Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Joppy U]

My employer didn't give me health insurance. So I assume he's also not paying the income tax on my salary, and why I think this follows:

I've been through this deal before at another place. (But at this other place, I agreed because by not getting health insurance, my pay was also my net pay, i.e, no tax or any other deduction.)

So now with this new employer, I want to call him out and not get tax deducted from my paycheck.

Is there a way I can confirm whether or not he's paying my taxes?

[soju pizza]

I'm going to assume you're North American or from a country that has a pension agreement with Korea. Sorry if I'm wrong.

If you're not paying tax or getting medical, then you're not getting pension either. If you go down to the pension office, they can straighten it all out for you. However, that will cause a lot of trouble at work. Maybe you could just play dumb, and say someone told you to go there to get your tax information for tax time, which is right now.

If you were paying into pension, you would have medical. If you were paying taxes, you would perhaps get a tax refund. Mine was 1.5 million last year, and it will probably be the same this year.

Medical is something you should have in case of accidents, which nobody expects will happen. A pension payout is about 1.5, I think. A tax refund is different for everyone.

You're losing quite a bit of money just to save some money in the short-term.

[wylies99]

You should NEVER agree to no pension and no health insurance.
What would happen if you get sick? or get hit by a car?

[jazblanc77]

The tax office... duh!

[Young FRANKenstein]

[agoodmouse]

You've got to look out for yourself. Health insurance is a must.

[garykasparov]

This help desk was created to help foreigners with tax matters. If you are a foreigner and do not find the appropriate answer to your question on this web site, e-mail us, or, call our Helpline directly. However, before contacting us, please check Frequently Asked Questions, Tax Guides, Tax Law/Treaties, and so on.

Helpline for Foreigners

This helpline is opened Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm 82-2-397-1440

International Unit

For specific questions about your tax status or help, call at phone numbers below

Open Monday from Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Transfer Pricing: 82-2-397-1457

Tax Law Revision: 82-2-397-1458

Foreign Branch: 82-2-397-1443

Foreign Direct Investment: 82-2-397-1444

Individual Income Tax: 82-2-397-1444

Tax Withholding: 82-2-397-1447


Name : Seoul Regional Tax Office
Telephone : 02-397-2200
Address : Susong-dong 104 Jongno-gu Seoul(110-788)

[hogwonguy1979]

also if hes not paying medical hes in violation of your visa status. employers are required to be giving foreign workers health insurance as part of their agreement with immigration to grant you a visa.

[wylies99]

OP- You can't just call the Tax office- you need to visit with your ARC, contract, and payslips.

[Joppy U]

Thank you for this sound advice.

But what is my recourse if he refuses to give me health insurance?
(i.e., what the hell do I do?)

[Flash Ipanema]

[midwest]

[ED209]

Tell him that you need to report your income and taxes to the American(or where ever) government. Ask him to help you do this. Ask him for the phone numbers. Let him know you are contacting pension, health and income tax. Of course he won't help you, so just tell him not worry and that your friend will give you all the numbers and you can call them at the end of the week. Sit back and watch him sweat for a week. Call them.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[wylies99]