Korean Job Discussion Forums

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

I'm getting ready to purchase a ticket and assumed that I only need to purchase a one-way ticket to Korea since I have a work visa. But I couldn't find any information on the consulate website to that effect. Do I need to purchase a round-trip ticket, then? Can I enter the country with a one-way ticket and my work visa?

Thanks!

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

I researched this to the best of my ability. And my parents' old computer is being stubborn and only gives me a blank screen when I try to do a search on the discussion boards. Sorry for the boring questions. (Time to revisit my Free Hugs thread!)

Razz

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

If you have a visa a one-way ticket should be fine.

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

Well, hopefully you're right. I'll call the consulate tomorrow to confirm my understanding of things. But I came here first for two reasons: 1) The last time I called the consulate, I could barely understand their heavily accented English; and 2) I'm waiting for my director to call me so he can purchase the ticket. I told him I found a great ticket for $576, but I neglected to tell him that it's a one-way ticket. So I'm on pins and needles right now ... he'll be calling any minute. How embarrassing if the ticket needs to be roundtrip (at double the cost I quoted him)! Arg!

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

You will be fine. They have to let you into the country. Therss no problem on that end. Call the AIRLINE and see what their policy is. If they let you on the flight, you'll have no problems entering the country.

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

Great, thank you!

Razz

HamuHamu · Joined: 01 May 2003 Location: Seoul

If your employer is not happy with the cost, explain to them that a round-trip ticket means you need to leave the country 364 days later, which will most likely prevent you from finishing your one year contract. Usually 2 one-ways is best.

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

So you're saying that I do indeed need to purchase either a roundtrip ticket or two one-ways? I can't just go to Korea with my one-way ticket that gets me there? Even with a work visa?

rvintage · Joined: 05 Jul 2005

If you have an E-2 visa in your passport, no problems whatsoever!!! Otherwise, it is up to the airline to let you to through.

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

Thanks for all the feedback. I was in a panic last night! But I just spoke with the consulate and was told that I do not need a rountrip ticket when I have a work visa. Whew!

Razz

HamuHamu · Joined: 01 May 2003 Location: Seoul

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

Well, I happen to have a great employer in Korea. He came highly recommended by a friend, and thus far he's proven himself to be a genuinely caring individual. He'll pay for a roundtrip ticket, but I'm the one who prefers a one-way. I don't want to keep track of an airline ticket for one year, and I don't see the point in purchasing a rountrip ticket that gives me absolutely no wiggle room at the close of my contract. I do understand why people prefer a rountrip ticket in advance, but it's not a concern of mine. And besides, I have no doubt that my employer will buy my return ticket home when it's needed.

So, I've now got the ticket that he graciously paid for. It's a direct flight, but also the least expensive ticket. I got to choose my ticket and was thrilled to find one that didn't have any layovers.

About "graciously" ... I don't take it for granted that Korean employers generally pay to fly their teachers there. Anywhere else in the world and I'd probably be paying for the ticket myself.

Cheers. Razz