Korean Job Discussion Forums

suwonkid · Joined: 31 Aug 2003

I have a question regarding my pension. I have been teaching for two years at a hagwon in Korea. I received two letters from the National Pension Fund asking for a detailed account of my earnings. I then proceeded to give the letter to my school and asked what it was all about. After the fact, I realized that the school had not been deducting any pension contributions, nor were they paying into the fund on my behalf. Well I have finished my second contract with this school and am wondering what to do about this pension that is noexistant. When I asked about it, my director told me he couldn't pay for the pension fund. None of the teachers are being deducted this amount. I am a Canadian and apparently will be able to receive the amount when I leave. I plan on returning to Korea so wondering how to go about persuing this....Unfortunately I cannot except the reason my director is giving me. They are running a business and should follow ethical business practices (In my opinion) Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

canuckistan · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:28 pm Post subject:

Don't be surprised if the pension office tries to get it from YOU retroactively, even though it was the director who screwed up. Welcome to Korea, that's the way it works. You are responsible for a whole load of stuff here that you have to trust Dear Director to do as per the law. Note the instances of teachers being farmed out to other schools unawares that their visa doesn't allow them to be, and they get fined by immigration when "caught" at the 2nd hagwon. Just for obeying the boss.

Just go back to Canada and forget about it. When you come back to Korea, forget about it and hope the pension office forgets about it too. They're not usually that organized anyways.

As a Canadian I always let my school know at the beginning of a contract that will be going to the local Gu office to apply for the pension refund once I'm finished my year. That's also why I tell my director I want a deduction slip on pay day. "Tax stuff with Korea/Canada gov't" I mumble. Any director that gets wigged out about that very normal request is fudging.

In general, let your school know you will be checking their homework on things like this and you can avoid a lot of grief from the get go. Unfortunately in Korea you are on the hook for a lot of stuff that the directors should take care of but don't. Caveat Emptor.

suwonkid · Joined: 31 Aug 2003

I am basically wondering who to talk to concerning the non-payment. I do really need any comments about being welcomed to Korea I have been here for 2 years and fully know all the stories about directors...yahdidad... If anyone has a knowledge or the same situation applies this might be more helpful than a Dave's esl addict. Thank you

canuckistan · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:49 pm Post subject:

Well then if you want to do the right thing and pay two years worth of pension benefits, go to the local Gu Pension office where your school is situated (every area has one) and pay them. They are the ones your pension should go to. And then hopefully you get it right back.
Have to show an airticket out of Korea with passport and bank account number AND your deductions slip from your employer to get it put in your account the day after you leave.
Having a bad day?

Hopefully there are others who can avoid this situation.

suwonkid · Joined: 31 Aug 2003

Yes there is a pension office...but the fact still remains that my employer is in breach of the pension regulations....any idea if I contact them or do I need to go to the Labour Board?

canuckistan · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 1:40 am Post subject:

If you want to lodge a very valid complaint to the Labour board about breach of contract then do so.

If you want to lodge a very valid complaint with the Pension office about both you and your boss's non-payment into the pension fund, then do so.

It does not change the fact that you and your boss will still owe the pension office the money even though he's responsible for not collecting it from you, or paying his half.

If you want the full refund when you leave, you and your boss will both have to pay 2 years worth of pension deductions first.

I suggested you let sleeping dogs lie because you've already got 50% of your "refund" since you were never deducted for pension in the first place.

If you really want the other 50% (your boss's half) and you enjoy Korean bureaucracy, then go for it.

suwonkid · Joined: 31 Aug 2003

Again it would be appreciated if any one has first hand experiences rather than futile opinions about this and that....please only respond with insight and no more conjectures please.

Gord · Joined: 25 Feb 2003

Call this idea crazy, but why not just talk to the pension people? After all, they are the ones who want to talk to you. They can tell you everything you want to know.

FYI: Prepare to cough up a couple million Won for what you owe for pension. You'll get it back when you leave Korea for good, but they wish to get it in their hands before then.

BTM · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Back in the saddle.

canuckistan · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 5:53 pm Post subject:

Somehow, I don't think Suwonkid is very happy to hear that he/she has to pay first, or that the chances of getting the boss's share before leaving Korea is next to nil.

The very reason the pension dept wrote two letters is because they want their money from the Kid.

My work colleague went through this with last year's hagwon.

But that of course is futile conjecture.

You go through all that trouble and pay the gadzillion won, ony to
-get a shock when your Korean bank card won't work in Canada, or
-get a shock when you see the outrageous exchange rate you get charged for withdrawing it back home in Can$= you end up with less money.

All for being squared away at a pension office in a GU you'll probably never live in again.