SKT vs. KT vs. LG U+ Prepaid eSIM Plans: Which One is Best for Tourists?

What is SKT?

SKT is an abbreviation for SK Telecom, a South Korean wireless telecommunications company. SKT is a part of the SK Group, one of the largest chaebols in the country.SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984.It was the first company to commercialize CDMA digital mobile phones in 1996. They also launched the world's first CDMA2000 1X commercial service in 2000, and the world's first mobile-based HSDPA commercial service in 2006. 

SKT provides reliable services like fast mobile networks, home internet and calls keep families and communities in touch. Whether through voice, video or data, they proudly serve over 30 million subscribers nationwide.Through commitment to reaching both rural areas and major cities with equal care, SK Telecom helps bring greater understanding between all Koreans. The company offers a variety of plans, including prepaid eSIM options for tourists. 

SKT Prepaid eSIM Plans & Pricing

SK Telecom provides prepaid eSIM(Data, Call, SMS) options that are suitable for tourists. SK Telecom's plans all provide unlimited data for fixed durations, at the following rates:

• eSIM(Data, Call, SMS) products are only for foreigners and cannot be purchased by Korean passport holders.

• eSIM(Data, Call, SMS) products can receive a QR code after verifying your identity at the airport roaming center.

• Voice/texts: Outgoing charges are deducted from the recharge amount automatically (receiving voice/texts is free by default)

• Data: Continuous use at 20Mbps speed with no limit of data capacity.
  

How to get a SKT Prepaid eSIM?

If you want to get a SK Telecom Prepaid eSIM directly from the operator, you can purchase it online at their website, or at the counters at the airport upon arrival (after immigration). Note that you will have to provide your personal details (including passport number and full name) to make a purchase of the prepaid eSIM.

>>Buy SKT prepaid eSIMs

What is KT?

A South Korean telecommunications company that offers a variety of services, including mobile telephony, internet, digital television, and more. Founded in 1981 as a public utility,KT played a major role in Korea's development in the information technology hub sector.It was formerly known as Korea Telecom and changed its name in 2002. KT is South Korea's largest telecom carrier and a leader in the development of 5G technology. 

You can buy a SIM card from KT at their retail outlets or authorized dealers. They provide various prepaid plans with flexible data bundles and competitive rates, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors.

KT Prepaid eSIM Plans & Pricing

KT provides an option for you to purchase a prepaid eSIM that comes with a local number for calls and messages. However, if you need a local number, this can only available on site only(KT roaming center at Airport).KT also provides data only eSIM which can only be purchased online.There is also a minimum top-up charge of 5,500 KRW that you will need to pay to make outgoing calls and send messages.

Similar to SKT, KT's prepaid options all provide unlimited data. The rates are fairly similar to SKT, but discounts are offered for certain plans if you buy them online.Here's the plans and pricing:

• After 3GB of data usage on a line in a day, you may still use data service unlimited at the speed of 5Mbps.You get your daily 3GB every midnight.

• This eSIM should be installed by QR code scanning within 30 days upon purchase date. If not installed within 30 days, it will be automatically terminated (No refund).

• KT eSIM does not support the personal authentication.

• KT eSIM is only available in Korea.

• Data Only products cannot be topped up for voice service.

How to get a KT Prepaid eSIM?

Customers who need outgoing calls/texts (Prepaid eSIM products) can visitKT Roaming Center in the airport and purchase them on site.And you can purchase data only eSIM on KT website.

>>Buy KT prepaid eSIMs

What is LG U+?

LG U+ was established in 1996 and was formerly known as LG Telecom. It changed its name to LG U+ on July 1, 2010. LG U+ is one of the top three mobile operators in South Korea, alongside SK Telecom and KT Corporation.They have been steadily developing telecommunications services, combined plans of high-speed Internet, VoIP, and IPTV services, various solutions and data services. In 2012, as the first in the world, they established a nationwide LTE network with super high-speed services of the highest quality.

Offering mobile, internet, TV and other connectivity options, LG Uplus proudly serves over 14 million subscribers across South Korea. Their extensive 4G LTE network ensures fast, reliable service is within reach of nearly every community.LG has launched several alternatives to pricey 5G services, narrowing its market share gap with KT.

LG is the cheapest option out of the three main providers. As a tourist visiting Korea, getting a local LG U+ SIM card or eSIM can help you stay connected affordably during your trip. 

LG U+ Prepaid eSIM Plans & Pricing

LG U+'s plans are structured similarly to SKT and KT, where unlimited data is provided for a fixed duration. They also offer discounts for online purchases, with rates lower than SKT but generally higher than KT.LG U+ also offers the option of getting a Data + Voice eSIM in case you need a local number to make calls.You will need to make a minimum top-up of 5,500 KRW (which entitles you to about 20 minutes of talk time).

• 10% off only online on LG U+ official website.

• For data-only eSIM (purchased online), a Korean phone number starting with 012 will be given. 

• For data+voice eSIM (purchased at the airport), a Korean phone number starting with 010 will be given. 

• You must start using the eSIM within 60 days of purchase. Please purchase within 60 days of your expected arrival date.

• The maximum number of purchases per passport is 3.
  

How to get a LG U+ Prepaid eSIM?

eSIM with voice can only be purchased by visiting LG U+ airport counters.If you want to get a LG U+ prepaid data only eSIM, you can purchase it online at their website.Note that you will have to provide your personal details (including passport number and full name) to make a purchase of the prepaid eSIM.

>>Buy LG U+ prepaid eSIMs

SKT vs. KT vs. LG U+ Prepaid eSIM Plans: Comparison Side by Side

1. Carrier Details

2. Network Coverage

All the major carriers here – SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ – provide excellent service coverage across the country. They’ve worked hard to build out their 4G and 5G networks so pretty much anyone can get a strong signal whether in big cities or smaller towns.

Rural coverage is where SK Telecom has a tiny edge over the others. But really, calls and data will zip along smoothly no matter which provider you choose. And all three networks are constantly expanding and upgrading to keep South Korea at the forefront of mobile technology globally.

3. Speed

When it comes to speeds, SK Telecom has been leading the pack according to recent reports. Their customers get average download speeds over 130 Mbps, which is seriously quick! KT comes in a close second around 105 Mbps too. Both carriers offer mind-blowing 5G speeds over 1 Gbps in awesome places like Seoul.LG U+ isn’t too far behind KT for average speeds. They also get high marks for keeping users connected to high-speed networks almost all the time – a solid 99.7% of the time to be exact.

4. English Support Services

KT and LG U+ are regarded as having better English language customer support compared to SK Telecom when it comes to stores, call centers and online. 

5. Prepaid eSIM Features

6. Outgoing Call/Text Rates

Conclusion: Which eSIM is Best for Tourists?

While all three major operators in Korea deliver premium nationwide service, KT appears to come out on top based on metrics like coverage, speeds, roaming reach and English support. But ultimately the best Korean mobile operator for you will depend on your specific usage needs and budget.

• If you need the fastest speed and coverage: Get a SKT eSIM.

• If you think price is more important than speed: Get a LG U+ eSIM.

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