Korean Job Discussion Forums

Scaggs · Joined: 19 Sep 2006

I am trying to negotiate my contract and have been basing my requests off of what I read on Dave's. One thing I requested was for clarity about the pension included in my contract.

He writes: "(School name) doesn't have the pension program."

I was under the impression that the pension program was required by law. Can anyone clarify and offer suggestions on my response?

Thanks all,
Michael

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

No pension? It's very shady school. Don't even consider signing the contract without one. Move on to next one.

Scaggs · Joined: 19 Sep 2006

So there are no exceptions? Everything else seems on the up and up. I have visited in person and met with other teachers ... is there somewhere to read the basics of pension law for foreigners?

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

Scaggs · Joined: 19 Sep 2006

So this would be BS?:

"Thank you for your calling. After talking with you on the phone, I contacted with the officer in the health insurance organization. Even if you don't join in the Korean pension program you can be covered the same health insurance.

Please understand our system different from your thought. If this can be allowed, I would like to see you soon to make the contract. Thank you."

Thanks again to all for the imput.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

As Jonnie says...Keep Walking! And that's what you better do on this offer. The school is trying to be cheap and that's a REAL bad sign... Very Happy

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

Scaggs · Joined: 19 Sep 2006

I called the pension service and they got me to someone who spoke English. And as I am sure you guys knew, they said, yes, E-2 Visa means you need to participate in the pension program. Bummed I can't take an otherwise good job, but glad I caught it now rather than after the contract was signed.

Thanks again for the help all,
Michael

heeheehee · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Location: Canada

Interestingly, during some discussions I have had with schools, they have suggested to me that I opt not to participate in the pension program becuase, since I live in Canada, it means my earnings will be communicated to Revenue Canada and my earnings in Korea will then be subject to Canadian income tax.

If I do not, then the Canadian government never finds out how much I made and cannot therefore tax me. Is this advisable? Is the money I would make from the school paying into the pension fund less than what I would save in paying Canadian taxes?

I was rather confused when the offer was presented since I understood pension payments to be required.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

venus · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Location: Near Seoul

"Thank you for your calling. After talking with you on the phone, I contacted with the officer in the health insurance organization. Even if you don't join in the Korean pension program you can be covered the same health insurance. "

Korean Pension Programme and health insurance are two seperate matters. Never bother working for a cheap school like this, things always usually go wrong somewhere down the line, if they are willing to do anything illegal, do you really trust them enough to work for them...? Besides, there are just SO MANY jobs out there now, it would be crazy to take the risk. Plus I'd ditch any offers from that recruiter too, as he / she obviously has no qualms about lying to you.

So many people make a desperate rush to get here, take the first job they are offered etc. Never make that mistake, as there are just tons of jobs here. Always better to sit back and wait a week or two extra, unless of course you're deperate. Hell we all are sometimes I guess, circumstances dictating, but otherwise, just wait until the vibe of the school / recruiter seems right. ALLWAYS ask to speak to or for email contact from a native teacher who ALREADY WORKS THERE.

Good luck OP