Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hagwonnewbie]

I'm going to buy an ipad.

The ones with 3g don't ship for a couple more weeks.

I was wondering if you guys think it would be worth waiting for.

[Underwaterbob]

Do we really need more iPad/Mac related threads lying around?

I can't believe the hype this thing is getting.

[crescent]

Apple marketing goes like this:

Hyper-Hype.
Release 1st generation products at hyper-hype price.
Fix bugs.
Release 2nd gen, with more features at lower price.



Wait until the fall when 4g comes out.

[tatertot]

There is no reason to buy the 3G iPad because you won't be able to use 3G in Korea. You can only use 3G devices on 3G networks in Korea if the device is purchased in Korea. Save your money and time and just get the regular version.

[hagwonnewbie]

It's for my boss.

The iPad has already been Jailbroken, it's just a matter of time before you see them in Korea in full effect.

[blackjack]

[tatertot]

OP, I wasn't criticizing you. I was just trying to answer your question succinctly. I'm sorry if it sounded like I was being a jerk. I will clarify my previous post.

Korea uses some sort of whitelist consisting of device IDs that are allowed to connect to cellular networks here. I have heard it said that it is a whitelist of IMEI numbers, but I'm not sure how accurate that is since I haven't seen the source of the claim. Regardless, it is not possible to use any 3G device purchased outside of Korea on a Korean network carrier. Even people who have bought hardware unlocked iPhones from Hong Kong cannot use them on KT in Korea (even though KT sells the same phone). It is possible to use the ATT 3G network (and probably other carriers' networks as well) if you want to pay the outrageous roaming fees, though.

Another hurdle to using the iPad in Korea is that it will be using a smaller SIM called Micro SIM, which is not yet supported by any carriers in Korea. This SIM is physically smaller than the regular SIM cards you see in iPhones and other phones. I have heard that it is otherwise the same as a regular SIM card, so you could try to "modify" a SIM yourself using scissors, but I wouldn't recommend it.

So, if you want, you can buy a 3G iPad and bring it to Korea. After KT, SK, or LG starts using the Micro SIM, you can get a plan with one of them. Your next step would be to find a way to spoof the IMEI number of your iPad to be the same as a device which was legitimately purchased (or certified) in Korea. This is very hard to do on modern devices (unless you have special equipment).

That is why I said it is not worth waiting for the iPad 3G. Of course, eventually the iPad 3G will probably be released in Korea by a Korean carrier, in which case the 3G will work. However, I would expect the wireless charges to be exorbitantly high.

[hagwonnewbie]

I pre ordered one for my boss. He said he wanted the 3G, so it's his hang up now. He's rich, so it's no big deal.

Thanks for the responses.

[red_devil]

Most likely we'll see unlimited data plans soon - or at the very least more bandwidth for i-lite, i-medium, i-premium plans. I'm waiting for the dual Wi-Fi / 3G version myself. With my iPhone around Seoul i still see a lot of the time on the 3G network versus picking up Nespot.

[hagwonnewbie]

My boss told me to cancel the order. Ipads are illegal in Korea. They will be confiscated at customs.

[detourne_me]

hahahaha!!! which Korea do you live in?

reselling an ipad may be illegal, but there is nothing wrong with importing one for personal use.

[tatertot]

[hagwonnewbie]

UPS will not knowingly accept them for delivery to South Korea because of their experience with customs.

I have a feeling none of the other companies would either.

[iantrich]

iPad 3G will not work in Korea as no US iPhone will work in Korea. Korean telecomms are tightly regulated by the government and each device on the network is given a specific ID to be able to use the network.

Your best option is importing the WiFi version and searching for a MiFi type device. I haven't seen one yet, but would be surprised if someone doesn't sell them.

[Rocktek]

Before 3G models can even be released here, Apple and KT would need to agree on a service plan. The deal they have with ATnT in the US is pretty unique in that it's pay as you go (no contract).

I don't know how willing KT would be to do a deal like that.