Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OBwannabe]

I've got an Iphone 4 factory unlocked from back home. So I assume I can use it here, right?

I've been here a couple weeks and still don't have my ARC, so no phoe plan. I've gotten by ok by stealing wifi and using fb messenger/whatsapp/Skype.

So once I have my own internet in my apartment I can just use those at ease.

So my question is this.....wouldn't using a pay as you go plan make more sense? Just use it sparingly when you are out of wifi service, or you need to get in touch with someone quickly? Do they still have pay as you go?
And is there a set up fee for it? I remember it was really cheap for texting back in the day. And all you needed was a passport to get it hooked up. But maybe that's all changed now?

[Jake_Kim]

http://dic.olleh.com/wDic/productDetail.asp?ItemCode=757

You might want to go with the above. Description is all in Korean only, but the top row (Standard) gives you zero base rate, 4.8 Won per second voicecall, 22 Won per text, 33 per long text, 220 per MMS. 2nd and 3rd rows are options with daily base rates in exchange for 'lower' voicecall rates. You do the break-even math.

You can set up automatic credit refill - periodic or floor - or do it manually online through bank transfers. (since it's not likely you'd have a credit card issued in Korea)

If you're in big cities and stealing wifi isn't enough, you could combine the above with a wifi-only contract such as this:
http://dic.olleh.com/wDic/productDetail.asp?ItemCode=177

As far as Wifi infrastructure is concerned, KT is still on the top of the game, although the same cannot be said of, say, LTE services.

[Lazio]

there is English information here:
http://expatblog.tistory.com/221

I believe KT has the best pre-paid packages

Call rates are more expensive than on a post-paid plan. 4.8 won/sec vs. 1.8 won/sec.
But texts and MMS are pretty much the same 22won and 220 vs. 20 and 200.

With a 30,000Krw charge you get 100 free minutes to any KT cell number which is nice especially if one or more of your frequent contacts are with KT.

According to this, a passport is enough
http://expatblog.tistory.com/91

Service Usage Period:
"If the service is activated with a passport: The service may be used for up to 90 days, after which time mobile phone service is automatically suspended. Those wishing to extend their usage period need to visit an official kt retailer or kt Plaza with a copy of their passport or Certificate of Alien Registration, or contact kt’s Customer Service Center.

If the service is activated with a Certificate of Alien Registration: The service may be used until the sojourn expiration date listed on the certificate, after which time services are automatically suspended. Those who have extended their sojourn period need to visit an official kt retailer or kt Plaza or contact kt’s Customer Service Center."

[OBwannabe]

Thanks to you both. Great info.

Now I'll just have to make sure my phone will work here. A NA iphone 4 factory unlocked shouldn't have any problems, or would it?

[Deja]

True, unlocked iPhones should have no problems anywhere essentially. (except on CDMA only carriers such as Verizon, or LGU+).

Personally, considering I found that virtually every place in Seoul has free public wifi, I ditched having any phone plan.

[spilot101]

Hi, I'm thinking about getting a smartphone but I'm extremely illiterate when it comes to 21st century technology (particularly when dealing with smartphones).
I understand there is a useful program called Kakao Talk, which is what I (mainly) intend to use, but just so I'm on the right page... I can use Kakao on free wireless, whenever it's available, to avoid the data usage charges, and use it on the actual plan data when there isn't a wireless signal - correctamundo?

[IPayInCash]

[Janny]

No. Not in this day and age of Skype and such.

Stick with pay as you go. I did for many years, saved me many headaches.

Of course, I don't use the phone much. If you're a big talker, maybe a plan is better. Just my 2cents.

[Deja]

Isn't Skype/VoIP, in general, blocked or limited on SK carriers? I was told there is a very low limit in data I can use for VoIP on KT.


I live in Guro Digital, anywhere in a few miles walk from my home there is free wifi within 100m, if not less.
Granted, this is not the case when you go to bars or smaller areas, but that is not a major concern for me, since I don't need a phone then

[beentheredonethat777]

So my question is this.....wouldn't using a pay as you go plan make more sense?

^^. Yes. This method only cost me 100,000 won per year! WORD!