What is the best SIM card option for tourists visiting Korea?

Here is an honest comparison of all the major SIM card options for tourists visiting Korea as of 2026. OPTION 1: Airport SIM (Best for most people) Buy at Incheon Airport arrivals. Three carriers: - LG U+: Cheapest at ~6,500 KRW/day. Includes a free T-money card. 4G speeds. - SKT: Best coverage, true unlimited data (no throttling). From ~18,000 KRW for multi-day plans. Best if going outside Seoul. - KT: Middle ground. 4G unlimited from ~23,000 KRW. Staff install it for you. Takes 5 minutes. You get a working Korean phone number for calls. OPTION 2: eSIM (Best for convenience) - Airalo: From ~$4 for 1GB/3 days. Important: their 'unlimited' plans throttle to 1Mbps after 3GB/day. Data only, no Korean phone number. - Activate before you board your flight. No waiting in airport lines. - Best for short trips where you just need maps and messaging. OPTION 3: Pocket WiFi (Best for groups) - Rent at airport, ~5,000-8,000 KRW/day. Connect 5+ devices. - Pre-order on Klook/KKday for 10-20% discount. - Return at airport on departure. Our recommendation: if you want simplicity and a Korean phone number, get the LG U+ airport SIM (cheapest, free T-money card). If you want convenience and do not need a phone number, get an Airalo eSIM before your flight. Pro tip: pre-order your airport SIM through Klook or KKday and you can pick it up at a separate counter with no line. Walk-up counters can have 20-30 minute waits during peak arrival times (3-5 PM). Also worth noting: Baemin (Korea's biggest food delivery app) now accepts international cards and has English support as of February 2026. This means you can order food delivery even with a tourist SIM or eSIM, without needing a Korean bank account.