Korean Job Discussion Forums

GRich · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Location: your face

I've just been given a suggestion from my Hogwan owners to always travel with my Alien Registration Card. Due to their low English level, I am not sure on the complete details. But, from what I gather, Police came into my Academy and asked for a copy of my Alien Registration Card, so, now I have left a Xerox copy of the Card with them.

But, now they have told me to expect being stopped in the Street by Police in my neighborhood, and that the police most likely are going to want to see my Alien Registration Card.

I am not sure what this is all about. My boss told me there is a 'specifc' problem with Foreigners in Cheongju, be it the 'Illegal Private Lesson' teaching, or the past drug problems this city also saw before I got here.
Not to mention the whole ES thing.

At first, I am feeling this to be an act of discrimination and racism, but, at the same time, knowing I am not guilty of any of these things they suggest, I will deal with the police in a Respectful manner if the situation does arrise.

Does anyone have legal council while in Korea? I am thinking of Contacting a lawyer to get some info on all this shit. Also, where are the Foreign Embassies in all of this? Do Foreigners have any protection in Korea, or are we second rate citizens that can be detained and questioned for no other reason?

Looking for any opinions of experiences of dealing with authorities in Korea. I am getting pretty temped to cancel my contract short, and open a class action suit against the Korean Gov't or Immigration Board for initiating these discriminative practices. Well see what happens.

-THGP

[www.thgp.net]

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Thats normal.

In every country in the world, you should always have valid ID on you at all times.

John Henry · Joined: 24 Sep 2004

...and a hundred bucks?

GRich · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Location: your face

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

You are required to carry it on you under Korean law. This is rarely enforced. Relax.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

GRich · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Location: your face

peppermint · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 11:54 am Post subject:

Friends of mine have said they got randomly asked for IDs in Suwon and a former co worker got asked everytime he was in Itaewon at night, because the police thought he was a GI dodging curfew. Me personally, nope

Zyzyfer · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:39 pm Post subject:

Well, you've got to have your passport on you at all times in China, and they do ask you for it from time to time. Carrying around a little ID doesn't bother me in the slightest, and I've never been asked for it outside of like, banks or something.

tardisrider · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: Seoul

Dear Mr. or Ms. GRich,

Here's my advice: Buy a plane ticket and turn in your notice today. Work out the notice until your boss gets another teacher. Pack your bags. Go to the airport. Get on the plane. Go far, far away.

Best wishes,

Tardisrider

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

It should not be a suggestion. It is the law. EVERYONE, Koreans and foreigners, must carry his or her ID card. All visitors must carry a passport.

Manner of Speaking · Joined: 09 Jan 2003

I just got my E-2 visa and ARC, and Immigration stapled a little note inside my passport with a list of instructions, number 1 being carry your ARC on you at all times. I think it was always the law, but they seem to be tightening up on enforcing it.

What's the biggie? Slip it into your wallet and forget about it.

chiaa · Joined: 23 Aug 2003

In my 4 and 1/2 years in Korea I have only been asked for my card once. I was walking through Itaewon on a week night and it was past curfew. The Korean coppers and the MPs in tow wanted to know a little bit more about me.

Out of curiosity I asked them why they stopped me. They said my backpack made me look like a solider, not my short hair Shocked

Also, believe it or not, in many of your hometowns it is technically illegal to walk around with out any ID. In NYC they can use that as a reason to hold you.

keithinkorea · Joined: 17 Mar 2004

Never ever been asked for my ID unless it's being cashing one of them 100, 000 won thingies which is fair enough really. It is law that all Koreans have to carry their ID too so it is in no way discrimination.

Took me a while to get used to carrying ID as I never used to ever carry any ID of any kind when I was back in the UK. Never had to use it here though.

inkoreaforgood · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon

8 years here, never been asked by cops anywhere for id. Think they're way too scared to try and speak English to me!!!