Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LeePDX]

So I am about to leave to Korea in a few days for my new job at a public school through GEPIK. Yesterday I got an e-mail from my recruiter explaining that my school wants me to bring some extra documents, which include the residency certificate (OK, normal), passport photos (also normal), my bank information, and my credit card.

This is my first gig in Korea, so I'm not sure what to think about the last two. My recruiter has been honest and told my straight up that asking for those things is not normal and to tell them I don't have a credit card and ask them about the banking information.

Why on earth might my employer want me to bring these? My only thought is that perhaps it is just for my own personal use before my first pay and they are not actually expecting to collect them.

Anyone else ever have an employer ask that you bring these items? If so, for what?

[cazador83]

weird, i've never heard of a school asking for that.

my only guess is that they're confused and think you already live in korea; therefore wanting your korean bank info for direct deposit. otherwise, it seems out of line.

[caniff]

This hagwon wouldn't happen to be run by Nigerians by any chance, would it?

[oldtactics]

Could just be planning ahead for setting up a transfer account - did they ask for a bank statement or just your account information?

[some waygug-in]

Why would they ask for a credit card?

That one sends up red flags all over my radar screen.
Tell them you don't have one. See what they say.

[fugitive chicken]

You said a GEPIK school? Complete bullocks. There is no reason they would want that. I needed my debit card when I arrived because I had to wait till my bank account here was set up before I got the settlement fee and airfare money. Took about 2 weeks and would have starved to death otherwise. Just refuse if they ask for it. They personally have no use for it.

[LeePDX]

Thanks for the replies Yes, it is a GEPIK school. I will just tell them I don't have one. Since it is a public school, I would assume (but don't really know) they would be held accountable if anything bogus were to occur. My bank info will remain only my bank info. And no, they didn't ask for a statement, just the information, which I don't really even know what that entails. I don't have direct contact with them; it is all through my recruiter.

[drama_addict]

Have you worked in Korea before?

Maybe they're thinking you have a Korean account already and want the information in order to set up direct deposit... Regardless, even for that they shouldn't need a credit card. To protect yourself, just tell them you don't have one.

[SandyG21]

Maybe they meant your work visa? (visa - credit card)

[LeePDX]

Nope, never worked in Korea; I'm a newbie.

The work VISA idea could definitely be a possibility. As could them thinking that I have worked in Korea. Hearing all possibilities has definitely calmed my nerves.

I'm just going to go with the flow and hope it all gets sorted out when I get there in a couple days. I'll definitely keep my credit card safe, though.