Korean Job Discussion Forums

DF10

I am going to the US in a few days and returning to Korea a week later. My hagwon owner has asked me to use my int'l flight ticket to buy something(s) at duty-free, carry the stuff out of the country and back in. I'm not really comfortable doing it, but sort of feel pressured. Anyone else experience this? Is it illegal?

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

It is not illegal. There is nothing wrong with doing it. Koreans who go on vacation outside Korea do the same thing. I don't see any problem.

Holyjoe · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: Away for a cuppa

Just recently, my wife had to collect some duty free goods from Incheon Airport that her friend had bought.
The length of the queues at the various places seems to suggest it's the done thing!

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I usually only do it for family and friends when I go back into new zealand for ciggies, booze and smelly stuff.

Depends on how tight I am with my boss.

CLG

DF10 · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 5:11 am Post subject:

I guess what I thought was fishy was that I am not supposed to act like I just bought it, but that I have had it for a while and bought it in the US. I'm not picking it up on the way back in. I am to buy in Seoul, carry it to the US and back in to Korea...thus, I assume, not pay tax. She wants me to go to some duty-free department store tomorrow. I don't really understand duty-free in the first place. So, I don't know why it would be illegal if it were. It just seems fishy to me.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Its pretty much the same international brands in every dutyfree shop. Why not just pick them up at departure on your way back? What does she want you to buy?

DF10 · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 5:45 am Post subject:

a Gucci handbag...possibly a Cartier ring...no, I'm not kidding

lush72 · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: I am Penalty Kick!

You buy it in Korea there is a perm record here, FACT. If you bring it back expect to pay. There is a personal exemption of US 400.00 BUT if it shows up on the computer as being brought here you are going to be screwed. FACT. But whatever- you wont believe me- try your luck!

EDIT- Duty free is linked with customs here. You CANNOT prove this wrong.

Buy it in the US and wear it here. Send the boxes via mail. Oldest trick in the book!

kylehawkins2000 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003

Is it just me or are the deals in Duty-Free not really that great? It seems like alot of the stuff is the same price of more expensive than just buying it at a regular shop.

I know some stuff is cheaper....but is it really that big of a difference?

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Duty Free is the biggest scam. Its not that much cheaper if at all. I usually use it as a time filler. its for all the newbie and gullable travellers who think they are getting the deal of a lifetime. Just compare the prices.

bibimbap · Joined: 14 Dec 2003

you said were uncomfortable doing it in the first place.

there is your answer.

tell your boss no. my question is, why are you returning to work for this person? why do so many westerners let hagwons walk all over them?