Korean Job Discussion Forums

canadianscarlett · Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Location: Jeju, for the moment

Okay, so I've only been in S.K. for just over 2 weeks, but whoa! -- what's with the cellphones?! Exclamation

When I tell my new Korean friends that I don't have a cell phone they look at me as if I've just grown a third eye on my forehead or something.

So, is everyone expected to have a cell in S.K.? Do you have one? If not, are you coping okay without? I personally don't want one unless I absolutely have to get one.

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

I don't have a cellphone in Japan, does that count?

Dawn · Joined: 06 Mar 2004

I lived quite happily without one for the better part of two years, and one of my co-workers remains phoneless after nearly ten years (on and off) in the country.

Cigar_Guy · Joined: 05 Dec 2005

A third eye, eh? Mine usually look like I have a second mouth softly whispering to them "Steer clear of this man--something is very, very wrong with him."

It's taken me long enough--only a few months to go or not, I'm getting one and I'd recommend you do the same. In my part, at least, having a big fancy expensive one isn't that necessary, but the idea that you don't have one at all is really annoying.

Plus, try meeting up with someone and looking around for a payphone--not fun.

rocklee · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul

My girl was begging me to get one.

Guess I might have to.

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

It does make trips overseas feel like a step back in time.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

I am sans cellphone and loving it. The obsession some people have with these things borders on psychosis.

I have found that not having a cellphone has been a very effective dating filter as well. The reaction in response to this piece of information is very telling. I also never have to obligate myself by exchanging numbers with someone whom I have no interest in.

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

I've never owned one. I did have a "beepee" at one time, though.

thepeel · Joined: 08 Aug 2004

Peter Jackson · Joined: 23 Apr 2006

...but a cell really does come in handy when meeting someone...I wouldn't mind using a payphone if I needed directions or something, but I've found that most of them seem to be card phones (and I never have the blasted card) and the coin ones are often broken or I never have enough change and have to run off to a shop or whetever.

A cell will give you less of a headache as you explore this place. Smile

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

a few years ago i used to dislike people with cellphones because it seemed so pretentious and self-important. of course, then, the fees were much higher and it was mainly the yuppies or the rich teen socialites that had them.

once you get a cellphone, however, it really is a huge convenience. and it's pretty cheap so there's little reason not to. it's almost to the point where not having a cell phone seems self-important, like you expect people to know your schedule and wait for you to be at home and then call you. it's funny how things change.

Cedar · Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:54 am Post subject:

Some elementary school kids don't have one.

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

I don't have one and don't plan on getting one either. It's just not necessary.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I have some friends who don't, and I don't know how they get by. Before coming to Korea I had never owned a cellphone and never sent a text message. Now I'm almost as bad as my teenage students.