Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ashin21]

Hello, I told my mom I just received my EPIK contract and she was happy for me. And I guess she was talking to one of her friends, and an issue that is concerning. I'll try to describe in the best way, and please respond if you know anything about this situation:

I guess when I was born my grandmother enlisted me as a citizen in Korea, although I was born in America. Then by the time I am 17, my mom had to send in/sign something to say that I will be staying in USA and that I am an American citizen, not Korean. My mom missed this deadline (cuz she forgot) and she says that after this it is an extension that one receives to delay service. So I can travel there but not have an extended work contract, as in over 6 months.

Is there anywhere I can find information on this, I have no clue what she is talking about

[nathanrutledge]

I've heard about this before and from what I've HEARD if you are registered in the national book (or family book, or some list here) then you have to do national service. When Koreans gain other citizenship, they must specifically tell the govt. here and get removed. If your gma registered you, and your mother didn't get you off the list, it's still possible, but do it BEFORE you come to Korea. Again, I had HEARD of a Korean American in the US military who was stationed here, picked up, pressed into the service in Korea for his two years because he was in the book, and then still owed Uncle Sam some time.

This is what I've heard, but long story short, don't come over until you have it straightened out, IMHO.

[Otherside]

Eric,
You are just going to get a lot of hearsay and anecdotal (heard from a friend of a friend of the guy whose sister i gave the clap...). Check up with the Korean Embassy and see exactly what the deal is.

For what its worth, I've heard that even if you come to Korea as a tourist, if your name is on the register you will have to do National Service.

The thing I'm not sure of is...how do they know you are the same guy as the one your Gran put in the book? You weren't born in Korea, and your passport doesn't say who your parents are (nor their ID no's). And the fact that there are a good 1million "Shin's" (assuming from your username) in Korea, means it would be very hard to pick up.

But yes, it does happen and it sucks. Well for Gyopos.

[fermentation]

Going to a military environment when you don't know the language and culture must suck. I know the language but I dislike the culture. My military experience will be a bitch even without the whole military thing.

[CentralCali]

Here is the information you seek, from the Korean Embassy in Washington, DC.

I'd have a few choice words with old g'ma over the telpehone, too. And I'd certainly not come over here to work until after I passed my 35th birthday if I were in your shoes.

[RobLeeTeach]

Here's the article about a US born ethnic Korean having to serve in the Korean army: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/168210_korean08.html

I was born in the US in 1978. My grandmother put my name in the Korean registry. BUT my parents became US citizens BEFORE 1978, so my name going into the registry was a "mistake".

Because of this mistake, my dad was able to get my name off the registry so I could get my F4 visa (after a few weeks of going back and forth to the Korean consulate in L.A. and mailing documents back and forth to Korea through my Uncle).

You'll only have to worry if you try to get an F4 visa. You can get your E2 visa and the Korean government won't check to see if your name is in the Korean registry. You'll just need to provide the documents and have the eligibility to obtain an E2 visa.

Once, you try for an F4 visa, then that's where the problem happens. To get the F4 visa, you have to show the registry to the consulate and THEN they'll see you're a Korean citizen and say "why haven't you served in the army, yet?"

If you're name was put in the registry while you're parents were Korean citizens, then you're a Korean citizen. If they put your name in after they became US citizens and renounced their Korean citizenship, then you're name in the registry is a mistake (my situation). My father had to write a letter stating that I was born in the US after he renounced Korean citizenship and another letter requesting to get my name removed from the registry. Luckily, my uncle lives in Seoul and he was able to go to the registry office for my dad.

The L.A. Korean consulate who my father and I spoke to directly said that if I couldn't get my name off the registry via mail, then to just apply for the E2 visa and have my father get my name off it in person and then apply for the F4 visa later.

So that's the deal.

[Otherside]

[Otherside]

Rob,

One other question. What would happen say in the case of a Child with dual-citizenship (say American/Korean). I know that the child would have to choose by 21 (Korean rules), but even if he renounced his Korean citizenship, he'd still have been in the registry legitimatly, and thus liable for military service?

[ashin21]

Thanks RobLeeTeach, that was actually very helpful. Although my grandmother isnt around, I still have my entire mother's side in Korea so maybe they can sort this out. And wow that guy in the article .. would love the publicity, but no thanks.

Thanks!

[dc'79]

To the OP, hopefully your situation allows you to get off the registry.

But I would suggest NOT going to Korea until your name is completely off the registry. This is key. Being on the registry puts you in the system for military service. I would talk to a lawyer, preferrably based in Korea to get the full scoop. I was told, once you're past 18 and still on the registry...no getting off other than medical reasons. And the grace period for people over 18 had ended back in 2004.

I've met quite a few gyopos who were being forced to serve in the ROK Army. (back in 1999 to 2004) Most of them had been nabbed at the airport. Some were actually doing their duty so they could maintain dual citizenship. But I think the Korean gov't forces you to choose now.

[RobLeeTeach]

[SFValley]

[CentralCali]

If you've already renounced your Korean citizenship, then you are no longer a citizen of the Republic of Korea. Keep that documentation and bring it with you!