Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Adventurer]

I know unions are illegal. I am not sure. We know the embassies don't really do anything. Is it illegal for foreigners to hand out literature, warn about different schools (black listed ones), assist other foreigners. I've done some of that myself in terms of helping others. Would handing out literature be acceptable under Korean law. I only say this, because I've seen too many people get exploited.

[jmbran11]

You can print something out and hand it out. The question is, how many people have to participate before you can call yourself a representative of foreign teachers?

I think if you did low-key education, you'd be okay, but no collective bargaining activities, and no pressure on the government to improve standards in any way, or they probably would crack down.

[Captain Corea]

I suppose it would vary from one visa to another. Different visas, different rights?

[Milwaukiedave]

Getting people to participate on a regular basis and keeping an active roster would be a challange. I don't know what the average stay is for a foreign teachers and I wouldn't even try to guess (because I'd probably be wrong). As someone said, you probably couldn't lobby the goverment or do collective bargining so you'd have to decide what purpose the group would serve. On paper it seems like a good idea, but getting it to actually work would be a pain in the ***.

[merkurix]

A foreigners' association could be considered illegal by immigration authorities if it is deemed political in nature. According to the Korean Immigration Control Act, Chapter IV, Article 17, clause 2: "No foreigner sojourning in the Republic of Korea shall engage in any political activity."

[Adventurer]

[merkurix]

[blynch]

[Homer]

Decent idea but if you start handing out printed material slamming schools you are attacking the schools reputation (even if the claim is true) and hence making yourself a prime target for a law suit or legal action for slandering a businesses reputation (again even if the claim is right).

Finding people to participate will also be a challenge considering the crowd of eslers here. Most are not here for very long and they are very involved in local affairs.

Finding people who will do the types of things you are talking about adventurer is not the only issue...you need to find people who will do these things in a professional manner and who wont behave like baboons just released from the zoo....a move like you are discussing needs to be done in a certain way to have a positive impact.

The idea has merit and I too used to help teachers (when I had time before my son was born) by running weekend workshops for newbies and teachers in need of advice. We registered with the government for that activity and took no money whatsoever.

You also have to be real careful about complaints about schools because before you go and warn people about a school you need to be damn sure the claims made are true and verified by more than one source!

Anyway...good luck out there adventurer!

[Pak Yu Man]

How will you choose the black list? Are you going to trust every foreigner?
They wouldn't pay for a new lightbulb. They are evil, I'll black list them.

I think you should just worry about the big chains we all know and love...if you do this at all.

The F visas could do this for you. I could but my free time is too valuable vasted on helping people that will be gone in a year.

[Homer]

[Adventurer]

[Pak Yu Man]

If you are serious about this then make a webpage.
Then hand out little cards to foreigners about your site.