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๐Ÿ“ถ Airport SIM / eSIM

Get connected before you leave the airport. Choose eSIM, SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi, then check where the counters are at your airport.

What do you need?

eSIM

Recommended for most travelers

Fastest and simplest, if your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.

  • โœ“No physical SIM swap
  • โœ“Usually no counter visit
  • โœ“Activated with a QR code or setup details
  • โœ“Can be bought before you fly

SIM card

If you want help from staff

Buy a visitor SIM or pick up a pre-booked one at a telecom counter. Staff can help with setup.

  • โœ“Passport required
  • โœ“Unlocked phone required
  • โœ“Bring your reservation voucher if you booked

Pocket Wi-Fi

For groups and several devices

One small router shares the connection with several phones, tablets or laptops.

  • โœ“Reservation recommended
  • โœ“You must charge the device
  • โœ“You must return it before you leave Korea
๐Ÿ’ก Not sure what to choose?
  • If your phone supports eSIM, eSIM is the simplest choice.
  • If several people share one connection, pocket Wi-Fi can be convenient.
  • If you need a physical SIM or want staff to help you set it up, use an airport SIM counter.
Just arrived in Korea?
  1. Baggage
  2. Customs
  3. ๐Ÿ“ถ Get connected
  4. T-money
  5. Airport transport

Where did you arrive?

๐Ÿ“ Telecom counters

Daegu: a Wi-Fi rental service (โ€œWi-Fi Dosirakโ€) is listed on the 1st floor of the passenger terminal.

  • Wi-FiCheck hours

    Passenger terminal ยท 1F ยท Wi-Fi rental

    Wi-Fi rental

    Official info

SIM counter availability may be limited. If you need mobile data right away, prepare an eSIM before you arrive.

Open / closed uses Korea time (KST). Other counters, such as those on the departure level, are not shown here. This page is for arriving travelers.

Official airport information
๐ŸŒ™ Arriving late at night?
  • Incheon Airport: 24-hour telecom counters are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
  • Other airports: counter hours can depend on international flight schedules.
  • Safest option: install an eSIM before you fly, or while you are on the airport Wi-Fi.

Which option is right for me?

eSIMSIM cardPocket Wi-Fi
Physical SIM swapNo swap neededSIM swap neededNo swap needed
Airport counter neededUsually notSometimesUsually yes
Several devicesLimitedOne deviceMany devices
Extra device to carryNothing extraNothing extraOne extra device
Battery chargingNo charging neededNo charging neededNeeds charging
Good forMost travelersPhones without eSIMFamilies and groups
Check your phone first
  • โœ“Your exact phone model supports the SIM or eSIM you plan to use.
  • โœ“Your phone is carrier-unlocked.
  • โœ“You can add an eSIM in Settings.

eSIM support can vary by exact model and country of purchase, so check your device settings or the makerโ€™s specifications before you buy.

Already bought an eSIM?

You usually do not need to visit a counter.

  1. 1Connect to the airport Wi-Fi.
  2. 2Open the eSIM installation information from the company that sold it.
  3. 3Add the eSIM, by scanning the QR code or entering the details.
  4. 4Select the Korea eSIM for Mobile Data.
  5. 5Turn on Data Roaming if your provider tells you to.
  6. 6Open a webpage or a map to test the connection.

Settings differ between providers, so follow the installation guide from the company that sold your eSIM first.

A counter can also help you buy an eSIM or set one up. You can collect the QR or setup details there, not a physical card.

Compare eSIM, SIM and pocket Wi-Fi โ†’

Buying or picking up a SIM at the airport

  • Passport
  • Unlocked phone
  • Booking voucher or QR, if pre-booked
  1. 1Show your passport and your reservation, if you have one.
  2. 2Staff may help install or activate the SIM.
  3. 3Test your mobile data before you leave the counter: open a webpage, a map and your messaging app.

โš ๏ธ Do not leave the counter until you can open a webpage or a map. It is much easier to fix a problem here than at your hotel.

๐Ÿ“ก Picking up pocket Wi-Fi

Good for families, groups, tablets and several devices.

  1. Reserve
  2. Pick up at the airport
  3. Turn it on
  4. Check the Wi-Fi password
  5. Connect your devices
  6. Return before you leave Korea

At pickup, check the box contains: the router, a charging cable, a charging adapter (if included) and the return instructions.

Before you leave the counter, turn the router on and connect at least one phone.

โš ๏ธ Check the return location before you leave the airport. Pickup and return counters may be different, and late return or loss can mean extra charges. Read your booking companyโ€™s return terms.

Check the final price before you buy

Prices change with the provider, the plan and promotions, so this page does not show a price list. The price depends on:

  • Trip length
  • Data amount
  • Whether calls are included
  • Provider
  • Promotions
KT: View official plans SKT: View official plans LG U+: View official plans

๐Ÿ†˜ Internet not working?

  1. 1Turn Airplane Mode off.
  2. 2Make sure Mobile Data is on.
  3. 3Check that your Korea SIM or eSIM is selected for mobile data.
  4. 4Restart your phone.
  5. 5Follow your providerโ€™s APN or network setup instructions.

Still not working? Go back to the telecom counter before you leave the airport, if you can.

Quick connection check

Next: get a T-money card โ†’Next: airport to the city โ†’Plan your phone and internet before you fly โ†’

Official information

Counter locations, opening hours, product availability and prices can change. Check the airport or telecom providerโ€™s latest official information before you travel.

Information last verified: 2026-10-07