Korean Job Discussion Forums

kangnam mafioso · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: Teheranno

i know this has been covered before, but just want to make sure there is no new information on this subject.

i purchased a one-way ticket from chicago -seoul for the end of may. no visa or anything. i've heard most people receive no hassle entering from united states with a one-way ticket and are issued a tourist visa for 30 days on the spot.

anyone ever had trouble with this? my plan is to look around for summer work and then go to japan for the e2.

has anyone been refused entry on a one-way? if so, what the heck did you do?

also, does $660 USD sound reasonable for a one way usa-korea beginning of summer ticket? that was the cheapest i could locate.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

One stipulation of a tourist visa (and most others I think) is that you must have a ticket out of the country for before the visa expires. However, I've never been asked to show proof that I have a return ticket on reentry.

noelinkorea · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: Shinchon, Seoul

I have travelled to Korea a few times without a return ticket. Only Japan has been a problem, but they just notified me and got me to sign a form saying that Japan Airlines was not responsible for my lack of a ticket. Also, I recently returned from Thailand to Korea on a tourist visa and they just pulled me aside and told me that I need to have enough cash, a credit card and the general means to leave Korea again - I said 'yes, I do' and that was it - I was able to fly to Korea. They didn't check my funds, etc. In case they do ask, just remain calm - it seems to be just a formality and a scare tactic!

huffdaddy · Joined: 25 Nov 2005

No questions were asked when I came in on a one-way ticket a couple months ago. Unless you're shifty looking (or non-white) immigration should be a rubber stamp process. If you're overly worried about it, you could always book a refundable outbound ticket.

PS I'd like a large stuffed pesto from Giordano's.

kangnam mafioso · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: Teheranno

thanks for the response, guys. i'll just bring as many credit cards as possible and some bank receipts just in case. should i leave the tie-dyes and grateful dead shirts at home on this trip? and lay off the dewars and waters and valium on the narita-seoul leg of the flight?

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

The one time I came in here on a tourist VISA, they didn't even care and didn't even ask when I was leaving.

seoulsucker · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:52 pm Post subject:

You may have to sign a waiver at the check-in counter stating that you will purchase your return ticket before your tourist visa expires, but that's about as much trouble as you'll have to go through.