Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ericschwartz11]

I have a question about entering Korea on a one-way ticket without a work visa or a job offer. I've seen on previous posts that you're supposed to have ticket out of Korea afterward, and that they only sometimes enforce that at the airlines. But I'm planning to come on a ferry from China (maybe Tianjin) next week, to later look for a job in Seoul. Has anyone ever done this? Do you know if they usually enforce the rule at the ferries?
And if the rule is enforced, I had read that you can get a refundable airline ticket on the internet and cancel it later. Any ideas about where on the internet? I thought they were usually non-refundable.

[Demophobe]

If they make trouble, buy a ferry ticket to Japan when you arrive. Perhaps you can cancel it...I don't know.

The airlines? Generally, a refunable ticket is...well...refundable. I did it...Air Canada in Vancouver said I couldn't get into Korea with a one way ticket, so I bought a return from AC, then refunded it right at Incheon Airport after customs. There was a small penalty...so small I can't recall how much.

That was a long time ago though...

You coming from China on a ferry really makes you look like a tourist. Perhaps this is your way....tell them you are on to Busan and bound for Japan next. Maybe they will just let you go. That is, if they even care in the first place.

[jaganath69]

I've arrived here several times on a one way ticket, no work visa. Never had a question asked of me, except when queried by the Cathay desk girl in Hong Kong.

[Ninjorp]

It's the airlines that are so anal about the "onward ticket rule", if you're travelling inter-Asia you probably won't have a problem. I've never been asked by immigration in any country.

If you ever do need an "onward ticket" here's a handy little trick. Go to a travel agent, reserve a flight to anywhere from your destination country. Get them to print an itinerary. When they bug you about an "onward ticket", show them the itinerary and tell them you have an E-Ticket waiting for you at the airport. They'll shrug and let you on.

I've tossed a few tickets away until this idea came to me.

The onward ticket rule drives me insane with rage, especially when it's requested on my way to Thailand, which is a country so easy to travel out of overland. Everyone who has lived there knows the monthly slog to Poi Pet for another stamp in the passport.

There are always ways around these stupid rules.

One time I was in Ghana on overstay. I went to immigration and noted how they were holding foreigners passports looking for bribes. I needed an extension to be stamped out of the country, so I simply went to the harbour and bribed harbour immigration $20 for a 48 hour landing visa. Worked like a charm.

The more you deal with corrupt bureaucracy the more of these little tricks you end up learning.