Korean Job Discussion Forums

oldfort · Joined: 09 Oct 2003

Cool thread...timely too. Gave my six weeks notice because the school is withholding half my pay, but they're refusing me the LOR, despite my efforts at diplomacy and all. Heck, yesterday my boss and I were singing English songs together, that's how palsy we are. But he won't give me the LOR, just a song-and-dance about my not needing one.

Sounds like if I take my bankbook and contract to Immigration, I still might have a chance at a new visa. I still want to work in Korea, just at another school where I'll get paid properly.

Thanks for the info, Gord.

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

about the 30 days notice comment, you only have to give notice if it is stipulated in your contract. some school have up to a 60-notice period. this is what the labour board told me.

wowser · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Kyonggi do

Indeed a timely topic. I am trying to get my letter of release Monday.

I have put out a very general warning about the school- as they are desp. to hire someone immediately.

I have given notice and I am trying to do things by the book. I haven't lost the plot at them for 4 months now...I REALLY want to land the school in 'it' now... Twisted Evil

but I'll hold off....I'll know tomorrow if nice guys (girls) finish last... Confused

wowser · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Kyonggi do

I really don't know what to do...
I had given my notice as the school was continually paying me late (in hindsight should have just done a runner rther than trying to be honest). The school always paid me in cash- so I have no 'banking' proof. They also never paid pension, health insurance, refused to give me severance, and refused to pay my airfare. Evil or Very Mad

I want to work at another school- I have found an excellent one- but the school I am currently at will not give me a letter of release.

When I went in yesterday to collect the money for last month (17 days late) he gave me 1/3 of it. He deducted my visa costs for going to Japan and then he fired me. He said it was because I was complaining and it didnt look good me being angry and at the school. Shocked

I had been going to work until the end of the month- and train my replacement teacher- so all in all I am out 2 million plus won...I sat in his office for 2.5 hours until he paid me the small amount he did...

I looked at EFL law FAQ and he has broken 6 labor laws...
What are my options? I have no proof of anything... Embarassed

HELP?!!!

wowser · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Kyonggi do

Still need help!!!!!

StephannieK · Joined: 22 Jan 2006 Location: Gyeongbuk-do

at the hogwan where I worked, the director was charging me 300.000 to fill my oil tank (winter) but when I called SK on my own, it was only 120.000 to fill up (winter of 2004-2005). He padded other bills too, taking advantage of me being a newbie.

I decided to find another job, which I did. I signed a new contract & was all prepared to switch. I turned in my notice, announced there was no changing my mind and he insisted that I sign another statement that I would agree to forfeit airfare (which was ok, because I'd not done the 6 months) forfeit the deposit (600.000 illegally obtained deposit) AND pay him 500.000 for my letter of release.

During that last 30 days, I worked overtime @ 12 hours a week. About 5 days before my last day, my heater (ondol) broke. He refused to fix it, help with landlord or anything. All the K teachers were scared to help, and the other Foreign teachers were newbs too.

He went to immigration the next day (with me right behind him via taxi) and told them I was fired but refused to release me from the visa. (Daegu area) I went to the labor ministry, but he had already been there too & filed complaints about how I cost him students (what?!?). So, there was no recouping my money & no new job, in a word ~ screwed.

Solution> cheap overnight ferry to Japan. IMPORTANT, as you exit Korea, give your alien ID to the immigration officer at the exit station. Tell them you are finished with the job. They take the card, stamp "used" on your visa in passport, then you journey on to japan as a tourist. When you return to Korea the next day, you are now a tourist & free to accept any job you please.

Dont forget to give your alien ID to immigration, this is the key step.

Sunny Days

dgarms · Joined: 27 Dec 2006

I need the phone numbers of someone who can speak English please. My current employer is refusing to give me a release letter.