Korea - Best way to use my mobile in Korea

Hey all,

I will be going to Seoul for 7 days in September and was wondering what is the best way to use my mobile while there. I have quite a few friends and will need to arrange meeting times etc, but don't want to get hit with a huge fee from my current bill with roaming.

From what I read, there are not prepaid sims in Korea for GSM, unless someone can correct me.

What would be the best option for me to have reception with luckily a data plan?

If it helps, I am currently on 3HK in Hong Kong but I am thinking if I go to People's (China Mobile) and get a prepaid there, it should be cheaper for roaming.

Anyone did this before? Thanks!

The hotels I've stayed at Seoul all provide phones for local usage. IIRC, no charge for receiving calls, not cheap to make calls but probably better than roaming charges. One hotel provides iPhone4 so easy for checking locations/directions and tourist info. You may want to check with your hotel and see if that's an good alternative.

After exiting customs, in the main lobby, look for the rent mobile phone kiosk, they can provide reasonably priced rental for your stay.

http://www.sroaming.com/eng/Guide/Guide_Center.asp

Unfortunately, There's no way to use your phone in korea since Here's not any infrastructure for GSMs..Korea doesn't cover GSM.. Almost over 90% of koreans are using mobile phones with contracts... Also prepaid is really unusual here.. Every people pay for the bills once a month... U need to rent a mobile from the airport, or if you can use your roaming service, that'd be better.

Unfortunately, There's no way to use your phone in korea since Here's not any infrastructure for GSMs..Korea doesn't cover GSM.. Almost over 90% of koreans are using mobile phones with contracts... Also prepaid is really unusual here.. Every people pay for the bills once a month... U need to rent a mobile from the airport, or if you can use your roaming service, that'd be better.

My Sprint phone (CDMA) works in Korea.

My Sprint phone (CDMA) works in Korea.



My phone that runs on Verizon also worked in South Korea.

If you are using a 3G capable phone in HK, you will be able to roam in Korea without doing anything. As you say, though, cost will be an issue.

Additionally, my understanding is that given the current law, you'd never be able to buy a SIM and just put it into a new (unlocked, 3G) handset in any case. You need to buy a service plan and register your phone with the authorities. Only whitelisted phones can be used in Korea with Korean plans.

So, your choices are:
- Buy a handset (can probably get a so-called "card phone" second hand from Itaewon)
- Rent a handset with its own service plan and pay the bill when you leave Korea
- Rent a handset that takes your own SIM, and roam
- Buy a 3G handset (from home) and roam

The whole thread will be worth a read. The card phones are unlikely to be up to much browsing and for a week wouldn't be worth it. Then again the ones from the airport are pretty basic too.

You could of course make heavy use of wifi... :)