Korean Job Discussion Forums

[freeridden]

I would like to look into taking time to do the CELTA here in Seoul in September if they offer it.

My SMOE contract will end on August 25th, so of course my visa will end at that time. I would like to get an extension to stay here and do the course (if offered at that time). How long can we extend our visas? I would like to extend my visa to stay here and do the course. During that time, I will be looking for jobs. So...extend my visa and do the course, look for a new job, and then get a new job....all without having to leave Korea.

Possible? Or would I have to get the extension, find a new job, and then leave the country and do a visa run?

I know it sounds complicated. Hope it explained it properly.

Many thanks!

[onlyinkorea87]

[spicy]

it can be up to a month, but it's just your typical tourist visa. you'll need to have a plane ticket booked before you can apply for it, though (at least I did). check out this website if you don't want to go to the immigration office.

be forewarned, though, it can be a bit of a hassle doing it on the computer -- the hikorea website doesn't work on firefox and you have to install a few random korean programs to get it to authorize...

http://safkorea.wordpress.com/2009/02/11/extending-you-stay-after-your-e-2-visa-expires/

[moosehead]

you can extend 2 weeks w/no plane tkt, 4 with.

best is to just hop on a ferry over to Fukuoka and return on a tourist visa - 90 days min, depending on where you're from (90 for Americans, more for some other countries) and you're good to go.

fyi, you don't have to stay the night, you can come back the same day. Fukuoka is nice, tho, so you might want to - try the Kangsan Travel (in Busan) package deal, they'll get you a night in a hotel and ferry tkt for a little more than the price of the boat tkt if you purchased it on your own. the hotel is very nice also, maybe a 3-4 star.