Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dltmdgk0711]

Hello everyone!

I'm currently working at a hakwon in Seoul, and have been keenly interested in joining a Korean rock band. However, I've heard that my E-2 visa doesn't permit me to play in places like club FF and the like.

I have scrounged everywhere to see and find out what I need to do in order to get permission to "engage in activities beyond original visa status," but there doesn't seem to be any information on the immigration website.

I'm wondering if anyone here has been able to engage in activities beyond their original visa status, legally.

I wouldn't mind getting paid for performing. I know I could just go ahead and do it, but a co-worker at my hakwon warned me. He used to live in Busan, and go to a cafe where people did stand-up comedy. He said they had quite a great scene there. But it got busted. Why? Because it's a legal loophole... immi can find reason to kick you out for anything that is considered a "performance." Immigration rarely busts people for this kind of mere problem, but it happens. Why? Because of some old Korean man who works for immi and doesn't like seeing westerners having fun, playing in bars, and "luring" Korean women with their fancy guitars (actually, I am engaged to a wonderful female foreigner, thank you very much, and have absolutely no interest in Korean women whatsoever, and never shall)... but I digress.

Anyways, I want to go the legal route, since I heard what happened to the comedy performers in Busan. Again, to repeat my question:

I'm wondering if anyone here has been able to engage in activities beyond their original visa status, legally. If you wish, PM me since I know this topic is touchy.