Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mas, variety shows, and harder-hitting documentaries. None have any foreign-language
programming of note.
Locally, the only major foreign-language broadcaster is Arirang, a government-
sponsored TV and radio station with a focus on promoting South Korea to the outside
world. Many foreign residents find its language and cultural programs informative, but its
constant trumpeting of all things Korean is hard for others to digest. Some international
channels (BBC, CNN, CNBC, etc.) are available from cable providers like Skylife for a
monthly fee.
Cable television is widely available and, as it's increasingly based on Internet protocol
TV (IPTV) technology, is often included in “bundled” service packages that lump it with
discounted broadband Internet and telephone services. Standard cable packages include
hundreds of channels, but only a dozen or so with regular foreign-language programming,
usually news, movies, and Chinese and Japanese state broadcasters. The Korean Cable TV
Association maintains an up-to-date list of the providers serving neighborhoods throughout
the country. Charges are usually 15,000-30,000 won per month plus equipment and install-
ation fees, the latter often waived if the customer signs up for a year or more.
Those who crave more television variety may want to try satellite TV service such as
Skylife, which has the largest range of foreign-language channels legitimately available.
Monthly fees aren't far off those for regular cable, but installation and equipment charges
are significantly higher, in the 200,000-300,000 won range.
Seoul, Busan, and Gwangju have launched government-supported English-language ra-
dio stations with local news, traffic, and weather information, and other cities have similar
plans.
