Korean Job Discussion Forums

choreanz · Joined: 03 Sep 2010

I talked with the Korean Consulate of Atlanta, and they told me that if I were to apply for the F-4 visa then I would have to ultimately serve in the military. My name is not on the family census registry, and I was born a US citizen. My mom has US citizenship, but she never revoked or renounced her Korean citizenship. My dad was a Taiwanese citizen.

I checked the US Department of State website, and it seems like I don't have to serve in the Korean military.

However, the people from the Consulate kept claiming that some new laws that came out around May 2010 make it so that as soon as I go to Korea, I will have to serve three years. It doesn't matter what visa I have (not even the E-2).

Are these guys trying to scam me or something?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

If your mom didn't renounce her citizenship then you hold derived Korean citizenship (even though it was never applied for).

Since you are Korean and failed to renounce before your 18th birthday you are now elegible for the "draft" if you return to Korea AND they discover that you are Korean.

If you apply for the E2 there is little likelyhood of being discovered since you are not on the family registry and you are on a us passport and probably have your father's family name.

If you apply for an F-visa at a later time you will be discovered and MAY be required to serve (2-3 years depending on what branch of service you elect to serve in).

Your other option is to wait until you are 36 years old (too old for the draft).

.

Oliver · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Location: Seoul, Korea

Bummer.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Slowmotion · Joined: 15 Aug 2009

Mixed Koreans usually don't have to serve in the military due to discrimination.

choreanz · Joined: 03 Sep 2010

Here's the link: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html

My mom has dual citizenship, so doesn't that mean I qualify for the considerations listed under what the website says?

JC VT · Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Location: Seoul

I had to provide proof that my parents renounced their citizenship. I would call the Washington DC consulate; they seem to have their act together. The Atlanta office was unhelpful when I was applying for my F-4.

From what you told me, it seems likely that you are marked for Korean military service.

They are not scamming you. They have no incentive to scam you.

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Just plan on being in the korean military should you come here.,,,if not, then you lucked out. The odds are against you....chances are very good that you'll get caught.
Many guys in your situation have been caught up and jammed up in serving.
Seems only fair....want to come here and make korean money...but don't want to serve the country?
Talk is going around the U.S. congress about bring back the draft also.

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing

Choreanz,

You could also go and explore your roots in Taiwan. I have heard that Taiwan is a very good alternative to South Korea for English teachers.

Konglishman · Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing

winterfall · Joined: 21 May 2009

You don't automatically lose citizenship when you get a new one. You have to formally renounce it at an embassy with the ambassador. So you in effect got citizenship from your mother. And/or, someone from your family registered you on the hojuk. It's slightly different for Gyopos whose both parents were Korean. In that case, the only thing they care about is if the father renounced it.

And I think there's a loop hole in the F-4 visa series. If there's a major conflict, F-4s can be drafted. I know definitely green card holders in the states can be drafted

akfusion · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

choreanz:

I, too, went through the Atlanta Korean Consulate and I was issued my F4 visa back in June. I don't have to serve in the military, but this is probably because I am half Korean/half Caucasian. Better luck to you man!

huck · Joined: 19 Jan 2003

My friend says that the new regulation is this -

If you're male, and you were born before your parents were citizens of the US (if they had a green card and were waiting to become citizens, which is....10 years or so?), then you now how so serve in the military.

Current F4's who want to renew their visas will get a 6 month grace period to complete their current jobs/contracts. Your new visa will only be good for six months, and then you either have to leave the country, or you renew your visa and serve your military service.j

Maybe a better option is to just be a Korean-American on an E-2 visa.