Korean Job Discussion Forums

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

What are the ramifications of quitting mid-way thru a contract in Korea? Will I get a new visa later? Will I have to wait until my old one expires? Will I need a letter of release before I can get a new contract?

What's the deal - anyone done the same thing before?

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

You will need a letter of release if you want to legally quit your job. Without one, it would be difficult to get another one. If you "run away" you could be reported to immigration, and it would be difficult for you to get any job here in the future.

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

But if someone treats me badly (deception), my inclination is to quit - no matter what. They might not give me the letter of release ...

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

I understand. You just have to be aware of the difficulties of getting further employment here without it.

waterbaby · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Baking Gord a Cheescake pie

Check what your contract says about quitting. Usually there's an opt out clause for both parties. If you do want to get another job before the time remaining on your current visa expires, you'll need a letter of release from your employer. Without it, you'll have a hard time getting another visa. If your employer won't give you a letter of release, you probably won't be able to work until the time remaning on your E2 expires. You can try and sell a sob story to Immigration... and they're so fickle & inconsistent... so who knows???

Homer · Guest

If you want to quit and get a new job here the best way to go is to resign (give them 2 weeks notice) and get that letter of release.

It might mean you will have to pay back the airplane ticket but thats par for the course.
If you have substantiated proof of ill treatment (late pay and such) you could go to the labor board or immigration and try and sell your salad.

As for the new job, if your problems with your current employer are that bad, your new boss might, I do say might be willing to pay for that ticket if you commit to a year contract (that has happened a couple of times in my group of friends and aquaintances). This is a remote possibily.

Most likely, you will have to pay back the place ticket your current employer purchased for you to fly you over here.

Hopefully this will all work out for you.

PS. What exactly is the problem (s) at your current job?