Korean Job Discussion Forums

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

First and foremost, hogwon owners, who would no longer have to foot the bill roundtrip tickets to Japan.

But teachers would also benefit by being spared the hassle of having to leave the country. The visa run doesn't sound like much fun in most cases.

Immigration creating a win-win situation? Say it ain't so...

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

The 'first-time visa run' (i.e.- the law which requires one who is switching from a tourist to a working visa to exit and re-enter the country) is a fact of life in many (perhaps even most?) countries. It's not going to change anytime soon.

I suppose one could hope that eventually Korean Immigration will see the light regarding second or third work visas... I've said this here before- if enough of the right people whispered "Heck, the Japanese are able to do it, but we in Korea can't? WTF?" to their contacts at Immigration, I'm sure things would start changing (but of course it goes without saying that foreign teachers are not the 'right people').

kimcheeking · Guest

I don't need to do a visa run. Basically the only benefit of having a F-2-1 visa status.

kylehawkins2000 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003

Basically if seems like the law-makers have decided to cave-in to the disorganized Hogwan owners who refuse to plan more than a month or so in advance for their personnel needs.

I've seen enough examples of businesses doing things at the last minute in a half-a$$ed manner........

How many of your hogwans knew they'd need to hire a new teacher at a certain time but didn't bother to start looking until a few weeks before the date they were needed?

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Well, if the school is paying, it's not a bad deal getting a free short trip to Japan, especially if you're going overnight, not the one-day deal, but even that's not too bad. You get to see Japan, albeit briefly...and that's pretty cool. If you go to Osaka you can see just about everything as far as shopping. Fukuoka isn't as exciting, but there's a few things to do. I stopped into a bunch of electronic stores and marvelled at some computers I've never seen before. Also, I picked up some cool souveniers for my friends and family. Not to mention the trip gets you a day or two off from work. But I do agree, I wish we could own our own visas like in Japan and be able to work where we want and quit if we're getting shafted without worry of a release letter.

waterbaby · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Baking Gord a Cheescake pie

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

I hope it doesn't change. I liked the free trip to beautiful Japan. I want to go again.