Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SeoulShakin]

Ok here come the typical "my contract is almost over" questions:

The expiry date on my ARC card is Dec. 18th/06. My boss (and head Korean teacher) have tried to find a flight for that time, but seeing as how it's in the peak of holiday travel there was NOTHING available. They managed to get me a flight home for January 12th.07, which I'm fine with. It's not that much longer here, and I was there when they were searching, they really did try their best.

My questions are as follows -
I know I should get my ARC card extended (right?). I assume I have to go to immigration for this? What will I need to show them when I go? It's a fair jaunt from my apartment, so I don't want to have to make the trip more than once, so if anyone has any concrete information that'd be great

Also, as far as pension is concerned, where do I have to go, and what do I have to show them? I received (a few months ago) a paper from the pension office saying what was contributed so far by each party, and what the total amount is in my name. Do I have to bring that? What will they need to see?

I think that's about it for now - oh wait - I know there are new carry-on restrictions when flying overseas to the US, but I'm flying straight into Canada. Do the new carry-on restrictions (like no chapstick) apply in Canada as well?

Thanks in advance -

[SeoulShakin]

Ok I am bumping so that this doesn't get lost.

I'm sure there are people out there who have had to do the same thing. Any help?

[BigBuds]

For the flight question, just go into immigration with your passport ARC card and flight ticket and they'll extend it to the date that you fly out free of charge.

[Mr. BlackCat]

You should be able to go to immi with your ARC and e-ticket and get an extension. Its free as far as I know. A month is long time, though. I did it for only a few days. Can your Korean super call and ask?

The office I went to for the pension was up by Chang-dong (lines 1 and 4). Its just around the corner from one of the exits (there's only 2) above a KB bank. Its actually listed in English on the neighbourhood map in the subway. You'll need your eticket, ARC, bank info that you want to get it transferred into in Canada (email your bank and tell them situation, they'll send you required info) and your SIN. Maybe bring your passport just in case. That's it as far as I remember. I went first thing in the morning and there was no line-up, in and out in 10 mins.

As for carry-on restrictions you can contact the airline you're flying with and ask them. I was with Air Canada and I had no problems with anything on the Seoul-Vancouver leg of my journey, including liquids and computers and such. But when I had to go through security again for the Vancouver-Toronto part, they were pretty strict on things. No liquids over 30ml, so there went my toothpaste, deoderant, shampoo, etc. They inspected my computer like crazy.

They had the nerve to tell me that I must not travel alot. When I told them that I had been travelling all over Asia in the last year and people over there didn't seem so paranoid the guy told me, "Yeah, well, they don't have to deal with what we have to deal with here". Yes, you're right. Forget the religious unrest in the Phillipines, the recent coup in Thailand, Bali (twice!), Cambodian rebels, Japanese cults, the Chinese government and North Korea. I mean, British authorities discovered a half-assed plot to perform scientifically impossible acts of terrorism on another continent that had nothing to do with Canada. Right before an American election, of all times. I can see where you're coming from.

Sorry about that rant. You can disregard it. But the rest is sound.

Hope this helps.

[SeoulShakin]

Thanks for the info, it really did help.

It's not a month I'm being extended, it's from December 28th to Jan 12th. So hopefully it won't be a problem.

I'm doing almost the same flight plan as you, except I'm doing Seoul, Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax. It's going to be long one! Good idea about getting them to call ahead of time for me though. I'll definitely do that.

Thanks so much for the information. Now I just have to get them to give me my e-ticket ahead of time lol They've never not trusted me before, so I don't foresee any problems.

Is the pension office close to immigration?