Korean Job Discussion Forums

ninjamonkey · Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:54 pm Post subject: urgent question!

i'm going to korea tommorow but with no visa, i'm going to do my visa run to japan when i arrive. what do i say to immigration at incheon? do i tell them straight up that i'm coming to teach english or do i say i'm a tourist?

thanks a bunch for your FAST replies.. Smile

djsmnc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Dave's ESL Cafe

I would tell them that I heard Korean girls are hot and that I came to Korea because it is easy to make money teaching English here. Let them know that pending completion and arrival of your Yale Master's from Bangkok, you will go to Japan about a month into your contract. Ask them why they can't accept Takeshima.

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

Honestly, I'd tell them nothing about working here. Simply get the tourist visa, then head to your contact.

Be sure though NOT to work on that visa (no matter how much your new boss says it's ok). Don't work until the visa run.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Follow CC's advice. No need to complicate things at the Immigration desk by trying to explain future plans. Just say you are here as a tourist, smile and go on your way. Pick up your forms and do the visa run when the time comes.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Now serving #38!
Seriously, don't work until you go on that visa run! That can't be stressed enough, because dollars to doughnuts that's exactly what they'll ask you to do.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Bulsajo is right...they will want you to start working asap and tell you not to worry.....sure dont worry about getting caught, fined and possibly deported.

Be firm and tell whoever hires you that you will begin work when you return from your visa run and not a second before.

RachaelRoo · Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Location: Anywhere but Ulsan!

Try to get the name, address, and phone number of someone you know in Korea - a friend, a recruiter, or the director of a school. That way, if they do ask questions, you have an answer (you are visiting a friend). They didn't ask me anything like that, however. Also, make sure you have a return ticket - you can get fully refundable ones from Air Canada. Good luck!

sheba · Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!

Keep in mind that you need to give and address and phone number on your arrival card. I gave my school address and number (as I didnt know what mine was) but I already had a visa. If you use your schools details make sure you leave out the school name. No need to point out the obvious!