Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Andyc24_uk]

So I've just arrived back in Korea after 3 months away. Lat year's cellphone was provided by my employer, who understandably reclaimed it at the end of my last contract. My old cellphone from 2 years ago is no longer active as I've not used it for well over 45 days.

I'm currently here looking for a job - Got several possibilities from contacts and through the Internet - but they all want to call me on a cellphone. However - I can't get a cellphone, because I don't have an ARC. I can't get an ARC as I don't have a job. I can't get a job because noone can contact me as I have no cellphone. I can't get a cellphone because... you can see where this is going, can't you?

I'd really love to know why Korea won't sell pre-pay phones to foreigners without an ARC. I completely understand not offering contract phones - too easy for people to do a runner - but there is absolutely no risk at all in offering pre-pay phones (or a pre-pay plan for my existing handset).

Anyone got any good ideas on how to get a phone without an ARC? (other than getting a Korean friend to buy one for me - It's a possibility, but I'd rather do it myself)

[davehere22]

I know a few people who have bought pre pay phones within a week of arriving in Korea, without arc cards.

One place was in incheon, bupyeong in the underground shopping market

Another from a friend who was leaving though

[reactionary]

[email protected]

email him. i got a cellphone without an ARC (you need to give him one within 30 days, though, or basically ASAP)

ITKorea4u.com

i ordered internet through him as well. got the cell phone and a wireless router both for free.

they're located in anam-dong, near korea university. email him to be sure though.

[Andyc24_uk]

Useful! Thanks very much!

[mstrum]

Although you would probably pay through the roof, you can always get a cell phone from the airport. You have to pay something like 2 or 3,000 per day plus a fairly high per-10-second rate. Just thought I'd mention an option if you needed a phone right now

[Seoul Dancer]

Just go to Itaewon. Most of the places there will sell you a pre-pay phone with only your passport. Then when you get your ARC you just bring it back to the store and they complete the official registration of the phone under your name. That's how I got my phone, and most of my friends as well. Good luck^^

[snowysunshine]

I had no trouble getting a cell phone in Itaewon with just my passport. It's just a cheap, pre-paid one, but it does the trick.

[beison]

It doesn't even need to be in itaewon. I got one in Ilsan. Just gave them my passport and they hooked up my prepaid phone. it was at a "Tworld shop" and it's kinda expensive at 40 mins for 10,000 won. I'm gonna exchange it for a full plan when I get my ARC, but for now this is good!

[Vox_Populi]

You definitely don't need an ARC in Itaewon. This is a certainty. That's how I got mine. The guy next to the Ankara Picnic kebab shop will sell you one no problem. I think you have to eventually register with an ARC (like within 90 days or something) but he'll sell the phone to you and activate it with just your passport and some cash.