[Q&A] Can Disaster Relief Funds Be Used to Buy Smartphones and Tablets?

Device purchase available at dealerships and retail stores, but payment of communication fees is not possible
Exceptionally, device purchase is possible at some directly managed stores located at headquarters
Available at some Apple reseller stores in Seoul... Card company and store pre-confirmation required

On the 6th, when the iPhone SE2 was officially released in Korea, citizens visiting KT Square in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul, were examining the iPhone SE2. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] As government disaster relief funds begin to be distributed, inquiries about where to purchase IT devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are increasing. In principle, it is possible to purchase devices at mobile carrier agency stores, but payment of communication fees with the relief funds is not allowed. Even if you purchase a device, the stores where it can be used may vary by region, so confirmation is necessary.

Q. Can I purchase a mobile phone at any mobile carrier store?

=You can use emergency disaster relief funds to purchase phones at mobile carrier agencies and retail stores operated by individual business owners. In principle, it is not possible to purchase devices at directly operated stores run by large mobile carriers. However, depending on the location of the headquarters, some directly operated stores do allow purchases. KT’s headquarters is in Bundang, Gyeonggi-do, and LG Uplus is headquartered in Yongsan, so the directly operated stores in those areas accept the relief funds. However, even at mobile carrier agencies, it is not possible to pay communication fees with the disaster relief funds. The official online shops of mobile carriers and open markets such as Coupang or 11st do not accept disaster relief funds.

Q. Can I buy smartphones or other devices at electronics stores?

=In principle, large electronics retailers such as Samsung Digital Plaza, LG Best Shop, Hi-Mart, and Electronic Land restrict device purchases using disaster relief funds. However, some franchise stores of Digital Plaza in Seoul allow the purchase of home appliances with Seoul regional gift certificates or prepaid cards. Additionally, at places like Yongsan Electronics Market, electronic products can be purchased using cards, gift certificates, or prepaid cards. Although the government broadly designates restricted industries, the availability of disaster relief fund usage varies by individual store, so it is recommended to check in advance by calling the card company or the specific store.

Q. Can I buy iPhones, iPads, or AirPods at Apple reseller stores?

=Depending on the region, some Apple reseller stores allow purchases. For example, Frisbee’s headquarters is located in Seoul, so people with an address in the Seoul area can purchase there. It is announced that Frisbee stores in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Konkuk University, Gangnam Square, IFC, Times Square, and Gwanghwamun accept the relief funds. However, payment with gift certificates is not possible at these stores; only prepaid cards or points earned through credit/debit cards can be used as disaster relief funds. Some stores of K-Mug and Willis are also known to accept the funds. However, since policies vary by card company, it is necessary to check with the respective card company in advance regarding usage locations.