| Practical Information > Communications > TV/Radio |
| Television | Cable TV | Satellite | Radio |
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Television
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Korea has 5 TV stations that broadcast from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (no broadcasting between about noon and 4:00 p.m. during weekdays- the specific times sometimes change). Programming includes dramas, news, sports, variety shows, sitcoms, documentaries, cartoons, and movies. Most foreign movie and shows are dubbed into Korean when shown on TV. However, a simulcast of the original language often accompanies the dubbed signal and can be received with locally made TV sets. In addition, the U.S. Armed Forces operates its own station in English, offering mostly U.S. shows (sitcoms, dramas, sports, news, and specials), usually 24 hours per day. (The signal is rather weak and many residences in Gangnam-gu have difficulty getting a clear signal without cable.)
A monthly television subscription fee (2,500 won) is automatically added to each resident's electricity bill.
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Cable TV
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Korean cable TV services began in 1995 and offer a number of specialty channels, including home shopping, movies, sports, and music. Different cable companies offer different selections of channels (most have several different packages available), including some foreign channels (mostly news and sports). Local Arirang TV also broadcasts shows in English or Korean shows with English subtitles.
To subscribe, contact a cable company that serves your area. Choose a plan (most offer basic service and premium packages that include movie and foreign channels) and arrange installation. Almost all residences have already been fitted to receive cable. Subscribers will have to pay for setup and the service fee will be billed monthly. If premium services are ordered, a deposit and monthly rental of a decoder box may also be necessary. Cable TV Channels:
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Satellite
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Several companies offer Satellite service. Subscribers can access the Star network of channels.
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Radio
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| Most Korean radio stations play a mixture of Korean and foreign (mostly English) music, although some play strictly Korean music. In addition to AFKN (FM 102.7, broadcast by the U.S. military), several stations offer some English programming during the day (mostly targeted towards Koreans trying to improve their English), including EBS (FM 104.5) |
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