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[champacs]

There have been quite a few previous posts on the forum about using iPhones bought abroad in Korea, but no posts about using an iPhone bought in Korea abroad once you leave Korea (I mean leave permanently, not just abroad travelling).

Does anyone have any information on this subject ?

Also can an iPhone currently be bought in Korea independently, or is it always linked to an operator ?

[Taiyozoku]

Yes, you can use an iPhone abroad even if you bought the iPhone in Korea. They use the standard GSM SIM cards, but you might have to unlock it somehow. You can do this easily visiting a KTown back home, or wherever you're visiting.

and your second question, you can buy an iPhone independently. You can look for second hand phone stores, and they are not linked to operators. If you want more information on this, please feel free to ask me via email and I can help you with this.

I hope this info helps!

[seoulstomper]

In order to use your Korean-purchased iPhone abroad, there are a few things to know.

1. Currently iPhone 4S is being sold unlocked, so you should be able to slip any other operator's microSIM card.

2. iPhone 4 and 3GS have always ben sold carrier-locked; however by law the carrier MUST unlock the device at customer's request. This means that if you fax or email them a return airline ticket they will unlock it digitally. (You will also have to send them your IMEI number, which is located on your iPhone in 'Settings, General, About.') You will have to plug in to iTunes a few days later, where it will tell you you have updated carrier settings to apply. Do that and you're unlocked. Forever. The carriers don't have the ability to re-lock it; once it's done, it's done.

Just a note too that even if your iPhone contract has expired, you still have to request an unlock; however you don't need to show a return ticket in this case.

If you still have time left on your contract you can buy out the remainder (expensive), after which they will also unlock it (but make sure to expressly request this).

If you need more info you can find it below.

KT: www.expatblog.kt.com
SK: sorry... you're on your own!

This information was provided at the request of the site operator. It is, to my knowledge, current and accurate. I hope you find it helpful.

[Auto-insurance]

After you call the customer center and unlock your phone, you will get a message on your phone that says it is unlocked. However you will have to connect it to your computer and itunes. Sometimes you may have to reset your phone.

As long as i know, phones purchased after November 2011 (For both SKT and KTF) are sim free. You do not need to unlock them.

[ExpatHelp]

That is correct - new phones should now be unlocked when purchased.