Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ses1985]

Just started at a new school. My principle handed me a cell phone and said she will be taking 800,000 won from my pay and I will have unlimited cell phone/texting in Korea for the year. She didn't give me the chance to say yes or no...
Is this a good deal?
Is it worth it?
Is it ok to give her back the cell phone if I dont want this plan or even a cell phone??
Thanks!

[tran.huongthu]

[northway]

Does your contract say anything about the phone? Regardless, you're getting ripped off if it's not a smart phone, but I know some contracts have funny clauses about the school paying bills for you, providing a phone, etc.

[Wildbore]

[ssuprnova]

Throw the phone at her. Aim for the head and hope she's out for a few minutes while you run for the hills.

[Jake_Kim]

IF your boss is at least not trying to pull off a scam on you, that huge lump sum can only be explained by the full cash payment of one of the smartphones out there, given that your visa status will not get you on an installment plan which Koreans usually sign up for.
However, one cannot determine whether said amount is reasonable or not without further details regarding the device you'll get as well as specific breakdown of the plan that you're now 'forced to subscribe.' People will need at least the brand, model number, and the title of your plan to look it up.

[PeteJB]

You know, I wouldn't care if she gave it to me for a discount - I wouldn't want someone else studying my phonebills.

And it's not that hard to sign up for a phone plan.

[amoonbot]

Generally, those "800,000 WON" plans fall under the smart phone category. When Koreans apply for a cell phone, they usually apply for a two-year contract. Smart phones start out at 800,000, which is evenly split for a period of two years. And usually, most carriers will reduce the price down to around 600-650,000. In the case that a person breaks the contract before the two years is up, they will be charged the remaining amount at the original device fee.

With that being said, different rules to apply to foreigners. Many phone stores are still wary of foreigners in fear they will break contract and leave early, so a lot of them don't offer the standard plans they offer Koreans. If you end up getting a smartphone as a foreigner, sometimes these stores will offer you a one year plan charging 800,000 split evenly for a period of 12 months. However, there are also a few stores such as the KT global store in Itaewon or Gwanghamun (Seoul) that offer the two year plans with smartphones to foreigners.

If your principal or whoever's in charge told you pay 800,000 upfront and it's a smartphone, then they may have enrolled you in the one year smart phone plan. Still, they don't need the money upfront as you pay it monthly. Next, if they got you an ordinary phone at that price, something is definitely wrong and you should check it out. I got a nice little phone (not a smartphone) for a one year plan and I ended up paying about 450,000 WON evenly split for a period of 12 months.

I suggest asking for the receipt, contract, and bill statement.

[Drew10]

[Zyzyfer]

[hogwonguy1979]

like other people have said, tell your boss to stick that phone where the sun dont shine 800k up front is a scam, you can get a brand new iphone for total of around 70-80k month in your name, just go to a olleh global store (itaewon or gwanghwamun as mentioned) and they will take care of it, if you go for a lesser phone i believe the cost will be less given the phone will cost less

[jamesd]

I smell a troll.

[bekinseki]

I was just shopping for a new smartphone last week. The Galaxy S2 was around 900 000 won for two years, and the Galaxy S1 was closer to 650 000. I think 800 000 won would be an acceptable price for a top-of-the-line smartphone with unlimited access for two years. For one year, that's a pretty serious ripoff.

[Drew10]

[Jake_Kim]