Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Chris2007]

Hi, I noticed that no taxes have been deducted from my pay so far.
My co-worker has been there for over a year and said no taxes were taken from her pay last year either. They are, however, deducting for pension and healthcare.
How concerned should I be about the tax part?
Thank you.

[poet13]

If they're not taking taxes, but ARE taking pension and medical, I would guess that is going in their pockets. Did you get a National Medical plan booklet? No? It's required by law.

The trouble with the tax/pension/meical thing, is after you leave there, and even though you are unlikely to be pinched, you are still liable for those monies....in arrears for every won you earned. Same goes for pension and medical. In one year you could end up owing 2 to 3 million won. (if you're in the 2-2.3 montly bracket) It might be more, or slightly less, but it still comes out of your pocket. If you're from a country that returns your pension, you're losing out there too, cause they are supposed to match your contribution. Same goes for medical.

[icicle]

[poet13]

oops, my bad. Icicle is right. Some countries have tax agreements, so no taxes for some period of time.
I don't know how that works, but there was another thread about that in the past couple of months. I don't know who goes about claiming your non-tax status, but you should be able to find out with a query to the board here.


Still though, if you are paying medical and pension, you should receive official documents from the K-gov, not your employer, that signify your status. For pension, I have a fancy piece of paper that looks like something from the "sweepstakes clearing house". Says who I am, what my number is, etc.

[Chris2007]

Hmmm... I'm from the U.S. but not sure of tax agreements. I guess I have some work to do on that.
I did, however, receive the medical insurance booklet, but haven't received anything in regards to pension. I'll have to ask my boss about it.

[wylies99]

OP- politely ask your boss questions, but if anything sounds shady, don't trust him/her. You can take your pay stubs to the various offices and ask questions. If your boss is being honest, things will be okay. If not, then you need to know as soon as possible.
BTW- it's good that you are looking out for yourself and not simply accepting your director's word for everything. Dishonest owners and directors HATE teachers like you. That's a good thing.

[tzechuk]

[wylies99]

For teaching done in public schools.

[poet13]

for public schools only?
I think that's for any income earned here. I remember researching this several years ago when I was doing contract work for the mil. Not sure though.

[icicle]