Korean Job Discussion Forums

[C00LAS1CE]

I was surprised at the lack of cell phone threads on the forum so hopefully this one can be used so that future ESL newbies like myself can use the info. From what I've read electronics are more expensive in Korea, and I'd like to be able to get a phone before leaving the U.S. I'm a little confused as to what cell bands Korea uses, because from what I read online it only uses CDMA, yet there is a thread in here with people talking about iPhones, which I thought was only GSM. When shopping for a phone, what should I look for? CDMA/GSM? Specific bands?

As to cell phone plans - I really would prefer not to sign any contract, here in the states I pay $30/mo for 1200 min/1200 text with Page Plus (no contract), and it's been great. Is there anything like this in Korea, or just the standard contract or prepaid where you pay by the minute?

As for international calling, I am looking to transfer my current cell # to Skype or Google Voice, leaning towards GV since from what I have read Skype has connection fees and is getting more expensive. Skype's calling rates to US is 2 cents/min, and Google Voice doesn't list what they charge but I'm guessing it's the same if not cheaper. Anyone have any good/bad experiences with either of the services?

[wishfullthinkng]

Well it's a bit confusing. Here's how it works:

The Iphone since the first generation has a quad-band GSM radio in it. Apple designed it to be global from the sketchboard. The original first-generation IPhone does not support any UMTS (often referred to as simply "3G") frequencies and runs only on GSM/EDGE.
The 3G model supports all frequencies as the first generation with the addition of supporting UMTS 3G technology with a maximum of 3.6 Mbit/s down-link speeds.
The 3GS is almost identical to the 3G in terms of cellular power, but opens up the pipeline a little further by allowing for 7.2 Mbit/s down-link speeds.

Here are the frequencies and protocols the IPhone 3GS can support:

UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

UMTS is inherently a CDMA radio technology but is closely related to GSM concepts. KT Telecom, the service provider for Korean IPhones has a UMTS 1900Mhz W-CDMA 3G service. This is similar to the service offered by AT&T in the US which also uses the 1900Mhz band. In the U.S., GSM operators only use the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency bands with TMobile being the only exception, using the 1700Mhz band for it's 3G services. This also explains why the IPhone can be used in Japan. In Japan they originally used TDMA cellular technology and skipped CDMA and GSM altogether to go to UMTS on the 2100Mhz band. That is why it has been historically almost-impossible to use a Japanese cell phone in the US and vice versa because the US has recently just made the push into 3G via UMTS where Korea and Japan have been using the technology for a good deal longer.

Iphone are identical around the world hardware wise. It may seem like they are different in each country, but it's all based on what type of cellular frequency the carriers use, not the hardware. I hope this clears up the confusion. As for the rest of your question, I can't really help out too much, my apologies.

[crossmr]

the only outside phone you can really bring here is an iphone and it is going to cost you $300 to certify it to be used with a Korean carrier.

Get your phone here.

Skype has calling plans for like $6/month for unlimited calling to north america.

[jonpurdy]

[KevinLS]

I tried using Google Voice from here a little while ago, but it gave me the "not in this country" message. I think the 'beta' is limited to USA only, so you should check on that first.

I use skype to call home. It's the same as if you were calling from the USA, 2.1cents/minute, or you can buy the cheap unlimited plans.

And I think it's not so hard to buy cheap phones here or have a phone without a contract. Go to an LG store, get a cheapie, and put some money on it. For me, 30,000 won lasted me for about my first 3 months.

[waseige1]

I use both Google Voice and Skype for a really cool solution.

My USA number is Google Voice. If you are listed in my family group or my friends group, it forwards the call to my SkypeIn number which calls my Skype phone in my apartment (over the internet connection). Thus my calls are screened.

If you are not a friend or family, you go to Google voice. Google voice then sends me an email (to gmail). I have a filter that detects Google voice emails and it forwards them to a bullitenmail.net account. The bulliten.net mail account sends an sms message to my Korean cell phone so I know I have a new voicemail.

Works way cool.
Works super reliable.
Total costs...

Skype $60 a year unlimited both ways to the USA.
Google Voice - free
Bullitenmail.net 10 cents a message.
The skype desktop phone (not needed you could use your PC) $100.00

Being able to screen calls and be immediately notified. Priceless.

[Caffeinated]

Anyone successfully activate their Google Voice invitation while outside the US?

[waseige1]

[C00LAS1CE]

Anyone know if I'd be able to get a decent camera phone with at least a 5 megapixel camera w/ flash for a reasonable price there? That was the main reason why I wanted to buy one before I left. I am hoping to avoid having to buy a digital camera. Whenever I don't have a camera on me I need one and vice versa--much easier to just have a good quality camera on the cell that way you have it on you at all times.

[red_devil]

[C00LAS1CE]

Anyone use Magic Jack? My dad uses it in Panama and it's got really good quality for $20 a year, although from what I read online they listen to conversations in order to advertise to you, don't know if that's true or not.

[aweitzm1]

Can you forward your skype calls to a cell phone in SK?

If so how do you do that? Can I receive and make phone calls on my cell phone using my skype #?

I am confused as to how it will work and Skype does not have a customer service # I can call and ask my questions.