South Korea has some of the fastest mobile networks in the world, and Seoul's subway keeps you online underground. Even so, many travellers are surprised in their first hour: the map app they rely on at home gives incomplete directions, and some Korean apps ask for a local phone number. South Korea is not part of the EU's Roam Like at Home area, and European plans usually charge roaming by the day.
This guide covers the apps that work, the ones that need a local number, and the numbers to save.
Key facts for South Korea
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: SK Telecom, LG U+ (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 112, ambulance and fire 119
- Embassies: in Seoul, with consulates in Busan for some countries
Maps: use Naver Map or KakaoMap
Google Maps shows places in South Korea but its walking and driving directions are limited there. Naver Map and KakaoMap give full directions, subway exits and bus times, and both have English versions. Install one before you land and search addresses in English or by copying the Korean name.
Apps that ask for a Korean number
Some Korean apps and websites, for delivery, shopping or certain bookings, verify users with a Korean phone number. A travel eSIM gives you data, not a Korean number, so those checks may not work; hotels and tour operators can usually help with reservations instead. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and KakaoTalk work over data.
Getting around: subway, buses and taxis
The T-money card pays for subways, buses and many taxis across the country, and you can buy and top it up at convenience stores. The KTX high-speed train links Seoul with Busan and other cities, and coverage holds well along the line. Taxis can be hailed in the street or booked through an app, and most accept cards.
Jeju, the mountains and alerts
Jeju Island and the national parks, such as Seoraksan, are well covered on main roads and trails, with weaker signal in deep valleys. Korean networks send emergency alert messages to phones in an affected area, usually in Korean, for storms, heavy rain or other dangers; a translation app helps you read them quickly.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM installs at home with a QR code and its validity starts with the first connection in South Korea. It is a data line: your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes while maps and messaging run on the eSIM.
A Korean prepaid SIM is sold at the airports and in shops, and it is registered with your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in South Korea
- 112 is the police; 119 sends an ambulance or the fire service.
- 1330 is the Korea Travel Helpline of the Korea Tourism Organization, which assists visitors and can also interpret.
- Embassies are in Seoul, and some countries also have consulates in Busan. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in South Korea, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Emergency phrases in Korean are ready to show on screen in the app.
South Korea travel-safety page →
Questions travellers ask about South Korea
Does Google Maps work in South Korea?
It shows places, but directions are limited. Naver Map or KakaoMap give full directions in English.
Why does an app ask me for a Korean phone number?
Some Korean services verify users with a local number, which a data-only eSIM does not provide.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in South Korea?
SK Telecom or LG U+, depending on the plan, with 4G and 5G where available.
Who can help me as a tourist?
The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline, and 112 or 119 in an emergency.
The short version
Install the eSIM and Naver Map or KakaoMap before you fly, buy a T-money card at a convenience store, and save 112, 119 and 1330.
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