Korean Job Discussion Forums

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

Hi,

My visa expires on February 28th, but my last teaching day is the 26th. If I leave the country, hand in my ARC and go to Japan on the 27th and come back into Seoul on the 28th what will be happen to my visa status? Will I be a tourist? Plus, if I find another job will I have submit all of my documents to Korean immigration and do another visa run to Japan if I find another job?

The reason why I ask this is because I am having problems making interviews with potential employers in Seoul due to my work schedule. I have all my documents with me including a new criminal record check with VSS. However, I just want to make sure that I do not overstay my visa in Korea. I hear that an overstay can be a huge black mark against your name with immigration.

I want to get this done right away because flights to Japan are booked up and I am worried I won't be able to get a seat in time. Any suggestions?

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

If you can't get flight to Japan, you could always take the ferry to Japan.

I know it doesn't answer your main question but I just thought that I'd throw that out there in case it comes down to that.

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

broken76 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

You can ask immigration for an extension on your Visa. If you can show proof that you're leaving (a flight) then they'll give you an extension. I've heard anything from 2 weeks to a month.
If you leave before the last day or your Visa and want it terminated let immigration at the airport know before you board your flight.
For the Ferry I think Kangsan travel (http://www.kangsantravel.com/index.asp) books ferry tickets and KTX tickets to Busan if necessary.
If you can get signed onto a new school before leaving you can do a Visa transfer which is much easier and faster than getting a new E2 Visa.

scorpiocandy · Joined: 27 Feb 2008

From what I understand, you can ask Immigration for an extension on your stay here. Not sure how long it is for. It may give you some time to go on interviews and line up your next job

If you leave on the 27th and come back the following day, you'll be on a tourist visa, yes.

If you apply for a new visa BEFORE you leave the country you don't have to hand in a new Police Clearance Check. The other documents I'm not sure about.
However, if you leave the country and THEN apply for a new visa, you have to do everything from scratch. But since you have everything it shouldn't be a hassle for you then.

Kangsan Travel usually has the ferry/hotel deal. I haven't been in a while, but the last time I went it was 210 000 Won total to stay one night.