Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

I've been searching this forum, other forums, the web, and Facebook for answers but can't get any reliable information. I'll try to phrase my questions as succinctly as possible here.

1.) If I buy a G Pro online, from G Market for example, will it be unlocked? My Korean co-worker has told me that getting a phone unlocked is very simple nowadays but dribs and drabs of information I've garnered suggest otherwise. My main concern is, I don't want to shell out over $500 for a phone that I can only use in Korea.

2.) What is a fair price at a shop for one of these nowadays? I see lots of signs that indicate low prices but when I enter the shop and begin negotiation they generally tack on an additional $100 - $200 more than the sign out front indicated.

3.) With a Korean coworker I was able to negotiate what he said was a fair price. The shop offered a 3 year contract at 56,000 won a month. They claimed that the phone was unlocked AND if I left Korea there was no penalty. They said the phone was mine to keep without any sort of fine, etc. But if I stayed in Korea longer than a year I would have to continue paying on the same 3 year contract until its completion... or I left the country.
* Personally, I find this highly suspect as being a foreigner here has rarely been an advantage when dealing with bureaucracy and contracts.
** Later that day, when speaking with another coworker about this contract I was told that there is in fact no such thing as a three year contract with the actual providers, and that individual shops crafted them to keep your business longer.

Please help.

[Seon-bee]

I'm also thinking of getting the Pro G, but the new G2 also appeals. Going back to compare.

I was told it is unlocked.

Offered one or two-year contract. No three-year to my knowledge. Can also pay as you go.

Better check the details of the contract. Sounds like you'd be paying for the phone for three years in addition to the monthly rate plan. Which rate plan.

You'd have to pay off the phone if you leave unless you buy it outright.

[furtakk]

I *think* most new phones come unlocked. I was told that I'd have no problems swapping sims when I go home this fall. I won't know for sure until next month though...

[maximmm]