Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gia3000]

Do any of you know if I will have problems leaving the country?

Can I just go to the airport, board the plane and leave?

I don't have a multiple re-entry visa. Should I buy a re-entry visa? Would that make immigration less suspicious? My ticket is a one-way ticket. Would that make them think: "she's pulling a runner"? What happens exactly? I was told my visa gets cancelled and they take away my alien resident card. Can anyone confirm this?

Will they bother to ask me why I'm going back to Canada? If they do, is "I'm going home" enough?

I don't know how these things work so I'm sorry if I'm asking stupid questions. A girl my friend knew pulled a runner and the boss tried to stop her at the airport, claiming breach of contract or whatever. Can a hagwan boss stop someone at the airport? Also, I was told that once I make it past customs, they can't get to me anymore. Is that true? And how early can I check in my suitcases and go through the security gate? Is it 2 or 3 hours before departure? Can it be more?

Any info is appreciated. I'm freaking out here because I have friends who tell me I'll be fine and I have other friends who tell me I should hide in the airport bathroom.

Thanks in advance,
Gia

PS: I don't care if my visa gets cancelled (I will never return to Korea... not even on vacation). I just don't want any trouble at the airport.

[seoulsista]

If your boss actually showed up at the airport and said who knows what then maaaaybe you would have a problem. Otherwise no one will ask you anything. They will probably just assume you are going on vacation.

[UncleAlex]

If you try to escape at midnight you might be more conspicuous.
Seriously, breaking your contract by fleeing the country isn't a criminal
offence, so don't worry about the immigration officials. All they'll do is
remind you that you need a re-entry permit in case you wish to return
and complete the contract term of your E2 visa. Just tell them that you
and your employer agreed to terminate the contract prematurely and
hand in your Alien Registration card. Be sure to have it with you, if you
already have one. Bon voyage! Had enough of the baloney here, did you?

[Grotto]

Dont worry about it. Get on the plane and have a safe trip.

You are supposed to check in at least 2 hours in advance for international flights so you will be past security and safe.

Chances are you will be on a plane safely away by the time the boss figures out what has happened.

(any word on why you're leaving?)

[daz1979]

As a newcomer to Korea in August I am very interested to know why are you leaving so abruptly?

Also how long have you been in Korea?

[Canucksaram]

daz1979:

[livinginkorea]

I did a midnight run. The boss was quick enough to cop it and reported it to immigration. They said at the airport this man contacted you and I said "here give him this" and handed them my ARC. Once you hand that in then your contract is finished. They said why I was leaving and I just said that the boss was crazy. They just laughed. I guess they heard it a lot before from other teachers.

They can't physically hold you unless your boss says that you trashed the place and even then the police has to get involved, not immigration.

Just keep it to yourself that you are running and disappear forever!!!!!

[Gia3000]

Hey you guys,

Thanks for all your advice. I hope everything will go smoothly. I will let you know when I get to Canada and I'll make sure I update the topic "Midnight run and Pension" as well.

I have many reasons for leaving. Actually, let me put it this way: money is the only reason for staying. Thinking about it though, I can make more money back home. Anyway, I'm not happy here. I've been here for 7 months and, gosh, have I tried! I tried to socialize, sigh-see, shop, experience new things, etc. but I didn't enjoy any of it. Every day, I'm just going through the motions and I feel like I'm wasting my life. I am sick of living in this little shoebox of mine. Also, I am completely irresponsible (I admit it!). I don't feed myself properly: I don't cook and I'm too lazy to go get food. So, I barely eat and survive mostly on Diet Coke (Hmmm! Yummy cancer-causing aspartame). As a result, I'm always sick. If a kid caughs on me at school, I'm sick in a matter of days. I've been sick EVERY month since I've been here and with each cold lasting over 2 weeks, you can imagine the hell I'm in. I even ended up with bronchitis. I've never taken so many antibiotics in my life! Now, I just got test results from the doctor: I'm anemic and have vitamin deficiency. Lovely! God, I really need mommy to cook for me or a functional kitchen where I can cook. Moreover, I went through a breakup not too long ago and it's not the breakup (trust me, I'm so over him) as much as me realizing that I have no one for emotional support when things get though. Having no friends and family here really takes a toll on a person. In Canada, I never felt lonely (maybe bored, but never lonley); here, I feel all alone, all the time. I could go on and tell you how my hagwan is working me to death but I'll spare you (most of you already know what it's like to work for a blood-sucking hagwan).

You might think that my reasons for wanting to leave are silly. However, I have nothing to prove here, right? I could tough it out for 5 more months but why should I do that? What would be the point? The severance pay? Nah... my health and sanity don't have price tags! Scr*w it all; I'm going home.

Ok, I'm done whining for the day.

[poker player]

[Woland]

[Richard Krainium]

Just curious. You are a girl, right?

[K-in-C]

[Gia3000]

[braunshade]

Dont worry! You will be just fine now!! NO ONE can stop you...does not mater what anyone says.....just dont tell anyone of your plans.

Best of luck to you!!!

[TheUrbanMyth]

If you want to go just go. No one will stop you. Leaving is not a criminal act. The only reason you should leave quietly is to avoid a scene. You'll be fine.