Korean Job Discussion Forums

[asmith]

In today's Korea Herald, Ben Wagner argues that the Korean government should pressure companies and banks to extend lines of credit to foreigners.

I'm on an f-visa. But usually I side with the e-2 people. I'm not trying to kill ATEK. I don't belong to AFEK. I don't dig up dirt on ATEK members. ETC.

Nevertheless, I think it would be a ridiculous mistake to give temporary workers a line of credit. In fact, it would be a disaster--which would only hurt us long-termers.

I can see disgruntled teachers working in crapwons running up their cards and running away in order to stick it to their boss or exact revenge on xenophobic Korea.

I sincerely hope that the government doesn't fold on this matter.

[Snake Doctor]

This one I gotta agree with you on Kev.

[ChinaBoy]

Why would the GOVERNMENT be giving out credit to people? No government in the world does this.

[asmith]

[Gnawbert]

I don't think credit is a good idea, especially after the part it continues to play in destabilizing so many of the worlds banking systems. I live cash in, cash out at the moment and have one U.S. credit card in case I need a kidney transplant.

But the fact is that it's hard to even get a Debit card in Korea to use over seas is a pain. KEB hooked us up no question, but after a year banking with Hana they continued to insist it was illegal for foreigners to have that privilege.

And the whole cell phone fiasco he described is another mess. My girlfriend and I spent an hour in an SK telecom store with paid for and activated phones, ready to walk out, when the manager came down, saw our white skin and suddenly said we couldn't have contract because we were foreigners. We walked next door to LG and got a contract in less than 15 minutes.

Maybe just some consistency and education as to what is illegal and what is simply business practice would be in order, and that's where the government could help clarify. I'm so tired of hearing Koreans (even my awesome boss) insist it is illegal for foreigners to have atm cards, debit cards, cell phones, etc.

[big_fella1]

[asylum seeker]

F-visa yes, E-2 visa, no. Way too many idiots would rack up huge debts and then pull a midnight run without paying them back. They already do that kind of thing with utility and phone bills etc.

Here's a good example of what would happen:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=161495

[Emeliu]

Credit cards should be banned EVERYWHERE. ATM Banks cards should be the only means of purchasing anything (aside from cash). Maybe, a credit card that you have to call and get it activated for a short time to pay for an emergency bill. Dunnooo

[blackjack]

I don't think they are talking about the one year visa people here. If some one has been here a while, have money in the bank, investments or own property shouldn't they have the right to borrow money. Not lending money simply because you are a foreigner is racist no matter how you look at it (xenophobic I know but to me they are two different words for the same thing)

[Rusty Shackleford]

[T-J]

[Rusty Shackleford]

Ask yourself this. Would you lend money to someone you had never met before, who was definitely leaving the country within the year and had no credit record in your country?

[Captain Corea]

[asmith]

Even though we are debating the matter, I think it's important to keep in mind that the Korea Herald is really a crap newspaper. Matty Lame-o puts me to sleep every day. I prefer the racebating that takes place in the Korea Times.

[The_Source]