Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gmlkoreanna]

Had an interview with a (hanmi education, they advertised as hiring for the public school system), FYI, they are located at Dong Dae Mun Stadium. Upon my arrival, struck me odd that this recruiting agency, didn't have a sign or their on the directory or even on their door. Not to mention, they were located down this long dark hall (spooky) Well, I was here so proceeded ring the door bell, yes, it happened to be in a officetel, about 10 pyung (not a very big association, I was guessing When the young man answered to door, there were 4 people crammed into this small unit, counting me, that made 5. Two of the older people were busy counting money and checking stacks of bank books, while the other gal was confirming transactions on line. hmmmm strange i thought, theres not one English book or study guide in sight.

Well, while having my "professional" interview with a 19 year old male, he shows me a copy of some of a sample contract that every teacher must agree to and not "question" before being hired. and under the column of the "must do's" as it stated, aside from the don't beat on the kids and show up for class on time, blah, blah, blah, at the very bottom of the page in tiny letters, it stated: UPON HIRE, TEACHER, MUST OPEN NEW BANK ACCOUNT AND GIVE TO DIRECTOR TO INCLUDE ALL CASH CARDS. TEACHER WILL NOT HAVE POSSESSION OR CONTROL OVER THIS BANK ACCOUNT! When I asked my wise interviewer, why this was neccessary, he informed me, that the Public Schools, pay the agency under the table, so the money will be deposited into the account of the teacher and the agency will withdrawl whatever amount the teacher is contracted for pay the teacher and the agency keeps the rest. Yes, in your account, under your foreign alien number and all that other good information. I understand that the Public School systems use agencies to hire teachers but doesn't this sound very strange and very ILLEGAL?
I was surprised to hear this young lad, tell me, the Public Schools in Korea are doing this. So, I move on to question, who is responsible for the tax issues or if, God, forbid there was a crackdown or maybe a :bust While asking these questions, that could not be answered reasonably, mind you. I suddenly hear the voice of a very irritated girl, sitting just 8cm away from his desk, telling him in Korean, to say, tell this person you forgot, but this morning, one of the other recruiters hired another teacher for this position and they just sent you a text message and say goodbye already. Do you think that Public schools in Korea would or could? Gees, maybe, I'm living in the dark, but I thought, things like this could and do only happen at "some" of the hagwons out there??

[Whistleblower]

A typical Scam by schools to evade paying tax. Would you ever give someone your bank book, pin number and card in your home country? Don't get involved with this illegal activity and just inform the authorities.

[mj roach]

Encountered the same situation in recent on-going negotations with a

recruiter, 'a Mr. Kim', for a position at st. andrew in Ilsan.

*I have never had ANY direct contact with the hakwan or owner*

[icicle]

Your impression is correct ... This is definitely a scam ... and not something that you want to be anywhere near ... Public Schools DO NOT do this ... No honest employer would ...

Icicle

[ilovebdt]

Run far awayyyyyyyyyyy from this.

ilovebdt

[RachaelRoo]

[rhinocharge64]

Hmmm I don't think I would have walked through the door to even speak to these muppets. You will be liable for all taxes, the account is in your name so legally you will be responsible if the shlt hits the fan. These scams seem to be fairly common, and nobody seems to give a dam. I guess that's democracy for you.

[mrsquirrel]

Could you not go to the bank and claim to have lost your bank book and card. Get a new one and rob the recruiter?

[SuperHero]

report them to the tax office

[tob55]

Bis scam...You should have left the office and headed for the labor office to report these people ASAP...Do it, they are taking advantage of people including anyone who would be foolish to work for them.

[CentralCali]

[tob55]

This practice is completely illegal and should be stopped...If you work for a public school the MOE sends your school all of the monies which will have anything to do with your contract in the beginning of the contract year once the contract has been signed and approved by the local board...

If there is no money then someone is stealing money from your contract funds and they should be reported...Some have begun these "after school" programs which are not authorized and are illegal hagwons so they can put money into their own pockets without having to pay taxes, plain and simple...

I have had experience with these types of operations (trying to help people who got stuck in the middle), since my days in Pyeongtaek when I came to Korea four years ago...It was illegal then, and it is illegal now...

[The_Conservative]

[inkoreaforgood]

[wylies99]