Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yim]

Hi!

I am currently teaching in Thailand. I'm very seriously considering coming to Korea for a few years to take advantage of the high salaries and the possibility of generating some substantial savings. To teach in Korea, I need to have my family with me.

I'm from the USA (Hawaii) and hold a US passport. My daughter is Thai/Caucasian, holds a US passport, and could easily acquire her Thai passport. Her Mom and I did a typical village wedding and never got officially married (very common in Thailand). She holds a Thai passport.

I have contacted the Korean Embassy here in Bangkok and they say a Thai can get up to 90 days on a tourist visa, but they do not issue them here in BKK. They must be acquired at the immigration counter at the airport in Korea. Unfortunately this means that her term of stay is at the discretion of the immigration guy. He could just arbitrarily decide to let her in for ten days or even tell her, "Sorry, go back to Thailand".

Does anyone have any insight on how we can all stay in Korea while I teach? What type of visa's might she be able to get? What are the length of stays? Are there any schools to work at that might be better with help in this department? Anyone have a similar situation? Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks, Yim

[chiaa]

Why not go register you marriage with the Thai government tomorrow? I believe there is no law that states you have to be married a certain amount of time before they will allow an E-2 holder's wife into the country.

BTW the will also cause problems when you and your wife back to the states (if ever). It's a bit tricky with the two year rule thing they have for immigrant visas.

[Ya-ta Boy]

I think chiaa is right. Register the marriage with any and all governments involved. Even do a second ceremony if need be. Then no worries.