iPhone 17 Pro Korea shutter sound: Optional in Europe?

Taking the device outside of its country of purchase will not change any of the regional limitations/restrictions. Applied region-specific characteristics are linked to the country-specific model code - which doesn't change.

To be clear, an iPhone marketed/sold in Korea will always have the associated limitations/restrictions - these being mandated by legislation in that country/region. Similarly, a device regionalised for European markets will behave as a European iPhone if relocated to Korea.

My only concern is the camera shutter sound.

Well, a friend who purchased his phone in South Korea has no option on his phone to defeat or turn off the shutter sound when he travels to the U.S.

My friend has also learned that the warranty on his phone purchased in South Korea is not valid at most Apple service shops in the U.S.

You should expect the same results in Europe, so you likely have more than a concern about the shutter sound, you should have a concern that you will likely need to ship your phone back to South Korea if it needs service under the warranty coverage.

Apple’s iOS uses regional detection based on the SIM’s carrier country code, the connected mobile network, and in some cases, IP address/location signals. The setting cannot be permanently disabled and if in the mandated region again, will be enabled.

https://store.apple.com/Catalog/Images/worldwidewarranty.html

Aside from the shutter sound, you should not purchase an iPhone outside its country of use because your warranty will not be valid there. Apple may not be able to service your iPhone there. (The EU would be considered one country for this.)

iPhones manufactured for sale in South Korea may not have shutter sounds completely silenced by methods that would otherwise work.

Don't be "Penny wise, Pound foolish." While it may save you money in South Korea, the savings will evaporate and then some if you need warranty support. It could wind up costing you significantly more than if you did the smart thing and bought your iPhone in the country you live and will use it.

Multiple times a week we see people come here very upset that they've been denied warranty support for a phone they bought outside their home country and the cost to get the support needed far exceeds the money they saved.

Your money, of course. But make an informed and smart buying decision.

The advice from this user-to-user site has always been.......

Buy your iPhone in the country in which it will be used most of the time.

But, it's your decision.

This discussion thread may help you --> Iphone camera shutter sound from South Ko… - Apple Community