An eSIM allows a compatible phone to use a mobile subscription without inserting a physical SIM card.
1. Check Your Phone
First confirm that your smartphone:
- Supports eSIM
- Is not carrier locked
- Supports the Korean carrier's network
- Has an available eSIM profile
Recent iPhones and many Android flagship devices support eSIM, but availability varies by model and region.
2. Check Your Carrier
Contact your carrier and ask whether your existing Korean number can be converted from a physical SIM to an eSIM.
Do not assume that every plan or device supports conversion.
3. Request an eSIM
Depending on the carrier, the conversion may be completed through:
- Carrier application
- Website
- Customer service
- Physical store
You may need identity verification using your Residence Card.
4. Install the eSIM
The carrier normally provides an activation process or QR code.
On most phones, the process is similar to:
Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM
Follow the carrier's instructions.
5. Test the Service
After installation:
- Disable the physical SIM if necessary
- Confirm your Korean number
- Make a call
- Send an SMS
- Test mobile data
Before Removing Your Physical SIM
Do not throw away your physical SIM immediately.
First confirm that the eSIM is fully activated and that your phone number, SMS and identity verification work correctly.
