How to Get an eSIM with a Korean Phone Number

Table of contents

What to Consider Before Getting an eSIM

How to Get and Activate Your Korean eSIM

How to Make Domestic Calls with a Korean Phone Number

FAQs about eSIM with a Korean Phone number

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Are you planning a trip to South Korea, moving there, or just need a Korean phone number for business or personal use? Getting an eSIM with a Korean number is now easier than ever. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Korean eSIM, from requirements to activation steps and tips.

What to Consider Before Getting an eSIM

Before getting a Korean eSIM, it’s important to ensure your device is compatible and ready for activation. Most newer smartphones, including iPhones and some Android models, support eSIM, but compatibility can vary. Simply go to Settings and Mobile Data, check if there is an "Add eSIM" option or something like that. IF so, then your phone is compatible with eSIM. Additionally, you can refer to our eSIM-compatible device list, and if you're using a laptop with mobile data features, you can also find a list of eSIM-compatible laptops here.

In addition to compatibility, your phone must be unlocked—this means it can connect to any carrier’s network, not just the one it was originally purchased from. If your phone is locked, it will only work with the network specified in your contract. To learn more about how to check or unlock your phone, see this guide.

How to Get and Activate Your Korean eSIM

Activating your Korea eSIM with SKT network is fast and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to this specific eSIM product:

Step 1: Purchase the eSIM Online 

• Buy the eSIM from a trusted vendor like ByteSIM.

• Choose an eSIM plan based on your needs.

• Delivery is instant — you’ll receive your eSIM via email within a few minutes, 24/7.

• No shipping delay — it's 100% digital.

Step 2: Scan and Install the eSIM

We strongly recommend scanning the QR code for installation when you are about to use the eSIM (Before flight departure/arrival at the destination), to avoid activation by incorrect operations. Before arrival (or using Wi-Fi at the airport), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM

2. Choose Use QR Code and scan the eSIM code from your email

3. Confirm installation and set it as the primary data line

Step 3: Activate the eSIM

The eSIM is designed to automatically activate upon arrival in South Korea. Upon arriving at your destination, please select our eSIM as Mobile/Cellular Data in your phone settings. Turn on the roaming for this eSIM. It will activate automatically when connected to local network. No manual configuration needed for data.

Once activated, you’ll have access to:

• 5G Unlimited data

• Tethering and hotspot support

• A Korean IP address, enabling full access to Korean apps like Naver, KakaoTalk, and Coupang

Step 4: Identity Verification (Optional, for Calls & SMS)

If you want to use Voice and SMS, you’ll need to complete eKYC (identity verification) online via the official system.

• Verification is available daily from 08:00–22:00 KST

• It becomes available 1 hour after you arrive in Korea

• Only short-term visitors (≤91 days) are eligible

Important Reminders:

• Do NOT delete your eSIM once installed — it cannot be reused or recovered

• No refund is provided if you're ineligible for voice/SMS.

• Without verification, the eSIM works as data-only.

How to Make Domestic Calls with a Korean Phone Number

Once your Korean eSIM is activated and your local number is ready, making domestic calls in South Korea is simple and follows local dialing rules.

➤ Dialing Format for Domestic Calls:

• To call a mobile number: Dial it directly (e.g., 010-1234-5678)

• To call a landline in the same area: Just dial the local number

• To call a landline in a different area: Add the area code before the number (e.g., 02-123-4567 for Seoul)

➤ Tips:

• You don’t need to add +82 when calling within Korea.

• If your phone was originally set to a different country, double-check your call settings to avoid international format defaults.

• Korean numbers usually start with 010 (for mobile), and area codes like 02 (Seoul), 051 (Busan), etc., for landlines.

➤ Example:

To call a restaurant in Seoul: Just dial 02-123-4567 (not +82-2-123-4567)

FAQs about eSIM with a Korean Phone number

Can I use the number to register for a Korean APP?

Unfortunately, this Korean number can't receive a verification code for APP registration as per Korean policy. But you can still receive normal SMS and incoming calls after identity verification.

Is there any speed limit on this SKT eSIM?

No — this plan is truly unlimited. You’ll enjoy a stable 100 Mbps speed for both download and upload, with no throttling, no data caps, and no Fair Usage Policy (FUP). It’s designed for consistent, high-speed connectivity throughout your usage.

Are there any alternatives to the eSIM phone number for calls?

Sure. You can use eSIM with data to make VoIP calls. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps allow users to make international calls affordably and with reliable sound quality. While there are many options available, popular choices include WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype. Keep in mind that both you and the person you’re calling must have the same app installed to connect. 

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