Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rose374]

Hello! I'm really new to this site and just arrived in Korea three weeks ago. Have been teaching in a hagwon for three weeks now and really enjoy it but am a little concerned because the other two Korean teachers at my school recently shared that they've not been paid for the past two months. I don't want to imagine that my boss won't pay me, but I would like to have a plan in place should this happen. Any advice?

She's also been reluctant to give me a copy of my contract with her signature. I asked for this recently because it seemed like a good thing to have, am I out of line?

Would appreciate any advice!

Thanks!

[Sector7G]

Fortunately, my pay has never been paid more than a day or 2 late(though even that ticked me off). However, like you, I was preparing for the worst case scenario. I think, from what I have read on this board, that the labor board won't do anything until the employer is 10 days late. And sorry, but I don't even know what they do then. But I do know one thing. It's decision time for you at that point. Keep fishing, or cut bait!

[SFValley]

[Kikomom]

Tell her you're running short of funds and ask for an advance on your pay. See if she gives you one (can). Most will.

Do you have your ARC squared away? Should have been a signed contract for that. Has she set you up with a bank account?

[I-am-me]

Wait another 10 days. If you dont get paid, get out of there. Koreans are notorious for seeing how far they can bend you over. Dont let them get the best of you. Late pay means they violated your contract and you are free to find another job.

[rose374]

Thanks so much for the advice, all =). This is really helpful!

So, bascially, if she doesn't follow through after 10 days I'm free to look for employment elsewhere, correct? I don't want to think this will happen, but I also don't want to be wondering what to do if she decides to postpone payment as she's been doing with the other teachers.

Oh, and yes I do have a contract with her. It's just that I don't have a copy with her signature. Is this important to have?

She's made no mention of setting up a bank account either.

Also, I've not had the medical check-up since I arrived. She's saying she'll set it up next week, but I'm wondering if 4 weeks average to wait for this?

One final note, I'd originally thought there would be another native English speaking teacher at my school to kind of show me the ropes. When I arrived, however, I learned that he'd been fired the day before. Thus all my questions now... =)

Again, thanks so much!

[okayden223]

I think the employer has 60-90 days to arrange your health check. I can't imagine why two Korean teachers would work without pay for 2 months. That doesn't make a lot of sense. I'd be wary for sure. If you used a decent recruiter they might be able to help sort things out a bit. You recruiter, if they are decent, should be able to find you a new job if she can't pay.

[Kikomom]

[I'm no Picasso]

Kikomom has highlighted some good points. I don't mean to be whatever, but you do have your visa, right? A proper E2 visa and not a tourist visa?

You need to have your ARC stat. You're going to need some form of documentation to show that you are actually employed with the school to get that. Ideally, your employer would arrange for your med check and filing for your ARC, but it is possible to do on your own. I assume you would need a signed contract in order to do that, though. You need to get the ARC thing taken care of pronto. You've got basically no rights in this country until you have that card. Don't take no, or "we'll get around to it" for an answer on this one. Press for the ARC right away, and you'll get a lot of your answers from your employer's response to that.

I have to say, this one isn't sounding good though. I'd start repacking if I were you, and getting ready to make a move. It sounds almost like her not paying you for ten days would be a blessing at this point. This sounds like it could be only the beginning....