Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kleenx]

Hello!

I'm sure this has been asked a few times on the forums but for whatever reason I can't seem to find much about my situation. I apologize if its been posted before and also for posting in the wrong section (I think?).

I was born in NY in 1985 and was raised here all my life (making me by default an American citizen). However, when I was born, my mom and dad (I think?) were still Korean citizens. They did get their citizenships not too long after I was born though.

Last October, I had all my paper work done, quit my job, and actually had a school to teach at lined up. All I needed was my work visa. I hit a wall. Apparently the Korean embassy wouldn't give it to me because I was supposedly a Korean citizen as well. Apparently my name was put into our family registry (hojuk) and that makes me a Korean citizen, but I found out I don't even have a Korean ID number (sort of like Korean social security number?). According to Korean law, I had to have given up my Korean citizenship before the age of 18, but neither my parents nor I was even aware that I was a Korean citizen until this happened.

So with this, if I go to Korea, I'd be "dragged off to the Korean army". I did some digging and found there have been cases of this in the past (someone going to teach in Korea and being dragged to the army because he was a Korean citizen without him even knowing).

So as you can conclude, I don't want to be dragged off. And from what I read, Korea doesn't even allow dual citizenships so when I finish serving I'd lose my Korean citizenship anyways.

I begrudgingly came back to my old job (pharmacist =/) and fed up. I really want to teach in Korea for various reasons besides my current job. Its be about a year, and I came back hoping for a few changes in the law...which there aren't any.

Is there a way around this? Or some kind of solution? What's the point of serving if I'm not even their citizen anyway? I am an American! Hah I mean, I've visited Korea a few times but never for more than a month or two for vacation.

Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for a long post and thanks for your time! ^^

[jvalmer]

[chrisinkorea2011]

a pharmacist is an awesome job (my ex was one) but she was stressed out a lot (or so she said!) haha

as for your questions the best answer and solution i believe is that you are fine and CANNOT be dragged off because you are an american citizen. Bring your birth certificate, SS card, and any documents along with you. Dual citizenship applies i believe if you willingly shoot for it and korea is pretty harsh about giving it out. As for being on the hojuk, have your parents call some relatives in korea (or if they are in korea) have them take care of it and get you OFF of it. if you were born on us soil then you are by default a US citizen. and non us born citizens (aliens, green cards, even naturalized citizens) CANT get a birth certificate, so id show them that lol

[kleenx]

First off, thanks for the quick replies!

Will that work you think? Bringing all my documents? Like I mentioned I did quite a bit of digging and no matter what...I usually come up with this:
http://www.dynamic-korea.com/consulate_service/other.php

Number 2 is my situation.

As far as I can tell, I can't seem to erase anything till I'm 35. Lol I don't really want to wait till 35.

And I think the law changed so they may allow dual citizenships under certain conditions, but I do know they are rather strict with it.

Ahh it is ridiculous what they are asking of people like me. I didn't (want to) go to the army in America, why would I want to go to it in Korea??

But thanks again guys

Ps. Pharmacy is ok....but it really is quite stressful =/

[austrian123]

[ttompatz]

[kleenx]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your advice.

To be honest I'm not going to go to Korea permanently to make teaching ESL my career. But I definitely want to do it! And honestly, I'm not sure I will have the option when I'm 35. At that point in my life, I'd imagine having to settle down with a family and whatnot. I'm not sure I could afford to do it then. Korea might be there but I probably can't be. Hah

And funny thing about being a pharmacist in NY is that it isn't exactly $$$$$. Even if I do work the next 10 years, the taxes and so called "benefits" will bring it to zilch (I unfortunately barely meet the requirements for the higher tax bracket.) Cost of living and whatnot means I may live somewhat comfortably but I will never be able to horde money as you suggest.

I understand teaching in Korea isn't the most glorious position in the world but pharmacy isn't as glorious as you think either. After 8 years of it, I can tell you it will end up giving me a heart attack. Try to imagine what a pharmacist does...pill counters? Yep that's all we've become due to computers and even that jobs taken by machines now. And I'd call that a bigger waste of time than trying to teach others.

I greatly appreciate your advices and will take them into consideration. But as of right now I'm still looking for a way around? XP

[austrian123]

[kleenx]

Haha not exactly the response I want but I understand...thanks xP

Lol I just find it quite ridiculous that my friend who actually was born and raised in Korea till like 15 can now go to Korea without any issues while I can't....

If anyone has any experience with this situation or knows of anyone please help.

Thanks!

[ttompatz]

[kleenx]

Hahaha now that's an idea!

But I'm too chicken to get a real tatoo.....will fake ones that look real work? Hah

[Mr. Peabody]

[hapkido1996]

Surely there's a way to formally and legally renounce your Korean "citizenship"? I thought dual citizens had to declare one or the other by the time they were 18 or 20 or something. I doubt you can be forced to be considered a Korean citizen against your will. Find a good international lawyer and have him/her look into it for you. It's probably just a matter of filing the right papers. Best of luck to you!

[kleenx]

[Landros]

just come and do your military service. it is your duty.

Go Katusa or even get an office job or work in the navy or airforce. Come do your service and serve your mother land. why try to fight it just to teach English?