Korean Job Discussion Forums

[radiantchild]

Hi everyone!

I am moving into a one room next week and it currently doesn't have the internet set up. I'll be living there for a year, so I know that I'll definitely need it to help me prepare for lessons and keep in touch with friends and family.

Can anyone tell me how much it is to install the internet at home (through which company) and how much the general monthly fee is?

Do I have to buy a modem or does the internet company supply it?

Also, a Korean friend told me that I might have to pay a lot because I'm only going to be there a year, but others have said most people pay around 20,000 won a month...

I'm really confused and new to all this, so any practical advice would be great. Thank you and Happy New Year!!!


Note: I already asked some locals for help, but most of them just said that they had no clue how someone in my particular situation acquires internet and just shrugged me off.

[ThingsComeAround]

Sorry to hear about your neighbors being unhelpful

You have to shop around. Ask someone in your building what internet service they use and try to get contact info. Your building probably advertises for it (mine does) in the elevator or talk to your landlord.

What your friend said about one year is true- however some people sign up for the 2-3 year contract and cancel without paying too much of a penalty.

Do you have a co-teacher? Your manager at the place you work? They should be the ones helping you as they know where you live and what situation best applies.

[radiantchild]

Hi! Thanks for the input. I asked, but people were pretty unhelpful. I also don't know my neighbors yet, so I can't ask them. I'd like to get this figured out because it's a bit stressful to deal with the move/transition and have to deal with this as well, especially with the language barrier.

I don't mind paying more, but nobody has given me any clear numbers or information. Everyone around me seems to be humming and haughing, make my worry and feel negative about my chances of acquiring internet at a reasonable price. I was pretty much told "It's your problem. Deal with it".

So that's what I'm trying to do.

If anyone has acquired internet for themselves at home while in Korea and has any concrete numbers about what they paid/pay, etc. it would be most appreciated.

Also, which company do you use and do you find their services good?

Thank you!!!

[ayahyaha]

Google gave me this post: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=160016

[ayahyaha]

Found what I was looking for: KT, not SK.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=204557

Good luck.

[highstreet]

First, you need to find out whether or not your building is pre-wired for a certain ISP. In my situation, my building can only get internet through KT QOOK. The fee is 36 a month for 100/100. If you can select any service, then I suggest calling them all up.

In my case, my building is a officetel building so they have a office in the basement. I went down, they gave me a memo with service numbers for internet, gas, etc...

If you live in a villa, best bet would be to call your landlord or ask the neighbors. Just ask them what ISP they use and you can search on Naver for a phone number.

[ttompatz]

Moving into a villa.
Assuming you have an ARC (if you don't then NOTHING can happen till you do).
Pick a speed. cable, DSL or VDSL.
Call the provider.
They will come and string a line from the pole into your apartment.
They supply everything from the back of the computer to the pole.
You will need to sign up for a 1 year contract.

Costs vary from 15k with your local cable company to 35k for 100mbps with KT.

KT has English service that is not bad but only available during weekday office hours. 1588-8448, 82-100

SK's English service just plain sucks.

Your local cable provider won't have English service but unless you are downloading tons of movies the speed isn't an issue so the cost makes it OK. Combo packages (digital CATV/internet) run about 20k

.

[Lazio]

If you can use wireless internet only than shoot me with a pm and I can help you with a solution for the time being or even permanently.

[furtakk]

KT's English service is awesome!

I've had a couple problems with my line as I live in an older villa and they need to run the cable right into my place (the fibre optic cable is damaged really easily) and every time I've called with an issue they've been super helpful.

I signed up for a 1 year contract and my monthly bill is 29K for 100mbit.

[coralreefer_1]

[schwa]

Good suggestions above. Internet in Korea is considered a basic necessity so service tends to be very quick & efficient. I've moved several times & every time was able to get it up & running that same day.

One time I tried to prearrange installation two days ahead & was told it was too early, call back tomorrow. I've dealt with 3 or 4 providers & in my experience they're all pretty much same/same. Same with afterservice -- problems usually get dealt with within hours.

I'm surprised those you've reached out to have been unhelpful. Internet service is generally just a phonecall away & the young installers are typically straight-up guys who get the job done.

[furtakk]

[radiantchild]

Thanks for all of the info!

@ttompatz

Do I have to press 02 or any other number from my cellphone if I call the "1588-8448" number?

Thanks again, everyone!

[ttompatz]

[radiantchild]

Thank you again for such a quick reply!

And this is just a general question for everyone who has installed internet at home.

Is there usually an installation fee and how much is it?