Korean Job Discussion Forums

mithridates · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 5:11 am Post subject:

That's true...I've had a number of incidents where a person has tried to ask me something in English, I pretend not to understand and tell the man that I only speak French and Korean, and then the subject changes to "How did you learn Korean? Wow..." - a few more compliments on the Korean, some talking about Japan where I learned Korean and that's the end of the matter. It's a great technique for changing the subject.

That also reminds me of a time I was at immigration a few months ago. I had quit my previous job and moved into a goshiwon for two months (bleh). I had forgotten that we need to register a new address within two weeks, and so when I went to immigration to get permission to go to Japan and back, the guy at the desk saw that the address I had written was different from the one on my card.
(In Korean)"When did you move?"
"A month ago."
"No no, you're supposed to write down the new address within two weeks of a move. If the guys at immigration find out you'll have to pay a fine! Here, I'll just write down the old one."
But he was one of the guys from immigration, quite funny. I suppose I was lucky.

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003

I can empathize with their need to keep immigration in check and deal with the war with NK, but requiring people to produce ID and answer questions in public is humiliating. Asking to see the contents of your bags after you proved that your legal is going too far. They really should be more tactful.

noelinkorea · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: Shinchon, Seoul

My co-worker and I were given a harrassing talking-to by a young immigration fellow the other night on the subway home. He approached us as we stood and talked, and was rosy red and wobbly - obviously drunk. He was in no uniform, and asked to see our passports - we refused even are he produced his own Immigration card. He kept asking where we were from, and for us to show either our cards or our passports. While I am legal, I haven't yet applied for my card, though I hae been working just a week anyway. No drunken man would be getting my documents. People watched on naturally and we said we didn't wish to tak to him, and got off at the next stop to wait for the following train. He farewelled us, drunk sod. My co-workers husband has since complained on our behalf, and since we didn't check his name on his card, we have been invited down to point him out...apparently the person who took te phonecall didn't believe an immigration officer would do this. Hhmmmm...This was on the green line, about 9.30pm or so.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

I've been here a very long time and I've never had this happen nor have I heard of any of friends having a similar experience. But basically I think someone shows you official ID you should show your passport/ARC and be on your way. As long as you are not doing anything illegal you are fine.

SuperHero

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Yeah, I've been here 2 years and this has never happened to me either. I would just show if they were polite enough and get on with life. i am an alien after all Very Happy

HardyandTiny · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

If you walk within a few blocks of the Bluehouse the secret service will stop you and ask for ID. If you ask them for ID they'll just open their jacket and reveal a pistol belt and consider that enough. They get very upset when you ask to see their card. Usually they'll breathe in heavily through their teeth and move their head down and to the side then mumble and exhale.