Korea eSIM for a shopping trip: Yesim vs Airalo
The 30-second version
| Yesim | Airalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited, 7 days | $26.95 | $29.00 |
| 10GB, valid 30 days | $17.60 (discounted that day) | $19.00 |
| Smallest plan (different lengths) | 1GB for 30 days: $2.75 | 1GB for 3 days: $4.00 |
| Calls and texts | Data only; 20 minutes of calls can be added for $4.39 | Not stated on the South Korea page |
| Hotspot (sharing data) | Stated as available | Not stated on the South Korea page |
| Start using within | 90 days of purchase | 365 days of purchase (package details) |
| Link | Yesim South Korea (affiliate link) | Airalo South Korea (affiliate link) |
We have not run speed tests on either. This page compares what each brand states on its own page.
Why data matters on a shopping day
- Maps between stores. Finding your way between shops in busy areas such as Myeongdong in Seoul or Seomyeon in Busan.
- Reading labels. Many Korean products are labelled mainly in Korean; a camera translation app helps you check ingredients before you pay.
- Comparing prices. A quick search tells you whether the price in front of you is a sale price.
Unlimited plans (checked 2026-11-15)
| Days | Yesim | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $11.55 | $12.00 |
| 5 | $19.25 | $20.00 |
| 7 | $26.95 | $29.00 |
| 10 | $32.93 | $35.00 |
| 15 | $42.90 | $49.00 |
| 30 | $62.70 | $69.00 |
Yesim's page notes that unlimited data speed may be limited under the network operator's fair usage policy.
Fixed-data plans (checked 2026-11-15)
| Brand | Plans shown |
|---|---|
| Yesim (all 30 days) | 1GB $2.75 · 10GB $17.60 · 20GB $25.63 · 30GB $32.12 (10GB, 20GB and 30GB were discounted prices on the day we checked: regular $27.50, $55.00, $82.50) |
| Airalo | 3 days: 1GB $4.00, 3GB $8.00 · 7 days: 3GB $9.00, 5GB $10.00, 10GB $18.00 · 15 days: 5GB $10.50, 10GB $18.50, 20GB $29.00 · 30 days: 5GB $11.00, 10GB $19.00, 20GB $30.00, 50GB $49.00 |
What each page says is included
Yesim
- Plan type: data only. Hotspot: available. Top-up: available.
- Calls are an optional add-on (20 minutes for $4.39); texts are not mentioned.
- Activate within 90 days of purchase; the plan's days start when it first connects to a network.
Airalo
- The South Korea plans are listed under the name "Jang", with SK shown as the network.
- Start using within 365 days of purchase; the days start when it connects. Top-ups are possible.
- The package details say your IP address may appear to be outside Korea.
- Calls, texts and hotspot are not stated for the South Korea plans, so check the package details before you buy if you need them.
Before you buy any eSIM
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to your home carrier. Your phone's settings or your carrier can tell you.
- A data-only eSIM does not give you a Korean phone number. If something asks for a Korean number to verify you, you will need another way.
- Install on Wi-Fi before you fly, then switch data to the eSIM when you land.
Which one?
On the day we checked, Yesim was cheaper at every unlimited length, and its page states hotspot is available. Airalo names its Korean network (SK) and gives a longer window to start using the plan. If price is all you care about, compare the two pages on the day you buy: discounts move.
Next: shopping
Read our Olive Young shopping guide for the instant tax refund and what other visitors buy.
FAQ
Does a Korea eSIM give me a Korean phone number?
Not with a data-only plan. Yesim's South Korea plans are data only (20 minutes of calls can be added for $4.39). Airalo's South Korea page does not state calls or texts.
When do the plan days start?
On both pages, the plan's validity starts when the eSIM connects to a network. Yesim says to activate within 90 days of purchase; Airalo's package details say within 365 days.
Can I share data with a hotspot?
Yesim's South Korea page states that hotspot is available. Airalo's South Korea page does not state it, so check the package details before buying.
Which was cheaper when you checked?
On 15 November 2026, Yesim was cheaper at every unlimited length we listed (3 to 30 days) and for the 10GB and 20GB 30-day plans. Prices and discounts change often.
Sources we checked
- Yesim, South Korea eSIM (official): prices, data only, hotspot, call add-on, 90-day activation, fair usage note (checked 2026-11-15)
- Airalo, South Korea eSIM (official): prices, "Jang"/SK, package details, 365-day window, top-up, IP note (checked 2026-11-15)