Korean Job Discussion Forums

[philogirl81]

Hello,
I am having difficulties retrieving my deposit from Eun-pyeong Wonderland. They are unwilling to transfer the funds into a bank that I suggested, and instead put my money into a Woori bank in Los Angeles. I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is not exactly next to LA.
This is the e-mail I recieved today:

Actually, we are sick of going to the bank and checking everyday.
We'd like to finish this work. we just heard from banker that
" the foreign bank needs an association with an American bank, therefore overseas wire transfers cannot go directly into the credit union "
it will be the last try to transfer ur money to America.
ur money is in L.A (maybe branch of Woori Bank.)
if it's not working again,we will get back ur money from L.A(Branch of woori bank) and transfer ur money into korean Bank (make sure ur korean bank is opened) but if we get back money from the bank from LA to Korea, ur fee will be doubled."

I just want them to deposit my money into a large bank that takes wire transfers. I do not understand what they are even talking about.
This is the reason why I am going to teach in Japan. I do not understand why a simple wire transfer is so complicated, and why they feel the need to berate a person who is just trying to get their deposit back.
Do not work for Eun-pyeong Wonderland!!!
If you need more reasons, I have a list.
Now, I will say "Om" and meditate with my prayer beads and think of peacefulness. And be thankful that, aside from a missing $600 I am done with wonderland.

[cdninkorea]

Wow, that sucks. What was the school like otherwise? I haven't exactly heard good things about the Wonderland chain- does the bad reputation hold water?

[philogirl81]

I always love an invitation to discuss my former working environment.

After I left, I began to realize that the management at the school is horrible, and cannot actually interact with foreigners, could barely interact with Koreans. The school could be okay, it was mainly one person in a position of authority, who had no business being in that position, and would abuse it.
She was a horrible, horrible manager, and I hope that she knows it by now.
She targeted me, and would verbally abuse me, in the office and in front of the students. She was insecure and made every possible attempt to gain power by diminishing the power of all the staff. I might write it down in a short story one day.
I have a lot of small complaints, no medical, horrible housing (the illegal migrant workers in my area in the states have way better housing) issues with the washing machine flooding, books and material not suited for students ability.
They did pay on time, no overtime, no training.

[KYC]

OP, I'm also from Michigan

Are you back home as of the moment? Ask them to transfer your money to HSBC. They have HSBC in Korea. Go to HSBC website and sign up for their online banking. Connect that account to your local bank (credit union works too). Once they transfer that money into HSBC, you can check it online to see if it's there, then do an online transfer from HSBC to your connected local bank.

I dont know if that made sense to you or if you're familiar with online banking. Another method is just to drive to Canada and use HSBC atm card to withdraw your funds. When you sign up for HSBC, they will send u an atm card in the mail..

Hope that helps.

[Whistleblower]

Wonderland is notorious for being a bad school amongst teachers. I love the billboards I see around Seoul proclaiming it to be a "Professional Hagwon". I wish parents were able to see through the smoke and see the truth that teachers are being burnt by Wonderland Hagwons.

It is quite possible that your school is not sending your cash at all. There should be no problem with getting you cash electronically sent to a bank of your choice. I always send transfers to the UK to any bank of my choosing. They are hoping that you will not bother and they will keep your cash. If you ever come to Korea, go to your old Hagwon and demand for your cash right away. You could speak to the headquarters mentioning of your displeasure of being treated like you had been, not receiving your money you are entitled to, no medical et al.

Good luck.

[philogirl81]

I asked Wonderland yesterday to transfer the funds again into my large bank account, and this is the e-mail I get:
You don't understand.
There is a process to transfer money.(to abroad)
1st - ur money went to America (and the bank(in LA). and then after checking, they realised u didn't inform a junction bank(i'm not sure u use this word or not) and as i told u, if u get money in Korea, you need to pay double fee for the bank.
(from Kore to America to Korea again.)
(ask to bankers how much fee will be, and about the process)
and wonderland told me, it's the first time to have this kind of situation.(try a lot to transfer money)
I love how the e-mail begins with "you don't understand" because, really, I don't. I know that there is a process to send money overseas, and that process entails using SWIFT.
I appreciate the advice on putting the money into HSBC, but they are unable to do a simple wire transfer.
I might stop by in November to get it and pay the "double fee for the bank".
Grrr.......

[wylies99]

Thanks for the warning.

[jeffkim1972]

Transferring money internationally is one of the easiest things to do in the world. The bank literally does it for you as long as you supply.

Bank Name
Bank Routing Number
Bank Account Number
SWIFT Code

Addresses and names of the beneficiary.

If you didn't supply this minimum amount information, then you are asking for trouble.

[moosehead]