Korean Job Discussion Forums

[changwonteacher]

I'm teaching English (I have an E2 visa) and I want to contribute articles to magazines (for payment) on a freelance basis. What's the legal situation on this? Payment from publications outside Korea - OK. Payment from Korean publications - not OK. Is that correct?

[PRagic]

Would you be paid to your account in Korea? Doubt it.

Even for in-country writing jobs, it's no biggie. Just make sure you fill everything out correctly on your taxes. Hopefully, this wouldn't interfere with your living abroad tax break.

[Bibbitybop]

If you do this in Korea for money and use your real name, you need to get it approved with immigration.

If you do it in Korea, but money goes to an overseas account and especially if the mag is not a Korean publication, you are home free, do as you wish.

[PRagic]

Good advice. In the past, writing jobs were a cash transaction. These days, however, with increasing pressure on companies to declare exact amounts for taxes, most places insist on receiving your information prior to making payment.

BE SURE TO ASK IN ADVANCE IF YOU ARE DOING WRITING FOR KOREAN COMPANIES! It is shocking how many publishing companies don't know the immigration regs. You don't want to do a million won worth of writing only to find out that you can't legally be paid! You'll end up scurrying around for a Korean who will let you use their ID number for tax purposes, but of course, this is illegal, too!

Writing testing material or other English content for magazines can be a very lucrative side job, especially for those in Seoul. For F-series visa holders, it can be a great way to avoid teaching burnout. Teach your minimum hours at a school or university, and then write yourself into savings and investment nirvana.