Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PittGirl07]

Hi all. Instead of posting three different threads, I decided to just consolidate. Again, I'm having problems with the site/search for some reason so pardon me if this has been discussed recently. Here goes.

1. The other day, I accepted an offer in Seoul and I'm really stoked about it! I currently have a GSM device and I know that Korea is a CDMA country. I want to be able to contact my fam once I arrive. Is it possible to purchase a prepaid phone at the airport? I will likely use that for the first month or so while I get my ARC and bank account, etc, etc, taken care of because I think I'd prefer a regular monthly plan later on. I haven't gotten my ticket yet but I will probably fly into Incheon International.

2. The cell phone would mainly be for texting, emergencies, probably using internet on the go, and so on, but I also want to be able to talk to my family and friends carefree. I will have my (Mac) laptop with me and I will get internet once I am settled. Does Skype work there? I know that the chat software works, but I would want to get a subscriber plan so that I could call unlimited to Korea, China, Italy, France (all landlines) and the US and use a usb plug-in phone to make it easier. I was also considering Vonage, but I heard a while back that Korea blocked the ports that they use for VOIP?

3. In Seoul, what are the names of some good places to get cheap/used, basic furnishing for a small studio? Small bed or futon, small desk, chair, small table, pots/pans, dishes, etc. .....and do these places deliver because I would not have access to a car.

Thanks in advance!

[Juregen]

1. Go to Itaewon, airport only "rents" phones.

2. Skype works on the internet, it's not China here

3. Just check the dumps of the big apartments, they often leave decent furniture there

Furniture in itself is not expensive, but it will take time to find the good addresses.

[furtakk]

[fullcollapseCA]

Don't register your pre-paid phone with your passport unless you want to use it for a month. If you register with your ARC, it won't expire. LG OZ has a great prepaid plan for starting as low as 10,000 WON a month. Free incoming calls and around 3 cents to text. It can get expensive making calls though. You will need a non Sim card phone to register with LG OZ phone service.

I bought a used LG Optimus smart phone and I can make free calls using Skype almost anywhere there is a T Zone wifi connection. For some reason Skype works when I connect to them even though they charge a fee for wifi.

[sister_sunshine]

I used to buy the international phone cards to call home. They were about 15,000 and lasted about 4 hours (depending on whether you call landlines or mobiles). Can get them all over the place in Itaewon. Way cheaper than calling directly from your phone.