Korean Job Discussion Forums

climber159 · Joined: 02 Sep 2007

Like most aspects of teaching in Korea, the black-and-white rules and regulations are not so black-and-white and often difficult to find.

Here is my situation and question. I am at a hagwon where I am aware of some illegal practices and suspect others. I have little confidence that the hagwon will be around for the duration of my contract; however, if it is , then I doubt I will be around for the duration of my contract. I want to get out of this stressful situation. I am currently applying for other jobs.

My questions: Has anyone successfully quit their hagwon? By that I mean that your boss actually contacted immigration and canceled your visa. Were you able to begin employment at another job? Was the process fairly smooth (for Korea)?

Thanks for your help/advice/experiences.

lov2travel · Joined: 21 Oct 2008 Location: South Korea

From everything I've heard...this is hearsay...It won't be a smooth experience at all if you plan to quit early. You can try and give them a 30-45 day notice and hope for the best or you can do the midnight run..but then you'll have to wait until your contract is finished before you can apply for a new job..because they have to release it.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

The rules have changed.

IF you want to quit

AND

a) You have a complete set of NEW documents for the new visa application it is easy but will require a visa run.

b) IF you want to quit and TRANSFER to a new job without a visa run then there are some complications (including but not limited to getting a LOR and a requirement that you have worked 9 months at your current employer).

If (A) then simply:
get paid.
Go to immigration. (take your ARC and passport).
Tell them that you quit and tell them why.
GET AN EXIT ORDER.
Find a new job.
Submit the documents for a new visa confirmation number.
Leave the country (before your exit order date).
Get a new visa (with the visa confirmation number).
Start your new job.

If (B), then you will need lots of luck or arm twisting to ensure that you get paid and get your LOR in a timely fashion.
Find a new job, transfer and start work.

.

maingman · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Location: left Korea

so that's what (I) needed
the first time round *exit order

Laughing

jadarite · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:01 am Post subject:

At first the hagwon might not like it, especially if they paid for your flight and are committed to 1 year for your apartment rent. Even with shady hagwons, they are putting up a lot to get you started.

So, if you have been there for 6 six months, consider waiting 3 more and you can then transfer your visa to another school. This will look good to the hagwon because they won't have to pay for your return flight or severance. If you tell them now of your plans, and they find a replacement earlier, then they are more likely to let you go earlier. You need a Letter of Release from them, so you SHOULD NOT do a midnight run. Only do that if you don't plan on coming back.

If you are less than 6 months and definitely have to go, here is something I tried. I told my hagwon before I did a pseudo-midnight run that I was worried about my visa status. I told them that I felt something was wrong and I shouldn't work until it got straightened out (make up something creative and confusing with a lot of 3 or 4 syllable words, they won't understand but think you are serious). They "related" to my concerns but still wanted me to work. So, when I left, it wasn't a surprise to them.

Then, I told them, "Ok, I'll come back, but I need to leave this school". They were in a position where they then saw me as a risk, but needed me until they found a replacement. A few weeks went by, they found a replacement, and I was out of there. They didn't pay me, but that's the cost of leaving early.

hagwonnewbie · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Asia

Getting your LOR and full pay is a pipe dream. If you really want to quit, do what I did.

Get all your documents in hand. That may mean stealing back your diploma from the bosses desk drawer when he's out of the office. Start checking prices on flights to Thailand and look for a new job. Get your next paycheck. The next day move into your new apartment and meet your new co-workers. Go to immi and cancel your visa. Re apply with your new school. Have your new school pay for 1 - 2 weeks of sun and sand on Koh Samui or any of a number of other tropical islands. Pick up your new visa at the Korean embassy in Thailand. Come back to kimchi hell and discover that your next job is almost as crappy as the last.