Korean Job Discussion Forums

genesis87 · Joined: 21 Nov 2011

I have been offered a job but am now a bit worried about the health check. From what I have read if you don't pass you will not be issued the visa. My job starts in 2 weeks and I have smoked weed fairly recently(didn't know they did a drug test). I have also read that you just have to take the exam within 90 days in which case I will be fine. Can anyone confirm if this is true for all schools?

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

first let me say you are an idiot for smoking weed right before a job starts in korea given all the info out there about it (another story in todays Herald about people getting busted)

but since i'm in a nice mood, here is the good part, you have 90 days to get the drug test done you should be able to get it out of your system before hand. if they try and make you take it before say 30 days stall.

now dont do it again

YTMND · Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Location: You're the man now dog!!

That's not my weed. Twisted Evil

bbunce · Joined: 28 Sep 2011

Buddy, you're screwed. Tell them you've changed your mind about going to Korea for now. Wait about 3-4 months before applying again and don't do any kind of drugs. If you come here, they'll insist that you go to through the medical check asap. Without it, you can't get your korean card so that means you can't open a bank account or pretty much do anything.

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

ssavage4 · Joined: 04 Feb 2012

You should probably do some research into how long it will take the drug to leave your system, from the time you last smoked, and with how frequent of a smoker you are. Weed doesn't stay in your system for very long.
But Koreans take drugs VERY seriously. If you fail you will be deported. I've known people who were accused of smoking weed in Korea by others, and then had the police show up to their work, take them for a urine test, arrest and eventually deport them when they failed.
If after your research you don't feel confident you'd pass the test, rethink coming, or think of a damn good excuse for why you can't do the health check ASAP, because your school will likely want you to. It does have to be done within 90 days, and usually is done right away so that the ARC card and other paperwork can be completed.

oppa637 · Joined: 05 Dec 2011

If your job starts in 2 weeks. I imagine they will want it done asap. Tell them you can't go, wait for couple months and try again.

Every school if you want to work legally will do a drug test to get your visa