Korean Job Discussion Forums

CPT · Joined: 25 Mar 2007

Hi guys,

I'm getting ready to come over to Korea (I'll be there in a week), but one thing that has remained on my mind is the drug testing over there. My understanding is that you can be tested at any time, for no real reason, and if your test comes up positive, it's considered the same as catching you using the drug red handed.

I'm wondering this because I smoke weed here in Canada, and while I have no intention of smoking in Korea or touching any drugs, I would fail a test for the first month or so I'm there. I'm most concerned about my arrival in the country, when I have to deal with customs and the like. I figure if I keep my nose clean and don't encounter any authority figures while I'm working, I'll be fine until I clear up.

I'm working for a private school, and no mention of a drug test has been made. I'm hesitant to even ask my employer about it, because I know attitudes towards drugs in Korea are quite different than here in North America, and I don't want him thinking I'm some strung out addict.

Am I being paranoid (it's not the weed, I swear!), or is this a legitimate concern? If the latter, what can I do about it?

Thanks in advance

PS - I hope this thread isn't redundant, but I couldn't find the information I was looking for, just some random threads like the one about "Lost."

Chicoloco · Joined: 18 Oct 2006 Location: In the ring.

My friend,

You might want to remove the name of your future employer from this post, they have been known to check these boards from time to time.

I don't think you should have any problems though.

Good luck.

paintman321 · Joined: 14 Mar 2007

I could be totally wrong on this, but I think the testing at anytime only applies to Korean Nationals that return to Korea from abroad, and not foreigners.

So if you're not returning to Korea as a Korean you shouldn't have any worries.

kimchi story · Joined: 23 Nov 2006

Dude, if your future employer does read this forum (and he DOES advertise here, so he might), he's prolly having a chuckle right now. I would edit the name out, either way. If you work hard and get along with people, you have nothing to worry about at that school - your boss is a stand up guy.

This is not a thing to worry about.

CPT · Joined: 25 Mar 2007

Thanks for the tips guys.

Now instead of being worried about being tested, I'm worried I baited myself out, LOL.

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

I'd suggest you get a couple of body cleansers and stop smoking now.
I don't know if it'll clear you up completely but it ain't gonna hurt

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

1. Go to health food store.
2. Tell the vitamin guy what you need.
3. Buy natural cleansing tablets.
4. Be clean in one week.

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

wow. Those magic vitamins even clear the trace amounts of THC from your hair?

Magic shampoo maybe?

If you're that paranoid...get a buzz cut and wait a month or two before you come.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

they won't hair test without a warrant and I doubt they'd be able to get a warrant before you entered the country.
Also (important) hair tests are on BODY HAIR!!! Not head hair.

The Bobster · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

There is no school I have heard of that tests anyone's body for drugs, and I'm not sure it's even possible for them to ask ... this thread is a joke. Been here quite a while now, take my word for this.

Having said all that, if you are fond of the drugs you could get easily back home, don't bother to board the plane for this place. The quality available is poor and the penalties for being caught are ridiculous.

If being high is us your goal, stay in the USA. If you want to teach English, come on over.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Do you ever wonder if the OP is somebody else trying to set a new teacher up that he has a grudge against by mentioning the school and the drugs he uses?

Give the school an email and tell them they have been mentioned on here.

Or maybe I'm just a paranoid man.

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

Bob, the op clearly stated he is from Canada.

The public schools will offer a "health test" which may or may not be required of you. I heard that these days, it's required in many areas (as it is required of Koreans too).

Here's a thought... why don't you just stop using drugs in Canada before you come? Let it work out of your system. Then, when you're here, don't do any drugs. It's highly illegal here. Oh well, you're coming in a week. Looks like that won't be long enough.

If you follow the law here, then that's good. Besides, it should be very easy to do. I keep hearing marijuana isn't addictive, and people can stop at any time. If this is the case, then it should be easy just to avoid using it while in Korea.

You can smoke it all you want in Canada, as so many Canadians comfortably do, when you return home some day. You aren't going to be tested by most schools at all, and I've not heard of any testing you immediately after you get off of the plane. It usually happens that they offer some kind of physical months into your contract.

CPT · Joined: 25 Mar 2007