Korean Job Discussion Forums

[feed_that_cat]

I've read many posts here, and am still confused.

When you enter Korea, have your documents from your home country in or, sign a contract with a public school or private institute, do you need to leave, before you begin teaching?

A response of a few words would be most helpful.

feed that cat...

[yingwenlaoshi]

[feed_that_cat]

thanks for you explanation

[ttompatz]

long and short of it:

You need a work visa to work here.
Your visa governs your entry and status in the country (tourist/worker/diplomat).
A visa may only be obtained from a consulate or embassy outside the country.
For teachers of a foreign language (English teachers) the visa is E2.

A visa run refers to those who are hired when they are IN Korea and who make a quick overnight trip to a Korean consulate in an adjacent country (usually Japan) for the purpose of obtaining a work visa.

Those who are hired when they are in their home country should obtain a visa there before coming to Korea.

In December 2007 the rules for applying for an E2 were changed.

The current status of the policy is:

Those who have held an E2 previously MAY do a visa run to a 3rd country to obtain a new visa. A consular interview is NOT required.

Those who have NOT had an E2 before should have a consular interview in their home country (country of passport origin) before they may be issued an E2 visa.

Those who have had an E2 previously AND have an immigration or criminal infraction IN Korea must have a consular interview before they may be issued a NEW E2 visa.

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