Korean Job Discussion Forums

GoshiwonGuy · Joined: 31 Oct 2003

Hi Everyone,

A couple of short questions. Any help would be much appreciated.Especially from someone in the same or a similar situation. Also those with mixed children as schooling questions will follow.

I'm considering bring my Thai wife and sons, all Canadian citizens also, to Korea. I hold an E-2 Visa.

(1) Is this an easy process? I hear, and have read contradictory things on this.
(a) Is there a residency requirement, or can they spend 4 months in Thailand and the rest of the year in Korea, (for example)

My older son is 8, and a native English speaker. I'd read that he could go to a 'foreigner' school , if granted his Visa. Where are these located, are they expensive, and what is the quality?

For those with mixed kids, or foreign spouses; are they subject to very much racism or abuse?
When the little Korean kids see pictures of my 2 sons, almost all look at my youngest (halfer) and say "oooooh, so lovely". When they see a picture of his brother (stepson;100% Thai), there is 90% of the time a reference to a monkey. Not nice for him I wouldn't think.

And does anyone know anything concrete about hogwans that PAY native English-speaking kids to go there. If the money was good enough I'd consider throwing him in one of those and home-schooling the little guy-there's his college money... Very Happy

Thanks in advance.

GG

And I'm open to answering any Thailand-related questions, or will do my best...

Howard Roark · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Location: Canada

I don't think it's very complicated. I know several people who have gotten spousal visas. As long as you have the required documents, including your marriage license, it shouldn't be a problem. Your school has to apply for the visa the same as for your E2 visa. Ask your boss to call immigration and find out what has to be done.
Alternatively, as Canadian citizens your family can stay as tourists in Korea up to 6 months. So if you're only going to be here a year it wouldn't be a big deal for them to make a trip to Japan and come back to Korea as visitors for another 6 months.