Korean Job Discussion Forums

stmcf001 · Joined: 18 Jan 2011

Hello all,

I have an EPIK position secured. I'm wondering if it's acceptable to have my boyfriend come over & live with me in the apartment I'm given. Is it looked down upon to have a man who isn't married to you living with you? And would an employer be pissed about it?

I'm just asking opinions before I talk to a coordinator.

And I'm aware he cannot work & can only be there for 3 months on a tourist visa.. Just wanting some advice/opinions. Thanks!

Greyjoy · Joined: 12 Jun 2011

It's less complicated if you're married.

If you're not married, I don't see why he'd bother following you to Korea. Have fun blowing tons of money on visa runs.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Don't bother saying anything to your recruiter. If you really want him to come, just take the job and have him follow you. Once he's here he can do a visa run every three months and stay indefinitely (if you really want to support him).

tjinh200 · Joined: 15 Mar 2011

In most circumstances, there would not be any need to tell anyone about that aspect of your personal life. Bringing it up might only serve to complicate, instead of help.

Mr. Peabody · Joined: 24 Sep 2010 Location: here

Why bring sand to the beach?

sirius black · Joined: 04 Jun 2010

In all liklihood your employer will know. They usually know what is going in the apartment they are leasing. Some don't but some often do and are nosy because you are an investment and they want to make sure they know what's going on.

As far as living together, while it may raise an eyebrow or two in a small town, no one cares. Different rules apply to foreigners anyway. Most koreans will assume you're married and the rest won't care. As long as your bf is not korean that is. Then the raised eyebrows.

I differ from some on this thread. I think it may be a good thing to have him in Korea. You will find out if you truly belong together. You will rely on each other far more than you would back in your home country. He may grow tired and bored or the experience could bond you two even closer. It all depends on how you both are as persons and the kind of relationship you have.

Disclaimer. Its illegal for him to work wink-wink and I wouldn't share his status with too many people, but i've seen more than a few couples where only one has a E2 visa and the other picks up a few hours of extra work either at the same school or another school. Again, its against the law...technically...but if I'm honest I'll have to say that its been done and often. I've seen it. Depending on your town and the circle of teachers you know, its fairly open. I keep hearing stories of teachers telling authorities about others who aren't eligble and frankly I've only heard it here on this forum and never seen it in my working experience. Not saying its not done, just I or my friends, some of whom have worked in other cities haven't seen it first hand.

SeoulMan6 · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Location: Gangwon-do

You can get away with the living together thing by saying he's your fiance'.

sirius black · Joined: 04 Jun 2010

marsavalanche · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Location: where pretty lies perish

Not to scare OP but other people here have reported it's possible Kimmi may give the BF problems after doing a few visa runs (which makes perfect sense).

But on another note thats a pretty sweet gig for the boyfriend.

Live in a foreign country, all expenses paid, free visa trips in and out, where do I sign up??? Laughing

DBXD · Joined: 16 May 2011

Are you *really* sure you want to bring your boyfriend here? As soon as he sees these Korean girls, he's likely to run off with one of them, or definitely have fun while your at work.

DaHu · Joined: 09 Feb 2011

sirius black · Joined: 04 Jun 2010

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

You might also have an issue with the landlord. In my building, the rental contracts require that everyone who's actually residing in the rented unit be listed on the contract.

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:01 am Post subject:

Might be good to say he's a fiance and make sure the school knows. The chief reason being that the apartment may not be large enough for two otherwise.

All the other stuff, I'm in line with sirius black, it's a telling experience in your relationship.

Another suggestion, make sure he knows what he's going to do all day. Sitting around the house or cleaning up may sound fun now, but that won't last forever. Learning Korean, exercising, studying for a degree, other productive activities...all noble pursuits.