Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blackjack]

I know this has been asked ad nauseam but I have not seen a definitive answer (if they exist in korea)

I have heard differing stories about flying to korea on a one way flight. Some say that the airline will stop you, while others say that immigration will. Yet others say that they have had no problems at all.

So whats the deal? Is it safe just to book the flight or would it be better to book a ferry out of korea to Fukuoka as well. If so how would you do this from NZ and what type of prices would I be looking at?

Cheers

[uberscheisse]

i am pretty certain that the general rule is that you must have a return ticket or a second destination. i think the same is true for most countries.

but as with all general rules in korea they seem subject to the civil servant who will follow/overlook it at his/her whim, depending on how bored, overworked, lazy or interested in cyworld they are that day.

[ciccone_youth]

i flew from montreal to seoul (via chicago) on a one-way ticket, did not have any problems at all (air canada + korean air ).

[mikeyboy122]

I flew from U.S. one-way no problem. Try Expedia.com for good price.

[Hank the Iconoclast]

I flew one-way from Atlanta to Incheon. No problems.

[twg]

It depends upon your airline.

[Greekfreak]

Err on the side of caution and pick yourself up a next destination ticket to Fukuoka that flies out at the end of your visa.

I was stopped with a one-way ticket, even though there was nothing in my record of visas (in the passport) that ever indicated I'd been anything in Korea other than a legal instructor at any time. Then you can refund the Fukuoka ticket when/if you find a job, or else put it towards a return ticket.

[Zyzyfer]

It depends mainly on where you check in and get your tickets; smaller airports may not know any better and just book you through. Although I'm surprised O'Hare let anyone through without a return...I know Seattle nabbed me on a botched transfer.

Immigration has never said anything to me, but the fact is that, if they do turn you away at immigration here, you would have to fly back home.

Safest bet if you're worried is to get a refundable ticket leaving Korea before your tourist "visa" expires.

[DaffyD73]

Well it sounds like your a Kiwi so i will tell you my expereince.
Booked one way on Air NZ leaving Chch, turned up and they would not let me on using one way - so had to credit card a return flight from Incheon to ChCh for $4500.00NZ - made sure they they put a note on the system about only neede it for Immagration purposes - and the guy cancelled it as soon as he issued me paperwork - but the refund had to be done by HO and this was Xmas time but in the end i did get a full refund on the credit card - as well as reversing interest charges cos i new a refund was coming but it didn't arrive by due date.
My advice if you want to try it just turn up early and have a credit card - as i had to run for tye plane and it made me into one of those bugggggers who hold up the plane ( wasn't the last on though).

[definitely maybe]

flown in one-way from all over asia and multiple destinations in the us with no visa. no one at immigration has ever even brought up the issue. simply, "how long will you be staying?"

[cuckoo for kimchi]

[Lunar Groove Gardener]

I have in the past had no problems flying from the U.S. on a one way and entering as a tourist. I did so as late as Dec. '07

HOWEVER

On my latest trip back to Korea they would have refused my boarding in Minneapolis until I pointed out that I had a newly issued work visa.

Call the airline that you're flying on. Get it in an e-mail after confirming via telephone if they say it's O.K. Then carry a print of that with you when travelling with the hope that it can convince anyone with a contrary point of view.

Rules keep changing in these matters and I would do a triple check starting with the airlines and the Korean consulate.

Sometimes the first person with whom you speak hasn't got the latest data and you should check back to insure accuracy.