Korean Job Discussion Forums

[goldenbear]

Hey everybody, I have a question that has been partially addressed before, but I'd like your opinion with respect to my particular circumstances.

I'm considering pulling a runner and I'm interested in the technical ramifications of doing so. I'm not interested in working in Korea again. My plan is to leave the majority of my things with a friend while I travel for several weeks. Will immigration prevent me from entering Korea on a tourist visa because I violated my E2 visa? Could my employer create any financial ramifications for me upon re-entry (fines, suing for damages)? What is the best way to ensure that re-entry on a tourist visa can occur? Should I:

-Cancel my E2 and hand over my ARC when I board a plane at Incheon?

-Head down to the immigration office a few days before I leave and request the 'exit order' that now seems to be available?

-Give my contractually-obligated notice and wait for the E2 to be canceled by my employer? (I have pretty strong reason to believe that I won't be paid any wages during that period.)

Has anyone actually done either of the first two options recently and re-entered on a tourist visa? Did immigration give you a hard time? Am I paranoid?

Thanks everybody!

[waynehead]

Your E2 will be cancelled when you leave Korea.

I think it's very unlikely you'll have trouble re-entering Korea on a tourist stamp - you might get an extra question or two, that's it.

[ttompatz]

Quit at your convenience (the day after payday if you are at a hakwon).

Hand in your ARC as you pass out of passport control in the airport.

Return at your convenience as a tourist (B1/B2 (depending on your nationality).

There are NO consequences if you don't plan on working in the near future.

.