Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Real Reality]

As Koreans go mobile, pay phones face extinction
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, has been dubbed a global information technology hub that offers all the latest in high-tech communications, from wireless Internet to video e-mail.

But Ki Hyun-jung, 33, who had lived in Argentina for the past decade and recently visited here, found that the city lacked a basic communications device as she was waiting for one of her friends downtown who was late for an appointment.
By Koh Byung-joon, Yonhap News (November 4, 2006)
http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20061104/470100000020061104090023E7.html

Impressive?
late for an appointment? In Korea? Well, everyone has a cell phone, just call, right?

[charlieDD]

Same is happening in the states in many places. Some municipalities and states are forcing the telephone companies to keep a certain number of them running and maintained, especially poor neighborhoods and in areas where cell phone coverage has not been feasible yet.

Interesting contra-development of sorts: Phone booths are making a comeback in some hotel lobbies, airports, etc. Just the booths - - for you to use with your mobile phone. (Makes sense; think of all the times you searched in vain for a quiet and private place to talk on your mobile.)

Security concerns is limiting them, though (too easy to leave a backpack in one) - - another terrorism tax on society.




(You shall know them by their fruits.)

[just because]

There will always be pay phones around in high traffic places and places frequented by tourists...

However, why would you keep them if nobody uses them...

[Dev]

This is a pain in the behind for tourists. Now whereever you go, you'll have to rent a cell phone at the airport.

[twg]

If they remove the pay phones, they should be replaced with direct lines to some emergency services.