Korean Job Discussion Forums

sunnydaysahead · Joined: 16 May 2007

I've worked for six months at my hagwon and am miserable. Won't go into details, but it's a really bad place to work (although they don't break any laws). Another, great hagwon wants to hire me.

However, my hagwon director won't agree to release me from my one-year visa, although I gave him 60 days notice. My contract says that "in the case of voluntary resignation" I must pay back the initial airfare -- which I'm happy to do. He gave a LOR to another teacher who was fired a month ago, but won't give one to me.

What are my options if I want to stay in Korea and work? I went to the immigration office in Seoul and they said that your employer is legally obligated to cancel your visa if you don't work at the hagwon any more -- but that you can't force the employer to cancel it.

I've searched the archives and am just posting to ask if there is anyone who knows a possible solution. My contract says that it's possible to voluntarily resign. How can I get my boss to honor the contract?

Please PM me if you have any ideas. Thanks.

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

If another hogwon wants to hire you, they might be willing to talk to your current employer. Did a recruiter find you the new job offer? The recruiter might be able to help if that's the case.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Have a look at the bottom of your ARC card. It should have the office & telephone number of your local immigration office in English. No need to go to Seoul, unless you work there already. Try contacting the Labour Board, & get them to insist on a letter of release to your hagwon director. My gut feeling is that both hagwons & public schools fear the labor board & immigration. eg, when my old school wanted me to work until 15 May, & I showed them a letter from immigration stating I must vacate the country by 10th May 2007, they backed down real quick. But I got an extension from Uiejongbu Office until May 21st, & worked until the 15th anyway, because I didn't start work until 15 May 2006 with Childrens day, Teacher's day, & a long weekend. Good luck!

esglumac · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:36 pm Post subject: re:

um, a similer thing happened to me. they are legally obligated to give it to you. or a letter in writing saying you were fired. If they dont release your visa, then they can be fined. Have you turned in your 30 days???