As a foreigner, it may be easier for you to make and receive calls on a fixed line - and cheaper, too!
Main providers
Many people choose either Hanaro Telecom or Korea Telecom (KT) as their service provider. They are the two leading telecommunications service providers in Korea. In terms of phones, Hanaro is relatively cheaper than KT and the more popular choice for fixed-lines.
Fees
Hanaro’s basic local fixed-line service is called Hanafone and can be combined with any other Hanaro Telecom service (mobile telephone and internet). Upon signing up for a basic fixed-line, Hanafone charges a 30,000 won ($32 USD as of April 2007) subscription fee for accommodation and equipment rental. When combined with other services such as mobile phone or internet, the subscription fee is waved. There is a flat monthly rate of 4,500 won ($4.8 USD) for use of the phone which is added to your call charges every month.
Rates are as follows:
Local Calls
39 won ($0.04 USD) per 3 minutes during standard hours
39 won ($0.04 USD) per 4 minutes and 18 seconds during night hours
Calls to mobile phones
88.98 won ($0.096 USD) per minute during standard hours
84 won ($0.09 USD) per minute during night hours (9pm-12am)
79.2 won ($0.085) per minute after midnight hours
Korea Telecom offers similar services and rates but the fees for their basic fixed-line differ. KT requires a higher subscription fee of 60,000 won ($64.5 USD) and a usage charge of 5,200 won ($5.6 USD) per month.
Both companies offer a wide variety of different products and services other than the basic fixed-line to fit your needs. To find out more details on features and prices, visit their websites:
Hanaro Telecom - www.hanaro.com/eng/iproduct/home.asp
Korea Telecom – www.kt.co.kr/eng/main.jsp
Getting a line installed
To get signed up, you can call, go online, or visit an office in person to get further information on subscribing to a specific service. There are representatives who speak foreign languages in order to assist you. Have an idea of what you want and prepare some documents before speaking to a representative. If you’re not a Korean citizen, when signing up, you will need your:
- Alien registration card and
- Passport
- Social Security Card/Number
Before they can have installed anything, you must provide the necessary information and pay a deposit or installation fee. In most cases, you should have your fixed-line installed within 24 hours.
Dialling Codes
Country code of South Korea: 82
City codes:
Busan - 051
Chungcheong nam-do - 041
Chungchong buk-do - 043
Daegu - 053
Daejeon - 042
Gangwon-do - 033
Gyeonggi-do - 031
Gyeongsanbuk-do - 054
Gyeongsangnam-do - 055
Gwangju - 062
Incheon - 032
Jeju - 064
Jeollabuk-do - 063
Jeollanam-do - 061
Seoul - 02
Ulsan - 052
Mobile prefixes
When calling anyone from your mobile phone, you must enter their regional code whether you are in the same one or not.
Other useful numbers
Directory assistance: 114
English service directory assistance: 080-211-0114 (toll free)
Fire and emergency: 119
Crime reporting: 112
Note: Exchange rates, numbers and information were collected in April/May 2007 and are subject to change.