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Practical Information > Communications > Telephones
Land Lines | Mobile Phones | Public Phones | Important Telephone Numbers


Land Lines

Land Line Installation | Call Forwarding | Collect Calls | Disconnection


Korea's domestic telephone services are operated by Korea Telecom (KT). KT offers 2 options for connecting a land-based phone line into a home or business (prices are for each line connected):
  • 60,000 deposit (non-refundable), with a 3,000 - 5,200 won monthly service fee


    • The prices do not include charges for calls. (Note: local calls are not free- see the public phone section for typical charges.) Subscribers must supply their own phones.

    Korean telephone jacks have 2 pairs of prongs. Usually, the primary line (and most phone jacks) uses the top 2 prongs, while any second line uses the bottom 2 prongs. Most electronics and stationary stores have adapters between Korean jacks and international RJ-11 plugs.


    Land Line Installation

    Foreigners must provide a copy of their passport and pay the deposit/installation fee in advance at their local KT office. To locate the nearest office, dial the local prefix + 0000 (Korean only). The customer can choose from several available numbers. Extra services (such as call waiting and call forwarding) can also be ordered for an extra monthly fee. (See http://www.koreatelecom.com for the full fee schedule.) An installer will usually be able to connect the line within 24 hours.

    Call Forwarding

    Customers who purchase this service can set their phone to automatically forward all calls to another number, even a mobile phone number. To activate, dial 100. To set forwarding, dial *88 (the number to forward to) * (For example, to forward to 555-1234 you would press *885551234*) To cancel call forwarding, dial #88# on the original phone.
  • Fee: 1,000 won/month (first month is free).
    •

    Collect Calls (from a Pay Phone)

    From a public phone, pickup the receiver and press the red button. After the dial tone, dial 1541 then the number you wish to call (with area code, if applicable). The recipient is charged 85won for 3 minutes (for a local call). Long Distance Calls calls are also charged the long-distance rate of 45won for 30 seconds.

    Disconnection

    To cancel service or transfer an account (because of moving), visit a KT office with a recent phone bill. For transfers, the deposit will automatically transfer to the new number. For complete cancellation of service, a refund of the deposit can take up to 2 months.


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