Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bushell1212]

Hi all,

So, I have been in Korea now for two years, working at an elementary school after-school program in Bucheon for the same period. Myself and my co-teacher have been teaching since the program began and have consistently held 120 students whilst other schools with the company have floundered.

The lease is coming to an end and we discussed the idea of applying for it. We had the backing of all the mothers of the children, but the principal stopped us because we weren't a business and he was taking a tidy backhander from the after-school company.

The company is useless and never does anything for us, we recruit our own students, have to collect the money from the parents and orangise our own curriculum and books.

As a result we are considering starting our own Hagwon in a premises nearby the school. The majority of mothers have said they would follow us which is a good start.

I am interested in knowing more about the legality of it, how do you go about setting it up and what sort of visa would it require.

Anyone with any useful information would be appreciated. We have the know-how and the students, we just need to find out the way we go about it.

Many thanks in advance

[Big Mac]

I'm pretty sure you can't have it in your name. It would have to be in your Korean co-teacher's name.

If you're married to a Korean it might be easier.

I've talked to a few foreigners who have opened hogwans and they were all married to Koreans.

I guess if your Korean co-teacher opened it in her name with an understanding that you would be her business partner, she could hire you as an English teacher and get you an E-2 Visa.

I'd be incredibly careful about pouring your own money into this when nothing is in your name though. I would have a hard time trusting any Korean in a business relationship like this.

[bushell1212]

Thanks Big-Mac,

Yeah, I too am reluctant to say the least about pouring money in to something that isnt in my name, but I would be pretty comfortable with my co-teacher.

I agree that it would seem like a viable option to go with it in her name and work there "under her employment", definately good to hear the same opinion from someone else.

Thanks for the advice and opinions, as I say, all is welcome

[Hello]

Just to be on the safe side, I would suggest you get some legal document done stating what share you have in your business or how much belongs to you. I'm not saying your co-worker would steal from you, but you know, people usually get cheated by someone they used to trust.

[bushell1212]

thanks "hello"...this thread goes sooo quickly that you have to keep bumping it to be front page.

again, any help is appreciated!!!

[PRagic]

Here's an e-book put out by the Korean government that should cover some of the information you're seeking, or at least point you in the right direction.

http://ebook.sfc.seoul.kr/autoalbum/bbb.html

[agoodmouse]

[PRagic]

I found it after a two minute web search for 'Korea Foreigner Assistance Center'. The book was a link from a center located in Itaewon. If you can find it, you should have no problems with the file.

[bushell1212]

Thank you all for your help so far.

To keep you updated for those who have shown an interest and helped so far, we have located a premises and done all the paperwork for the location, but are now waiting for all the information back from Gyeongi education department on where we go from here.

Once again, thanks for everyones help so far, any other information still greatly appreciated.

[Young FRANKenstein]

Starting a School - How to Do It - the Costs
http://www.koreabridge.com/jobforums/viewtopic.php?t=1066