Korean Job Discussion Forums

mcgeta · Joined: 19 Oct 2009

I've been working in a hagwon for about 3 months. I'm supposed to be getting paid 2.2 mil per month ---which should come down to about 2.13 after tax. However, I just realised from checking my bank statements that i've only been getting 2 mil paid in each month.

I'm contracted to have 30 teaching hours every week. However, in the time i've been here i've averaged only about 24-26 hours per week. This is either due to class cancellations or classes which are on my schedule but have just never started.

I'm reluctant to confront my boss about the money because he could insist or find a way for me to work/teach those extra 4-5 hours per week in order to get the full amount. It wouldn't be worth it for me to work an extra 16-20 hours per month just for 130,000 Won. I do have a friend in a public school who regularly works fewer hours than contracted but still gets paid the full salary, but that money is governmental, they're not going to be as bothered.

What do you think I should do? Approach my boss or let it be?

Tycho Brahe · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Location: Suwon, SK

are you definitley sure that you aren't forgetting about any other deductions that might come out of your paycheck?

otherwise yeah if you aren't prepared to work the extra hours maybe don't mention it.

loyfriend · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

Wow, I think you should reread your contract again. The tax rate is 3.3 so yea 2.13 is right.

But, you forgot your health care. This is something everyone has. And you may also have a pension. So your leaving out one or both of those.

Some schools also deduct acidentail insurance. It is like 40,000 a month but if you get in a fight at a bar, hit by a car or something like that you are covered.

mcgeta · Joined: 19 Oct 2009

I don't get a pension, but I do get healthcare. I didn't realise that was deducted directly from the 2.2, so that should bring it done by another 60 or 70k right? Thanks for mentioning that.

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

loyfriend · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

Some countries don't get a pension.

S Aferica and Canada if I recall.

But everyone gets health care. It may take around 90 days to get your ID card. Even thats not required as you will be in the system. If you don't have the card you can show your ID card at a hopistal and they will look it up for you if you have to go.

As for pension, even some countries that get it, some employers are known to have you sign a sheet saying you give up that right. You get extra money all year as it is not taken out, but the employer doesn't pay into it either. So thats why some employers do it.

about 160-180,000 a month in taxes or benefits should be deducted. Also some schools also keep money from your 1st few paychecks for a deposit for your house. To pay bills when you leave. This could be from 300,000-600,000. Usually 100k a month.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

Chris_Dixon · Joined: 09 Jan 2008

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

themagicbean · Joined: 04 Feb 2009

Your deduction amount seems about legit for tax, health, and pension. Still you should get pay slips so ask for those.

BoholDiver · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Location: Canada

+1. Simply ask for it. If you don't get it, start making a stink.

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

mcgeta · Joined: 19 Oct 2009

Thanks for all your responses,

I haven't received any pay slips in my time here. I didn't know what to make of that since i'm new to the country, but i'll ask my boss about it. It would certainly put my mind at ease to see exactly what's being deducted and for what purpose.

I have been given my medical card and I know my boss is paying a health care contribution. My contract makes no mention of a pension payment and my boss never said anything about it either (I'm not really told anything), though that would no doubt account for the remaining deductions.