Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OneWayTraffic]

Got busted today teaching a company class in Kangnam. They swept up about 7 of us. If anyone is doing this kind of class or works at the same company as someone else doing it I'd make real sure it's legal. Immigration is cracking down on us bad folks. If they get a coworker of yours they'll probably have a hard look at you too.

[PolyChronic Time Girl]

Crap...sorry to hear this for you. So how much trouble are you in? Did your school farm you out, because if they did, I'd confront them and make them pay for the fine.

[Canucksaram]

While I no longer teach (and am no longer in Korea), I'm sure that those who do would like a few more details. And I must admit, I'm curious (in a snooping old neighbour kind of way) about what happened.

How were you "busted"? What company/agency were you (and the other teachers) working for? How did you get out so soon so that you could post about what happened today on the board, tonight? What were you fined? Etc., etc.

[OneWayTraffic]

I can't tell too much else and as much as I would like to identify the agency it's not in my interest to do so. They're in as much crap as me or more. I haven't been fined yet (will find out in a few days.) I have a marriage visa so I've got some protection. I would have registered this job but I was leery of bringing immigrations attention on working for an agency not being the same as where I was teaching. I don't think I can be expelled over such a thing thanks to my visa so next time (if there is a next time) I will either make sure it's properly registered or go somewhere else.

Just a warning to you guys. These guys are bringing in a busload or two every day.

[Captain Corea]

thanks for posting this.

[Canucksaram]

Did they enter the company's premises and bust you while in the act of teaching? Were you stopped and ordered to open your bag, only for them to see an ESL textbook and conclude that, "Aha, he's an illegal teacher!"? Did an immigration agent ride up in an elevator with you? Did they wait in the lobby when you came down from working?

Is there anything you can tell people to do, or not do (other than "don't teach privates") so that they can keep a watch out, or avoid a similar fate?

Certainly details like those above can be expanded on, no?

[SweetBear]

I don't understand why you don't want to name the agency or at the very least give a clue/ Give some details. Many people feel forced into this kind of work, unknowingly or against their better judgment from strong armed hogwan directors. Why wouldn't you want to help your fellow teachers. Why would you rather be an alarmist? Spare the drama, give the details.

[calypso]

[Hope]

Is this one of the adult schools in the area doing out-sourcing?

[Teufelswacht]

[OneWayTraffic]

[Teufelswacht]

[Gollum]

You are the guy who posted that your wife wanted a divorce.

Did she turn you in?

[nrvs]

My coworker got busted in Kangnam today as well.

Apparently he was locked up all day and after much pleading from his legal job (my hogwan) he was released this evening with a fine. I'm not sure how much he's got to pay. He said that immigration dealt with everyone on a case-by-case basis. I guess his transgressions weren't so severe in comparison with many other teachers who were facing deportation/exit orders.

My boss was pissed this afternoon. He called a meeting and shouted at us in Korean (with a Korean teacher translating) for over twenty minutes. We'd better not be working "the second jobs," how could we betray his trust, we broke our contracts, now he's got a bad rep with immigration, and so on.

My coworker was working for the adult hogwan chain that also has an "outsourcing" business.

[turtlepi1]