Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Adventurer]

I have dealt with pension before my first year. I have some experience with them. Anyway, I go to the Ilsan office. I show them that the math doesn't add up with my salary, and he seemed to agree, but said my boss doesn't have to pay pension because of the way I am registered tax wise, and that I am paying 3.3% instead of the required 4.8% and since I am not paying that percentage and I am registered in the manner he stated, the boss doesn't have to contribute to the pension. I have never heard of that tax rate before. Of course, I didn't expect to get a straight answer that made sense from that office. I took his business card, and I am heading to Jamsil in a week or so.

Any ideas as to what he was talking about?

[Tommy]

Sounds like your employer registered you as an Independent Contractor. See here: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=105605

[Adventurer]

Yes, it appears so. Anyway, I called another pension office. They wanted my school's number, but I don't want to give that out just yet. I was only trying to get information. We will have to go in person to Jamsil, and I took with me the card of the person who was supposed help, but didn't know what he was talking about. I will find out more information, but I won't do too much and let my co-worker get more involved since I am still waiting on my new alien card since I had to do a visa run thanks to immigration (long story). I should have my card relatively soon. I have my new E-2, though. When I used to work in Dallas, we used to say about our horribly disorganized district that "One hand doesn't know what the other hand is going". This applies to the Korean Government. I am sure they are smart people, but a high schooler from the US or Canada can bother to research information and know about taxes and the like. I don't see why someone in pension can't know anything about tax laws. I guess that's thinking outside of the box.

[GB]

Called the pensions office...their advice to me was not to pay as I can't get the money back due to my country not having a treaty with them....great advice from the pensions people!!!

I will call again.

[Adventurer]

[Whistleblower]

The pension that you contribute to the Korean Establishment complements the NI contributions and national pension in the UK. I stopped paying NI contributions as it is a waste of money. I contribute to the pension via Korea forget the NI. It is a black hole with pension deficit at the end. I would definitely want a Korean pension.

[GB]

I'm from the UK...it was very strange advice from the pensions people.
I feel like I am having to chase them to give them my money...very bizarre. I want to pay it though to make sure everything is above board.