Korean Job Discussion Forums

blujeanguy · Joined: 30 Mar 2004

Hey. I am currently working at a public school. At the interview I was told that I would be making a total of 2.3 million and 400 000 deposit. The first time I looked at the contract was 30 mins before the interview with the school. The contract said 2.4 million. I brought this up with my recruiter at that moment and they said that that was up "for negotiation" and we would have to talk to upper level management. Anyway I signed the contract and began working 1 week later. 3 weeks has passed and still no clear response! They are telling me that the contract I signed was just to please Immigration to get an e2 and that it was an old contract. They told me that I should instead pay 700 000 for deposit. I told them that its not fair to lead me this way. I told them that I want the conditions of the contract! Again they said that they will push for it and give me a response on Monday. Plus I didn't realize untill later but the contract states nothing of my bonus.

I ca't beleive I'm getting this from a public school recruiter. The school is wonderful. Anyway what weight does the contract have in Korea? It's both in English and Korean. Any advice?

peppermint · Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 7:16 am Post subject:

The recruiter doesn't determine the pay- the school does. Ask them.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Contracts are problematical in Korea. They don't always (often?) mean what they say. I think most people will tell you that the contract is iron-fast when it works in favor of the boss. It is 'flexible' when it comes to the employee. Sad

It is VERY common for bosses to ask/tell you that the contract needs to be changed after it is signed. It's one of the insecurities of working in Korea.

I don't understand what the 'deposit' is for. The change in the deposit amount may be benign. Ask about why it changed. Don't be confrontational.

Teufelswacht · Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Location: Land Of The Not Quite Right

Konundrum · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Boston

Also, the "bonus" isn't optional and is required by Korean law if you complete at least one year...so that should be the least of your worries.

blujeanguy · Joined: 30 Mar 2004

My contract says this:

" For guarantee, Employee deposit guaranty money from montly salary (200,000 won per month, for two months, total 400,000won. If Employee works fully until the end of the term of employment, employer shall immediately pay back employee.

They are not asking for money. Well Im happy to hear about the bonus. I'll just keep on fighting for the money.[/quote]