Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PK]

I have just begun working at a Hagwon in Seoul. My employer has informed me that I will not be covered under the company's health insurance until I receive my Alien Registration Card. She also says that I can not set up a bank account until after I receive my Alien Registration Card. I arrived here on the 27th of Feb. and she is not going to pay me until the 10th of April. She explained to me that the employee gets payed for the previous month on the 10th of each following month and that she would pay me in cash if I did not have a bank account set up by next month. What do you guys think about this situation?

- PK

[Big Mac]

She is right that you can't get medical insurance until you get your alien card. Make sure she is getting you insurance from the National Health Insurance Corporation, as that is the one that is mandatory in Korea. If she tells you she is getting you private health insurance, be wary.

She is not right that you need your alien card to open a bank account. I have opened bank accounts at several banks in Korea with just my passport. You don't need your boss to go with you. Just go to the bank yourself, say "open account" and I'm sure they'll know what to do.

I think all of us have to wait one month before getting our first pay. It's been like that for every job I've had in Korea anyway. It sucks, but you just have to make sure you bring enough money with you to get you through that first month.