Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Whitegirlinasia]

I got a really amazing job offer today, but the company doesn't offer a pension. Isn't it legally required for them to enroll me unless I'm from a handful of third world countries?

The internet says it is, but I thought maybe the information was outdated. I know that things have been changing with foreign employment here.

It was a red flag so I wanted to check.

[tob55]

If they are not taking out pension, then they may be hiring you as an independent contractor. There are a number of ways for business owners to work around their obligations, and just because you are on an E2 visa (if that is what you have) doesn't mean they are required to hire you under the same stipulations as most contracts. Red flag was a right call on this, but it may not be outside the realm of possibility here. Good luck on the job hunt.

[EZE]

The government agencies who regulate the pension system are cut out of the same cloth as the ones who regulated the Sewol. Set your expectations very, very low. Some hagwons actually do pay pension, but it's up to you to enforce it because nobody else will, especially the regulators whose job it is to enforce such matters. There's systemic corruption, and it's cheaper for a hagwon owner to bribe the regulators than it is for him or her to pay your pension. What is "legally required" is totally irrelevant. So like a kid on the Sewol, your outcome is tied to your own personal judgment and decision making. It's all about knowing when to jump ship or at least go to the railing in preparation to do so. At my first hagwon, a co-worker and I said we were jumping ship if we didn't get health insurance and pension. By Monday, we had health insurance and pension. At my second hagwon, which didn't provide health insurance and pension, I jumped ship. The foreign staff went from four to one in less than a week. I landed at my current hagwon where I do have health insurance and pension. I didn't have it on day one, but I have it. It's good to have a midnight runner under your belt and to be upfront about it because employers know they have to take you more seriously.