Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sigmundsmith]

So, my 3G phone I got through SK that I have had for about 2 years broke today. I have been with SK for 4 years. Have had 2 phones with them. Paid the initial deposit of 200,000won way back when I first signed up (didnt' know any better). In both cases of getting the phones, I had a Korean co-sign - first my hagwon director, and for the 3g phone my gf (now ex). Am on a monthly plan. Paid automatically through my bank. So no problems with me being a bad customer.

So went to an SK Show shop. Was told that have to go to SK world. Then was told I had to go to SK Anycall. Got there. Explained how it was broken. Was told it would be unlikely that it could be fixed. Said I would be willing to buy a new phone. Id card produced and then she makes the call. E2 visa, nope can't buy a cellphone in my name. She suggested LG. But I have so many numbers and stored information on the SIM card.

Produced a recent bill, confirmed how long I have been a customer. Showed her my Korean credit card, my work ID card (work at a university) and also showed her my student ID card (am doing a masters degree through a Korean University).

She makes another phone call. Then comes back with one choice of phone. Looked about 3 years old. Said I would have to pay 200,000won for that one. No thanks.

Just can't believe that someone who has been a customer for so long, paid bills always, they have a security deposit of 200,000won, I have produced as much information and ID to show my intentions of staying here for a while and I still can't get a phone. Well a half decent phone anyway. If I was going to pay 200,000won I would expect something decent. This one that she showed me didnt even have a SIM card.

My network of close Korean friends is very low now since I have moved and I am the type of person who would really like to be treated as an equal and an adult.

I understand their policy that being a foreigner is a potential flight risk but Jesus, this is ridiculous.

There was a thread I briefly read about the Korean government asking for input into what can be done for the situation of Foreigners here. Well, this should be one. Improve the discriminative practices of services such as cellphones.

People will say just switch to LG but unfortunately I don't think that just swapping over SIM cards from my anycall phone to an LG phone will work. I think I will loose all stored numbers and information.

Sorry, just my bitch against Korea day today and needed to let it out.

[denverdeath]

[sigmundsmith]

Maybe someone might be able to ask this question.

I buy a new phone off the internet (say gmarket) can I take it into an SK shop (that is my carrier) and take out the sim card from my broken phone and have them put it in the new phone I bought off gmarket, can that work? and would my numbers and stored information still be there?

[SMOE NSET]

Don't know if this helps but I bought a used phone awhile ago. They just took out the sim card from my current phone, plugged it into their computer, and transfered everything to the new sim card. Took max 10 minutes.

[sigmundsmith]

[Kryten]

Go to an SK shop, pop your SIM card into one of their phones (even an employees phone) and have them transfer your contact info to a computer. They can either do this using a cable from the phone to computer via usb, or microSD memory card (if the phone has it) to computer, or possibly by their network/email/whatever to computer. If neither of those work then copy the info by hand.

Once you have all your contacts on file.. get ready for it.. I'm gonna say it... go open an account at LG. Stop dealing with a company that discriminates and go to someone who will value your business. A one-time 30,000 set up fee and you're good to go.

[blade]

[sigmundsmith]

OK. so after trying numerous times in different stores (SK) and coming back with the same responses I decided to give SK a call directly http://www.sktelecom.com/eng/ through their website 080 252 5011

The lady that helped me was very good. This number is the English speaking operators. Explained the situation with the phone and shops. Said that SK doesn't make the decisions about who gets what phone etc. that is left up to the individual shops.

She made the call to a shop in the area that I chose (near Seoul Station) they agreed that they would give me a new phone (last years model) for free - would have to pay a cancelation fee and reactivation fee of 50,000won but kept the same number I had.

Got to the store, called the lady at SK she took care of every thing - still couldnt get a touch screen (well I could but it would have been too expensive as not signed by a Korean) but the phone is nice, can watch cnn news for free

Still needed a Korean to help (but that was their job) so was happy with the service.

So it is doable