Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Oreovictim]

I'm getting a bit frustrated with the job search this year, so I might move to Korea first and then look for a job. I've asked a few of my Korean friends if they could look online for a 고신원 and reserve a room for me. Once I land, I could meet them at a bus terminal, and they could take me to the place to check in.

Even though I've offered them some $ for the arrangement, they're not really being too helpful. (Yet I've helped these people write resume's, edit papers, study for tests, etc.)

Anyway, I'm taking matters in my own hands and have been looking online. Does anyone know any English-friendly 고신원 websites?

Also, if I do fly over first, do I need to do anything special? Since I won't have a visa sticker, I'm guessing I just get a tourist stamp in my passport and then have, what, 30 days, right?

Thanks

[cruisemonkey]

The period of sojourn for entry under a visa waiver agreement depends on your nationality. Most are 30 days; U.S., Australian, Hong Kong, Slovenian and Japanese citizens are allowed 90 days; and Canucks get six months.

[Carla]

Hey Orea, is this your first time in Korea working? I assumed you were already here.... oops. If this is your first working visa, you have to have an interview in your home country. This is from the consulate's webpage.

If you are a first time teacher in Korea and you received a visa confirmation number, you are required to go to come to the consulate office for an in person interview. Please call the consulate to schedule your interview. All of the interviews are conducted in groups of maximum 5 people Monday thru Friday in the morning. Currently we are not conducting interviews via webcam, phone, etc. Please call the consulate to schedule your interview.

I was going to head out first too, but since this is my first working visa...... oh well, at least I have all my paperwork sent!

[mimis]

It's been my understanding that you can not reserve a room in a gosiwon ahead of time nor do you need to. There are SO many gosiwons everywhere, you can just walk in, ask for a room and move in. Why not do what many job seekers do and book a night (or a couple of nights) in a hostel or hotel and start from there? It's really easy, no need to worry.

You can stay here for at least 30 days with a tourist visa, and depending where you're from it could be even more. Most European countries get 90 days.

[Snake Doctor]

There's a foreigner friendly place just up the skreet from my house. If you want, I can stop by there tomorrow and check if they have any rooms. Three min walk to the subway (Korea university area, line number 6).

When were you thinking of flying in?

[Carla]

Orea, you're American? Your tourist stamp will be good for 90 days.

DON'T FORGET YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK. It needs to be state or federal now. The state ones are a lot faster if you go there in person. (2-4 weeks by mail or 15 minutes in person.....) And don't forget extra copies of your transcripts.

[asylum seeker]

It's 고시원.

[Oreovictim]