Korean Job Discussion Forums

dhalgren17 · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

I was wondering if it is necessary to have my employers permission to leave the country for a short trip? For example, if I were to get a couple of free days due to the kids having exams and found a cheap ticket to an interesting place could I just head out? Or does immigration talk to the school whenever you leave country?
dhalgren17

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Shouldn't be a problem. Just don't tell any of your Korean teachers before the fact. As long as your back in time for whenever you're supposed to be at work.

PigeonFart · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

You don't need your employers permission. But don't forget to make sure you have a "multiple entry" visa. There could be problems if you only have a "single entry" visa.

how can you find out which one you have?....look at the korean visa that's stamped in your passport. It will say "S" or "M" under the "Entry" section.
S = single
M = multiple

If its a single entry visa then you'll be allowed to leave, but once you leave your working visa will expire. So you'll be returing on a tourist visa and will not have the right to continue work.

If its a multiple visa then you're fine.

Some countries automatically get a multiple visa, others automatically get a single entry visa. If you have a single, then you can go to Immigration Office and pay 50,000 won for a multiple entry visa. Or you can get an additional single entry visa which will do you for one vacation. That costs about 30,000 won and can be obtained in the airport. There's more info on this stuff elsewhere on this website....in the FAQ section i'd imagine.

Bon voyage!