Korean Job Discussion Forums

BritishDefector · Joined: 21 Aug 2012

Hello,

I've been speaking with some teachers in the local area and have found out that my Hakwon owner is pretty notorious. The last person did a runner after three months because he didnt get his foreigner card, and another teacher had their contract chopped and changed frequently. When I said "I work at ________" on Friday night to some guy, he actually gasped.

So, if the worst comes to the worst. Can I just up and leave?

Like literally book a flight to Thailand or something and go to the airport?

Will I be interrogated at the airport or anything?

NOTE: This is the worst case scenario, I just want to be prepared just in case

BritishDefector · Joined: 21 Aug 2012

And also; can I leave without the ARC?

Would I pretend to be going on holiday or something?

viciousdinosaur · Joined: 30 Apr 2012

You can run at any time. You already have the confirmation number and proof you tried to register as an employee.

JustinC · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Location: We Are The World!

It is not illegal to quit your job. If your boss is doing something illegal you have rights, so contacting Foreigner's Community Service (FOCUS) (02) 798-7529, 797-8212 is a possibility.

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

Kepler · Joined: 24 Sep 2007

No_hite_pls · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject:

Dude, you're not a slave and can leave when ever you want no matter what your hogwan tells you. You can book a flight for anytime of day.

YTMND · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Location: You're the man now dog!!

BritishDefector · Joined: 21 Aug 2012

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

YTMND · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Location: You're the man now dog!!

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

The only thing to worry about if you leave before you get your ARC is that it might not cancel your E-2 visa, so if you want to come back to Korea to work somewhere else you'd have to wait until the term of your current E-2 expires.

Also, you can apply for your own ARC. In fact, it's in your best interest to do so ASAP because it's a lot harder to sort out things like your bank account, health insurance, cell phone, etc. before you have it. The only thing you need from your employer is a copy of his business license. Ask your boss for it, explain why you need it, and take matters into your own hands.

You're right to be cautious if your boss has a reputation for being shady, and it's always a good idea to save as much money as you can from your first paycheck in case things go wrong. Hopefully, if what you've heard is true, your boss has learned a lesson from the last teacher who pulled a runner on him. Good luck.

BritishDefector · Joined: 21 Aug 2012

Thanks for the replies guys

One more question:

Can I book a return flight to Thailand. but just not return. Assuming I DON'T have the foreigner card? Will they question it? Can you go on 'holiday' after like two months?

I don't mind about not getting another job in Korea, I'll hunt in Thailand if it comes to it.

chasmmi · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Location: Ulsan

When I booked my flight to come work here in December, for some crazy reason a return flight was 40 pounds cheaper than a one way flight (taking the same outbound flight with the same airline), so I of course bought a return ticket.

Am really hoping Lufthansa aren't going to come and kidnap me in the night and force me on the return trip at gunpoint next month. Razz