Smart Phones in Busan

Does anyone have any recommendations for smart phones in Busan for SK or LG telecom?

I'm thinking about optimus or galaxy. Any opinons will be appreciated!

And prices also. If it helps I have someone who will be putting it in their name (korean) and I dont have enough money to just buy the phone up front >_<

Re: Smart Phones in Busan

First, if you only have an E-2 visa, you MUST have a co-signer unless you want a prepaid phone. Second, I went shopping for phones last weekend, and I found that the best deal on smartphones is at KTF. They currently have the Optimus One for free with a 2 year contact. Also know that all three of the big companies, at their stores (not the 3rd party stores) said that they do not do one year contracts with smart phones. Good luck to you!

Re: Smart Phones in Busan

What you say Gilbert is both right and wrong!

If you have a Korean credit card it is possible, but most shops don't realize this and will say point blank 'no' usually with arms crossed in front of them.

Friend of mine got around this by phoning KT's English service line, explaining he had a credit card. The customer service rep then spoke to the shop staff and voila! a new iphone4 in his name.

Re: Smart Phones in Busan

Like I said the phone will be in my friends name so I'm not worried about MAKING the contract. I'm just wondering about the prices. I can't go with KTF because I'm using a couple plan so I have to stay with LG or SK.

Re: Smart Phones in Busan

I would shop around. As far as I understand the newest breed of Korean smart phones have both wi-fi and SIM card options for international usage. At least that's one thing we can thank the i-phone for!

Re: Smart Phones in Busan

I have an HTC EVO 4, it is on the wibro network. Friend has a Galaxy2 and several others have iphone4's. 

The iphone does not have google's voice to text, which is great for speaking your search, texting, mms, and so forth, and then the phone translates it into text.

Other than that, all of the latest ones are free or almost free with a 2 year contract if I remember correctly. If your Korean friend is going to sign up for you, drag them to your store of choice and get one. ALL stores have nearly the same stock...

HTC and Galaxy 2 are super fast, Wibro in Korea is very fast as well.

Re: Smart Phones in Busan

Didn't need a Korean co-signer at LG, and don't have a Korean credit card.  Got an Optimus Big free (2 year contract) with a decent monthly fee.  Had it for a couple months and very happy with it!  Probably leaving after 1 year but won't be paying more than 100 000 to break the contract (or I'll just give it to someone when I go).  It's a really fast phone with all the bells and whistles.

Re: Smart Phones in Busan

I'm outside Busan and trying to find a specific shop - PNU, Seomyun, Haeundae, etc. that would sell Blackberries.  They are currently available through SK but seems that they are available at limited locations.