Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Heisenberg87]

I just spoke to a recruiter who told me that alcohol tests are a new regulation for teaching in Korea. I'm not an alcoholic and I have no problem not drinking before I come but I was wondering if this means you get randomly tested periodically and you can't drink while in Korea.

[Underwaterbob]

What?

This can't be true. Alcoholism is an institution here. Drug test yes.

[Heisenberg87]

I'm not sure if what he said was specifically for GEPIK, all public school english programs, or a new immigration thing for any job in Korea. Again, I have no problem not drinking before coming to Korea, I just want to know if I should expect to not drink for a year and get tested regularly.

[northway]

While it would be hilarious seeing an entire hagwon shut down because it's principal thought that Tuesday night was just a wonderful time for a work dinner followed by some noraebang, I'm guessing your recruiter is talking about the liver function test, which determines whether you have thoroughly destroyed your liver from years of drinking. They're not going to be dropping into yr workplace and breathalyzing you.

[Heisenberg87]

This same recruiter also told me I needed to send in all of my visa documents BEFORE actually getting a job offer. When I told him I was only comfortable sending photo copies before the actual job offer, he started pushing me.

[ttompatz]

[surendra]

As someone mentioned, this is for the liver functionality test. It is done, along with the HIV/AIDS and other blood work tests, once you arrive in Korea (Assuming this is public school). Simply don't drink alcohol or any other fluids or food about 12-14 hours prior to the blood work/tests. The person at the orientation will tell you.

Don't worry, I passed the liver test having gone to my college which is a top 20 party school I believe :p

[Malislamusrex]

I have taken this alcohol test.

I was only drunk 2 days last week and failed. This weeks I am planning to be smashed every week. If i can manage being drunk every day I can renew my contract.

[Heisenberg87]

Thanks for helping clear this up. That recruiter told me the test was done to filter out alcoholics since Korea was known for drinking. I've been looking between public and private schools, I wonder if this same test would be necessary for a hagwon?

[Troglodyte]

[Sinnerman]

This reminded me of the WKRP in Cincinnati episode when Johnny Fever and Venus have a drinking test.