Korean Job Discussion Forums

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

Yes, I had one.
Four years. My first one.

I had lost my ARC card (long story) and needed a new one as I'm leaving in two weeks. I waited for 15 minutes to get served.
The guy took my form and passport. I asked when it would be done: "About one weeks". I told him I was leaving soon so that was going to be just in time.

He said "Wait a minute". And 5 minutes later, I had a brand spankin' new card: I didn't even have to wait a week.

Shocking. The whole thing took about 30 minutes.

Has ANYONE EVER had service that great at immmi?

thebomb · Joined: 13 Nov 2006

Kyber, dear boy, wake up wake up, it's just a dream!! Very Happy

Things like this don't happen in the "real world".

And if you continue to post falsities such as this, dreams or not, then I will have no other choice but to label you as a troll. Very Happy

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

It truly is that shocking.

I can honestly, barely believe I have time to do all that crap.

Yet one MORE thing I don't have to worry about.

thebomb · Joined: 13 Nov 2006

It is good to hear that there is 1 employee with half a brain working at immi, must be new. Laughing

It's just a shame that it happens to you 2 weeks before you skip!

Are you skipping for good?

The Perfect Cup of Coffee · Joined: 17 Jun 2007

In 2005 I was at the small immigration office in Gwanghwamun behind the national police headquarters to re-new my F-2. I got there about 20 minutes early before they even opened, and one of women working behind the desk, asked me politely if she could help me. I looked at my watch and said I don't mind waiting as they were still clearing their desks and preparing coffee, etc.

She said it wasn't a problem. Took my paperwork, stamped a few pieces of paper, and sent me kindly on my way with 5 minutes to go before they were officially open for business. Damn!

Sadly though, as she was stamping my paper, she said that that would be the last year I'd be able to use this office as they would be re-aligning offices based on whether you live north or south of the Han river in Seoul. 2007? Back out to the main office in Mok-dong. It's a lot better now than the circus it was back in 2003-2005.

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

i've been out to mokdong several times over the past 18 months and have had no problems changing my address, extending my arc, getting perm to work at another location etc. biggest problem has been the wait. gotten

i find it works wonders to smile and be nice to them. it seems to do wonders

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

I hate to sound like an appologist but I have, in more than 6 years and more trips to immi than I care to count, NEVER personally had a bad experience at an immigration office in Korea.

Act in a professional manner and you will be treated the same way has been my experience at most government offices in most countries.

.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

I've noticed Mokdong immi has really improved in the last couple of years. I'm rarely there more than 30 mins anymore.

But I do remember back in the day being there from 9am, sitting for 3 hours, and then being asked to leave the building because of lunch-hour!! Whole mornings wasted!!
In those days Koreans often just walked off the street and straight up to the counter. The clerks would say nothing about all the blatent line-jumping. Recently, I've noticed them ask everyone to take a ticket. Even ajeossis!!!! Imagine!!

Progress indeed.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

I go to Immigration frequently, and as long as I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary, all is fine and I can be in and out in under 30 minutes.

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

It's not just about being professional though. I mean, I was "supposed" to wait a week and he did it right there and then. And it was unnecessary.

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Mine was replaced very speedily too and now that they have a separate line for D8 visa holders the wait was minimal.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

never had a problem in 10 years.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Two trips

One for me one for the wife both good.

Got there with 20mins to spare for the wife's visa before the end of the day and got seen no problem at 5:50pm

Good stuff

articulate_ink · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:53 am Post subject:

In December, when I went to Suwon Immigration to get a C4 visa for my winter camp, they processed it on the spot when I told them I was leaving for Hong Kong three days later.

On Friday, I went in to renew my visa, since I've re-signed with my employer. Again: they did it on the spot (no impending trip this time) and I walked out with a new stamp in my passport and a new expiry date on my ARC.

I've had issues and rough spots with other areas of Korean life, but the Immigration officials I've dealt with have generally been efficient and courteous.