Korea to permit use of eSIMs from September next year

People can start using two phone numbers on one smartphone starting September next year.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said Tuesday that it will start letting people download electronic SIM cards on their phones that can be used in addition to the physical SIM cards that would already be installed on their phones.

Dubbed the eSIM card, the electronic SIM card has all the same functions of a SIM card of storing the user’s subscription information, but can be downloaded on the phone without a physical card.

The eSIM will allow people to get new phones without having to visit a telecom branch in person, making it especially easier for thrifty phone users who mostly subscribe online.

It would also save people the cost of having to buy two phones for their work and other purposes, and the plastic used for SIM cards will also decrease, the ministry said.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]