Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DustinEwan]

Hello everybody, this is my first post here at Dave's Cafe!

I'm a 23 year old Software Engineer from the United States and have a ticket booked to Korea for the second week of January. I kinda just dove into this thing head first and I think I have quite a few things figured out, but I'm certain I also have quite a lot to learn yet.

From what I understand, I have 90 days once I land in Korea to find a job and make a trip to China/Japan for my E-2 VISA. Does this still apply since it's my first time or is this route only applicable for people who have already taught here?

Is there any general advice I can get from an American aspect? I know that a lot of the VISA information has been changing recently and I've had some trouble sorting current and valid information from outdated information.

Thank you very much!

(btw, I'll be in Seoul on Friday, January 15th and hopefully be here for a year. I hope to meet some experienced people for a few drinks or a meal if possible!)

[boatofcar]

Welcome to Dave's! Don't read too many of the posts here--they almost put me off coming when I came to Korea in 2007. Instead, check out the wiki here

http://wiki.galbijim.com/ESL_in_Korea

Enjoy your time in Korea. I wish I was back there now.

[DustinEwan]

Thank you very much for the welcome and that link, I'll definitely be reading through that!

Right now my main concern is if I'll have to go back to the US after I find a job in Seoul to get my E2 VISA. Is it possible to go to Japan or China as a first time teacher to get my E2?

I know that one of the requirements of the VISA is to have a contract signed with an employer, but I really want to go to Korea first so that I can inspect the schools/living conditions that I'm signing up for.


Edit: I came across the VISA Runs page. Am I correct in assuming that this information on VISA Runs is valid (even for a first time teacher?)?

[DustinEwan]

Oh, reading this wiki also presents another question.

The final paragraph on the Employment Process page warns about having Proof of Onward Travel if planning on entering Korea on a Travel VISA.

Does anybody have any experience with this? Thanks again!

[Alaskaman]

First time teachers need to visit a Korean Embessy in his or her own country for an interview prior to getting a e-2 teaching visa

[ytuque]

[runthegauntlet]

Welcome to the site!

But wait, you already booked a ticket?! Why why why?

I was under the same impression as Alaskaman that you had to have an interview at a consulate if it were your first time in Korea. There's a consul checklist document listed on various Korean sites that appears to be from said interview. If not, okay, but still. Even if you're hired without one, you'll probably be out your flight ticket to Korea.

I can't imagine it would be that easy to show up in a country you've never been to, not knowing a single thing about...anything, and hoping to find a job in an industry in which you don't know anything as well.

You've got your work cut out for you. And to anyone else considering doing this, DON'T! (Though I'm sure some will disagree, this is not something that's done very often nowadays and for good reason.)

[OculisOrbis]

First time e-2 aplicants must apply from their home country - mainly because they likely have to attend a 5 minute screening interview at the korean consulate there.

A pretty comprehensive guide to everything youre asking about:

http://www.goeastrecruiting.com/requirements
http://www.goeastrecruiting.com/visa-procedures
http://www.goeastrecruiting.com/criminal-background-checks

[Old Gil]

The onward travel requirement is technically true, but I was not asked at immigration nor were friends of mine. Buy a refundable ticket if you're worried, that's what I did.

[runthegauntlet]

[SSA]

I finished my contract in aug 09. I bought a rtn ticket from Seoul-London (and back to seoul). Before I bought the ticket I called 1345 (immigration) 8 times to confirm that i could enter Korea on a one-way ticket with a tourist visa. Each time I spoke to a different person and got the same answer - yes you can enter Korea without an onward ticket. Im from the UK and get a 90days tourist visa.

I went to Heathrow to check in and the guy asked me where was my onward ticket. I explained I didnt have one but I had confirmed this before leaving Korea. So - Korea doesnt require an onward ticket BUT the airlines you are flying with have a computer system that says you do need one and as they are semi responsible for allowing you to travel they insist on this. I was told to book a onward ticket and return to check in only after I had done so. I was very angry about this and I know it says on several websites online that you dont need one and immigration also confirmed this. When i arrived in Korea I asked the immigration officer if he would like to see my onward ticket he said no, I didnt need one. I emailed and complained to Emirates and they told me what i said above about airlines can be fined if you dont have onward tickets.

Now, an onward ticket can be to anywhere so you could buy a one-way ferry ticket to Japan and then if you didnt use it you have only lost small amount of money.

So, I think you need to check with the airline you have booked with before you arrive at the airport to check in.

[AnthonyCWSox]

stay home

[rcd1649]

Well congrats on having large cajones my friend but I don't think you need to buy your own ticket, pretty much every job will pay for you to fly out. And while it may be possible to get your visa while in Korea it seems a heck of alot easier to get it in your home country. Admittedly I'm not an expert but I've just been doing alot of research myself. And don't worry to much about the naysayers who don't want a "newbie." I've traveled over much of the world and been a "newbie" the first time I went anywhere, I still had a great time!

[oskinny1]

As for needing an outbound ticket to make airlines happy, get a Kobee ticket. Just reserve the ticket, make a printout and show it to them. You don't need to purchase it, just make the reservation.

[ytuque]