Welcome To Korea's 21st Century

I knew when I came here that getting a cell phone (called "hand phones" here) as a foreigner required a local to help, not just because of the language, but that was "the law" due to credit issues and other things I didn't want to deal with. Consequently, not having a hand phone was fine with me. I liked the "don't call me, I'll call you" kind of feeling. It all kind of went with the idea of feeling great that I didn't have a car and all that went with that too.



But, that all changed yesterday.

My friends, and students, Yuno and Minwoo, took me to a phone store near Geksa, and I was soon in business. I had to take some pictures to mark the "occasion."

The lady at the store really had a good time with us. I had a choice of 4 free phone styles. I got a red one but we added a black "flat finish" cover. And this phone "slides up." There's a name for that, but heck if I know what it's called. It works, and that's all I need.

Yuno set up the phone for me with his and Minwoo's numbers, but I'm still trying to figure out how to set up voice mail. The phone itself has both Korean and English, so it won't be long until I am fully set.

I had to get this last picture of Minwoo. He's the nicest guy. I have yet to see him frown. Notice that hand phone stores in Korea are the same as in the States with tons of advertising and options.