Korean Job Discussion Forums

skunk902 · Joined: 10 Jun 2010

So, I finished my contract with my Hakwon on August 27th. I was told my final pay would be given on the 10th of the next month (like usual) and my bonus would be paid in October according to the contract.

Well, my pay is ten days late now and the school's recent sketchiness has left me feeling really worried about that as well as my bonus. I have contacted my recruiter, although I have my doubts they will care at this point. I am going to start hounding my school when/if I here from them. What else can I do at this point?

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

A lot depends on where you are currently.

If you are in Korea and have supporting documentation to the effect of the school owing you money you can take that to the labor board and file a claim.

If you are back home...your chances of receiving that money are probably close to zero, sorry to say.

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Are you still in Korea? If not, there isn't much you can do. Which is why it is good not to accept a contract where the school pays you after you leave...

skunk902 · Joined: 10 Jun 2010

Awesome. Not in Korea, so nothing I can do?

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

You can go to the Korean consulate responsible for your area and they will assist you with completing the forms to designate someone in Korea to act on your behalf. You'll have to find that person in Korea on our own first, though.

DaHu · Joined: 09 Feb 2011

Your recruiter has already gotten paid and has no reason to help you.

Died By Bear · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:40 am Post subject:

I doubt you'll ever see your money, but if you do - consider yourself very lucky.

tukmax · Joined: 06 Jul 2010

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

If you are willing to return to Korea, I think you could still file a claim with the labor office.

You need all the documentation to prove you case though.

If you don't have pay slips ... I'm not sure if showing your bank book would be sufficient.

Perhaps someone more aware than I could let you know what you need.

koreatimes · Joined: 07 Jun 2011

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

There might be some way on the law books to try. I would bet there is. I've never heard of it, however, and never heard of any ESLer getting money after leaving once stiffed.

Most people do leave soon after they finish their contract. I believe we only have 15 days once our visa expires. But, I believe you can apply for a short extension ahead of time. And I believe the fine for over-staying is not high enough to make it pointless to wait around for your final pay and severance and any other money owed. Like in this case $4,000.

I'm with a public school and feel my pay is safe, but I'm going to stick around until I collect it before flying home, and I really want to get back as soon as possible...

I feel bad for the OP. It is a cautionary tale for others. Everyone should plan out their final days in Korea and include time to get your money.

jamesd · Joined: 15 Aug 2011 Location: Korea

There has to be some sort of easier recourse or law that protects foreign employees.

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Even if you are still in Korea, the process isn't easy.

I think you first have to go through the Labor Board, and unless things have changed in recent years, the LB does not have binding authority to make the boss cough up the money.

If the LB can't get the money, I guess you can go to court over it, but you'd need a lawyer and time...

Doing that from abroad...???....I would try to do what I could to get the money, but I wouldn't be counting on it.

Take a look around the expat websites - especially the couple of blogs by expat lawyers. Ask for advise there. Contact the local Korean Consulate and see what they say. Contact a Korean lawyer who speaks English and ask.

Do all those official type things....

Then if things still look bleak, come back here and ask about ideas on how to use "revenge" type methods that might pressure the boss to giving you the money.

DON'T start with the pressure tactics - like giving the school a bad name on the internet --- UNTIL you have looked into legal recourses...

If you try to bad-mouth the guy's business first in order to hurt his chance to get future teachers and/or students --- it could very much harm your chances in court.

In Korea, you can be sued for liable even when telling the truth. The Labor Board or court would not look on your case well if they found out you had tried to give the place a bad name before the case was settled officially....

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

theevilgenius · Joined: 10 Sep 2010

Could you name and shame the school to help out whoever the next teacher may be?