Korean Job Discussion Forums

[walter235]

I'm a 1+, have been for several years, I've been with the same school the whole time. But since the end of 2010, it seems like all EPIK is doing is screwing me more each month. In December, around W500k was taken out for some kind of tax. Same in FEB 2011 to the tune of over W600k, they said again, for some kind of tax. At the end of my contract in FEB, they paid me the bonus, but not the travel money. They said I'd get it in August.

Rent at my apartment skyrocketed to W600k/month, and after looking at other very crappy, expensive apartments, I decided to stay. Several factories are being constructed in the area, so rent is skyrocketing here. One place wanted W650k for a 6 pyeong cracker box apartment, I mean REAL gouging going on here! EPIK will only pay W400k/month so I agreed to have the extra W200k taken out. I figured it was my last year, I'd been here for a couple years and didn't really want to move.

Seems they're taking out W600k/month, but I don't see them putting the W400k rent EPIK is supposed to pay. On top of which, they deducted another W400k for some other BS they won't explain. On a salary of W2.9 million, I took home W1.8 million (APR). Every time I try to ask the bookkeeper at the school, he says (in Korean) to talk to EPIK. My co-teachers suddenly lose their ability to speak English. And whenever I try to get a hold of the worthless NET rep, I never get an answer back. Seems her job is mostly as a glorified receptionist, and not a very good one at that. (But I already knew that.)

With the exception of EPIK getting more a bit more chintzy and having slightly worse contracts each year. Things like the after school program is pretty much gutted, more legalistic contracts, etc... Those things being what they are (mostly budget cuts) I've never had any major problems with EPIK. That is, until the end of the last contract and the start of the new contract. I've also been told that very few teachers have lasted in the EPIK Program as long as I have.

But now, I'm completely fed up with no answers and nothing but run around. This is definitely my last year in EPIK and Korea. I'm starting the online DELTA later in the year, so I can move on from Korea with some better credentials. This is driving me F'ing crazy from anger and frustration!!!!!

[winterfall]

Rent is covered by the school, they shouldn't be taking it out of your paycheck. Period. Whether it goes up or down is their problem. I REPEAT, IT IS NOT TAKEN OUT OF YOUR PAYCHECK!!!!

Now if you want to stay at a certain place, which means your opting to find your own housing. Then you get the EPIK stipend. It has nothing to do with your school.

Sounds like your school is acting a landlord. You really need to get in touch with EPIK. Go to the home office if you have to. I REPEAT, THE SCHOOL CANNOT TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR PAYCHECK TO PAY FOR HOUSING!!!

The tax could be the increasing in health care (It includes your housing allowance now) but, still that seems a bit high for what your talking about

[walter235]

They gave me a choice, pay W400k themselves and me send the other W200k or do it at one time. I figured let them do it at one time. Like I said, I've never had trouble like this before. I think they're just keeping the W600 and not putting in the W400k. I don't understand about the Travel Pay, tho. Why would they hold that back for 6 months AFTER the contract is over?

I've gotten angry before, and have watch it. At the point I'm at now, I want to rip the bookkeeper's head off. I really can't wait to finish this contract and get the F out of EPIK! I've had enough of this BS!

[nathanrutledge]

You make 2.9 doing EPIK? Is that INCLUDING the housing allowance?

As the other guy said, rent is not your problem UNLESS you opted to find your own place. Is that the case? If you're in the apartment the SCHOOL rented for you, it could cost 100 won or a million won, it doesn't matter - they pay for it. ONLY if you opted for the stipend is it set at 400k.

The tax rules were changed over the last year and it's possible and probable that they are deducting money to pay taxes that they didn't deduct before. IF you're pay is 2.9, then it could be a large chunk they are taking out.

Finally, what flight money are you talking about? You should get your reimbursement for your flight within 30 days (i believe it's 30) of arriving. First time, or coming back from a trip - whenever they are paying for it, you should get it within 30 days. So what is this August stuff?

[walter235]

I've made W2.9 million per month for several years. I'm at the top of the pay scale. I have an MS Ed and more than 10 years experience, A 1+ makes W2.7 million/month, it also includes W200k/month "boonie pay" as well.

The EPIK contracts says if you renew your contract, you receive W2 million for travel money. It may have changed since, but it did say it in the 2010 contract. I received it at the end of the previous years contract. Now, tho for whatever reason, they're holding it until August.

If I ask the bean counter about it, he says to ask EPIK (in Korean) and my co-teachers suddenly lose their ability to speak more than basic English.

[winterfall]

[oldtactics]

Find out if it's back taxes from last year - lots of schools didn't make proper deductions in 2010 and now they're making up for it by taking them out in lump sums.

[winterfall]

If it doesn't work out, you might have to call the labor office. Or better yet, threaten EPIK that you'll call. Do you have all your pay stubs?

[southernman]

Just go through the EPIK website and e-mail them directley. I've done this twice in my last two contracts. I've gotten responses within 24 hours both times.

They've explained things very well both times. I can't say I got the answer that I wanted . But at least I got an answer that made sense and I could understand.

Forget about all of the middle people. On both cases I had questions that only EPIK could answer. You are in the same boat so just send them an e-mail

Good luck

[Ramen]

op, what you need to do is demand all the documents relating to your deductions. if you find any thing that's questionable from your deduction(s), you should have a meeting with the bookkeeper and your co-teacher, vp, and/or p. make sure you have a copy of your contract so that you can point out and back-up your position on the matter. good luck.

[Hotpants]