Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CeleryMan]

Folks,

I was swindled by a local travel agency last month and have tried several times to get a refund.

I filed a formal complaint with the Korean Consumer Agency and they indicated there is more than enough merit and proof to warrant a full refund.... but they have no enforcement powers.

I guess my last option is to retain a lawyer? Would love to hear any feedback, personal experience or guidance on this matter. Amount in question is under 2,000,000 KRW.

Thanks in advance,

[GoldMember]

Define "Swindled"?
Forget about trying to collect money in Korea, you'll grow old before you see any money. For more info see Brendon Carr's law blog.
If the "swindle" was fraud, try the police, you won't get your money, but you might put the person behind bars.
Take a Korean preferbly an older male to do the talking for you.

[SuperFly]

The agency in question isn't that one in Itaewon that has swindled hundreds, maybe thousands of unsuspecting foreigners is it? Run by a Nigerian group? Those guys have been doing that for years I believe. There are a couple of threads about them.

I took SBS (Park Chul) to court in 1998 but settled out. Not a big payoff, but it was totally worth it.

[skindleshanks]

My wife (and 17 other people) were swindled out of 10 million won each back in 2003. (Each person had been promised a franchise in a chain of about a hundred English schools nationwide. The chain was acquired by the CES chain, but apparently the debt/contract wasn't.) The man responsible spent a few months in jail, repaid about a million won each, and was released on a promise to repay (at least that's my understanding). At the time it caused us considerable financial difficulty--we were pregnant and had borrowed the initial "investment." We found that he had transferred all his assets to his grandmother, and they were untouchable. He never stopped running one of his successful businesses, and last I heard was still living the "good life" in Seoul.

We got a call from one of the offended parties, saying that it wasn't likely we'd ever see the money--lawyers or no lawyers--but offered that we could turn the debt over to a "collection agency (ie, gangsters), to get part of it back. I don't think I'd be able to sleep well at night after sicking thugs on someone.

I know a lot of you would laugh at this, but we finally decided to turn the debt over to God, and if he ever does repay the money, we will not keep it for ourselves. The matter is between him and God now, which, frankly I consider to be a much more terrifying prospect. We have been very blessed in the years since, and now have two beautiful kids and a new apartment that is nearly paid off, so I am thankful that we haven't had to waste sleep over this--it certainly has all worked out for our good.

However, I will never work for or go into business with any local businesses while we live here--I feel there is simply too great a risk and there is not much legal backup if one is cheated. If a person sees a lawsuit coming, all they have to do is transfer their assets to a spouse or family member, and it is untouchable.

[spliff]

[dogbert]

[mrsquirrel]

[CeleryMan]

The travel agency is Alps Tour Travel Agency located in Namdaemun area. Ironically, I found this agency through Dave's.

I've filed a formal complaint with Korean Consumer Agency as well as a small claims court in Suwon, where I reside.

I paid for a roundtrip e-ticket only to find out the agency never booked it with the Carrier. My travel plans were foiled and I never got a refund.

As a Korean (American) it's painful being ripped swindled by your own kind; it's a disgusting feeling.

In any case, I'm determined to get my money back ... trust me!

[bassexpander]

[Scotticus]

[spliff]

[SuperFly]

[dogbert]

[tzechuk]

THe link doesn't work, dogbert.

[The_Eyeball_Kid]