Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seoulonmind]

Hello all:

I have a degree in english and a minor in education. I want to go and teach in Korea but here is my problem. While I was attending the univeristy, I got a DUI and posession of marijuana conviction. This was a HUGE mistake on my part, but I don't even believe these are major crimes or anything. Nevertheless I have heard that I could be denied a visa to teach english in Korea. I have heard that they require you to submit a criminal check from your local police department, and that this will show up when I apply for my visa. Can anyone out there share their experiences with obtaining visas and let me know if they actually do ask for a criminal history and if a DUI and posession conviction will be a problem.


Thanks!!

Bri

[Demophobe]

Well, it depends on the kind of job ytou want. You can get a hagwon job easily, even with a record. They don't check for this currently. Try to work for the Gov't in any sense (EPIK, for example) and yes, you need a record check, and yes, you will be out of luck,
Best to look into getting a pardon/purge for that.
I don't know why you said this:"I don't even believe these are major crimes or anything"...I agree that a MJ rap is kind of lame in this day and age (depending on the circumstances; one shouldn't drive high either!), but a DUI is serious, to me anyways. Too many people are killed because of this....innocent people.
Not passing judgement, mate, just commenting on your offering.

[waterbaby]

I've not heard of anyone being required to submit a police check when they apply for an E2 teaching visa.

[Zed]

Even if you get a pardon doesn't your record check indicate "pardon granted" which could be problem still?

[seoulonmind]

I don't do any of those things anymore except drinking without driving. And when I was driving i was just a little stonned, not drunk or anything. Any more comments would be appreciated.

Bri

[Demophobe]

[snufalufagus]

There is NO requirement for a criminal record check for the E-2 Visa process, nor for any other Korean visa. A job could have it be a requirement of course.

And expunged in the proper legal term for having your record cleared and it's hardly an easy thing to get done

[Demophobe]

[Corporal]

[just because]

The judgements aside....

Im under the impression it won't be here that you have a problem with getting a job as 95% of the jobs would take a mass murderer and be non the wiser about it.

You might have more of a problem getting a passport depending on what severity of