Motorola Korea, Cell Phone Products and Mobile Phone Service in Korea

On behalf of Motorola Korea, I’d like to welcome all of you who are new arrivals to Korea - a country with a 5,000-year-long history and unique tradition imbued with Asian spirit and culture. With the growing number of expats coming to visit, live, work, study, and invest in Korea , there has been a drastic increase in the number of non-Koreans subscribing to mobile phone service over the past few years. Still, many people who are new to Korea face many difficulties establishing mobile phone service due to language barriers.

I’m sure many of you have experienced challenges or may be wondering how to successfully navigate this process. As an expatriate myself and a provider of Motorola cell phones to SKT in Korea, I’d like to give you some helpful tips to make your experience of establishing phone service in Korea as simple and painless as possible.

Q1. What mobile service providers are available in Korea?
A: There are three mobile service providers in Korea: SK Telecom, KT, and LG Telecom. Among these, SKT has the most subscribers. I believe every one of you has seen a mobile sales store with a “T World” sign in the street - those are sales centers for SKT. Motorola mobile phones are only available through SKT.

Q2. Is it necessary to have a mobile phone in Korea?
A: While not absolutely necessary, you may find that it's a good idea to have one. You can obtain a cell phone even if you don't have a land line. Regardless of where you live in Korea, if you move from one area to another, your mobile phone number won't change as it might with a land line.

Q3. What is the most convenient way for a foreign resident to acquire mobile phone service?
A: SKT offers a PPS (Pre-paid Phone Service) that is the most common option for foreign residents (see Q5 below for more details on PPS). The following documents are required when submitting an application for the Pre-paid Phone Service (please note that a copy will be made of each of them):
1. Passport
2. Valid Alien Registration Card and/or Visa
3. Registration Fee/Security Deposit
4. Proof of an active Korean Bank Account

Q4. Once I have submitted the above-listed documents, am I automatically accepted for the PPS service?
A: Your application will be reviewed and the documents you have presented verified. The evaluation process includes an assessment of your credit risk based on a number of factors, including your status of stay and employment.

Q5. What is PPS and what are the features?
A: PPS (Pre-Paid Phone Service) provides a flexible pay-as-you-go option that lets you control your spending and eliminates the hassle of monthly billings. You can immediately use PPS by purchasing an unregistered (Motorola) mobile phone (lost or stolen phones are not accepted) or a 011-Speedpass card which is a pre-paid mobile phone card. PPS does not require a monthly subscription fee or deposit. You can purchase cards ranging from KRW10,000 to KRW50,000, and can easily check the remaining balance on your card at any time.

Q6. How can I set up an account and recharge the prepaid mobile phone card?
A: Visit your nearest SK Telecom sales center, sign up for PPS (Pre-Paid Service), purchase a "011 Speed Pass Card" and you are ready to go. If you don’t see the Motorola phone you want at that particular sales center, just ask for it and they should be able to get it for you quite quickly.

Q7. How do I recharge my PPS card?
A: You have two options. You can either go in person to a Service Center or you can use the ARS (Automated Voice Response) option.
Service Center Recharge
Payment: PPS card, cash, or credit card (Alien Registration Card or Passport required to confirm your identity.
Note: You should bring the same document (passport or alien registration card) you used to register for service.
ARS Recharge
011-200-7277 (English) / 011-200-7233 (Japanese)
Payment: PPS card or credit card (Confirmation of personal identity required)
Note: You will have to give your Alien Registration Number or Passport Number to confirm your identity. The number you use should be the same as when you registered for the PPS.

Q7. I’d rather subscribe to regular mobile phone services. What do I do?
A: In order to subscribe to regular mobile phone services in Korea, you need to provide the following documents:
1. Passport
2. Valid Alien Registration Card and/or Visa
3. Registration Fee/Security Deposit
4. Proof of an active Korean Bank Account
For more information on whether or not you may be eligible for this service, please contact the SKT foreigner call center at 080-2525-011. Operators will also direct you to the nearest SKT service sales center, where you can apply for regular mobile phone services. If you are accepted as an SKT regular mobile phone subscriber, you will be eligible for the various call plans and services SKT offers.

Q8. I travel outside of Korea. Can I have a roaming service?
A. Yes, you can, but only if you’re a regular mobile phone subscriber - this service is not available to PPS subscribers. Roaming service is available to all SKT mobile phone subscribers on either CDMA or WCDMA. To find out more, please visit http://www.skroaming.com/en/ for English.

Q9. Are there any English speakers available to talk to or any websites I can go to for more information?
A: Yes, there are. Please contact the foreigner call center at 080-2525-011 for service information or help with service subscription. You can also visit the website at http://www.tworld.co.kr/foreigner/ for more calling plans and services.

NOTE: All listings in the Korea4Expats Directory have either been recommended by members of the foreign community or have undergone an evaluation process, including expat references.
Consumers: Should you have a complaint about any of the services/businesses listed in the Korea4Expats Directory or note that information needs updating, please let us know at ads@korea4expats.com.
Companies/Service Providers: If you wish to apply to be listed in the Directory, please contact us at ads@korea4expats so that we can arrange for a representative to visit you. References from expat clients/patients will be requested.