Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kellogs_frosties_man]

I've been offered to start working at a big korean company this fall in Seoul as an engineer. Later this month I am going there for a tour of the facilities, checking out housing and meeting my co-workers.

Now, I'm no drugged out hippie but I am going for a vacation in Amsterdam the week before my meet-and-greet trip. It would certainly be nice to enjoy a joint or two in the sun with my friends, so I'm wondering about the scheduled "Medical check up" in Seoul.

Will there only be a TBPE drug test (I've never done hard drugs anyway) or will there be a cannabinoid drug test as well? Is that really required for any other visa than E2?

Thanks!

[ttompatz]

[kellogs_frosties_man]

Thanks for the reply, I won't be working with kids but I suppose the company could have a policy. If so it's nothing they have told me about yet, we'll see I suppose.

Obviously I won't touch drugs once I land in Korea.

[Konglishman]

I would say there is a strong possibility you would be tested for drugs as part of a medical checkup if the company provides private health insurance in place of the national health insurance. In fact, back in 2010 after I arrived on an E1 visa to teach university mathematics, I do seem to recall a drug test was included for the health insurance medical checkup. Anyways, if I were you, I would not risk it because I would say there is a high probability that you will go through a similar medical checkup and although you probably would not get fired for testing positive for THC, it could certainly bring you unneeded negative attention given the lack of medical privacy in South Korea.

[kellogs_frosties_man]

[FDNY]

I had an E7 here for a while. No drug tests. I had to take a yearly physical with the rest of the company staff once a year. That's it.

[Stu_miller]

Whilst I understand the dileamm, I would say if this job is important to you and there's even a tiny chance they could test you, then I wouldn't take the risk. One week versus your career.... is it worth it?

[Old Painless]

You could always get one of those warmer packets and tube w/fake urine. Works every time. No one is going to follow you into the bathroom and hold your junk to get the sample. The amt of sample they'll want is tiny.

Go, enjoy the gifts of the Gods, be happy and relax your soul where troubles melt like lemon drops ...Away above the chimney tops ... That's where you'll find me...

[northway]

[jdog2050]

I've had an E7 twice now. No drug test at all.

[Ballerina2012]

I have an E7.. I have been drug tested twice. maybe because you are not working with kids, you won't have to test. I am not sure, but I have had to get tested twice.

Good Luck