Korean Job Discussion Forums

bourquetheman · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: Suwon

Well I went to immigration today and prepared to tell my sob story about how the "official transcripts" hadn't arrived yet. The guy at immigration to his credit was super friendly and his English was great. This was the Suwon immigration by the way.
I showed the paperwork that the director of the camp had given me (he said he called immigration to confirm what documents were needed) and the guy said that there were 2 documents missing. After finally getting the director on the phone and him faxing the 2 missing documents the immigration guy said he thought it STILL wasn't possible referring to some "new rules" about English camps. He took me to the back to his supervisor, explained the whole situation and then had to leave. The supervisor got on the phone to someone who was obviously his superior and afterwards in broken English said that it would not be possible to do this camp. I asked why as I had done several others before without a problem, but he said that even though this was taking place at a training center close to resort, it was because the High School wasn't considered a permanent place that trained there, they were only using the center for this camp. Talk about a bunch of B.S. and all in all 3 hours there because I waited during their lunchtime too!
I went out and thanked the first guy who said he was really sorry that it wasn't possible and I was in the car starting to head out when he ran out to me and asked for my director's phone number so he could call and explain the situation.
The director called me after and said that even though he is Korean HE can't understand why they are being like this. He said he'd have a serious talk with the prinicipal and I said sorry that it's not working out. I asked about the other 2 or 3 teachers and what they're doing and he said they didn't report it at immigration. Well NOW I don't know what the hell to do as though immigration didn't keep anything of mine, who knows if they might go down and raid that camp? I'd be really screwed then. The camp is 750 000 won for 4 days but if it gets raided, I will have to pay a fine I think of 1.5 million minimum. Still the director says he doesn't know what he can do as they have NO other teacher at this late stage. Man I don't know whether to take the chance or not..................

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

I wouldnt' do it if I were you.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I wouldn't either, not after they have all the info.

Besides, Koreans collectively need to learn how they're screwing themselves over so needlessly. Some of the people running the camps must have connections higher up, so maybe some of this BS will get dealt with.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

I wouldn't do it...don't risk it..

If your boss has big problems tell him to go down to immigration with you and sort it out....

PolyChronic Time Girl · Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Location: Korea Exited

Yeah, in agreement with others, don't do it! Immigration has a tempest temper....one minute they are friendly, the next minute they deport you. You have much more to lose than a million won, and your boss will only get a slap on the wrist. Besides, don't you want to enjoy your free time....screw summer camps.

livinginkorea · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Location: Korea, South of the border

I agree with the others. I must admit though that Suwon immigration is a lot more friendly that the one in Seoul.

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

I'm with all the others. Don't do it.

Each time this sort of weirdness happens where Immigration rules screw up what should be a simple thing, the pressure from Korean hakwon bosses etc will mount. Eventually, the system will be worked out.

astroboyfan · Joined: 19 Apr 2005

Do it.. its good money

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Yup.. definately don't do it.

They'll be checking out this camp, no doubt.

So your transcripts weren't there? You don't currently have an E-2?

I'm confused about that part.

Best thing to do is apologize all over and say that you just can't do this camp because immigration rules are too strict, and you can't chance it.

I personally hope a lot of teachers go this route, piss off enough bosses, and someone at immigration gets a talking to by someone higher-up.

I am told there are a lot of stories about "too much gov't paperwork" these days. Let this one add to the fire.

Naruto · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Location: Irvine, CA

There's plenty of camps, catch the next one this wasn't meant to happen.

inkoreaforgood · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon

StephPoet · Joined: 14 Jul 2005

I wouldn't take that risk...not for 750,000 won. If it was more and I hated Korea, maybe. But I think going ahead after a big deal was made over your camp is a surefire recipe for a raid.

dbee · Joined: 29 Dec 2004 Location: korea

I got my C4 visa in malaysia a couple of days ago, I didn't have my original degree with me at the time. I felt that the chances of them actually processing it without that were miniscule. All that I had was a photocopy of my degree, which by the way was in Latin.

Basically it could have been a recipe for kimchi for all they knew. But to my eternal surprise they just asked me for a handwritten translation and that was it. I'm working now at a summer camp for a respected university, so maybe that was what convinced them. I also have an old E2 visa in my passport.

Still though I was really surprised that they were willing to bend the rules this time on my account as immigration aren't widely known for their flexibility...

denverdeath · Joined: 21 May 2005 Location: Boo-sahn

I wouldn't do it and I wouldn't apologise - it's not your fault. From what I read of your comments on another post, you have been doing everything the way you're supposed to - it's more their loss than yours. Sorry to hear that you weren't able to get approval, especially if you were in need of the money.

inkoreaforgood · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon