Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rnrpaulsen]

Hi all.

Just wondering, before we head over to Korea, if there are any unusual laws that we ought to be aware of. Either along Singapore lines, or not quite so strict/nitpicky, but still things that you might not think of.

Anything we should know?

[Real Reality]

Good luck.

Foreigners Experience Difficulties in Living in Korea
Overall living conditions, including education, housing, medical care, transportation, immigration, and access to the Internet are pointed to as inconveniences. Not only inconveniences caused by different systems and customs in Korea, but also special discriminating practices, such as the practice of submitting two years of monthly rent in advance like a deposit, which is required of foreigners just because they are foreigners, are ubiquitous. "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.
by Jae-Dong Yu and Soo-Jung Shin, Donga.com (July 4, 2004)
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2004070522448

Principles
a) If you come to Korea, you must have a return ticket out or cash resources to get you out should an emergency arise. This is a personal matter, but one that will prevent you much heartache and stress should you adhere to it.
b) If you employer asks you to work in breach of Labor Laws or Immigration law, you must refuse. It is far better to be dismissed by an employer than breach Korean law.
c) If your employer asks you to work without Immigration authority (visa processing,) refuse. You can be fined heavily and given an Exit Order baring you from return for 5 years.
EFL LAW: Important advice when teaching in Korea
http://efl-law.com/crucial.html

Rotten to the Core?
Chosun Ilbo (October 9, 2003)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200310/200310080034.html

[excitinghead]

There are no wierd laws like no chewing of gum etc. etc. that they have in Singapore, the only things I used to do back home that I feel I can't do here are just because of Korean social mores against them and not laws, like not kissing in public.

But in addition to the discrimination against foreigners that the last poster mentioned, there does seem to be one legal principle in Korea that is very different to those of Western countries and that can have serious consequences if you get on the wrong end of it. I would sum it up like this: In Korea, in any dispute between two parties, the less injured one is perceived to be more guilty and liable for damages.

Let me explain:
1) If you're driving, and a kid or drunk guy runs out in front of your car, despite the fact that you couldn't avoid hitting them and it's not your fault whatsoever you will probably have to pay at least some of their medical expenses.

As far as I know, Koreans get special insurance solely for that kind of thing.

2) If someone ever picks a fight with you in a bar, no matter who started it and that you had to defend yourself, if you do so so successfully that you end up in much better shape than the other guys then you're thrown in a cell for the evening.

Before anyone flames me let me point out that: a) yes, of course I'm generalising b) I haven't had any personal experience with either, so I may be completely wrong.

As far as I know the first situation is mentioned in the Lonely Planet, and the second always happened to a friend of a friend of a friend...in case I've given the wrong impression, I've been here 5 years and never even seen a fight in a bar, let alone been in one. And in the case of the stories I've heard, simple discrimination again may have more to do with it.

Anyone with personal experience can tell us anything? I want to know if my friends were exaggerating!?

[Wangja]

When Moses had communed with God on Mount Sinai, he finally descended and addressing the throng said:

"I have good news and bad news"

"Give us the good news! Give us the good news!" the cry went up.

"I've got him down to 10" said M going on to say

"The bad news is adultery is in"

As is the case here, you can be in the pokey for a little pokey.

Caveat fecundador.

[manlyboy]

J-walking is a law sometimes enforced. I ignored it with impunity for years, but a few months ago a cop actually pulled me up and gave me a warning. You won't often see Koreans cross anywhere other than at the designated places.

I've heard that on some hiking trails, no smoking laws are actually enforced, too.

[bundangbum]

smoking in PC bang is apparently illegal aswell but rarely enforced

[Gwangjuboy]

If someone burgles your house and they are armed you would still be liable for punishment if the offending party was more seriously hurt than yourself. I can't respect laws like these irrespective of whether I am a foreigner or not.

[Swiss James]

you can't pour your own drink when out on the tiles with Koreans- pour theirs, and you shall receive in kind

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[bundangbum]

You cant question the mods law

[Ya-ta Boy]