Korea SIM & eSIM,
made simple for foreigners.
Data eSIM, a real Korean number, or KT postpaid — pick what fits your stay, buy in minutes, and activate when you land. Hi, I'm KIMO — I'll help you choose.
Choose your situation
Land on data, then get a real Korean number (010) for banking, delivery and ID checks once your Residence Card (ARC) comes through. For long-stay visa holders.
See mover plans 02 / Visiting I'm visiting KoreaA prepaid data eSIM is usually all you need. Size it by trip length below.
Size my eSIM 03 / Teaching / studying I'm a teacher or studentTeacher-friendly setup and student-budget lanes — data on arrival, a real number once your Residence Card arrives.
See my laneDo you need a real number, or just data?
We'd rather you buy the right thing once. Here's the plain-English difference — no upsell.
Real Korean number
- A real 010 number for calls & texts
- Verify banks, delivery & gov apps
- Keep it long-term as you settle in
- A little more setup than a data eSIM
Best if you're living, working or studying in Korea.
You land on data first. The real 010 number is issued after your Residence Card (ARC) arrives and you switch to KT postpaid — for long-stay visa holders. Short visits: pick data-only.
Data-only eSIM
- Fastest to set up — scan a QR & go
- Maps, KakaoTalk, WhatsApp all work
- No passport copy needed
- No Korean number — can't verify Korean apps
Best for a trip or short visit.
Still unsure? — we'll point you to the right one.
Size your Korea data eSIM in 10 seconds
Tell KIMO your trip length and how heavily you use data. We'll match you to a plan — GB = gigabytes of data.
Your trip
No personal details — just two quick questions.
For a week of medium use, 10GB gives you comfortable headroom for maps, chat and social.
Get Basic 10GB — $19.99Estimate only — top up anytime. if you're between sizes.
- 5GB on KT's network
- Maps, chat & light browsing
- QR by email · activate on arrival
- 10GB — the size most travelers pick
- Comfortable for a 1–2 week trip
- Social, photos & live maps
- 20GB for heavy use or longer stays
- Stream, hotspot & navigate freely
- QR by email · activate on arrival
Land on data, then get your real 010 number.
A Korean number unlocks banking, delivery and ID checks. You start on data the day you land, then get your number once your Residence Card (ARC) arrives — for long-stay visa holders. Here's how it goes.
Order before you fly
Pick a long-stay plan. We email your setup — no rushing at the airport.
Land on data
Activate when you land and you're connected on data right away. English instructions, chat on standby.
Get your Residence Card
Your Alien Registration Card (ARC) takes about 2–3 weeks after you arrive. You need the physical card.
Switch to KT postpaid
Convert to a monthly KT plan with your ARC — your real 010 number is issued then.
- 60GB data the day you land
- Convert to KT postpaid for your real 010 number
- Built for long-stay 12+ month visa holders
- 60GB data eSIM the day you land
- Low-commitment way to land connected
- Convert to KT postpaid within 60 days with your Residence Card for your real number
- Budget, mid & unlimited 5G tiers
- More data the higher the tier
- We help you pick when you switch with your ARC
Data from day one, your number once your ARC arrivesA teacher-friendly setup: data on arrival, your number after the ARC
Most teachers find us by searching for a Korea SIM that just works — data from the day you land, then a real number for banking and your school once your Residence Card (ARC) comes through. Set up in English before you start.
- A real 010 number for your school & bank, after your ARC and KT postpaid
- English setup help — chat before you arrive
- Move to KT postpaid once you're settled
Students, budget expats & teams
Same KT network, different priorities. Pick the lane that sounds like you.
Students
Land on data, then get your number for dorm, bank and campus apps once your Residence Card arrives. Start lean on the Welcome SIM, scale data when you settle.
Student lane →Cost-conscious expats
Watching every won? Right-size your data with the sizer, then move to a budget KT postpaid plan once you settle in.
Right-size it →Teams & B2B
Onboarding a group of foreign hires or visiting staff? We'll set up multiple numbers and bill in one place.
One nationwide network, city to coast
Every Kimchi Mobile plan runs on KT's nationwide network — strong in the metros, the subway, and most of the countryside.
Heading off the beaten path? Ask KIMO about coverage where you're going — we'll be honest about it.
KT’s network, city to coast
What to expectThree common ways people get connected
Whether you’re here for a week or moving in, here’s how setup usually goes.
Buy before you fly, then scan the QR we email you once you land — data is ready before you leave arrivals, so Maps and KakaoTalk work straight away.
Tourist data eSIMLand connected on data, then get your real Korean number once your Residence Card (ARC) arrives and you switch to KT postpaid, so banking, delivery apps and ID checks verify — with English setup help if you get stuck.
Welcome SIM & Starter SIMLand on data while your Residence Card (ARC) processes, then switch to KT postpaid for your 010 number, so your school paperwork and bank account go through.
Teacher-ready plansWill it work on your phone?
A quick self-check. Not sure? and we'll confirm.
Do I need a Korean number, or is a data-only eSIM enough?
For a trip, a data-only eSIM is usually enough. If you're moving here, you almost always need a real 010 number.
A data eSIM gives you internet for maps, WhatsApp and KakaoTalk. A Korean number is what banks, delivery apps and government services use to verify you — so settlers should choose a plan that includes one.
Will Kimchi Mobile work on my phone in Korea?
Most likely yes — our plans run on KT's nationwide network, and most recent unlocked phones support eSIM.
Older or carrier-locked phones may need a physical SIM. Use the device self-check above, or send KIMO your model and we'll confirm before you buy.
When do I activate my Korea eSIM — before or after I land?
Buy before you travel; activate after you land so your plan starts on day one.
We email your QR code after purchase. Prepaid data eSIMs need no passport copy, and you can request a refund any time before you install the eSIM.
What languages does Kimchi Mobile support?
English and multilingual — the KIMO chat handles English, 한국어 (Korean), 中文 (Chinese), Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) and more.
A real person on the team answers on weekdays — say hi in whatever language is easiest.
How do I pay, and is checkout secure?
Pay by secure card or PayPal. Prepaid eSIM purchases don't require a passport copy.
If you change your mind, you can get a refund before you install the eSIM.
Let's get you connected in Korea
Tourist eSIM, a real Korean number, or KT postpaid — KIMO will help you land on the right one in minutes.