Korean Job Discussion Forums

[corinthian]

Hey everyone, I am considering going to Korea in January to teach English for a year. I've been doing my research and you guys have been a big help, but I've got a couple of questions I couldn't find answers to (and will probably have more later).

First, I am an avid shooter. It looks like it's nearly impossible for me to bring a pistol to Korea, but I'm wondering if there are any shooting ranges in Seoul, where I could rent a pistol for use on their range?

Secondly, with regards to the Korean pension fund. I'm still unclear as to whether or not U.S. citizens (like me) can get that refunded to them. If so, can we get the employer-match refunded as well? That would be a straight 100% return on your money after only a year, which would be very attractive.

Next, winter in Seoul. I'm a desert cowboy. I have never been in snow. Rain is extremely rare. I function well in temperatures of 80F-27C all the way up to 115F-46C, but I don't have much experience below 40F-5C. What do I need to survive the winter? I don't know how to buy clothes to keep cold/rain/snow/general wetness away.

Lastly and just out of curiosity, I'm a ginger. Are there gingers in Seoul? Am I likely to receive negative attention for this? When my sister went to Africa, there were some people who thought she was a witch and wouldn't speak to her because of the freckles/red hair. Seems unlikely in South Korea, but you never know.

I may have missed some posts that deal with these, so please link me if you know of one. Thanks for all your help!

[andrewchon]

Don't know about pistols, but there is a rifle range near Suwon (not that far from Seoul). Koreans dig rifle shooting. Don't bring your guns to Korea.
I think USA get their pension back, not like some countries.
Winter gear in Seoul. Longjohns, thick socks, gloves, headgear, good overcoat, scarf. Most days are -5 C to +5 C.
Koreans don't know about ginger bias. All they see is that you don't look a Korean.

[bluelake]

I also am an avid shooter (muzzleloading, mostly). However, you are correct--Korea has pretty strict gun laws. It is not impossible to own a gun here, but the hurdles (and money) one has to go through make it nearly so. There are places where you can shoot (I haven't), but I have heard that the prices are ridiculously high.

Regarding your hair color and freckles--while in many places you might be noticed more, there shouldn't be any problems like your sister had in Africa. Some Korean young people dye their hair different shades of that color.

[andrewchon]

There is a live-round pistol range in centre of Seoul.
http://local.naver.com/siteview.nhn?code=11814603
As for prices, licence permits and so on, I've no idea.

[corinthian]

thanks for the help! with regard to pension, does anyone know who i should contact for more information? also, i see some threads here about employers not properly paying taxes/pension and just keeping the money for themselves. is there a way to verify that they are in fact paying it properly? or should i ask that in the work forum?

[steveinincheon]

Several of my friends just got pension refunds before leaving Korea, and they all said it was surprisingly easy to do. Basically your employer gives you a record of your pension deductions at the end of your time here and you take it in to the local tax office and get it refunded to your bank account. I haven't done it yet myself so I don't know all the details, but its not hard to do as long as you can get the records from your employer.

[Xuanzang]

Lotte World amusement park has a shooting range. Several places in Gangwon-do as well. Bring a waterproof jacket with thermo insulation. Any snowboarding jacket should be more than adequate. Canada goose downfill is a bit of overkill. If you're a bigger size then bring long underwear from home. Most likely these wouldn't fit you.

[peppermint]

there are tax offices all over the place, and they'll be happy to take a look at your Alien Registration Card, and see whether you've paid taxes. Bad things can happen to schools that don't pay-- or so I heard, when they discovered my old school hadn't been on the up and up.

[redaxe]

lol, a self-proclaimed ginger...

For those who are unaware, "ginger" is a slur for redheads. It's actually pretty offensive... just rearrange the letters...

Yes, there are other redheads in Seoul. No, Koreans will not think you are a witch. They might stare at you slightly more, but they stare at all foreigners anyway. If your students are children, they might be kind of fascinated by your hair color/freckles. I don't think you'll get any "negative" attention, maybe a little bit of "annoying" attention though.

[.38 Special]

In the RoK, it is a capital crime to own, transfer, or possess a firearm unless you are or are acting in association with the military or police.

In case you live under a rock, a capital crime is one that may result in execution.

You will, however, have access to craptacular airsoft toys. Enjoy.

[nathanrutledge]

[bluelake]

[nathanrutledge]

[redaxe]

[bluelake]