Korean Job Discussion Forums

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

When I was in Korea four years ago it wasn't possible to send txt messages overseas.

Has this changed now? Do they still run on the CDMA network or has GSM taken off?

Ekuboko · Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: ex-Gyeonggi

It is possible to send text msgs internationally, but not necessarily everywhere.
I use 002 + cell phone number, which is LG Dacom - you should check their website to see which countries' providers they have agreements with. It costs 200 won per txt.

Also, you may be able to send, but maybe not receive internationally. For example, there are 2 cell phone providers in my home country, one uses CDMA and one uses GSM. I can send txts from Korea to both networks, but I can only receive txts from the CDMA phones.

There are many threads in the tech forum started by people asking this same question over and over.. for other companies to txt through, do a search (be patient).

TiGrBaLm · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: Hubcap of Asia

So is it better to get a prepaid phone or one with a monthly plan?

I only need it for short calls, texting and receiving calls

I also live in the sticks so is it worthwhile to head to Seoul to get a phone or should I just get things done down here?

Thanks

stevehend · Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Location: WARRINGTON, ENGLAND

Excuse my total ignorance. Is it possible to buy a phone in UK and bring it over and hook up with a provider in SK for payment?

ehsann24 · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Location: Korea

no way man.....

stevehend · Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Location: WARRINGTON, ENGLAND

Thanks for that....why can't you do that..as I said my ignorance in this area is almost total

Wangta01 · Joined: 03 Oct 2006 Location: Seoul, S. Korea

While Away · Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Location: Seoul

I am thinking about switching from my monthly account, to prepaid. I am in Korea 3 months, then out 3 months, then back 3 months, then out 3 months ...
While I am out, I still get billed 17,000 month by LG. While I am in Korea my bill is about 25,000.
If I get a prepaid 'card phone', do I have to put time on every single month?
Can I charge it up with 30,000 and let that be good for 3 months with no use?
Thanks

UMPhilthy · Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Location: Nowon-gu

I have been attempting to get a monthly plan phone in my name since January. I have been met with many obstacles. During this process, I have discovered that it is now more difficult for foreigners to get Korean Credit Cards. I have spent more than 6 hours waiting in phone shops. I have taken K-friends and gone alone. I finally gave up, as I was uncertain about my future with my employer and in this country.

Now, I find out that in the last two weeks 5 people i know have signed up for monthly plan phones and purchased new phones for 40,000 Won. I am dumbfounded. I understand that while recent legal changes have made it more difficult for foreigners to get Credit Cards, changes this month have made cell phones easier to get a hold of. Is there a way that some one with knowledge and expertise could update this sticky to address the acquisition of monthly plan phones by foreigners at the promotional prices.

Michelle · Joined: 18 May 2003

yoyoyo · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Location: Seoul

I read that if you have a UK mobile that is 3G compatible (as mine is) you can use it in Korea? I don't want to be on my UK network though in Korea cos they'll charge me a fortune for the privilege. Can you buy a Korean network SIM card and put it in your existing phone without faffing around buying a phone etc etc. I can't get my head round all this Korean network and phone cards business...

vickynagy · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Location: Seoul

I have recenty tried Technomart for a used phone. The selection was poor at best. It's like a mobile cemetery in there. To make things worse, vendors trying to ask 100.000 Won for crappy handsets that looks as if they'll fall apart any second...I found only four phones out of about a hundred that had English language settings. Thus left exhausted and phoneless. (Why do people go there anyway, it's the most expensive electric mall I've seen in Seoul yet)

Idea

The best advice I was given since then is that; Second Hand Phones are best to get from a leaving foreigner. Try the Korea Herald's Bulletin Board's -Things for Sale instead

[quote="seoulsucker"]

hypnotist · Joined: 04 Dec 2004 Location: I wish I were a sock

yoyoyo · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Location: Seoul

Thanks for the info. It's such a shame you can't buy a Korean SIM card and put it in your existing handset! I had some dreamy idea I could buy a pay-as-you-go SIM and be online in a jiffy! As for UK network roaming, I wouldn't dream of being on a UK network out here, unless I was seriously rich, which I ain't.