Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JCT]

Yes I used the search feature. I never found a thorough walkthrough, only scattered info, so I figured I'd just ask.

I am planning to teach at a hagwon in Busan starting around March 1st (date isn't really important). I have a bachelors, no arrests, white male from the U.S. etc etc.

1. I sent in my CBC in September, will hopefully get it back before December 1st. I will likely use US Legalization to have it apostilled and hopefully have it back before Christmas.

2. I have two copies of my diploma, notarized and apostilled. I will not send my original under any circumstances.

3. I have my sealed university transcripts.

4. I have a functioning, legal US passport with copies.

5. I have my resume and a decent photo.

Basically I am asking these questions:

Is this everything required for the E2 visa application?
Can I safely start looking for a job immediately after New Years knowing that I wouldn't start until the end of Feb/beginning of March?
Is using the job board on Dave's the easiest way to contact hagwons?
Is requesting Busan out of the question since so many people flock there? Should I realistically look at cities that are in less demand by teachers?
I am planning to fly to L.A. after New Years to stay with family before I actually secure a job with no plans of returning home before leaving - is this a stupid idea?
If I fly to LA to stay with family from January 3rd until I leave for Korea, will I have to return to the Chicago Korean Consulate for the immigration interview (I live in Wisconsin), or can I do it at the nearest one in California?
What can I realistically expect in terms of salary and flight compensation? I do not have any certificates or experience.

Sorry for so many questions, I'd just like to do this right from the beginning. Thank you

[SeoulNate]

1. Yes
2. It is good, there are others out there as well
3. Up to your preference. Personally I wouldnt live outside of Seoul, but that is just me.
4. No
5. No, you can interview at any consulate in the US
6. 2.0-2.3 and full flight compensation

[plchron]

You don't have to use an apostille service. A bunch of people that came in with me this summer use state apostillizations.

1. You go to a public notary and swear an oath saying your CBC is true.


2. You go to your (state) secretary of state and have them apostille the oath from the public notary.

3. Staple all these papers on the front of your CBC. (CBC should be the last page)

Worked for all of us and haven't met a person it didn't work for yet. Process might differ a little from state to state, but basically it is very close to what i described above.

[JCT]

Apologies for bumping an old thread, but I just read here that you have to do the Korean Consulate interview at the consulate in your jurisdiction. I won't be anywhere near it when the time comes (I'll be in L.A., my consulate is in Chicago). Am I screwed?

[plchron]

they have the option to request an interview. If all your documents are in order then they probably won't request it. I haven't met anyone that had to go there in person.

Even though it was insanely stressfull getting all the documents put together, the easiest part was mailing them into the consulate and recieving the visa.

[ttompatz]