Korean Job Discussion Forums

cwaddell · Joined: 23 Jan 2006

I am just beginning my second year at a school, and the situation has gone severely downhill.....

I've heard conflicting information regarding getting a new job in these circumstances and was hoping somebody could give a definitive answer.

Is it possible to quit, work my 2 months notice period, and start a new job WITHOUT GOING HOME?

Is there anything else I need to consider? I appreciate any help, as my friends are divided over wether this is possible. Hopefully it's possible to do this here instead of needing to go home.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

In January of '07 I was able to break contract at a private high school and change jobs without leaving the country. I think it is still possible after the visa changes.

broken76 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

The official Immigration rules say that the only way you can change jobs while in Korea (changing Visas) is when the previous school closes down. You'll need to submit official documentation proving so.
Some public school systems are able to arrange Visas in country as well (SMOE, GEPIK).
If you've had an E-2 Visa for at least 9 months then you won't have to return to your home country but can get your Visa at any Korean consulate (usually Osaka or Fukuoka are the preferred choices). The new school should pay for the Visa run.
Now there are cases where people have gotten immigration to bend the rules for them but in general the above rules are the standard.

citisenoftheworld · Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Location: Canada

just give your notice, give them the amount of time it says in your contract and then u'r free to find another job. you are allowed to switch jobs just like anyone else

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

cwaddell · Joined: 23 Jan 2006

Thanks for the advice up there mate ( I forgot your name and forgot to just quote it).

Sounds pretty good. I have friends I could stay with and they would take care of my things. So I guess it's a simple case of doing a Visa run from here for the new job. I was hoping this would be the case, but some people at my current school are adamant that it's impossible to switch jobs without going home.

If anyone else knows for sure, it's greatly appreciated. I'm still at the stage of considering the options. Also, before someone says it.....I'm not a lame quitter, the situation is rather dire these days. Teaching time is excellent, it's the management.... I'm sure you understand!

jellobean · Joined: 14 Mar 2006

If you were in your first year, that would be the case. Because it's your second year, it is possible. If you can't get an LOR to transfer your visa, you need to check what documents you will need. I've heard conflicting reports on whether the CRC is a one-time or yearly thing.

cwaddell · Joined: 23 Jan 2006

What is CRC? Contract Release.... Something?

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

kingssurfer · Joined: 14 Dec 2009

Yes, you can change jobs in Korea without leaving the country. II did it in December at the sixth month mark of the contract. You don't need to wait 9 months. I left an incredibly dodgy hagwon, and was luckily issued the letter of release. All you need from your old boss is the letter of release, which is actually a letter of employment, and they are required to give it to you by law. You can get you ex employer in big trouble if they refuse to do so. I know there are a lot of ambiguities in Korea, but it's mostly because the scumbag hagwon owners and scumbag recruiters, who are just there to make a buck don't want you to know so. You know how Koreans can be very secretive about their business. However, with that being said there also many great hagwon directors, and recruiters in the country as well. Once you are issued the letter of employment, you then need to go to immigration with your new boss, and have them show their business license, your lor/e, and you new signed contract to immigration. Hope that helps.