreigners residing in Korea, please call 114 (U+ Customer, Free) or 080-851-1004 (U+ Non-customer, Free). For further assistance, you can also visit our Support Center to submit an inquiry.I need to extend the usage period or do a voice top-up.
- The extension fee for portable Wi-Fi is 4,400 KRW per day, 1,650 KRW for feature phones, and 5,500 KRW for smartphones.
- If you need to extend your rental period, please reach out via the chat service on our website or call the customer support center at 010-3998-1004 (charges apply / free when called from U+ mobile phones).
- For foreigners residing in Korea, please call 114 (U+ Customer, Free) or 080-851-1004 (U+ Non-customer, Free).
To do a period extension and voice top-up for the Data SIM or eSIM, please click on the button placed at the bottom.