Korean Job Discussion Forums

[danwom]

Hello all, I just joined this forum with one dire question (well, several questions actually). The search function on this site is currently not responding and the sticky regarding "Legal issues regarding visas" has not had a post for nearly a year so I apologize if this thread is redundant or misplaced.

Here's my situation: I was born and raised in America to Korean parents who held their Korean citizenship at the time. Since then my parents have renounced their Korean citizenship and have obtained US citizenship. I was not recorded in either of my parent's hojuk (family census register) so the South Korean government does not know of my existence. I currently have US citizenship and I spent the entirety of my life in the States, save for 3 months in Korea.

My parents recently moved back to Korea and have obtained F-4 visas. I flew in after I graduated in May. At the immigration office, I applied for an F-4 as well but the representative told me that I was not eligible. In fact he told me that I was a Korean citizen by birth, even though I had never been registered.

In order to obtain an F-4 the rep told me that I would have to claim my Korean citizenship, return to the US, renounce my Korean citizenship, reenter Korea and apply for an F-4. Complicated.

He then advised me to just keep my dual citizenship which had become legalized by new legislation that went into effect this year. Of course this set off some alarms in my head as Korean males are required to fulfill two years of military service. I visited the military affairs office and they explained some sort of military exemption where they would postpone my service until I was 36- an age where military service is no longer required. Okay cool.

Finally, I've talked with some public school recruiters and they informed me of some bad news. If I accept my Korean citizenship, the schools would not be able to provide me with housing as their housing program is reserved for E-2, F-class visa holders only. This sucks.

Does Dave's ESL forum have any advice for me? Is this military exemption legit or are they setting me up for an epic trap? Is there a workaround for obtaining housing?

Thanks in advance.

[marsavalanche]

ive worked with a korean that got a job + housing. he wasnt a gyopo. some hagwons will take you in, but these are the shady ones that dont follow the law

[danwom]

It seems as though my status as a Korean citizen (if I decide to accept it) would tarnish my image as a fluent English speaker. I've lived my whole life in the States. I'm beginning to think that being an F-4 visa holder has benefits over a dual passport holder...

[enchoo]

If I am guessing correctly, you need to somehow be on your family register or Hojuk. F-4 does not pose disadvantages as far as fluency according to the hagwon/Korean university. Actually some hagwons appreciate the flexibility of the F-4 holders who can use the visa for up to 3 years instead of renewing the F-2 visa every year. If you are perfectly bilingual, you could qualify for some of the higher paying academies.

[jhb22]

[imGosu]

You can apply to have a F-4 visa.

According to my consulate. All you need to do is show them both parents family registry and show that they denounced their Korean citizenship for a US citizenship.

Also depending on when you were born, you are eligible for a E-2 Visa.

Here is the current rule on dual-citizens.

"According the Korean Nationality Law Revision on May 4, 2010, Foreign Born dual citizens who are not over the age of 22 from the date of May 4, 2010 will have to enter Korea with the Korean Passport after beeing registered on the Korean Family Census Register.
Upon their entry into Korea, they need to register as residents.
However, Korean visa will be issued to those who are over the age of 22 from the date of May 4, 2010, foreign born and not listed on the family register."

[NohopeSeriously]

Getting a South Korean citizenship is like signing a slave contract. Don't do it. Instead your F4 status will make your life in Korea slightly easier. If you speak a decent level of Korean, then it's an absolute plus.

I'm a gyopo who had quit my GEPIK position long time ago. I wouldn't personally recommend you a public school position.

[wishfullthinkng]

are you absolutely positive about the military exemption? i've never heard of such a thing unless you are korean working for a korean corporation that meets certain requirements.

[imGosu]

If you were 22 before April 4, 2010, you are technically NOT a dual citizen because you should have been auto-denounced if you are not on the registry. This means you will not have to serve in the military.

Although you still don't have to serve the military if you weren't 22 before that date. It just makes it a little harder to get to Korea for work since you must register in the family registry, residency, and get a korean passport. But they will exempt you from serving the military, I THINK.

[wishfullthinkng]

i think the op got a little confused. if he did take the advice of the person who told him to keep the dual citizenship instead of dropping the korean one once he got it to get an f4 visa i'm fairly sure he would have to serve in the military. the 36 age is not for exemption in the military, nor is it even the correct age. 35 is the age where a gyopo can get korean citizenship without having to serve any time.

i know of nothing that will keep you out of the military if you have a citizenship before 35 besides working under certain highly skilled industries at corporations or very very deep pockets and connections.

[nellehehe]

I'm on the same boat as you, but I'm a female. I have to get dual citizenship to work at Korea because my dad wasn't an American citizen when I was born. I wish I could just get a F-4.. =/

[minos]