Korean Job Discussion Forums

[expat2001]

Awhile back , when I started working for GEPIK , I was told that I must take a medical exam and I must pay for it. That sounded odd , that i should be the one that had to pay for it...
It doesnt say anything about public schools , but I wonder....

http://english.molab.go.kr/

Who pays for health examinations for newly-hired employees?

2005-04-29

Answer : A business owner may conduct health examinations on newly-hired employees to keep basic medical records and to see whether they are physically suited for their job positions. Thus, the costs for such medical examinations must be covered by employers (Article 48-1 of Industrial Health and Safety Act and Article 98-1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act). In case an employee has received an equivalent health examination at another workplace, he/she can be exempted from an examination by submitting a document certifying the result.

[Sody]

I too would like to know the answer to this question because I never had to do a physical ever and I don't know anyone who worked for GEPIK that had to either. I've asked more than six teachers and none of them had to get one done. From what I understand, if you get hired via recruiter it's not necessary, but if you apply through the GEPIK website it is. Either something is wrong or some people are just lucky.

Sody

[richardlang]

A physical examination was required in the GEPIK application process. I received a new form a couple months ago, but I was given it with the understanding that it's not a big deal. I probably won't get it done unless I get asked for it again.

[pkang0202]

I got my medical exam in Korea. I paid for it. It was only like ~25,000 won.

You can argue that GEPIK pays for the exam in the 300,000 won they give you when you are first hired.

The medical exam is not expensive. GEPIK is paying for your flight, your visa run (if you need it) and your visa stuff. Are you really gonna nickel and dime them this medical exam which is chepaer than a Papa John's Pizza?

[Sody]

Well I agree he should do it if he has to, but if he is healthy and they don't bother him about it, why should he? The whole purpose of the medical check should be for the benefit of the teacher, not for some official record. It reminds me of the bullshit re-signing form they tried to give me a long time ago. It was a form that asked me a bunch of questions like "did you commit any crimes during your stay here in Korea?" Or the classic, "are you addicted or currently taking any drugs?" Not exactly in those words, can't remember the exact wording but it was really strange.

Sody

[spliff]

My school paid for mine...