Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chuckycheese]

My old hagwon owes me a lot of money. Last months pay, severance, pension, etc. I have been trying to get them to pay me for a few months but they keep putting it off and promising to do it "next week."
I went to the labor board and they ruled in my favor, but they were not helpful to actually get me paid.
I read the stickies on this site.
Kangnam Labor Law firm wanted 600K plus a third of my winnings. If I went through them I would lose about half to their fees. Seems excessive.
Atek's website was not functioning and klac's offices are really inconvenient. I would try to file the case myself but I really don't have the time, language skills, and mostly mental energy. This ordeal is really wearing me out.
So if anyone knows a good lawyer who will not take half of what I am entitled to please let me know.
Thanks

[Skippy]

First off! You can either have cheap or you can have good. You can't have both.

Honestly - I thought the offer was worth it. True I have never had you difficulties and in the end the lawyers will probably never do more than make some phone calls. But remember lawyers are known to be expensive - also lawyers are a bit more rare around here in Korea. Rare means more expensive, plus you want an English speaking one which is more rare.

Which would you rather have - no money or some money.

Thru I would look in to see if their is any alternatives. Maybe you have to try the labour board again.

Still Good Luck!

[OculisOrbis]

It's doubtful that you were the only one bent over by your hagwon. Find other teachers that the employer cheated and file together - that way the 600 000W will be split by the number of parties seeking restitution.

[PigeonFart]

Very clever OculisOrbis, I wouldn't have thought of that collective lawsuit action. It seems that the one eye of yours sees further than others.

(p.s. You really should get some eye drops for that eye. It looks slightly dry and bloodshot)

[chuckycheese]

Thanks for the tips. It seems either way i go im getting hosed...

[eslwriter]

Good lesson here.

Don't ask if your are going to be cheated while working as a teacher in Korea.

Ask how much you're going to be ripped. Then, and only then will a couple thousand dollars seem like a pittance (as along as you know how to make more money here).

Side note: if you have a good Korean speaking friend, I believe it is possible to launch a civil suit in court without a lawyer. Show up with the proper legal papers and maybe your boss will have a change of heart.

[olsanairbase]

[OculisOrbis]

It very rare that a judge will rule against the findings of the labor board. The labor board already judged in favor of the OP. There wont be much work at all, other than filing the case and showing up in court with the the background paperwork (contract, bank statements already given to labor board) and a copy of the labor board ruling.

[Los Angeloser]

To collect pension, contact the pension office.
There is a reason your past employer keeps putting you off, you only have 3 months to file a labor dispute/complaint with the Labor Ministry against your employer. Without a ruling in your favor from the Labor Ministry you would probably have an uphill battle in civil court. After the Labor Ministry, if your employer still doesn't pay you might have to file a civil complaint with the court. For that you might want to try the Korean Legal Aid Corp.(KLAC) office near any district court, for example the Western(Mapo), Eastern(Guui Subway station Green Line #2 near Techno Mart), and Central(Seocho) district courts in Seoul. KLAC offices generally don't charge you but usually only complete documents for you to take/file with the court.
I don't know if you're in Seoul? You could first try the Seoul Global Center with questions. Further below, if needed you might try Kangnam Labor Law.

Seoul Global Center - holds free weekly legal counsel sessions (call to confirm times)
3rd Floor, Press Center, 25 Taepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-750, Korea
Tel: 02-2075-4131
Fax: 02-722-2108
Website: http://www.globalseoul.go.kr
These services are provided by Kangnam Labor Law (see entry under Labor Law Firms) and Lee & Partners (Contact: Jason Lee, E-mail: [email protected]

Korea Legal Aid Corp.
#1703-10, Seocho-dong, Seocho-ku, Seoul, Korea
Tel : (02) 3482-0674~5, (02) 532-0132
Fax: (02) 3482-6556
Website : http://www.klac.or.kr

Labor Law Firms

Fine Labor Law Firm
Floor B, Coop Residence, Seoul University, Bongchon-dong 861-7, Gwangak-gu, Seoul
Tel: 02-885-1215 / 775-7942
Fax: 02-817-8998
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Mr. Lee Seung Ju
Area of practice: Labor law.

Kangnam Labor Law
Champs Elysees Center #11, 11th Floor, Daechi-dong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-712 South Korea (Seoulleung Station Exit #1)
Tel: 019-489-2179
Fax: 02-539-4167
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Mr. Jung, Bongsoo
Website: http://www.k-labor.com
Area of practice: Labor law.