Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ciannagh]

Hello everyone,

I'm going to be moving to Korea in a couple of weeks. I know I won't be able to get a cell phone until I have my ARC card there, but I was wondering, should I buy an unlocked phone and bring it to Korea or just buy one there?

I wasn't really planning on getting a smartphone (I'm still one of those weirdos who doesn't want one). I have an unlocked phone already, and though it is a bit old, it works just fine. Would it make more sense for me to wait and get a cell phone plan, or would I be just fine using a prepaid SIM while I'm there?

[wishfullthinkng]

i'd personally buy a nexus from the google store and bring it here. super cheap, top-shelf specs and unlocked. then just set yourself up with a month-to-month plan. however you'll need your arc to do that so until you get it i'd just suggest using wifi (free and plentiful all over seoul) or if you really need to desperately make a phone call until you get your arc just ask a random korean if you can use their phone. most of them would let you.

[ciannagh]

Thanks for the input!

I do have an unlocked phone already though, and I really don't want to get a smartphone. Nothing against them, but they're just not for me. I tend to be clumsy and am rather hard on my phones, plus I don't want to deal with the hassle of having to charge it every day.

[wishfullthinkng]

fair enough. however, if this is your first time in korea and you plan on dating or setting up meetings with other koreans, a smartphone is literally invaluable though. koreans use the chat app called kakaotalk almost exclusively to communicate.

[Lazio]

You don’t need an ARC to purchase a pre-paid SIM card. Not with KT at least.
A passport is enough.
It is true however that it will be only valid for 90 days (tourist stay) and the ARC can be used later to extend it.