Korean Job Discussion Forums

silver · Joined: 09 Jan 2004 Location: Korea

Hi, I am new at Dave's.
I would like to know, is there anybody (or maybe you know somebody), who is not native English speaker, but married to a Korean and got the teaching permission through marriage?
When I consulted the immigration dept, they told if somebody gets the permanent living permit, he gets the same rights for employment as national Koreans, so there is no "native speaker" requirement any more..
Does anybody know anything about that?
I am seriously thinking to start teaching English in Korea. Of course, I am not that good as you, guys, but I am really better than some Korean teachers I met... My pronounciation is good and without any foreign accent. I am not targeting to teach high school, just maybe some kindergarden and elementary kids... Btw, I am caucasian originated from Europe. What could be my chances?
Nice to meet you all! I was browsing this forum so many times and enjoyed your conversations so much.. Very Happy

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

Even if one is married to a Korean and has an F2 visa, one still needs to get an E2 visa to teach English as a native speaker. Unfortunately, you could not do this.

silver · Joined: 09 Jan 2004 Location: Korea

I know, that it is impossible with the F-2, as you need to get the E-2 anyway.
But I am talking about the permanent living permit, which is something close to the citizenship.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

But I think she's talking about getting permanent residency in Korea, or maybe she already has it. As I understand it, that would give her the same employment rights as a Korean citizen, so no E-2 permit would be necessary. If this is the case, it sounds to me like she could work at any school that would hire her, quit whenever she wants, plus teach privates.

Arthur Fonzerelli · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Location: Suwon

as long as you're caucasian, you can teach....

tokki · Joined: 26 Jul 2003

Define native. You dont need to be native to teach. You do need to have a passport from one of the countries stipulated by immigration.

What is permanent residency? Is it the F2-1? I got that, but I doubt I have the same employment rights as a Korean. If that was so, Id be teaching privates and doing a 2nd job without having to ask permission from immigration.

What is permanent residency? How do I apply for it? Would be great to get it.

buddy bradley · Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Location: The Beyond

Well, the Filipina who works at my school is married to a Korean and I'm assuming that she's working there legally, when I asked my question was answered in a vague manner so I'm not too sure.

Just out of curiosity, which European country are you from?

Alex Buffa · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: South Korea

If you are holding an F-2 visa, then the rules of teaching no longer apply to you. All you need is a contract from an employer, a filled out form for immigration and the school's stamps.

Since the school is not your major sponsor, the whole process of E-2 is not required. I already signed for 3 employers starting in March outside my university work and have had no problems. The only thing they want to make sure of is getting the 30,000 won in stamps on the forms.

Alex

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Yep, if you are F-2, you should be able to teach English at any school with the added benefit of being able to teach private.

However, if you're not native, then your pay scale would probably be lower than an E-2.

I'm not sure how the employer deals with your medical and pension, etc.

Very Happy

silver · Joined: 09 Jan 2004 Location: Korea

Thanks for your posts!
They are really usefull. Already I was hopeless about this visa question, because the immigration told so many different things. Actually, each location which I called mentioned different rules and requirements to get it.. Shocked

If anybody knows something more, pls post.
Thank you!

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

Even if she were a Korean citizen, she could not teach as a native speaker.

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

The other day I met an Iranian gentleman on an E7 visa (I think) who'd been teaching here illegally for about 2.5 years. It's doable.

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

just ask immigration.

wylde · Joined: 14 Apr 2003

i have heard that if you teach in the schooling system - elementary, middle or high schools that it is still illegal to take privates even if you are a permanent resident or even a real korean. something to do with knowing the information needed for the exams at school.

Shadow · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Pusan, South Korea

Dear Silver,

Find that niche market where many foreigners don't want to teach or someplace out of the way. Most people go for the glitz and glamour of Seoul. As Ty Cobb used to say "Go where they ain't." Go directly to some Hagwans and find a foreigner, walk into to see the Director and see if he needs someone. Your chances are excellent!
I know because I'm the shadow! Laughing