Korean Job Discussion Forums

[marsavalanche]

So things aren't working out at my new job. Based on various shady things I've noticed having just gotten here.

- They're taking out a 105,000 won "maintenance fee" for my building on top of utilities out of my paycheck... how is this legal if it's not in my contract?
- I still don't have internet in my apartment, and they have kept dragging their feet about sending me to immigration to apply for my ARC (I'm told I can't get cable/internet until I get my ARC because they're too scared to put it under their name)
- Job simply does not compare to my last gig and I already know 1 year here isn't going to work out.

Regarding pulling a runner....

- Does it matter whether or not I have my ARC card with me when I leave? Like I said my hagwon is dragging their feet on me getting mine and there's a possibility I won't even HAVE an ARC card when I leave Korea
- How do I cancel my visa when I leave Korea?
- In terms of finding a new job, what do I tell recruiters? Do I tell them I'm in Korea because I quit my job? Wouldn't that make me a less desirable candidate?

To those with experience, thank you for the feedback.

[ontheway]

[Swampfox10mm]

100,000 for a maintenance fee seems rather high to me.

We have a family apartment in a new building in a premium area of Seoul, and don't pay that much.

Another thing I don't understand, you haven't gotten an ARC from these people, so why not just go get another job? You have no E-2 visa from them yet, right? Are you working illegally?

[RMNC]

the consulate gives out the visa, the employer gets the ARC.

I would say the average maintenance fee is around 25-30k. Seems crazy high, but yeah, 99% of the time you have to pay maintenance fees yourself.

No it shouldn't matter. If you DID get one then you would hand it in to immigration, but besides that you should just go up to them with your passport and tell them you're leaving. That should be sufficient for them to cancel your current visa. There may be some legal complications, hopefully ttompatz will see this thread (he is the patron saint of Midnight Runners) and clarify.

Telling a recruiter is up to you. You could always just tell them you came over to find work. Personally, I would probably just lie and make something up. They probably won't even mention it.

[shifty]

OP, your post is not really informative enough, it has a vague feel.

If you want good advice, best is to come clean.

Why are they fast and loose with expediting the ARC? They know you can't get internet sans it and I can't believe they want an unhappy teacher on their hands. Unless they really want to unsettle you. Are they still in two minds about you? You give no hint on that.

From your side it's unreasonable to expect them to carry the internet.

The 105000 won over and above monthly utility charge is obviously outrageous.

You are in possession of all the big picture.

And I want you to know that I angle to your side.

But maybe you should stick it out. A coupla bucks here, a coupla bucks there you're losing out on. Don't get mad, get even! Get a private!!! Or privates!!

[nathanrutledge]

105,000 might not be high. It depends where he's at and what kind of building. Personally, I've never paid more than 30 (and even THAT was a ripoff), but my friend lives in a place that's a stones throw away from COEX and she pays something like 90-100 a month, so it's not entirely impossible.

Agree with the others though, more info is needed. I DO like the irony that the original "more info" was posted by someone named "shifty." Nice.

[marsavalanche]

[Swampfox10mm]

Walk right in to immigration and tell them exactly what is up. Especially about the illegal worker. Tell them you are leaving. Schools like this deserve to get busted and fined.

[lifeinkorea]

You have to get a medical check in Korea I think. It doesn't matter if you also got one in your home country.

After you feel you have enough money to leave the school with, go into their office first. Sit there and don't leave. Give them a choice, "Take me now to immigration so we can get my ARC or do it with another teacher."

You are dragging your heels because you aren't being firm with them. ACTION, not promises here. They need to show action.

After you get that straightened out, you can worry about the maintenance fee.

[West Coast Tatterdemalion]

I think you have to get real. It's not the Internet connection or the apartment fee. The fact is that you just don't like the school. It wasn't what you wanted and you can't see the point of staying for one year. In that case, just leave. Nothing will happen and the ARC doesn't matter. Just buy the air ticket and go. Really, quite simple.

[pkang0202]

1. ~100,000w maintence fee is the norm in OfficeTel rooms. Those of you who pay ~30-50,000 live in Villas.

2. Internet/Cable companies can not put the account in your name without your ARC. It takes a few weeks to get that ARC card.

3. Your reasons for running are stupid.

[northway]

[yfb]

[brento1138]

I pay 130,000 per month for my maintenance fee, but that includes internet, heating, electricity, and water. So I don't know if those things are included in your bill or not. But yeah, maybe the school was doing you a 'favor' by not showing you the bill, just billing you themselves. But really, they should be showing the bill to you.

Sorry to hear about your situation. Hope you get everything sorted out and can get a new job...

[SeoulNate]

I think you may be jumping the gun a little bit here.

On the maintenance fee. Yes, they can easily be that high. In the four different officetels I have lived in in korea the rates have been: Mokdong: 90,0000, Dongdaemun: 75,000, Ssangmun: 50,000 and Junggye: 78,000. Yes, that is only for building maintenance. And no, no one was ripping me off.

Also, YOU can get the documents together, go to immigration with one of the other teachers and get the ARC. You dont need them to hold your hand during the process, especially if you have been here before.