Korean Job Discussion Forums

ShadowEdge · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Location: Prisons under Pyongyang

I just was offered a job with a Public Middle School in Daegu. The contract looks pretty standard, except for a clause that calls for a 300,000 won deposit to be taken out of the first three month's pay, which will be refunded at the end of the year. I've been lurking on the board for awhile now and haven't heard anything about this. Is it a new deal for 2007? I'm assuming that since it's an EPIK contract negotiating won't be possible. I'm honestly not to worried about it, as I will get it back eventually, but just wanted everyone's opinion.

oxfordstu · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Location: Bangkok

Yeah, it sucks. I'm going through Netkorea and it's the same deal. I tried to fight it but there was nothing I could do. Just hope I get it back. I can just see an inspection crew coming in the last week of my contract and finding a tiny crack and the school refusing to give me back my 900k. My recruiter says it's standard, and I shouldn't worry about getting it back ("100% of people get deposit back"), but still, it's annoying.

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

Why did you sign with that kind of stipulation?

saybanana · Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Location: LA

I have a GEPIK contract. It has the same clause. They took that 300K won/3months from me, as well. I was annoyed at first, because I could have used that to pay off loans. After a while, you forget about it. When I finish my contract in a few months, I am happy to know that I'm going to get 900K back.

For some people, it can be a blessing to have money withheld. Many people will probably have used that money for drinking esp during the first months in korea. But for those with definite financial goals, its a pain in the arse.

oxfordstu · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Location: Bangkok

yeah, that's how I choose to view it as well. It's just more money I get at the end. With the severence, pension, and the deposit, I'm set to get close to $7,500 when I leave.

Boodleheimer · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:49 pm Post subject:

what exactly is that money for? damage deposit on your apartment?

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

That and runners. People loved those GEPIK jobs so much that a large percentage never finished their contracts....

Some schools are good. Some suck.

willneverteachagain · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

i wouldnt sign it

300 coming off ur check is more than u think

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

You live anywhere in the west and you pay a housing deposit. It is normally somewhere between 2 and 3 months rent.

That is paid up front. If you run off or trash the place you forfeit your deposit. So what is the difference between that and the 900,000 on the GEPIK contracts?

It's certainly easier on the wallet rather than having to fork out 900,000 in one hit you are paying it over three months.

Boodleheimer · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 12:45 am Post subject:

and if you get fired or you quit? they still keep it, right? how's that a damage deposit for an apartment?

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

If you run off from a lease in the UK you forfeit your deposit as well.

Is the deposit not returned to you if you quit under the terms of the contract?

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005

Already under discussion here: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=79193

Rteacher · Joined: 23 May 2005 Location: Western MA, USA

I'm not in EPIK or GEPIK (as far as I know...) but my contract last year had the same clause. I questioned it, and (as I recall...) they didn't make the deduction. But, again it's in my new contract - so I won't know for sure until I get paid.

One thing in my case is that, three years ago, my original contract with this school didn't include such a clause. Thus, the principal had no reason consider me much of a potential flight risk when I re-signed for a second year.

Boodleheimer · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 1:44 am Post subject:

willneverteachagain · Joined: 17 Dec 2006