Korean Job Discussion Forums

[keela]

In March (yahoo!) I secured a much-needed, rare 5-month contract. After a couple of weeks into the job, in preparation for my "visa" run, the hogwan owner told me I'd have to sign a bogus one-year contract to secure my E2. In desperation/frustration, I agreed to sign.

First dopey decision.

Then, when he said he wouldn't give me release letter at the end because I didn't need one, I decided to let it go and pursue the subject when I was leaving.

Second dopey decision.

Third dopey decision. I didn't get the release before I left because I wasn't sure if I was coming back or not and also, I was generally too burnt to fully realize how dopey a decision it was to not get the release.

So, I turned in my ARC without getting a multi-entry visa (sigh, that was a fourth dopey decision) and came home to Canada for 6 weeks.

Now, it's all clear. I want to return on a tourist visa and suss out a good job with my own eyes. But, when booking my flight today, I fully realized my situation. Big sigh.

I'm sure I'll be stopped in my tracks at Incheon and equally certain he won't fork over a release letter that could expose his shady ways.

My flights are on hold for booking. I just want to get back to work. I did this to myself by not being more responsible but now I need help finding a way out.

Advice?

[bosintang]

Unless your boss filed a police report against you or reported you to immigration as a MNR, they are not going to stop you from entering Korea on a tourist visa or landing permit. If immigration asks you why you left after 5 months into your E2, tell them that you and your boss agreed to that, and that'll be the end of it. Don't worry about that.

However, your other problem is a real one. To work another job legally, you need that Letter of Release. Beg and bow down and try to convince your former employer to give it to you. If he refuses to give it to you, check your contract. Are there any specific dates in your contract? Immigration might give you a pass if you can explain your case to them.

Other than that, you have no other option but to wait until your E2 expires. Have you thought about Japan or Taiwan?

[joe_doufu]

So, do you have a photocopy of the original, 5-month contract? That would make your case stronger because if there's a dispute, obviously the hagwon owner is going to produce his copy of the 1-year contract.

[Ya-ta Boy]

If you worked for 5 months and then had a 5 month vacation, that is...wait for it...10 months. You will be free in only 2 more months. Come now and struggle with the former employer for that vital LOR, or wait 2 more months and enter on your own dime, under your own power.

Ask Dad to put up with you for a mere 8 more weeks.

[keela]

Thanks for the input - helps me sleep at night.

Bosintang, I'm into the convincing stage, soon to move onto the begging stage, not my favourite one but in times like these...I'll definetly check dates for any immigration visit. And yes, if all else fails, I suppose I'll have to consider other countries until the original contract expires. Sigh. I'll keep your line handy for Incheon. Thanks for that one.

Joe, the 5-month contract never existed...dopey decision number five.

Ya-ta Boy, excellent suggestion; I wish I had 5 months for vacation! Bills to pay...want to return.

Update: today I faxed my ex-boss both English and Korean copies of a release with my info on the English one. I'm keeping an e-mail trail on all of this. In one e-mail, he said I could simply sign his name to the letter and then wished me luck. I replied that, "If I'm not mistaken", he has to apply his Korean stamp and either deliver or send the letter to immigration himself.

The clock's ticking and time will tell...