Korean Job Discussion Forums

love&onlylove · Joined: 04 Jun 2014

I'm finishing up an M.A. right now at uWaterloo (should be done by December) and am looking into teaching overseas. A lot of my friends recommended Korea and this website specifically.
I am a former long-term alcoholic and drug user and have a DUI from February 2007 on my criminal record. (Yes I know drinking and driving is insanely stupid...feel free to chastise me. Needless to say I won't be doing it again...the drinking, that is. I do drive now.)
I've initiated proceedings through Pardons Canada to get the charge pardoned, and its going smoothly because I have no other charges. Too bad "smoothly" in the Canadian Court system means "glacially". The process is going to take 10-24 (!) months. I'm pretty eager to start teaching but I'm guessing the likelihood of my getting hired with that charge on my record is dim.
I'm assuming the answer is "hell no" but is there any way I'd be able to land a teaching gig in Seoul or Busan (or anywhere in the country for that matter?) before the pardon kicks in? Do Korean custom officials differentiate between violent and non-violent charges, or between summary and indictable offences (mine being the former)? Or should I just wait out the 24 months until I receive a full pardon until applying for ESL work in Korea?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help with these questions. Very Happy

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

You cant get a legit job in Korea with any blemish on your record. No leeway from Korean immigration.

Kepler · Joined: 24 Sep 2007

I wouldn't even bother submitting a background check if your record is not 100% percent clean. You might be permanently banned from ever teaching in Korea. Also- admitting to any drug use on the self health questionnaire will result in an automatic rejection. I am not sure that Korea is the best place for a recovering alcoholic. There is plenty of temptation here and drinking is very much a part of the work culture.

ontheway · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 8:22 am Post subject:

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

You might want to look at China first. The pay's not as great (usually) but the restrictions aren't as tight, either. I'm not sure about Japan, but it might be worth looking into, too.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Location: Home sweet home

Yes you can. I personally know of two people who have

One was for drunk driving. He wrote a letter promising never to drive in Korea.

The other was for assaulting a federal officer. Also got an E2.

Both of their convictions were old. The guy arrested for assault said that the kimmi officer glanced at it and said many people of his generation have records due to the protest.

Does that mean that you won't get denied? No. You might not get a visa but realize that it depends on
The conviction.
How long ago it was
The kimmi officer

sweetrevenge · Joined: 24 Dec 2013

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

Henry.Flix · Joined: 02 Jun 2014

Depending on your nationality background checks may be referred to as criminal record checks, police checks, basic disclosures or police clearance certificates.

All teachers must submit specific types of criminal record checks (CRC) from the designated issuing authority within their country of citizenship.

CRC's issued through third party providers are not acceptable by Korean Immigration; meaning, you can NOT use a private company or channeler to obtain the CRC. All background checks must come directly from the designated police department or government office/bureau that’s responsible for issuing the type of check Korean Immigration requires. CRCs that were ordered online and come as ‘print outs’ are NOT accepted by the Korean authorities.