Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cheonmunka]

Tax dodging is the way many small business people get ahead in Korea, how to get cash up, and pretty much anyone who can do it does it or has done it at some time. Those little private schools that don't supply teachers with national pension, they are dodging. (Not so many like that now perhaps as there once was.) But, know that when the Tax Service trace you, for whatever reason for cause to have found you out, they can go for the jugular. Proud people suddenly flee bunkering down in the wilderness like scared rabbits. Perhaps not as broad and enacting as the IRS, nevertheless the Tax Service has executive power and can inflict losses - the usual fine is to double the unpaid taxes, befoe sorting out your new accounting regimen.

So, keep things to yourself, and don't be too proud, is my advice for the day.

[goodsounz]

Good advice. I was surprised anyone took the bait in the first place.

[crosbystillsstash]

[T-J]

You know, I've tried to be civil with you and stick to issues. You however seem to rely on sinking to personal attacks.

[tob55]

I have read this thread, and simply want to point out that people can make their own choice, whether it is the right one or the wrong one. That is the beauty of choice. I am a permanent resident F5 visa holder, and while some consider most people who are F visa holders to be of the "scum" category, I work hard to make sure the privilege of being on that status of sojourn is not damaged by my business dealings. The fact is this: anyone can do what they want, however, disregard for doing what is right or lawful in ANY situation will lead to the types of results we have all read and/or heard about in the Korean news.

My wife is Korean, and it helped me get to this visa status. Should I feel bad because I received an extra benefit for being married to a Korean? I think not. We pay our taxes on any and all income we take into our family, regardless of what it is for. I have had the opportunity to do many things that I just as easily could have said it was okay for me in terms of paying or not paying my taxes, but I chose to pay. I am trying to earn an honest living for my wife in this country, and have no illusions of getting rich quick, because regardless of what you do, it takes lots of time and work to become successful.

Another fact: if you are doing "privates" as a Korean or a foreigner in this country they are illegal. There are actual laws written by the Korean government to define and outline this type of business activity. I specify "privates" because there are licenses from the MOE that are given for doing what some people are apparently doing in regard to study rooms. I have and still understand the regulations of the MOE to be quite strict with regard to the amount of money you can charge for "study room" type situations. This is different than those who are operating hagwons as a licensed business with the tax office and education office. It takes less time to set up the study rooms, but there are strings attached. I have friends who have done it, and this is how I found out about it. This is why the discussion is so lengthy by some here in this thread.

I am not throwing stones at any visa holder. I prefer to remain neutral. As it relates to me, I would rather take the precious little extra time I have away from my jobs to spend time with my wife, who is worth a lot more to me than the money I would receive for teaching the extra hours. That is a family and personal decision I made gladly, but please don't think everyone on an F visa is pumping their chest and giving the rally cry against other visa holders. Yes, some people want to do the rub it in your face thing, but I would personally like to see some changes made in the immigration policies regarding the granting of F visas, and work regularly to see if I can help others who are long term workers in this country try and get through the system. There are good friends who have been here much longer than my 5 years that deserve to be granted a better visa status than the E visa they have been on for years, and in time I think we can make progress towards that end.

95%+ of my foreign friends are E visa holders. They work hard and try to get ahead. The F visa friends I have DON'T go around bragging about it and making a distinction about who has it better. I just want to see fairness for all involved parties living and working in this country as foreign nationals from around the world. Honestly, if you want to earn 5,000 만원 every month that is your business, and most people could care less. I could be earning a lot more money than I am, but I get by and don't worry about such things, because in time it will work out.

The opportunities I have realized in this country are much more than in my home country. That is why I am on the F5 visa. That requires a commitment from me, and anyone else who wants to achieve that visa status. I wish those of you who have been here for more than a decade, forced to remain on the E visas could receive the same kind of status recognition for your time and work which HAVE contributed to this culture and society, but it is going to take time to navigate these waters. Our family is trying to help a few, and it only takes one or two people getting through the red tape which will set the precedent for others. When that happens I will be the first to report this accomplishment here and on other forums. Until then I guess we will have to see the discussion go on, but rest assured, someone is working on it.

[bassexpander]

[Juregen]

Do not forget.

E2's are more likely to be temporary and F's are more likely to be long timers. This means F's can build a business, any type of business, and E2's will have a hard time. This seems to be often forgotten in these discussions.

One other issue: MoE, I believe doesn't have the power to set prices, but don't quote me on that. They do however give "advise" on price settings.

Maybe I should get an official response to that question.

Nevertheless, this is an interesting discussion, but we should keep personal matters out of it.

Also, most people are not willing to share information on how the business is run. The ESL business can be a very profitable business, ergo sum, people want to protect their interests.

[spyro25]

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[Cheonmunka]

[John_ESL_White]

[John_ESL_White]

[buymybook]

[bobbybigfoot]

Um, since when do laws matter in Korea?