Korea eSIM Data Calculator 데이터
Most people buy either far too much data or a plan that dies on day five. Tell us how you use your phone and we will give you a number, not a guess.
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What things cost in data
| Activity | Roughly |
|---|---|
| Naver Map or Kakao Map, one hour of navigating | 20–40 MB |
| KakaoTalk messaging all day | 10–30 MB |
| Instagram or TikTok, 30 minutes of scrolling | 300–500 MB |
| YouTube, one hour at normal quality | 500 MB–1 GB |
| Video call, 30 minutes | 300–500 MB |
| Uploading 50 photos to the cloud | 200–400 MB |
| Hotspot for a laptop, a working afternoon | 1–3 GB |
Korea has a lot of free Wi-Fi
Seoul's subway, buses, most cafés, convenience stores and public buildings have free Wi-Fi, and it is fast. Many travellers use half the data they expect because their phone is on Wi-Fi every time they sit down. The catch: some networks need a Korean phone number to log in. Cafés and hotels almost never do; some city networks do.
eSIM or Korean SIM?
An international eSIM (bought from an app before you fly) is cheap, installs in minutes, and is all a holiday needs. It usually has no Korean phone number. A local SIM from SK Telecom, KT or LG U+ costs more but gives you a Korean number, which unlocks restaurant waitlist apps, some deliveries and bank verification. Under two weeks: eSIM. Longer, or if you need to be called: local SIM, bought at the airport or a city branch with your passport.
Questions people ask
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most phones from 2019 onward do. Check Settings for "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan". Phones bought in mainland China and some carrier-locked phones cannot use eSIM.
Can I top up if I run out?
Most eSIM apps let you buy more data in the app instantly. It is cheaper to buy the right size once than to top up twice, which is why this calculator exists.
Is there unlimited data in Korea?
Yes, Korean carriers and some eSIM providers sell unlimited daily plans. They cost more per day but make sense for heavy users or trips over two weeks. Fair-use limits may slow speeds after a large daily amount.
Will Google Maps work in Korea?
Only partly. Driving and walking directions are limited by Korean mapping law. Use Naver Map or Kakao Map; both have English interfaces and use very little data.
Estimates last checked: September 2026. Your use will vary; the buffer is built in.