Using Your Foreign iphone/buying a new phone in Korea

I wanted to use my present UK iphone in Korea, and since I had a hard time finding resources on how, here is a blog post on getting a phone/using an iphone in Korea, as it is indeed possible.

Step one

UNLOCK YOUR PHONE FIRST

Your phone needs to be unlocked in your home country before you can be given a Korean SIM, I had a friend who wanted to use her iphone but because it was locked she couldn't, when she then asked her phone company to unlock it they explained she had to actually physically be in their store to do it. Which she couldn't do because she was in Korea....so you best unlock that sucker!

Step two

I can't speak for places outside of Seoul but when I went to get my phone done I went to the Olleh store in Hongdae since there is an English speaker available. I imagine all Olleh stores are able to give you the SIM but you might want someone who speaks Korean with you.
Bring:-

• Passport (alien registration card works too)
• Phone
• Address details

Hongdae exit 9, olleh store is directly in front of you, go in, go upstairs, look confused and speak english then an english speaker will probably come get you.

Tell him/her what you want, in my case a pay as you go SIM, write down your details on the form, the person helping you will show you where you sign and write since the contract is in Korean.

Give them some money for the SIM (I think about 5,000 won) and top up your phone.

and you're good to go!

Contracts

If you decide you want a contract, or to buy one of their fancy phones, get a Korean bank account (very easy to do) bring your passport again and start talking to the clerk about what you want. I do warn you though that contracts generally last a year so don't waste your money if you're staying for less than a year, if however you have that money to waste go ahead (you lucky duck)

Getting a cheap Pay as you go

My friends who didn't unlock their phones, or have the money to buy a smart phone or not staying long enough for a contract, got cheap recycled phones for about 15,000won. They're very old school but hey it works! Same contract and top up system as your unlocked phone.

Easy right? just talk to a store clerk and they will find you everything you need. I am currently using my UK iphone with a Korean SIM and have had no problems.