Korean Job Discussion Forums

L_orna · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Location: Ireland

Ok. So Im in a pretty sticky situation.

I have left my hagwon without them knowing. I am due into work tomorrow. Its a long difficult story but I would REALLY appreciate any help someone can give me asap

I had a flight booked to Bangkok this morning but they would not let me on the flight because I did not have a flight out of there. This caused major problems. To cut a long story short I do not have the funds to buy another flight at present. I may have to wait up to 2 days.

I tried other avenues - I even asked could my friend book the ticket but they said no, it must be me

So now Im REALLY stressed out because I may be stuck in the country until I can book a flight.

My hagwon were pretty pissed off at me (we had a dispute) and they threatened to sue me about stuff.

What Im wondering is CAN they ring immigration and have you stopped?
Its quite likely that I may still be in the airport (I am right now) when they realise I am not coming to work

Please help. I am beyond stressed and need advice.

Thanks!!!!!!

mukukja · Joined: 22 Sep 2011

Immigration is not going to detain you over a contract dispute. Their concern is visa infractions and criminal activity. Your boss would have to file criminal charges against you to keep you in the country.

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

its odd they wouldnt let you on the flight because you didnt have a ticket out, you could have told them i'm taking the train to Malaysia, yada yada

in regards to immig, the school will have to file a criminal complaint with the prosecutors office or file a lawsuit against you then show the papers to immig to keep in country which will take a couple of days before immig will detain you

plchron · Joined: 26 Feb 2011 Location: Korea

IF you are still trapped at the airport. Take the ktx down to busan. take the ferry over to japan on onday. About 300 -400 k won. Good luck!

Also, fly to malaysia. Cheap as hell using Asia air and then you can get to any asian country cheaper.

Check it out: kayak.com

detonate · Joined: 16 Dec 2011

slow down your hakwon from taking more aggressive action... say you're sorry and will show up for work tuesday or something...?

tideout · Joined: 12 Dec 2010

As per the usual advice here - remember to turn in your ARC card on the way out.

L_orna · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Location: Ireland

Thanks for the advice guys. Nope, they were pretty adamant about not letting me on the flight. I was standing there for about 20 mins but they would not let me through. I have enquired about a flight to Japan (its the best I can afford right now). The lady is helpful but no English. I wanted to ask her was a return flight necessary but the language barrier is an obstacle.

Is is necessary to buy a return flight to Japan? Is there a similar issue there as there would be with thailand? Im thinking of getting one just to be safe.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

L_orna · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Location: Ireland

yeah...a gap year it was!

Do you think its best to get out of Korea asap (as in, before tomorrow morning when he realises Im gone) or sit around for a few days until I can get my funds together and book a flight after I clear my head a bit?

Perhaps I could hide out in a mates house?
Anyone Ive ever asked said that they CANNOT hold me at immigration no matter what...but Im still a bit spooked.

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

luckylady · Joined: 30 Jan 2012 Location: u.s. of occupied territories

there are jim-ji-bangs (sleeping rooms) at the airport, so you can find a cheap place to stay for a short while if you need to. just ask, I think they are upstairs.

I agree about Korean Air, they are hard-nosed; they should have a waiver you can sign releasing them of responsibility but maybe they don't, or don't want to help, whatever. do ask tho, very politely. if the person doesn't speak English, ask for someone who does. if that doesn't work, see below.

you can contact the Thail Embassy on Monday and get a tourist visa simply by going there, if you want to make that trip, you can take a yellow airport bus to Yongsan there and back again. less than 20,000 won/1 way.

buy a train tkt for Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, anywhere in SE Asia, they are very cheap and train travel in Thailand is good.

1) http://thailand.visahq.com/embassy/South-Korea/

2) http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

3) http://www.thairailticket.com/esrt/Default.aspx?language=1

anyway, like TP said, take deep breaths, no one can hold you there. no doubt your hakwon boss has lost teachers before, you are history the moment you don't show up, they won't think anything more than to start looking for another teacher, that's that. you aren't worth the trouble they would have trying to do anything. look at it from their perspective - what would they say and how would they prove anything? and what can they explain to the mothers? their best bet is to just try and make up a story about why you aren't there, and find another teacher.

they will get on with life, now it's your turn as well.

live and learn.

tideout · Joined: 12 Dec 2010

Looks like $80-90 get's you a ticket to Singapore from BKK. Cheapo's got tickets for $309 a bit later in the month....hell, maybe I'll go!! Laughing

tideout · Joined: 12 Dec 2010

Does anyone know if a simple train ticket to say Nong Khai on the Laos border is enough of a story/proof to satisfy airlines and Thai immigration to get into Thailand? Cheap enough to just forget about at $9.

Curious if you have to have an onward ticket to a clear destination outside of Thailand?

luckylady · Joined: 30 Jan 2012 Location: u.s. of occupied territories

L_orna · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Location: Ireland

So Im still in Seoul airport, 20 or so hours later. I have a flight booked one way for Kuala Lumpur. My mate said I should have no problems there...just get my Thailand visa in KL and then take the train to Thailand.

My nerves are shot though. I hope to hell I get out of here this time!