Korean Job Discussion Forums

[grandpa]

I'm currently working at a public school in Seoul.

My contract ends March 8th, 2011. I have a bunch of holidays left and my school wants me to work a two week Spring Camp, and use my holidays after that all the way to March 8th, 2011.

Two Questions:

1. Would it be possible for me to agree to doing the Spring Camp in exchange for leaving Korea right after the Camp, thus using the rest of my paid holidays after the Camp to "complete" my contract?

2. Am I able to obtain severance and airfare a few days before Spring Camp ends, so I know I won't have issues with not getting paid after I leave Korea?

[DosEquisXX]

1. That probably won't happen.

If it does, get it all in writing and make sure you have the severance pay, flight reimbursement and your pension in hand when you leave.

2. I had my friend wire it over to me after I left the country.

[OculisOrbis]

You can ask. They might agree.

But I wouldnt leave korea before my actual contract end date unless they paid up before I left - like you are suggesting.

[fugitive chicken]

I think that would be up to your school to decide. Each school would react a little differently

[grandpa]

Thank you for your replies DosEquisXX, OculisOrbis, and fugitive chicken.

[Taiwantroll]

You need to check with the provincial administrative body to receive approval. And it is a good idea to get it in writing.

I made arrangements with my school as the provincial adiminstative body suggested teachers do, in a previous contract, to leave 2 weeks before my contract end date, unpaid, so that I could take up another position in another country. My school agreed. One week before my scheduled leave the provincial administration stepped in and advised me that leaving would be a breach of contract regardless of any agreement. The school administration backtracked and disavowed any knowledge of our agreement, and I was left in a very uncomfortable position. I stated my dissatisfaction and left early anyway. Now it would seem I am blacklisted at that particular provincial board.

Basically, in Korea, the school and the provincial administration will do whatever they see is in their own best interest. In most circumstances they will try to be fair, but when that is not possible you are expected to comply. That is what is expected of Korean employees and it is what is expected of you.

So if you make an arrangement and then it becomes null and void, expect to have to make a decision. Just be forewarned.

[b-class rambler]