Korean Job Discussion Forums

[raoul_v]

Hello, I wonder if anyone here knows what's the deal with seeking work whilst on a tourist visa in Korea? Specifically, is it doable and is it legal?

I'm currently in my home country, and I have all the necessary E2 visa documents ready. I have worked in Korea before on an E2 and I completed CELTA recently. Could I enter Korea on a visa waiver, find a job in person, and then go on an employer-sponsored visa run to Japan? I know this is an expensive way of going about things, but fortunately I don't need to pay for the airfare since I have the offer of a free flight to Korea using my uncle's international airmiles.

If anyone knows about this or has experience of this process, please let me know. If it helps me find a decent job in Korea, I would seriously consider this option.

[SeoulNate]

It is legal as long as you are not working before you go on your visa run to Japan or where ever. However, I wouldn't exactly tell the immigration staff at the airport that you will be actively seeking employment on a tourist visa as that would most likely be a grey area.

The only hurdle you might have to jump through is to provide proof of onward travel at the airport. I believe you can purchase a refundable ferry ticket to Japan that will do the trick.

[raoul_v]

May I ask what documents are required for the visa run to Japan?

I'm not sure what to do now, it seems to be a really tough jobseeking market these days. I've been searching for weeks on end, and I've just been offered a hagwon job which is although not bad is far from ideal (the location and job conditions are not what I was hoping for). I'm thinking perhaps it's a more sensible move to accept this job, stick it out for a few months, then see if I can transfer to something more desirable while in Korea. That will at least give me the security of being in a job in the meantime. I really want to go back to Korea; my best friend lives there, and I want to continue to pursue my interest in Korean language and culture.

It's weird, three years ago, just after I graduated with no teaching experience, I got several offers very quickly in Korea, and was able to pick and choose. Now here I am, with two years' teaching experience under my belt and CELTA, and I've found it a real struggle finding a good job in the last 2 or 3 months. Do you think bringing the job hunt to Korea will signficantly boost my chances, or should I play it safe and accept this hagwon job for now?

[TheUrbanMyth]

[Fraser]

Get a D-10 and avoid the trip to Japan all together.

[Zyzyfer]