Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Canuck Teacher]

i just finished an e-2 visa and im still in korea. i'd like to come back to korea on a tourist visa. do i need to leave the coutnry to get a tourist visa or can i apply in country? if i need to leave, do i need to get an embassy stamp while in fukoka or can i get off the ferry, turn around and come back the same day to korea? thanks for any help.

[Catt]

As long as your visa hasn't run out you shouldn't have a problem. You can do a tourist extention of your visa online or in person at the immigration office. All you need is to write them a letter explaining why you want to stay and have a plane ticket out. They will extend it to the day of the ticket and not any further though. I did mine online at www.g4f.go.kr it was really easy and I had an answer in about an hour. There is a certificate you print out from there and when you leave you give that to the immigrations official on the way out. But you have to do it before your current visa runs out. If you don't you will have to leave the country to change it and they won't let you come back to teach for 7 years plus there will be a fine.

[Canuck Teacher]

ok that confused me. I just want to get a tourist visa to allow me to look for another job in country. I just ended my e2, and now have 14 days to "leave." so....my question is...can i get a tourist visa during that 14 days in country or do i need to leave?

[Catt]

I am wondering who told you that you have 14 days to leave. You are supposed to be on a plane the day your visa expires there is no grace period. You can change your work visa to a tourist visa while still in the country at the immigration office or online at that website. But if you stayed past the last day of your visa then you can be fined and not be allowed to teach here for 7 years.

[Canuck Teacher]

sorry, i didnt explain it clearly, and thanks for the response.

I ended my e-2 visa early and with the school's blessing. The immigration officer told me I have 14 days to leave from the date that the e-2 was cancelled. he called it a grace period.

So..back to my original..can I now get a tourist visa in country before the 14 day grace period is up? i guess i also need to ask if i can get another work visa after ending my previous work visa early. i do have a letter of release, if that makes any difference.

thanks for your help.

[Catt]

ok, well try applying on that site, it will give you a quick answer. If you can't do it that way then you will have to leave and come back. As for a new job, you shouldn't have any trouble since they gave you a letter of release.

[ttompatz]