Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kara_gina]

im wondering what has been stated in other contracts. all the contracts i've looked at have a safety deposit, but each time i've been warned not to accept a position that demands this. does anyone accept a contract with a safety deposit, and is it likely you would get this back at the end of your contract?

[ttompatz]

[garykasparov]

You mean the clause in your last contract?

I) Security Deposit

To insure against any untimely employee vacancies, 150,000 won will be deducted from the teacher's salary each month for the first four months (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th). This total of 600,000 won will be used toward any expenses incurred by the school due to damage to furnishings or to the apartment. The total of 600,000 won will be not be refunded if the school replaces the teacher who has failed to complete all or part of the contract term. The entire security deposit will be returned to the teacher on the expiry date of the final contract term.

As I stated in the contract thread;

Another reason why teachers shouldn't agree to security deposits. What happens if your school fires you? You will not be refunded your 600,000 Korean Won. What happens if you resign from the place of employment because your employer abuses teachers, students, yourself, doesn't pay you on time, doesn't allow breaks per labor law, refuses to pay overtime wages, etc? You will not be refunded the 600,000 Korean Won. Tell the employer to go screw himself.

[kara_gina]

Yes, I'd like to hear if anyone else has accepted a security deposit in their contract and what happened with them...

[Skippy]

I remember years ago. That school would take out money for Airplane ticket for the first few months then refund at later month or end of contract But reading that clause (in red) that is a rip. I can understand a deposit to cover for apartment (bills left behind or war and tear). But losing it due to being fired no. That is so wrong!

Sounds like the school is trying to cover its bases with getting bad teacher with a deposit.

[Zaria32]

I've never seen a hogwon contract the HAS a security deposit, although I know some do.

I would not work for a school that wants a security deposit...not because I think there's no chance of getting it back (although it's certainly iffy) but because of what it says about their attitude toward foreign teachers.

[Flash Ipanema]

My hagwon contract didn't have a security deposit listed but they did tell me the first month they would deduct 200,000 won the first month in case of any unpaid bills or damage to the apartment when I left. Despite screwing me on my last day, they did actually give me the deposit back.

[Bibbitybop]

In SMOE and other PS jobs, like tompats said, you get it back.