Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Troglodyte]

The last time I was in Korea, they didn't have GSM. I think it was all CDMA or something specific to Korea. Now I'm back and i've seen that Korea is also using GSM.

Does Korea use the same frequencies as Europe or North America?

I'm asking because I often work in Europe, so if the phones here are compatible with the European GSM networks then I'd consider getting a good phone while here. Otherwise, for a 1 year visit, it's not worth getting a high end phone. Before anyone points it out, yes, I know that 3G is compatible here, in Europe and in North America. Unfortunately a lot of the places that I go in Europe don't have 3G coverage, so more often than not I use a GSM network. Does anyone know if GSM phone bought in Korea are compatible with European GSM? Or are they compatible with USA/Canada GSM?

Also, how common is GSM here? Do they make all the same phone models for GSM that they make for the regular network?

[Troglodyte]

No one knows?

[darkjedidave]

This has been discussed numerous times in past threads. Search for it

[big_fella1]

Korea does not use GSM, they now use WCDMA which is the 3G standard. Some phones are sold here that are both WCDMA/GSM. The problem may be unlocking them, as they are locked to the carriers here.

SK and KT even use different MMS standards to try to prevent swapping phones between carriers. KT has told me my phone is unlocked, but I have no way to test this until I next go abroad.

I would say if you are here for a year, just get a cheap phone. The high end phones here are more expensive than back home, and different from the models back home too.