Job Discussion Forums

Tre · Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Tokyo

Hi all,

I am in Japan now and have been for the past month during which time I have found employment and visa sponsorship with NOVA.

Thats all fine and im happy but in the next few weeks I will have to leave Japan to get my visa processed. I was aware I may have to do this and NOVA say I have to so thats fair enough.

But...I dont know anything about Korea and I have many concerns regarding getting there, getting the visa sorted, and getting back here again.

Can anyone tell me how much this little adventure is likely to cost me in Yen?

Where is the cheapest place to get a ticket if leaving from Tokyo Narita?

When I get there where can I stay? Cheap!

Do I book my place to stay before I leave?

Where is the best or normal place to go in Korea?

Any other info that I should know or should be asking?

This will really help me out guys as I dont know what to do. I have Japanese friends to help me book this etc so thats not an issue.

Many thanks in advance.

Trevor

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Never had to do it myself, but "where" you should go is obvious. To the cities (city?) that has a Japanese embassy. That's where you will have the visa paperwork processed. You only have to go for a day or two in order to get this done, but make sure you don't go on a day when the embassy is closed.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Ive never had to do it myself but there are any number of travel agents in Tokyo who should be able to book your ticket and arrange accomodation for you. Not sure how long you have to go for but if you let the travel agent know what you are willing to spend on accomodation he can find something for you. Generally hotels are a lot cheaper in Korea than in Japan and Im sure you can get a reasonable room for a couple of thousand yen a night, or it may be possible to book a room from the information desk at the airport in Seoul (Inchon)

Personally I use HIS No.1 Travel for my airfare bookings etc- im sure they have an office in Tokyo.

As Glenski mentions you get the visa from the Japanese embassy in Seoul or the consulate in Pusan.

easyasabc · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 179 Location: Japan

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Hi Tre,

The agents that I've used in Tokyo (both cheap and friendly!) are:

A'cross Travellers Bureau
www.across-travel.com/english

They have a branch in Shinjuku on Koshu Kaido about 5 minutes walk from the south exit of JR Shinjuku station.

NO1. TRAVEL.COM
http://www.no1-travel.com/

They have a branch in Kabukicho.

On my way to the station this morning I picked up a flyer from A'cross travel and they were advertising return flights to Seoul for 15 000 (depending when you want to go). Booking accomodation in advance would be a good idea and you could do it through the travel agent.

Have a nice time in Seoul!

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

Why is nova not paying for your trip and your expenses? Confused

Star 9 · Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Posts: 13

I had to do it too. Fortunatly, most of the details were taken care of by my boss. He booked my plane ticket and I paid him by three easy payments deducted from my salery.

I found my own accomidations which worked out well. It was a basic motel, nothing fancy, with a comfortable bed, hot water and cable t.v. I was also a one minute walk from the Japanese embasy and close to many other exciting things to see and do.

The motel is called....Mido Motel. The address is...#140 Chungjin-Dong, Jongro-Ku, Seoul Korea. The phone number is...(02) 735-6464. It's run by a very nice English speaking gentleman.

I remember that I had to arrive at the Embasy at 8:30 or 9:00, fill out the paper work and leave it, papers from the school and my passport with the embasy. I then had to go back the following day, after 1:00 I believe, to pick up my passport which had the work visa in it.

Aw yes, memories of Korea. Good times.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Tre,

when are you planning on being over here? You should only need one night and, for that, you can crash at our place. Don't expect luxury and expect an early night - I have to be up and out the door before 6am each morning except Friday.

PM me with more details and we'll see if we can help you out.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

chi-chi · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 127 Location: Back in Asia!

This is pretty strange-my fiancee did not have to leave Japan to get his processed. He just went to the immigration office. Why the difference in rules?

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

Ange · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 23 Location: F U K U O K A

I suggest you phone the immigration office closest to where you are. The rules changed a couple of years ago and you should no longer have to leave Japan to get your visa. I didn't and I don't know of anybody else who had to either (in the last two years). My school was not aware of this change and they told me I would have to go to Korea. Luckily I met someone else who had just gotten their visa processed in Japan. It saved me a lot of money that I didn't have. I detailed the entire process in another thread about a year ago. Do a search for it (VISA or ANGE) and if you can't find it you can PM me if you like.

Star 9 · Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Posts: 13

If anyone finds out anything about a change in the rules/policy, please let it be known. My employer continues to send new teachers to Korea for the work visa. I did it nine months ago. The only problem I had with it was not wanting to come back to Japan after spending 4 days in Korea.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK