UPDATED: 26/01/18
Getting a new cell phone in Korea is one of the most stressful parts of settling in South Korea. Especially if you are an expat just arrived at the airport you might take lots of time get a suitable cell phone and the monthly plan as well.
Often Korean local telecom stores such as (SK Telecom [T-world], KT Telecom [Olleh], or LG Telecom [U+]) avoid foreign customers due to languages barriers especially in remote areas. You can have prepaid SIM card options, but you must unlock your cell phone correctly, and the rates are very high compares to a monthly plan.
Most of the local Koreans sign up for a 24-month contract to buy a new cell phone and get the monthly rate discounts. Most of them use an unlimited monthly plan includes unlimited data, calling and text messages, and it cost between 66,000KRW~88,000KRW (Appr. USD60~80).
Now Korvia has teamed-up with KIMCHI MOBILE to make the process easier for Native English Teachers looking to get a cell phone in South Korea.
Kimchi Mobile Team offers some spicy mobile phone deals, and the deals are only available for Native English Teachers (E2 Visa holders ) (Public and Sector) such as EPIK, SMOE, GOE and other public school native Engish teachers. Who has received an NOA (Notice Of Appointment) by the superintendent of education boards.
Kimchi Mobile Team offers a 12-month contract with SK Telecom’s unlimited monthly plan including unlimited data, calling and text messages for private academy teachers working through Korvia and all public school teachers. This is an unusual deal even for local Koreans, but Korvia has tried to provide a better service for foreigners who stay for one year. While you use the mobile phone for 12 months, you can get the discount as well. However, if you stop the contract within the period, you need to return the amount of discounted money.
There is another option which is the 24-month contract with SK Telecom’s unlimited monthly plan at 52,690KRW (Appr. 45USD) including unlimited data, calling and text messages. This unlimited plan’s original rate is 65,890KRW (Appr. USD 57.30) however you can get a monthly discount 16,472KRW (Appr. USD 14.97) from the initial rate because of the 24-month contract.
Are you going to stay only 12 months and not sure that you will resign for a 2nd year yet? You may hesitate to sign up for 24-month plan contract; however, you just need to return the amount of discounted money and just need to pay back only 80% of total discount benefits that you had for the first 12 months (SK Telecom’s early termination fees). And of course, if you keep the contract for 24 months you can save 395,328KRW (Appr. USD 359).
Also, they have the prepaid SIM card option, and Korvia teachers can have it for almost free. This is a great deal for new teachers and gets your prepaid SIM card at less than one dollar.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to successfully getting a new cell phone in Korea:
STEP 1: Visit www.kimchimobile.com and find a suitable plan deal for you
STEP 2: Purchase a suitable one-time payment deal or a 12/24-month installment plan
STEP 3: Fill out monthly plan contract application form
STEP 4: Wait for your brand new cell phone and enjoy your expat life in Korea. The product will be mailed to you within few days.
KORVIA PRO TIP: Apply credit card for additional monthly discount
Hello,
Please is it available for students too???
Hello Jordane,
This is available for international students too. However installment services might be limited.
You can get a SIM card deal with no problem.
Regards,
hello.
is G1 ARC holder can apply for this?
tq
Hello Alvin,
Unfortunately, G1 visa can’t get this deal however E1, E2, E7, D2 (International Student visa) and F visa can get this deal.
how about tourist? visiting korea for two weeks only and i want ti buy a cellphone here in korea? how?
You can get a prepaid SIM card.
https://www.kimchimobile.com
What happens if the 12 months of the contract finishes? Can we re-new to continue getting a discount or do we need to start paying full price?
12 months contract is for monthly rate discount. You will have 25% discount for your monthly rate and you can renew it for another 12 months.
What happen if i was stuck in my own country during covid and my ARC is expire? And what will happen if im not able to continue paying?
Can you get this phone 12 months if you are US military will be stationed in Korea in a few weeks. Thank u
If I go to korea I won’t have a phone because I am planning to temporarily cancel my plan here in the US. I was just wondering if I can buy a phone there with unlimited data, call and text for 12 months. Thank you! And How much would it cost?
Hi is this available for those with an e2-2?
Yes, this service is available for E2-2 as well. International students can only have a prepaid SIM card plan.
This website might help you to have a better idea.
https://www.kimchimobile.com/
You can get an unlimited prepaid SIM card for a short-period of time.
https://www.kimchimobile.com/prepaid-sim-card-in-korea/
Greetings,
Can I get his deal for D9 visa. 12 month contract postpaid plan.
Yes, you can get the deal for a D9 visa. Anyone can get this deal as long as they have a working visa. Also, others can apply for prepaid SIM cards with no restrictions.
Where can i find all the cellphone price to loan? Like how much deposit i have to pay and how much is the monthly payment? I heard that there is some cellphone doesnt need deposit or maybe youll get cash back aswell? Is there any webside i could get the prices?
Please enlighten me if i pay the price of a phone during my application do i need to pay a 66000 won monthly?
Not sure what you mean by paying the price of a phone during application, but you can order a SIM card with the link provided in the article and choose the phone plan that you would like.