Last updated 2024.03.22
Tech: Getting Ready
Korea is a highly wired country, a status supported by some of the fastest internet in the world. Although places like Yongsan Electronics Market boast a wide range of products, here are a few points to note about tech in Korea.
Voltage, Converters & Adapters
South Korean Adapter Plug
The standard voltage in Korea is 220v, whereas in the U.S. it is 110-120v. Many major electronics, such as computers and cell phone chargers, have a voltage range of 100-240v; these can be used without worry in Korea.
Smaller electronics, such as hair-styling devices, may require a converter. If you are uncertain what voltage an electronic takes, it is generally marked on the device or in its manual.
If bringing electronics from the U.S., you will need to also bring an adapter(s) as South Korean wall sockets differ from those in the U.S. (they are the same as those in most of Western Europe). Although adapters can be purchased readily in Korea, grantees are encouraged to pack a sufficient number of adapters for them to use with electronics immediately after arrival.
Smaller electronics, such as hair-styling devices, may require a converter. If you are uncertain what voltage an electronic takes, it is generally marked on the device or in its manual.
If bringing electronics from the U.S., you will need to also bring an adapter(s) as South Korean wall sockets differ from those in the U.S. (they are the same as those in most of Western Europe). Although adapters can be purchased readily in Korea, grantees are encouraged to pack a sufficient number of adapters for them to use with electronics immediately after arrival.
Computers
Korea is rather more of a PC country than a Mac country. Mac users should be aware that the majority of software/hardware available in higher education institutions may only be PC compatible. Although there is an Apple store in Seoul, grantees with Macbooks are advised to bring all necessary adapters/cables/accessories with them.
Cellphones
Grantees should consider whether they wish to purchase a phone in Korea, buy a phone before coming that will work internationally, or bring their current phone after making sure it is unlocked and compatible with Korean networks. Although it is possible to purchase a wide range of cell phones in Korea (particularly from well-known Korean brands such as LG and Samsung), if you have an unlocked phone, consider bringing it with you and getting either a prepaid or postpaid SIM card or eSIM. SIM cards may be purchased from multiple companies, but they are usually from one of Korea's three main cellphone service providers: SK Telecom, KT Olleh, and LG U+
Grantees can enter into a regular one- or two- year cellphone contract, if desired. To do so, you will first need a Residence Card (previously known as an Alien Registration Card). KAEC will help facilitate the submission of your Residence Card application after your arrival in Korea. However, processing of a Residence Card may take 6-8 weeks. A temporary SIM card or Wifi egg could be used in the meantime. Please note, though, that in order to do online shopping on many Korean websites, or to register with certain Korean phone applications, such as Kakao Taxi, you must have a local Korean phone number.
Travelers can reserve or pick up a temporary SIM card or Wifi egg in Incheon Airport after arrival. If interested, please check at the airport when you arrive. You could also explore the option of having a Korean SIM card mailed to you internationally through companies such as Trazy. Or, if your phone is compatible with eSIMs, you could get an eSim through a Korean carrier or a global provider like Airalo. Otherwise, these items can be reserved/purchased online after your arrival from companies such as Korea SIM, Woori Mobile, etc. (See page on "Phone Set-up").
DISCLAIMER: Inclusion of information about a particular phone company/service is not an endorsement of said service by KAEC/Fulbright Korea. This information is provided for reference as an initial jumping off point for grantees. Information is from a combination of web and grantee sources.
Grantees can enter into a regular one- or two- year cellphone contract, if desired. To do so, you will first need a Residence Card (previously known as an Alien Registration Card). KAEC will help facilitate the submission of your Residence Card application after your arrival in Korea. However, processing of a Residence Card may take 6-8 weeks. A temporary SIM card or Wifi egg could be used in the meantime. Please note, though, that in order to do online shopping on many Korean websites, or to register with certain Korean phone applications, such as Kakao Taxi, you must have a local Korean phone number.
Travelers can reserve or pick up a temporary SIM card or Wifi egg in Incheon Airport after arrival. If interested, please check at the airport when you arrive. You could also explore the option of having a Korean SIM card mailed to you internationally through companies such as Trazy. Or, if your phone is compatible with eSIMs, you could get an eSim through a Korean carrier or a global provider like Airalo. Otherwise, these items can be reserved/purchased online after your arrival from companies such as Korea SIM, Woori Mobile, etc. (See page on "Phone Set-up").
DISCLAIMER: Inclusion of information about a particular phone company/service is not an endorsement of said service by KAEC/Fulbright Korea. This information is provided for reference as an initial jumping off point for grantees. Information is from a combination of web and grantee sources.