Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jasmine]

If I buy a Samsung CDMA phone here in Canada, will I be able to get it hooked up in Korea? I just want to have all my functions available in English. I hate having to memorise all the buttons for checking and deleting messages.

[Dan]

i believe newer phones can change languages so that all menus come up in English. The phone i saw was a fairly pricey one from LG Cyon.

an alternative plan if phones are not compatible internationally

[Hotuk]

Biligual phones are still not standard here, though I wish they were. I got an LG Cyon color phone in the summer but give it to my wife out of frustration with the menus. Replaced it with a Motorola, which does English. Nokias also do English, I believe.

[kimcheeking]

as far as I know all motorolas in Korea can be changed over to English. The guy in the shop won't know how to do it... ask a korean friend to look thru the manual and do it for you.

with basic Korean skills you should be able to do it yourself.

[Pilcrshr]

FYI most of the newer domestic manufactuers models (i.e. Samsung and LG) have optional english menus. The only problem is that they are typically found on the higher end models (translation $$$). I've found the most of the LG Cyon mobile phones have the optional english menus, but beware of the poor build quality. I've had mine for 4 months now and have been to the after-service offices thrice already. If I had to purchase again, I'd go with the Samsung phones.

EDIT: Jasmine, do not purchase the phone in Canada. Although its using CDMA technology, the frequencies used in Korea are different. You will have to exchange your SIM card (chip) inside of the phone to get your to work. It is not worth the hassle or money to do it.

[kangnamdragon]

I am just curious about how most foreigners get phones here. I know some people are married to Koreans. How else do you get phones? Do your friends use their id's? (I have a phone, I'm curious about how others get them for future reference to help other foreigners.)

[kimcheeking]

I first got my phone on my own id. I had to put down a 200,000 won deposit. I have since changed my phone to my wifes name and got my deposit back.

[Derrek]

The way to go is to have a Korean friend sign you up in thier name. Then you aren't paying the terribly high cardphone rates (something like 500 won/minute to call).

Buy a motorola phone (can do English) and go with 016 for a number. It's cheaper than 011, and quality is very good. I had recommended 011 before, but my Korean friends told me I should go with 016 because of cost.

I'm waiting on buying a new phone because I just bought a new camera.

[Captain Obvious 2.0]

[TobyWhite]

I was under the impression that North American phones will not work in Korea, and vice versa because of different service methods. Am I wrong? My friend brought her Nokia Fido phone here - can she use it? If I buy a Korean phone can I use it back home?