Korean Job Discussion Forums

lat125 · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Location: Gyeongju

Hi all, hope I can get some insight on this.

My girlfriend just had her EPIK interview and was asked if she had any piercings and/or tattoos. I wasn't asked this in my interview yesterday, but since I have two large tattoos on my back it makes us wonder if they'll be a problem. They're both easily concealable (had to keep em covered in Japan too so it's not a big deal), but I'm a bit concerned about the medical exam required at entry. Given that we're on the hook for airfare/etc if we're deemed "unfit", could the doctor deny me entry because of my tattoos? Would (or could) a public school kill my contract if they find out I have them?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

I have a tattoo on my forearm that is regularly exposed at work. The students think it's the coolest thing ever, and my coworkers have only ever curiously asked if I have anymore, to which I responded honestly in the affirmative, with no perceivable negative reaction from them.

Don't worry about the tattoos, especially if they're covered. Total non-issue.

prideofidaho · Joined: 19 Mar 2008

Don't worry about it. Don't mention it.

My medicals have never required me to be naked enough for my back to be visible. The closest you'll get is a gown when you have a chest X-ray.

Joe666 · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Location: Jesus it's hot down here!

I am also affiliated with EPIK. I have some ink which is easily concealed. You will not even have to take your shirt off. Just wear a t-shirt when you go for your medical check up. The most invasive they will get is putting an 18 guage needle in your arm for a blood sample and a BP cuff on your guns for a reading. I would not worry about a thing unless you really have something to worry about, like something showing up in your urine.

If you are not familiar with needle guages, 18 is a harpoon. Absolutely no need for that size needle.

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

Um. I had to take my shirt off for my med check, and I'm a girl.... so....

But still. Don't worry about the tattoos. I'm telling you.

the oak llama · Joined: 05 Dec 2008

Mr./Ms. Forearm tattoo,

are you in EPIK?

mine is 5-10% visible in a T-shirt so I'm worried about keeping it concealed at orientation in the 90 degree humidity.

Did they see it when you were at orientation?

Should I do my best to keep it covered?

I was thinking that I will just cover at work at first until people get to know me better.

You were saying you don't have to get naked for the medical, great. But do you think if they DID see something there would be reprocussions (sp?)

lat125 · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Location: Gyeongju

Awesome thanks a lot everyone. Not looking forward to getting harpooned but it's better than paying for everything just to get kicked out.

We're hoping to be placed in Busan, so I'm honestly still a bit worried about a student and/or their family seeing us on the beach or something. At least for now I'm taking a "well they didn't ask so I'm not saying anything" approach and hoping for the best.

Thanks again for the info!

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

the oak llama · Joined: 05 Dec 2008

thanks.

Joe666 · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Location: Jesus it's hot down here!

I'm no Picasso wrote:
Um. I had to take my shirt off for my med check, and I'm a girl.... so....

But still. Don't worry about the tattoos. I'm telling you.

Shit, I thought you were a male! I would have bet the farm on it!

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

Tokki1 · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:43 pm Post subject:

I have a full sleeve and the other arm mostly covered.

Never been a problem.

Long sleeves at work, tank tops during my off time to frighten the locals.

cataclysmblack · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Location: Chicago/Daegu

Thanks for posting this. I have the same worry, especially since I found out the medical exam is held at orientation.

I told the interviewer that "concealing tattoos won't be a problem," which is true when I wear long sleeves.

However, I kind of have the feeling that the medical examiners are busy enough with their 700+ units of blood and urine, and probably don't care about too much else.

I'd hate to be shipped off for that, but at least my extended family lives in Korea. I guess I could visit them for awhile. :p

DrugstoreCowgirl · Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2009 8:06 pm Post subject:

What about facial piercings? I don't have one but my friend was thinking of getting her nose pierced before we go but is reconsidering because she doesn't know if that will be allowed at work (public school).

cataclysmblack · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Location: Chicago/Daegu

I would personally forgo the nosering, unless it will be healed and you can take it out in and out.

Tattoos can be covered up with long sleeves, but a visible facial piercing is probably not going to fly.