Korean Job Discussion Forums

[denverdeath]

The way I see it is, a name or two should be put up. If nothing else, the info might help another unsuspecting teacher from working at an undesirable place. Why is it that black/greylists have to be so hush-hush? Slander, schmlander. If it's true, and there's proof, what's the problem?

[prosodic]

[denverdeath]

Nice thoughts Prosodic. However, I think it might also be a bit of a message for the owner to be a bit careful him/herself.

[prosodic]

The best way to deal with bad bosses is through legal action. Premature unofficial statements tend to create more trouble than they're worth.

[denverdeath]

So, Prosodic, do you think that these individuals will be successful by using the Korean system and going through the Ministry of Labour?

[prosodic]

[denverdeath]

Okay, thanks. Was just wondering what you might have thought about the outcome. I cannot remember if there are payslips involved in this situation or not. Can the Ministry of Labour help a foreigner who is paid in cash, but doesn't receive payslips from the employer? Is the contract, and your word, good enough in a case such as that? What about if you're the only foreign teacher working in the backwoods and it's everyone else's word against yours?

[Real Reality]

Ex-pats Describe Korea's Culture of Corruption
"Koreans always seem prepared to give out bribes. I was shocked by the culture and attitude of Koreans who feel no guilt despite breaking the law."

One Canadian woman working as an instructor in a private institute said her employer had threatened to report her as an illegal resident while refusing to provide her with housing (as originally contracted) and cut her salary. She said she was going to get a new work visa in order to obtain employment at another workplace, but her current boss is refusing to write a letter of release, and is demanding she continue to work.

An American man working for a Korean company said he witnessed bribes openly being given and received. He said he saw his boss hand over an envelope full of money -- quite naturally and in a public place -- to an immigration officer cracking down on hiring illegal immigrants.
by Kim Hong-jin, Chosun Ilbo (December 16, 2004)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200412/200412160027.html

[Letters to the Editor] Giving foreigners here a hard time
While I have learned to read hangeul and enjoy practising it every time I take the bus, it is the feelings of anti-Americanism that impede my average workday. For instance, I have been turned away by galbi restaurant owners at the door. "No miguk (America)!" they say.

Another time, at one of Korea's bigger department store chains, I was refused the right to purchase an electronics item. Again, "No miguk!" was the reason. When I asked, in my broken Korean, to speak to the manager, I was laughed at by the young university-aged service clerk.

Aside from these issues, there's the one prevailing issue that no foreigner in Korea enjoys. Being gawked at. Everywhere I go I am stared at in shock as if I have green horns growing out of my head. This was curious enough when I first arrived here a year ago to start work for a Korean company, but after a short while it started to become very annoying.
by Nathan Drescher, The Korea Herald (October 13, 2004)
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2004/10/13/200410130012.asp

Foreigners Experience Difficulties in Living in Korea
"Even though Korea has achieved some degree of globalization in going abroad, it has still a long way to go for globalization in embracing foreigners inward," said foreigners residing in Korea. An official in the International Cooperation Division of Seoul City admitted, "The same complaints regarding visas, transportation, education, and environment are raised every year without being solved, due to the lack of cooperation from government agencies involved and their passive attitudes."
by Jae-Dong Yu and Soo-Jung Shin, Donga.com (July 4, 2004)
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2004070522448

[prosodic]

[denverdeath]

In theory, yes; in practice, who knows? Anyway, apparently this hakwon did have direct deposit(or non-deposit?) of employee's pay, which may be good. The main thing is to not get your/their hopes too high...

[prosodic]

[peppermint]

To the OP- some of the responses on this thread have been pretty harsh. I understand your concern, because I know that my own mother worries about me.

You may have caused more trouble for your son by revealing so much information on a very well known message board. If the director saw your post, things could very well get worse.

Going to the media in Korea is probably not the best way to go either. A few months ago there was a serious backlash against forengn teachers here- particularly those with Korean girlfriends. Things have calmed down some, but I doubt the Korean public is ready for a "poor white boy" story, no mater how true it is. As well- embarassing the director publicly will probably only make him angrier.

as an aside- sleeping on the floor isn't really considered a hardship here. Most schools do provide a bed for the teacher, but most Koreans prefer to sleep on the floor.

I hope that things work out, and also that your son learns to stand up for himself.

[denverdeath]

Dimnd, please keep us posted on this one.

[Babayaga]

I was in a similar situation.My male boss kept entering my apt to clean it over my clear objections.When I told him I found it uncomfortable that a man enters my apt,he and his wife just laughed! One day I got fed up , called the school's main office in Seoul and complained about the situation,saying that I'm considering packing up and leaving.They called him and gave him hell.From then on whenever he came with a handyman,I stressed that I don't want him entering the apt. It made him mad,but I prevailed,and he eventually gave up.


A former roommate was in a somewhat different situation.After I left the school for another job,my boss started using the spare room for overnight sleepovers with her hubby,to take a shower,and whenever she had an early appointment at the school. My room-mate let her know that she's not happy,but she just ignored her. My room-mate just kept complaining to her,so the perpetrator continued to use the room for another 4 months,and only moved out when she hired another teacher! My room-mate's lack of strong action led to a lot of discomfort for her!


Yes,Koreans can be very persistent and inconsiderate.You have to stand up for yourself in order to get your way!

[Hollywoodaction]