Korean Job Discussion Forums

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Hello all, I am new to the discussions although I have been reading for a little while. I'm taking the plunge and coming to Seoul to look for work in August. Before I leave, I am going to receive a physical exam. I have read some teachers in South Korea were required to get physical exams prior to working. Has anyone ever had medical records of an examination satisfy an employer (or whatever party requires the exam) instead of getting an exam in South Korea? If so, are there any special tests required I should ask for? BTW, I did find a pdf file for EPIK on an eariler posting, and though I'm not in EPIK, I plan on showing it to the doc. Thanks!

RobinH · Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 7:59 am Post subject:

I have never been required to get any health check for a Korean job. I've had 4 different jobs in Korea off and on, dating back to 1989. Maybe other members know something more. I have not worked with kids, though, maybe it has something to do with that.

If you have a weak constitution, I would recommend gamma globulin shots. Tell your doc you're coming here and he/she will tell you what you might need. I got the gamma globulin the first time I came, but not since then. I have never gotten seriously sick here.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 8:46 am Post subject:

You don't say who you will be working for.

If a prospective employer 'requires' a medical exam, find another job.

Ks are morons who don't, and will never give a sh*t about you. You are quite simply a foreigner and not worthy of consideration afforded the lowliest Hangook. They will string you along (until the last minute), have you prepare to come to the 'Land of the Morning Calm' and leave you stranded because they don't like your blood type. Shocked

Do not give them any medical information. Even the most inocuous 'flaw' will be used againt you.

I'm serious... about 90% of these idiots believe in 'fan death'.

plattwaz · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Location: <Write something dumb here>

If you work for a hagwan you will not need a medical.

If you work at a public school, you will. It is necessary for all civil servants, and there is specifically a medical called "Civil Servants Medical Exam" that all of the hospitals will know about. It includes an x-ray and some urine/blood work, and it not expensive or time consuming.

I don't know from experience, but yet can't see, a public school accepting a medical from abroad -- mainly because it's "out of the box" and I can picture them all scratching their heads in confusion because a certain number is required for a certain blank on a certain form....they would likely just get frustrated and tell you to go and have it done here, please.

jmbran11 · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Location: U.S.

My company requires a comprehensive health physical at the start of work. I brought one from home (blood work included), but they wouldn't accept it. It had to be at the approved company hospital.

I would just do yours here; they probably won't accept whatever you bring if it's required. Or, just ask your prospective employer exactly what is required and acceptable.

Start weening yourself off all of those illegal substances now.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Thanks for help. BTW, Cruisemonkey, I don't know who I will be working for yet, I'm taking the plunge uncontracted.

xtchr · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

[quote="plattwaz"]If you work at a public school, you will. It is necessary for all civil servants, and there is specifically a medical called "Civil Servants Medical Exam" that all of the hospitals will know about. It includes an x-ray and some urine/blood work, and it not expensive or time consuming.

My experience was different; the hospital knew nothing about it, and when I eventually got it done it was both expensive (W60,000) and time consuming (3+ hours), not counting travel time.