Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sadebugo1]

Ref. the YBM advertisement on the Korean job board today. It seems that Korea now has a working holiday visa system. Or, is this YBM's way of getting around the work visa. Any ideas? Perhaps, as with everything else, they are copying Japan again.

[prairieboy]

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a working holiday visa in Korea. It's likely a "come here on a tourist visa and work part-time" lure.

People responding to this may not realize it's illegal.

But maybe the law has changed as seems to be common especially with immigration...or that may just be a policy change.

I wouldn't do it at any rate being in korea for the amount of time I have been here.

Cheers

[Gord]

[prairieboy]

I said as far as I knew it was illegal, Gord.

You've cleared it up. That's all you had to do. Thanks.

[prairieboy]

Is this really only available to Canadians as posted on the link?

No one from other countries can apply for it?

[prairieboy]

Aahh, it's not as simple as it seems.

You have to be able to qualify for an E-2 visa to teach a foreign language such as would be the case working at YBM, seeing as it also restricts jobs:

An H-1 visa holder may not be employed as receptionist, dancer, singer, musician, acrobat, etc., at places of entertainment which may endanger good morals and manners.

In order to teach a foreign language, the H-1 visa holder must also posses the qualifications requisite for the "E-2 Language Instructor visa". [emphasis in original]

I guess a person could work at McDonalds, as a bartender, in a grocery store or as a general labourer during their holiday.

It doesn't actually say a person needs to obtain an E-2 to teach a foreign language.

For some it may be the holy grail, if someone wants to take the chance with this visa at a hogwon or foreign language institute, then good luck.

[mithridates]

I've got one! I've had it since March. I really have no idea what it lets me do though. I make lots of money teaching English, Japanese, hanja (Chinese writing), Korean, and I sometimes write for newspapers here. Since they were so vague with telling me what I'm allowed to do, I do a bit of everything.
I worked for a hagwon for a few months but I was employed as an office worker, not a teacher. I would substitute for classes from time to time, and was paid less. That's why I quit.
It really seems quite unfair though, the fact that thousands and thousands of Koreans jaunt off to Canada with this visa whereas Canadians with it can't get a job teaching English unless they have finished uni, in which case it's unnecessary. Working Holiday is much more clearly defined in Japan.
I wish I could tell you more, being a holder of this visa and all, but I really don't know...

[prairieboy]

Is there any more you can tell me about this. Now that it's been brought to my attention, it sounds more and more intriguing.

Cheers

[shawner88]

[prairieboy]

It's only good for 3 months at a time though. Still, you could shop around more freely and find much better paying jobs.

M tell us more.

[Gord]

[prairieboy]

So let me get it straight. It is good for a year. But you can only get it issued once.

I suppose that for someone who's considering coming here without knowing anything, it would be a good route to take. You get a chance to expose yourself to the culture and the work environment. You can try out several English schools and find one that you like, then work out an agreement for a longer stay on an E-2.

Not quite as bad as I thought in the first place. Even for teachers already here, who just want time off from the full-time hogwon job but aren't wanting to go home for a long period of time.

Cheers, thanks for the info!

[OiGirl]

[mithridates]

I suppose it would be good for working in the Korean Herald or someplace like that as well, though after a year is up, which visa to get next becomes a problem...that's what I'm thinking about now actually, because I don't intend on going anywhere.

[prairieboy]