Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mesh4321]

Hi Guys,

I'm moving to Korea soon, and was wondering if I could use my UK Blackberry in Korea?

I will unlock it in the UK before I come, and was wondering if a standard Korean sim card would work in it once unlocked?

Your help would be appreciated

Thanks

[Big Mac]

I'm pretty sure South Korea is on a completely different kind of network than the rest of the world. They don't use SIM cards in their phones. I highly doubt it will work.

I know someone who carried around his Blackberry in Korea and used it only as a calendar because he couldn't get it connected.

[cyui]

3g/4g should connect.

[Rutherford]

Newer phones use SIM cards here. New smartphones are built to work on mutliple bands, and there was a post here on Dave's not too long ago about Korea making it easier to set up imported phones. Do some more searching, OP.

[daeguowl]

[hakwonner]

It will not work here.

I have tried two multiple band smart phones here and they would not work. As somebody else said, Korea has it's own unique phone network which I suspect was set up so Samsung, LG etc can dominate the market with their own phones. You can bring it, but you'll only be able to receive calls and texts on it using your UK sim card.

Unfortunately you'll have to get a Korean phone to call/txt friends here.

[Mesh4321]

Thanks for the information guys!!

[Troglodyte]

The phone will be able to use the 3G antennas but it won't be able to use the GSM antennas because Korea doesn't have any. They use 2 main systems. One is 3G (new system) and another older Korean system (which may also be the same as the Japanese system).

Most of Korea is covered by 3G so it shouldn't be a problem.

[freddy teacher]

@hakwonner, why would you give someone information on something u know nothing about?

Anyway, don't listen to people that tell you it won't work.

Firstly, if you plan on using ur BB with data, then your only option is SK as they are the only carrier that has the rights to BIS service which is necessary for your data services to work. That will be an extra 12000w on top of your data charge.

Additionally, if u have a 9000 or 9700 or a torch, then it won't be too much of a problem to activate. If its a blackberry that is not sold in korea, like a pearl, or an earlier model, then you will have to register it with the government. They will check to see if it works. You can only do this if you have your arc. After that, I have to register it with sk. Then u go back the next business day and get a phone plan.

I know 100% u can use a foreign blackberry that's 3g compatible because I'm posting this on the subway with my 9700 from canada...

[Mesh4321]

Thanks Freddy,

I've got a 9700, so that is good to hear I can bring my phone with me.

I'm looking to use it mainly for BBM so that I can stay in touch with people from home so will need the data services.

You say its 12000W on top of the data charge. How much is the data charge then?

Thanks for your help.

[freddy teacher]

if u only want to focus on bbm and emails, which is what i mainly use mine for, then u should get the lowest package (500mb). its plenty, and its only 10,000w

[Goochmon]

Similar to freddy teacher I also use a BB 9700 which I unlocked from the telus network in Canada. I offer little new information but I can verify what has been said.

You can use your phone here. You do have to register it with the government and submit your phone for radio emissions testing which is done at a registered test site, after which you will receive a document stating that your phone has passed testing and been registered. Take your unlocked BB and your document to the nearest SK telecom flagship store and obtain your SIM card and data plan.

The most difficult part of this process is definitely the testing as it can be difficult to locate the centers. The cost of the testing will also vary from about 300,000 - 500,000 won depending on the test site. The test fee is rather ridiculous and in my opinion acts as a way of encouraging people to buy Korean phones while also serving as a penalty for not doing so.

I do love BBM.

[freddy teacher]

just to be clear, if someone already registered your phone with the government, you don't have to register it again. just go to the telecom.

i didnt hear of having to pay to have it tested, so i cannot offer any info on that. i didnt pay anything for my phone to be accepted, other than the usual activation fees...

[Goochmon]

[freddy teacher]