More on Teaching English in South Korea (please scroll below–sometimes page doesn’t fully render)
More information re: “Teaching English in Korea” by the U.S. Department of State here:
“OVERVIEW
Many Americans have enjoyed their teaching experiences in Korea; others have encountered problems. The key to happy and fruitful employment as a language instructor in Korea is to be employed by a reputable school and to negotiate a well-written contract before leaving the U.S. We advise anyone considering accepting an English teaching job in Korea to carefully review the terms of the contract regarding working and living conditions. It would also be useful to ask for references from persons familiar with the institution, especially American former employees.
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TYPES OF ESL POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN KOREA
Most English teachers work in language institutes (”hakwon” in Korean). There are, however, positions available in several types of institutions:
- private foreign language institutes (hakwons)
- corporate in-house language programs
- university language institutes- university academic departments
- government/private research centers
- editing/public relations, advertising companies
- private teaching/informal classes
HAKWONS: Private language institutes are found all over Korea. Some institutes are well-known with many branches while others are small and short-lived. The ESL market in Korea is extremely competitive and many institutes fail. Most hakwons employ a number of instructors for conversation and occasionally for writing classes. The typical employee can expect to work 20 to 30 hours per week. The majority of classes are conducted early in the morning and in the evening, so many instructors have free time in the afternoons. Most classes have between 10 and 25 students. Pupils may be grade school or college students, or businessmen who are contemplating overseas assignments. Some of the better institutes will provide housing for instructors. The average salary is currently about 1.5 million won per month (US $ 1,850).
PRIVATE BUSINESS PROGRAMS: Most large corporate groups (”chaebol” in Korean) have their own in-house programs. The typical instructor can expect to teach more than 30 hours per week, teaching all day from early in the morning to late at night. Most are intensive residential programs where the students study for three to six months. Some employers provide full benefits including housing, but the instructor may be required to either live on campus or commute long distances from Seoul. The average salary for these institutes is currently between 1.5 to 2 million won per month (US $ 1,850 to US $ 2,500).
UNIVERSITY USCISTITUTES: Major universities in Seoul, as well as some provincial universities, operate foreign language institutes. Some pupils are university students, but the majority of students are businesspeople. These institutes tend to have the highest hiring standards in Korea; most instructors have MA degrees in TESOL, and years of teaching experience. The pay, status and benefits offered by these institutes are among the best in Korea. As a result there is very low turnover.
UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS: Most universities in Korea employ full-time English conversation instructors. University classes tend to be large, with little personal contact with the students. Most instructors teach between ten and 15 hours a week. Academic standards in Korean universities tend to be somewhat lax. Leftist, nationalistic and sometimes anti-American attitudes may prevail among some students. Most universities in Seoul do not provide housing, and some do not provide the benefits required by law. Monthly salaries currently tend to run about 1 million won (US $ 1,300) per month, with three to four months of paid vacation per year.
Provincial universities generally provide better housing, working conditions and salaries, and tend to treat foreign instructors as part of the faculty. The better working conditions, however, should be balanced against the cultural isolation a foreigner may encounter living in the Korean countryside.
GOVERNMENT/RESEARCH USCISTITUTES: Many government agencies and some private companies operate research institutes. Most of these institutes hire foreigners who have degrees in the humanities, economics or business administration as full-time editors. Editors proofread correspondence and research publications, write speeches, and occasionally teach. Most institutes pay quite well, and some provide housing. Because these institutes tend to be government-run or closely affiliated with powerful corporate groups, their instructors seldom experience problems in obtaining work visas.
EDITING/PR/MEDIA: Quite a few public relations and advertising companies in Korea hire foreigners to work as copy editors, and occasionally as teachers. These positions are very hard to obtain as they are quite popular with the resident English-teaching community. There are also opportunities to appear on television programs, movies and radio. Most of these positions pay quite well and some provide housing assistance.
KORETTA/EPIK KOREAN GOVERNMENT PROGRAM: This fairly new, Korea-wide, government-sponsored program places native speakers in every school district in Korea and presents a unique opportunity for the adventurous to live far from tourist routes and population centers. While recruiting and training appear to be performed quite professionally, teachers’ living and working experiences vary considerably. Some are welcomed with open arms and treated extremely well. Others, arriving in areas where the program has been forced upon reluctant, underfunded schools, are not wanted and this is made clear to them from the beginning. Housing, benefits, reliability of pay, and access to ombudsmen is steadily improving, but still has a long way to go.
PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT: Many full-time English teachers teach part-time as well, either at another institute or with privately-arranged classes. Extra-contractual private instruction is illegal; however many English teachers do take private students. Part-time instruction at a second institute is legal only with permission from the sponsoring institute and Korean immigration authorities. Private students pay more per hour, but some instructors have found it hard to maintain long-term private classes. One should arrange for private lesson fees to be paid prior to each class. The Embassy reminds teachers that they are personally responsible for any violations of Korean teaching and immigration law they might commit.
VISA MATTERS
EMPLOYMENT VISAS: In order to work legally in Korea, one must first obtain the appropriate employment visa. The Korean government tightly controls visa issuance for employment, and sometimes teachers have been unable to obtain visas. A person who wishes to work in Korea must obtain the visa outside Korea. One can, however, come to Korea on a tourist visa, obtain sponsorship documents, and apply for the visa in a nearby country. Depending on the job and other factors, it can take between one week and two months to obtain the appropriate visa. A teacher arriving in Korea with a teaching visa must register with Korean Immigration and obtain a residence certificate and re-entry permit within 90 days of entry.
(NOTE: Employers, on behalf of Korean government agencies processing your case, may briefly need your passport for visa or permit purposes. Despite what some employers may tell you, you are not required to hand over your passport to your employer for the duration of your stay. It is your passport; keep it yourself.)
Korean Immigration offices require the same documentation that was used to obtain the visa, so one should make plenty of copies. The Embassy has a complete listing of the various visa categories and fees, as well as contact information for Korean Immigration offices and for Korean consulates in the United States. Visa categories and fees may change from time to time, so they should always be confirmed with Immigration or a consulate.
Most English instructors are granted either an E-2 visa (conversation instructor), an E-1 visa (professor at educational institution higher than a junior college), or an E-5 visa (professional employment with a public relations firm or corporation). Dependents of diplomats stationed in Seoul can work as English teachers by obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This can be handled through the Embassy personnel office. An individual who is married to a Korean citizen can also acquire permanent residency and the right to work under the F-2 category.
REQUIRED FORMS: In order to obtain both the visa and the residence permit (which must be obtained within 90 days of entry) the following documents must be submitted to either a Korean consulate or the Korean Immigration office:
1. sponsorship guarantee form (notarized) (shin won pojunso)
2. contract, not less than one year and not more than two years (ko young kyeyakso)
3. certificate of employment (chaejik junmyungso)These documents are supplied by the employer and should be arranged one month in advance to allow for mistakes and other mishaps.
In addition, the authorities will probably require the following:
4. statement of purpose
5. resume
6. driver’s license-size photos
7. original of college diploma plus copies
8. transcripts
The Ministry of Education, which also must approve the visa and the residence permit, requires English teachers to register at the U.S. Embassy and to submit Embassy-notarized copies of their resumes with their applications for residence permits. Registration at the Embassy can be accomplished quickly. Notarial services cost $10 per document, payable in either dollars or won. The Embassy cannot accept personal checks.
CHANGING EMPLOYERS: Korean Immigration must approve changes in employment. This is accomplished through leaving Korea and entering under a new visa with a new sponsor. Changing one’s employer while in Korea is quite difficult and requires written consent of the original sponsor. Even with such consent, many teachers have found it nearly impossible to effect such a change while in Korea, and some have even been arrested and deported for overstaying their original visas while still involved in trying to change employers within the country. Questions on this procedure should be directed to the nearest Immigration office or Korean consulate.
LEGAL WARNING! Some Americans have run into serious legal problems with Korean Immigration because they either work as English teachers while in Korea on tourist visas or they accept part-time employment or private classes without obtaining the proper permission. Violation of Korean immigration laws can result in severe penalties including imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 won ($120) for each day of overstay, or deportation with a ban on re-entry for up to two years. It is your responsibility to understand local laws and to obey them.
If you violate Korean visa laws, the Embassy cannot assist you other than to provide you with a list of attorneys.
CONTRACTS
NATURE OF CONTRACTS IN KOREA: Foreign instructors in Korea occasionally have contract disputes with their employers. In the Korean context, a contract is simply a rough working agreement, subject to change depending upon the circumstances. Most Koreans do not view deviations from a contract as a breach of contract, and few Koreans would consider taking an employer to court over a contract dispute.
Instead, Koreans tend to view contracts as always being flexible and subject to further negotiation. Culturally, the written contract is not the real contract; the unwritten, oral agreement that one has with one’s employer is the real contract. However, many employers will view a contract violation by a foreign worker as serious, and will renege on verbal promises if they feel they can. Any contract should be signed with these factors in mind.
BASIC FEATURES OF MOST TEACHING CONTRACTS: Contracts for teaching positions should include provisions for the following: salary, housing, tickets home, working hours, class size, severance pay, taxes, and medical insurance. If these items are not included, one should negotiate until they are. Information on these topics is given below. When in doubt, ask; get it in writing, and remember that only the Korean-language version of the contract is legally binding in Korea.
SALARY: Most contracts provide for either a set monthly salary, or for a salary based on the number of hours taught. In any event, a guaranteed monthly remuneration should be included in the contract. Payment dates, methods, and currency should be specified in advance.
HOUSING: Few contracts provide for housing in Seoul. This can be a serious problem as housing in Seoul is among the most expensive in the world. Housing options include key money (yearly deposit), monthly rent, shared housing, dormitories, lodging houses, and inns. If your institute does not provide housing, it should at least be able to help you in finding housing, and in negotiating the appropriate rent and utility payments. Teachers who have been promised housing might want to request photos, floorplans or furniture inventories in advance. Koreans have very different ideas of what ‘western’ and ‘furnished’ housing mean. ‘Furnished’ might only mean a linoleum floor and a 2-burner stove. ‘Western’ usually just means an apartment with an indoor bath. Koreans measure housing space in ‘pyong’. One pyong is approximately 36 square feet. Pyong measurements usually include the front porch, utility room, etc. Monthly rents can run from U.S. $1500 to U.S. $4000 for a modest apartment.
KEY MONEY SYSTEM (CHUNSEE): Key money (chunsee) is a year’s rent paid in advance; with no monthly rent payment. At the end of the contract period, the renter receives the chunsee back without interest. Chunsee can be risky because property ownership may change in the middle of the contract period, or the owner may simply decide that the foreigner is in no position to fight for the chunsee. One can reduce this risk by having the employer agree to pay the chunsee. Chunsee payments run from a minimum of 20 million won (US $ 24,000) for a studio in a less desirable part of town to 500 million won (US $ 650,000) for a small apartment in one of the richer neighborhoods.
Wolsee is a variation of chunsee. The renter pays a certain amount per month plus an initial deposit which he receives back when he moves out. The same caveats apply as with chunsee.
DORMITORIES, LODGING HOUSES (HASUK) AND INNS (YOKWANS): Yonsei, Ewha, Seoul, Hanyang, Konkuk, and Hankook Universities all have dormitory accommodations available. In addition, the Korea Research Foundation runs an International House for foreign students. Sometimes these dormitories can accommodate foreign instructors, but they usually only accommodate their own regular faculty. Shared housing is a popular alternative, but be careful in choosing roommates and spell out financial arrangements in advance.
Lodging houses (hasuk) are popular with young Koreans in college or just starting out in their professional careers. Single rooms run about US $ 500 per month, and include Korean-style breakfast and dinner, and sometimes include laundry service. The disadvantage is the lack of privacy.
Another option is staying with a local family. This can be an excellent opportunity to experience Korean life and culture, but again the lack of privacy can be a disadvantage. Most instructors who live in such homestays eventually move into more private accommodations.
Finally, some people rent rooms in yokwans (inns) on a monthly basis. This is similar to staying in a lodging house, at about the same cost with no food provided, but offers far less security and less privacy as well. Some yokwans cater to short-term clients and criminals, so staying in a yokwan may cause some Koreans to treat you with a lack of respect.
TICKETS HOME: Some institutes promise to provide tickets home upon completion of a contract or to reimburse teachers for the trip to Korea. One should be aware that sometimes this commitment is not honored. Consider requesting an open-ended round trip ticket in advance.
WORKING HOURS: Most institutes require foreign instructors to teach five to six hours per day, Monday through Friday, and some also ask instructors to teach Saturday morning as well. Universities will usually require 10 to 15 hours per week plus participation in student activities such as editing school newspapers. Research centers usually require 40 hours per week, with occasional uncompensated overtime. Saturday morning is a normal part of the Korean work week. Teachers may have to teach early morning or late evening classes to accommodate working students.
CLASS SIZE: This is usually not spelled out in the contract. Private institutes usually have classes of between 10 to 20 students, while universities can have as many as 100 students in a class.
SEVERANCE PAY (Taechikum): The Embassy receives many inquiries and complaints about severance pay issues. It is a good idea to broach this subject early in your employment, and to be prepared for resistance. By Korean law, discussed below, all full-time employees, Korean or foreign, are entitled to receive severance pay of one month’s salary for each year of employment. Employers cannot ask you to waive this, nor can they get around it by employing you on an 11-month contract. However, Korean courts have ruled that unless a Hakwon instructor actually TEACHES 40 or more hours per week, as spelled out contractually, he is NOT ‘full-time’ and is NOT eligible for severance pay.
The Ministry of Labor has jurisdiction over severance pay matters. The Severance Pay Division can be reached at (02) 503-9727. The Ministry of Labor’s general number is (02) 500-5543/5544. The International Labor Policy Division of the Ministry of Labor (Tel: 02-504-7338) may, at your request, call employers to remind them of their legal obligations. The Ministry of Education may, at your request, call employers to remind them of their legal obligations. If you have exhausted all other avenues and feel that you need to take legal action, the Embassy can provide you with a list of local attorneys.
Severance pay rights are covered by the Labor Standards Act of the Korean Legal Code. English language translations of the Code are available at the Kyobo Bookstore, located near the Embassy. The key provisions of the Labor Standards Act as they relate to severance pay include the following:
Article 28: (Retirement Allowance System) 1) An employer shall establish a system by which average wage of not less than thirty days per year for each consecutive year employed shall be paid as retirement allowance to a retired employee. Provided, however, that this shall not apply in cases in where the period of employment is less than one year.
Article 5: (Equal Treatment) No employer may include any discrimination in the terms of labor conditions because of nationality, religion or social status.
Article 10 (Scope of Application) stipulates that the act applies to all enterprises except small family businesses, domestic servants, and those exempted by Presidential decree.
KOREAN TAXES: Most foreign employees are required to pay Korean income taxes, which are generally withheld and paid by the employer. Teachers working for colleges or universities are sometimes entitled to an exemption from paying Korean taxes for up to two years because of the U.S.-Korea Tax Treaty.
Article 20 of the Korean tax code states: An individual who is a resident of a contracting State, and who at the invitation of any university, college, or other recognized educational institution, visits the other contracting State for a period not exceeding two years solely for the purpose of teaching, or research or both at such educational institution shall be taxable only in the first mentioned State on his remuneration for such teaching or research.
The Tax Office maintains a list of institutes that are tax exempt. This provision applies only to teachers employed at universities, research centers, or university-operated institutes. (Teachers at hakwons and at private companies have to pay taxes.) The General Affairs section of the university or research center should be able to apply for the exemption. If the institute wrongly withholds taxes, it is required to pay a refund.
For guidance on these matters contact the Korean Tax Office, as they have been helpful in arranging compliance with these provisions. They also publish an English language Income Tax Guide for Foreigners. This guidebook comes out in April of each year, and is available free from any tax office. The Korean tax year runs from May 31 to the following May 1, with May income estimated. In most instances, one’s employer files the appropriate tax forms, but if they do not file, the individual must do so.
If you believe that your employer is not complying with Korean tax laws, your first step should be to discuss the matter with him or her. If that does not work, you should discuss the matter with the Korean Tax Office, International Taxation Division, 397-1346/7, or the nearest Korean Tax Office. If the problem is still not solved, you may wish to contact an attorney.
PENSION PROGRAM: Foreigners living in Korea are required to pay into the national pension plan, just as foreigners living in the U.S. must pay into Social Security. No mechanism exists at present for refund of these payments, although an agreement between the two countries may be negotiated within a few years.
U.S. TAXES: Americans residing abroad are not exempt from filing requirements, but are, under certain conditions, entitled to exclusions on foreign-earned income. More information on overseas income and filing is available from the IRS publications “Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens Abroad” and “Overseas Filers of Form 1040.” These and other Federal tax forms are available at the Embassy.
IRS representatives are available year-round at the IRS regional office in Tokyo. They may be contacted by mail, phone, or fax:
IRS
U.S. Embassy, Tokyo
10-5, Asasaka 1 Chome,
Minato-ku (107) Tokyo Japan
Tel: 81-3-3224-5470
Fax: 81-3-3224-5274
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Foreign instructors are entitled to Korean medical insurance through their employer. This should be clarified at the time of acceptance of employment. Employers often buy the minimum policy required, which provides about 400,000 won (about $500) worth of coverage. Those desiring more coverage should negotiate with their employers or buy their own.
Medical care in Korea is generally good, but, while not as expensive as in the United States, can still be costly. Many practitioners and hospitals will not accept overseas health insurance, and may require payment before treatment. It is therefore very important for individuals to make sure that insurance or funds are available in case medical care is needed. The Embassy maintains a list of English-speaking medical and dental care providers in Korea, as well as a list of insurers willing to write policies for Americans residing in Korea.
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CULTURAL PITFALLS
DIFFERENT EXPECTATIONS: Many types of people teach English in Korea. Some are professionally trained with degrees in TESOL; some hold graduate degrees in other disciplines and teach in Korea because they want to experience another culture; some teach English while doing other things, such as research; some teach while looking for other jobs; some are merely seeking any kind of work to help pay school bills; some are just passing through.
Teachers have differing expectations. They bring their own unique perspectives to their jobs, as well as their own individual reactions to new circumstances. Some expect to be revered and are shocked when they are not; others expect to make a lot of money but later find they actually earn about what a unionized bus driver in Seoul does; some expect to receive a large Western-style house and are disappointed to find themselves living in a modest room. Some teachers have been dismayed to find that their rooms were not air conditioned, and that they would have to work on their birthdays. Having realistic expectations and a flexible attitude prior to starting employment as a teacher in Korea will help prepare you for the inevitable stress and possible disappointment you may encounter.
SHORT-TERM USCISTITUTES: The Korean ESL market is extremely competitive. There are over 100,000 institutes of all types in Korea, most of them small-scale, marginal operations. Due to the competitive nature of the ESL business in Korea, many institutes do not survive long. They open their doors, hire the first foreigner they can find, advertise, teach for a month or so, lose money and close. Most of these cannot and will not pay their teachers for work performed, or for contract-specified repatriation, leaving teachers broke and stranded.
FOREIGNERS ARE NOT KOREAN: Korean society in general makes a great distinction between one’s inner circle of family, friends and business colleagues, and outsiders. One should always treat one’s inner circle with complete respect and courtesy, while one treats strangers with indifference. Korea is not an egalitarian society; one is either of a higher or a lower status than other people. How do foreigners fit into this scheme? The simple answer is - they don’t. Foreigners are completely off the scope.
In recent years, less than 10 percent of Koreans traveled abroad, most often on group tours with other Koreans, or on business trips. Even now, with outbound tourism high, most Korean travelers still visit only friends, relatives or Korean neighborhoods, or travel in groups of other Koreans. Thus, Korean society remains very inwardly focused. For most Koreans, foreigners exist only as stereotypes, and are not always liked. Living in Korea as a foreigner requires patience and fortitude. Many foreigners have found Koreans can be quite friendly and warm, but a foreigner will seldom be accepted as part of the inner circle; he will almost always be an outsider looking in.
SOCIAL STATUS OF TEACHERS: Teachers are usually treated with great respect in Korea. However, it is also important to exhibit the kind of personal qualities and behavior that help maintain that respect. A foreign teacher who does disrespectful things, such as dressing or behaving too casually or informally, or losing his temper with a boss he considers unreasonable, would be held in great disdain by most Koreans, and runs the risk of getting into serious trouble with both his employer and the Korean Immigration Office. In other words, one should always present a mature, discreet, dignified and respectful manner. As a foreigner in Korea you will be highly visible, and you may find living here to be like living in a fish bowl, with everyone around you watching what you do with great interest. Remember that Korean society is more conservative in many ways than American society, and abide by local norms.
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ADAPTING TO KOREA SOCIETY
(This section of advice was written by KOTESOL, the local English Teacher’s association.)
CULTURE SHOCK: When first arriving in a country, one is usually excited and eager for new experiences. After a while, the newness wears off, and homesickness begins. Do not judge yourself too severely at this point. It happens to everyone. “I will never understand this place. I want some real food, some real friends, a real apartment. Why do Koreans do X?”
There is hope and it is usually just a matter of time. As you continue to cope with the realities of living here, you begin to take things for granted which used to annoy you. Life becomes pleasant enough that you no longer care about the inconveniences. You suddenly find that you like kimchi. You realize your students are interesting people to know, that helping them improve their English just adds to that interest; you begin to understand your boss who was such a pain when you came; you make a few good friends who are willing to show you the Korea outside of the foreigner’s community, you begin to try and learn some Korean and use it. There are many foreigners in Korea who have come to and remain at this point, - not so much assimilated, but a part of the country in their own niche here, and who want to spend a long time in Korea.
For many others, however, the feeling eventually comes that it is time to leave. With luck you will realize it before it affects your life too deeply. It is time to leave when you begin to be negative about the country and its people. When you no longer want to go to work; when you dislike your students; when you become irritated with everything and everyone and have angry discussions with others of like mind, it is time to go.
HOW THE EMBASSY CAN HELP
Just to reiterate, the Embassy, by regulation, cannot enter into any case, conduct any investigation, or act as a lawyer for any personal mishap or employment dispute experienced by a U.S. citizen. We cannot investigate, certify, or vouch for employers. It is up to each individual to evaluate an employer before signing a contract, and to use common sense when traveling this far, including keeping sufficient funds available to return home should the situation become untenable.
The Embassy can assist Americans in a variety of ways. The Embassy offers notary services, renews passports, assists with absentee voting registration, and stocks basic IRS tax forms. We can provide phone numbers of Korean government agencies you may have to deal with. If you find yourself in need of legal help, we can provide a list of attorneys; however, we are unable to recommend any specific lawyer from this list. In case of a financial emergency, we can receive and disburse funds sent to you from a source in the U.S., usually much faster than a bank or wire transfer. Finally, we encourage all U.S. citizens to register with the Embassy. Registration allows us to contact you in the event of a family emergency.
We hope that this handbook has been useful. If you have any further questions, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Korea.
***Please note a decent amount of this information is a little outdated, but a lot of the information is good to read regardless. This information was published on February 5, 1997
Legal Problems
Payments to National Pension
We receive complaints from Americans who came to Korea to teach English under contract with promises of generous salaries, bonuses and other amenities, only to find themselves in tenuous situations.
The Embassy cannot enter into private disputes between U.S. citizens and their employers, nor act as your lawyer in legal or contractual disputes. There are, however, several sources of help you may call on.
Seoul Education Teachers Center
#1-27 Sajik-Dong, Chongro-Gu
Seoul
Tel: 730-7663/5
Fax: 722-3568
Social Education Department
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
#2-77 Shinmunroh, 2-ka, Chongno-Gu Seoul, Korea
Tel: 399-9243 or 736-3219
Fax: 399-9115
The Seoul Metropolitan Office will direct its regional office to issue a warning or make a visit to the institute in question to determine the correct action to be taken. Your grievance should be reported prior to departure from Korea.
National Pension
A common source of concern is payments to Korea’s National Pension fund, similar to Social Security in the U.S. Follow this link to learn more about how the system works in Korea (on the main page is a link to an abbreviated version of the site in English), or call the general affairs department of the National Pension at 02-2285-2618.
Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education also has a division that handles contract complaints, however, they do not get involved in corrective action and usually can only issue an official letter directing the institute to observe the terms of the contract. Their address is:
Non-Formal Education Planning Section
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
2-77 Shinmoon-ro, 2-ka, Chongno-Gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: 399-9377, 399-9378
Fax: 399-9093
If you are not in Seoul, you should direct your complaint to the Social Education Department of the Provincial Board of Education in the Province where you work.
Other Organizations
Seoul Bar Association
Legal Center for Foreign Workers
1718-1 Seocho-dong, Seocho-Gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel:3476-6000/3476-0986
Fax: 3476-8094 or 3476-8095
Free Legal Assistance
1st floor, Legal Center
Tel: 3476-8080
English speaking consultants are available Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00-5:00.
International Cooperation Division
Ministry of Labor
Tel: 504-7338
Fax: 507-4755
Foreign Worker’s Council
27-2 Jo-dong, 1-ga, Chung-Gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: 779-2049
Fax: 773-2627
Korea Legal Aid Corp
1703-10 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: 536-5577
Seoul YMCA
Tel:(02) 733-3181, 734-3904
Lawyers are available for consultations from 10:00 to 4:00
We also have additional information on legal problems in Korea, as well as a list of attorneys you can contact.
For American Citizen Services (ACS) inquiries, please e-mail us at: seoul_acs@state.gov.
The basic information on American Citizen Services may also be obtained by calling 02-397-4114. Our FAX number is 02-397-4101.
This is an official U.S. Government source for information on the WWW. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links or information does not imply endorsement of contents.
The U.S. Embassy is closed on both U.S. and Korean holidays.
Updated November 14, 2001 (However, this is the latest from the US Consulate website on 5/17/07)
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SOME GREAT INFORMATION FROM CANADA’S Consular Affairs department about Teaching English in Korea:
Main Topics
Introduction
Types of Foreign-Language Institutes and Programs
Visa Matters
Contracts
Salary
Money
Housing
Working Hours
Severance Pay
Income Tax
Medical Insurance
Pension
Ticket Home
Cultural Differences
Adapting to Korean Society
How Canadian Government Offices Can Help
Sources of Information in Korea
Consular Services
Publication Info
INTRODUCTION
The key to happy and fruitful employment as a language instructor in Korea is to be employed by a reputable school. Some Canadian citizens have come to Korea under contract with promises of generous salaries, bonuses and other amenities, and many are quite satisfied with the experience. A minority, however, have found themselves in positions far different from those originally promised.
Canadian government offices are not permitted to become involved in any case, conduct an investigation, or act as lawyers or mediators in any personal, legal or contractual conflicts experienced by Canadian citizens. They cannot investigate, certify or vouch for prospective employers. It is up to each individual to evaluate any employment offer before signing a contract.
However, if you encounter employment difficulties, the Seoul Metropolitan government has recently established the Seoul Help Center for Foreigners, which provides many forms of assistance, including a Job Help System for Expats in Seoul, community services, information on Korea and contacts regarding specific issues. The address is 2nd Floor, Main Building of City Hall, 31 Taepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-744 Korea,
tel: 82-2-731-6800, fax: 82-2-731-6803. Anyone with ideas about what Seoul can do better is invited to send those ideas to sklee02@seoul.go.kr.
The City of Busan has established a similar office (the Foreigners Assistance Center) in its city hall building. The address is 1000 Yeonsan 5 dong (1st Floor of City Hall Building), Yeonje-gu Busan 611-735, tel: 82-51-865-0133, fax: 82-51-888-6659. More information is available on the website of the Busan Foundation for International Activities.
The Embassy of Canada in Seoul does not maintain a list of teaching institutes. If you are thinking of accepting a job as a teacher of English in Korea, you are advised to ask the institute concerned for the names and telephone numbers of current and former teachers so that you can contact them directly to ask about conditions there.
If you encounter difficulties while teaching in Korea, contact the Consular Section at the Embassy of Canada in Seoul: :
9th Floor, Kolon Building
45 Mugyo-Dong, Jung-Ku
Seoul 100-170, Korea
Tel.: 82 (2) 3455-6000
Fax: 82 (2) 3455-6013 or 3455-6123
Postal address:
P.O. Box 6299
Seoul 100-662, Korea
or the Canadian Consulate in Busan:
c/o Dongsung Chemical Corporation
472 Shin Pyung-dong, Saha-gu
Busan 604-721, Republic of Korea
Tel.: 82 (51) 204-5581
Fax: 82 (51) 204-5580
For emergency assistance after hours, telephone the Canadian Embassy in Seoul and follow the recorded instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Consular Affairs Bureau, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, in Ottawa at (613) 996-8885.
Calling Korea
To telephone to Korea from other countries, dial:
international long distance code + country code + area/city code + telephone number
For example, if you are in Canada and you want to speak to the
Canadian Embassy in Seoul, you must dial:
011 - 82 - 2 - 3455-6000
If you are in Korea and want to make a long distance call within the country, you must dial:
domestic long distance code + city/area code + telephone number
For example, if you are in Busan and you want to speak to the
Canadian Embassy in Seoul, you must dial:
0 - 2 - 3455-6000
Recommended for your general information are the publications Bon Voyage, But … Information for the Canadian Traveller and Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze. Both are produced by Consular Affairs and are available on the Internet or by calling 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or (613) 944-4000.
TYPES OF FOREIGN-LANGUAGE INSTITUTES AND PROGRAMS
Most English instructors teach in private foreign-language institutes (hakwons in Korean). There are, however, positions available in several other types of organizations:
corporate in-house language programs;
university foreign-language institutes;
university departments;
public schools;
government/private research institutes; and
public relations and advertising companies.
Hakwons
Private language institutes are found all over Korea but the majority are located in Seoul. Some are well known and have many branches, while others are small-scale operations and are short-lived. The ESL (English as a Second Language) market in Korea is extremely competitive and it is common for institutes to fail. Many of the more marginal businesses open their doors, hire the first foreigner they can find, advertise for students, offer classes for a month or so, and then close.
Most hakwons employ expatriate (American, British, Canadian, New Zealander and Australian) instructors for conversation classes. Some of the better institutes will provide housing for instructors. The typical full- time employee can be expected to work 20 to 30 hours a week. The majority of classes are conducted in the early morning and the evening, so many instructors have free time in the afternoon. Most classes have from 10 to 15 students — usually university students, or businesspeople who are contemplating overseas assignments or trying to improve their English skills. Many hakwons also have after-school classes for children as young as five years old.
All institutes are required by law to provide health insurance during the period of employment and severance pay on completion of a one-year contract, but some institutes fail to honour these provisions. (For more information, see “Severance Pay”) The average monthly salary is currently about 1.8 to 2 million a month (in major cities) or about 1.5 to 1.6 million won a month (in a small franchise).
Corporate In-House Language Programs
Most of the large corporate groups (chaebols in Korean) have their own in-house language programs. An instructor can typically be expected to teach more than 30 hours a week, working irregular hours all day from early in the morning to late at night. Most of these programs are intensive residential programs that require the students to study for three to six months. Some of the programs provide instructors with full benefits, including housing, but instructors may be required either to live on-site or to commute long distances from Seoul. The average monthly salary in such programs is currently about 2 to 2.5 million won. Recently many chaebols have reduced or cancelled their in-house programs due to financial restraints.
University Foreign-Language Institutes
The major universities in Seoul, as well as some provincial universities, operate language institutes. Many of the students are enrolled in university but the majority are businesspeople. The hiring standards of these institutes tend to be the highest in Korea: most instructors have master’s degrees in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and years of teaching experience. The pay, status and benefits offered by these institutes also are among the best in Korea. As a result, there is a very low staff turnover.
Provincial universities tend to provide better housing, working conditions and salaries, and to treat foreign instructors as part of the faculty. These advantages, however, should be balanced against the cultural isolation a foreigner may encounter living in the Korean countryside.
University Departments
Most universities in Korea employ full-time English conversation instructors. University classes tend to be larger and feature less personal contact with the students. Most instructors teach between 10 and 15 hours a week. Academic standards in Korean universities, however, tend to be somewhat lax. Leftist, nationalist and sometimes anti-American attitudes may be prevalent among some students. As most Koreans have difficulty in differentiating between Canadians and Americans, this could be problematic for Canadian teachers. Many universities in Seoul do not provide housing, and some do not provide the benefits required by law. Monthly salaries currently average about 2 to 2.3 million won, with three to four months of paid vacation a year.
Public Schools
Recently the federal, municipal and some provincial governments have begun hiring more and more expatriate teachers to teach English in the public school system. The Korean government sponsors the English Program in Korea (EPIK), similar to the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program in Japan. An equivalent program, known as English Teachers in Seoul (ETIS), operates exclusively in the Korean capital. The conditions and hours of work are comparable in many ways to teaching in the public systems in Canada. Housing and basic furnishings are usually provided, and salary ranges from below 2 million to 2.5 million won per month. A candidate having a master’s degree with experience in teaching or a TESOL certificate would be on the high end of the pay scale, while one with a non-education-based bachelor’s degree would be on the lower end. Insurance is half paid by the employer and half by the employee. The different levels of government in Korea have stated that they will engage more foreign teachers for the public schools. To date, however, this approach is relatively new, and few Canadians have experience in this area.
Government/Private Research Institutes
Many government agencies and some private companies operate research institutes. Most of the institutes hire foreigners with degrees in the humanities, economics or business administration to work as full-time editors. The editors proofread correspondence and research publications, write speeches, and occasionally teach as well. Most of the institutes pay quite well and some provide housing. Because the research institutes are usually government-run or closely associated with powerful corporate groups, instructors who work in them seldom experience problems in obtaining employment visas.
Public Relations and Advertising Companies
There are several public relations and advertising companies in Korea that hire foreigners to work as copy editors and occasionally as teachers as well. These positions are very difficult to obtain as they are quite popular with the resident English-teaching community. There are also opportunities to appear on television and radio programs, and in movies. Most of these companies pay quite well and some provide housing assistance.
Teaching English Part-Time
Many full-time English instructors teach part-time as well. Private instruction is illegal. If you get caught and fined, you cannot leave Korea until you have paid the required amount. The immigration authorities will insist that you arrange for money to be sent from Canada if you do not have sufficient funds. When considering private teaching, make sure you know the law and understand that you are taking a serious risk if you teach private lessons.
VISA MATTERS
Employment Visas
To work legally in Korea, you must obtain the appropriate employment visa. The Korean government tightly controls the issuing of visas for employment. In some instances, teachers have been unable to obtain the appropriate visa.
You must obtain the work visa outside Korea. If you enter Korea as a tourist and are offered employment, you can then apply for a work visa at a Korean diplomatic or consular mission in a nearby country, such as Hong Kong or Japan, provided that a Confirmation of Visa Issuance number has been provided in advance by the prospective employer. Before travelling to the nearby country, be sure to confirm with the Korean mission there that they will process visa applications from Canadian citizens.
Depending on the job and other factors, it can take between one week and two months to obtain the appropriate visa. However, visa applications submitted to Korean missions in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka) are usually processed within two working days. Be prepared to stay as long as required to obtain the visa.
As visa regulations and the documents required change quite frequently, you should contact the nearest Korean diplomatic or consular mission if you are outside Korea, or a Korean immigration office within Korea, for confirmation of regulations and fees.
On arrival in Korea, you must register at a Korean immigration office and obtain a residence permit and a re-entry permit within 90 days of entry. All foreigners are required to possess a valid re-entry permit in order to re-enter Korea. Korean immigration offices require the same documentation as is needed for obtaining the visa, so you should make a number of copies.
Most English instructors are granted an E-1 visa (professor at an educational institution higher than a junior college), an E-2 visa (conversation instructor) or an E-5 visa (professional employee with a public relations firm or corporation). Dependants of diplomats stationed in Seoul can work as English teachers by obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This can be arranged through the Personnel Office of the Embassy of Canada in Seoul. An individual who is married to a Korean citizen can also acquire permanent residency rights as a spouse.
Despite what some employers may tell you, you are not required to hand over your Canadian passport to your employer for the duration of your stay. It is your passport and you should keep it in your possession.
Required Forms
To obtain a visa (before entering), you must submit the following items to the relevant Korean government office with your passport and a completed visa application form:
an employment contract (ko yong kyeyakso);
a sponsorship guarantee form (shin won pojungso) notarized by a notary public;
a copy of the employer’s business registration certificate;
the original diploma of your four-year university degree, plus copies;
sealed university transcripts;
two photos (3.5 x 4.5cm) with a light background, taken within six months; and
a visa fee (30$ for single entry, 50$ for multiple entry).
To obtain a residence permit (within 90 days of entry), you must provide the following items to the relevant Korean goverment office:
your passport;
an application form;
two photos (3 x 4 cm);
a fee of KRW10,000; and
a copy of the employer’s business registration certificate.
The Korean government is investigating more thoroughly the use of fraudulent documents, university degrees and ESL certificates. Penalties for using fraudulent documents include deportation and restrictions on re-entry for five years or more.
Changing Your Employer
To change employers, you require permission from the Korean immigration authorities and, in principle, must leave Korea and return under a new visa with a new sponsor. Changing employers is quite difficult and requires release consent from your original employer for the remaining contract period. You should direct any questions on this procedure to the nearest immigration office.
If you resign to take up new employment without a letter of release from your previous employer, you must leave the country within 14 days of your resignation. A new work permit will not be issued until the expiration of your previous contract. However, after leaving the country, you can return to Korea as a tourist while awaiting the expiry of your old contract, although you are not allowed to work in the interim.
Legal Problems
Some expatriates have encountered serious legal problems with the Korean immigration authorities because either they have accepted employment as English teachers while in Korea on a tourist visa or they have agreed to take part-time employment or teach private classes without obtaining the proper permission. Violation of Korean immigration laws can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines of up to 50,000 won for each day of overstay, or deportation with a ban on re-entry, usually for up to two years. It is your responsibility to understand local laws and obey them. Canadian government offices cannot assist you in any way if you violate Korean laws, other than to provide you with a list of attorneys.
CONTRACTS
Nature of Contracts in Korea
Koreans see business less as a legally based interaction than a relationship. Consequently, there is a much weaker sense of law in Korean business relations than in international business. For many Koreans, a contract is part of the symbolism involved in beginning a relationship, and “beginning” is the important word. The contract thus is only as binding as the personal connection. It is not surprising, therefore, that foreign instructors in Korea occasionally have contract disputes with their employers. The employer may, indeed, consider the contract a simple working agreement, subject to change, depending upon the circumstances –– and usually after the foreigner has arrived in Korea. Most Koreans do not view deviations from a contract as a “breach,” and few Koreans would consider taking an employer to court over a contract dispute.
Instead, Koreans tend to view contracts as infinitely flexible and subject to further negotiation. Furthermore, the written contract is not the real contract; rather, the unwritten, oral agreement with an employer is the real contract. You should bear these factors in mind when you sign a contract.
Negotiating a Teaching Contract
A basic contract for a teaching position should include provisions for the following: salary; housing; working hours; severance pay; income tax; medical insurance; and ticket home. If these items are not covered, you should negotiate until they are specifically included in the contract. Note that class size is not usually specified in a contract, although you may want to clarify this point. Private institutions generally have classes of from 10 to 15 students, while universities may have as many as 100 students in a class.
More detailed information on these contract items is given below. Remember: When in doubt, ask.
SALARY
Most contracts provide for either a set monthly salary or a salary based on the number of hours taught. In any event, a guaranteed monthly remuneration should be specified.
MONEY
The currency in Korea is the won. For the current exchange rate, visit the Bank of Canada’s Currency Converter. Traveller’s cheques are accepted at all chartered banks (”Eunhaeng” in Korean). U.S. dollar traveller’s cheques are recommended for the best exchange rate. Foreign debit cards are not accepted. Some major banks have ATMs that accept international client or credit cards. The amount allowed per withdrawal may be quite low, rendering the service charge disproportionately high. Most ATMs that can be used to draw money from Canadian banks offer English instructions. Major foreign credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted by hotels and other tourist facilities and are generally regarded as safe to use. Travellers may wish to check with their card issuer prior to travel for the latest reports of credit card fraud. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
When transferring funds from Korea to Canada, a local bank will place a stamp in your passport stating how much was transferred, in keeping with Korea’s Foreign Currency Control Act. If you are working in Korea and paying Korean income tax, you can transfer your entire income based on your tax payment certificate. As a tourist, you are required to declare at customs if you are bringing into, or carrying out of, the country more than the equivalent of US$10,000, including local currency.
HOUSING
Few contracts provide for housing in Seoul. This can be a serious problem, as housing in Seoul is among the most expensive in the world. If your institute does not provide housing, it should at least be able to help you find accommodation and negotiate the appropriate rent and utility payments. Housing options include: the key money system (yearly deposit); monthly rent; shared housing; and dormitories, lodging houses and inns.
The Key Money System
Under the key money (chunsee) system, when you move into a house you give the owner of the property the equivalent of a year’s rent in advance and pay no monthly rent. At the end of the contract period, you receive the chunsee back. In return for the use of your money to earn interest during the contract period, the owner gives you back the principal.
This system is quite risky because ownership may change during the contract period or the owner may simply decide that a foreigner is in no position to fight for the chunsee. You can reduce the risk by having your employer agree to pay the chunsee. Chunsee payments run from a minimum of 5 million won for a small studio in a less desirable part of town to 60~100 million won for a better apartment in one of the more prestigious neighbourhoods.
Monthly Rent
Walsee is a variation of chunsee. You pay a certain amount per month, plus a deposit, which you get back when you move out. The risks are the same as with chunsee. Monthly rents can run as high as 1.1 to 2.8 million won for a modest apartment.
Shared Housing
This is a popular option but you should of course be careful in choosing room-mates, and each person’s financial responsibilities should be spelled out in advance.
Dormitories, Lodging Houses and Inns
Yonsei, Ewha, Seoul, Hanyang and Konkuk universities and Hankook University of Foreign Studies all have dormitory accommodation available. In addition, the Korean Research Foundation runs an International House for foreign students. Sometimes these dormitories can accommodate foreign instructors, although usually they accommodate only their own faculty.
Lodging houses (hasuk) are popular with young Koreans in college or those just starting their professional career. Single rooms can cost over 500,000 won a month and include Korean-style breakfast and dinner, and sometimes laundry service. The disadvantage is the lack of privacy. Another option is to stay with a local family. This can be an excellent opportunity to experience Korean life and culture directly, but again the lack of privacy can be a disadvantage. Most instructors who live in such homestays eventually move into more private accommodation.
Finally, some people rent rooms in an inn (yokwan) on a monthly basis. This is similar to staying in a lodging house and costs about the same with no food provided, but it offers far less security and less privacy as well. Some yokwans cater to dubious short-term (hourly) clients, so staying in a yokwan may result in some Koreans treating you with a lack of respect if they are unaware of your status.
WORKING HOURS
Most institutes require foreign instructors to teach 5 to 6 hours a day, Monday through Friday, not necessarily consecutively. Some institutes ask instructors to teach on Saturday mornings as well. University departments usually require instructors to teach 10 to 15 hours a week, and to participate in student activities and in the editing of school newspapers. Research institutes usually require instructors to work 40 hours a week and do occasional overtime without compensation.
SEVERANCE PAY
Canadian government offices in Korea receive many questions and complaints about severance pay (taechikum) issues. It is important to make sure that your contract contains a clear statement about severance pay, even if your employer is reluctant. By Korean law, discussed below, all full-time instructors (if you have an employment visa, you are considered full-time), whether Korean or foreign, are entitled to receive severance pay of one month’s salary for each year of employment. Employers cannot ask you to waive this right, nor can they evade it by employing you on an 11-month contract.
The Ministry of Labor has jurisdiction over matters of severance pay. You can reach the Severance Pay Division at 82 (2) 507-1701. The general number for the Ministry of Labor is 82 (2) 502-9457/8 or 82(2) 2110-7080/81. The Ministry of Labor or the Ministry of Education may, at your request, call employers to remind them of their legal obligations. If you have exhausted all other avenues in trying to obtain severance pay and feel that you need to take legal action, the Embassy of Canada in Seoul can provide you with a list of attorneys.
Severance pay rights are covered by the Labour Standards Act of the Korean Legal Code. English-language translations of the Code are available at the Kyobo Bookstore, located near the U.S. Embassy. The key provisions of the Labour Standards Act relating to severance pay include:
Article 28(1) (Retirement Allowance System): An employer shall establish a system by which an average wage of not less than 30 days per year for each consecutive year employed shall be paid as retirement allowance to a retired employee. Provided, however, that this shall not apply in cases where the period of employment is less than one year.
Article 5 (Equal Treatment): No employer may include any discrimination in the terms of labour conditions because of nationality, religion or social status.
Article 10 (Scope of Application): The Act applies to all enterprises except small family businesses, domestic servants, and those exempted by Presidential decree.
When there is a dispute with your employer on your salary or severance payment, you should contact the local labour office in the area. The list of regional labour offices is available on the Ministry of Labor website.
Or you may wish to contact the following offices for legal advice:
Seoul Bar Association
Legal Center for Foreign Workers
Lawyers Association Building, 1st floor, 1718-1 Seocho-dong
Seocho-gu Seoul
Tel: 02-3476-8080 (ext. 1)
Fax: 02-3476-8094
Website: www.koreanbar.or.kr
English speaking consultants are available on Mondays from 14:00 to 17:00.
Foreign Workers’ Council
14 Bomun-dong 5-ga Sungbuk-gu Seoul
Tel: 02-928-2049 or 02-924-2706
Korea Legal Aid Corp.
1703-10 Seocho-dong Seocho-gu, Seoul
Tel: 132 (ext. 9)
Website: www.klac.or.kr
You can get information on small claims action on the website of the Supreme Court of Korea.
INCOME TAX
Income tax is another common cause of complaint. Most foreign employees are required to pay Korean income tax, which is generally withheld from an employee’s salary and paid by the employer. The Korean income-tax rate is 5 to 10 percent. It is your employer’s responsibility to do a year-end tax settlement every January. For detailed information, you may wish to refer to the National Tax Service website.
Article 20 of the Korean Tax Code states: “An individual who is a resident of a contracting State and who, at the invitation of any university, college, or other recognized educational institution, visits the other contracting State for a period not exceeding two years solely for the purpose of teaching, or research or both at such educational institution shall be taxable only in the first mentioned State on his remuneration for such teaching or research.”
The Korean Tax Office in Seoul maintains a list of institutes where foreign teachers are tax-exempt. In principle, Article 20 applies only to teachers employed at universities, research centres or university-operated institutes. Teachers at hakwons and at private companies may have to pay tax. The general affairs section of the university or research centre can apply for the exemption. If the institute withholds income tax without reason, it is required to pay a refund.
For guidance on taxation matters contact the Korean Tax Office in Seoul, which has been helpful in arranging compliance with Article 20. The Office also publishes an English-language income tax guide for foreigners in April of each year; this is available free at any tax office.
The Korean tax year runs from June 1 to May 31. Usually employers file the appropriate tax forms but if they do not do so, individual employees may be penalized for failing to file. If you believe that your employer is not complying with national tax laws and is illegally withholding income tax from your salary, your first step should be to discuss the matter with your employer. If that does not settle the matter, you should contact the International Taxation Division of the Korean Tax Office in Seoul at 82 (2) 397-1114 or
82 (2) 397-1446, or the nearest tax office. If the problem is still unresolved, you may wish to consider contacting an attorney.
Depending on the length of your stay in Korea, you may or may not be liable for payment of Canadian income tax on your income earned in Korea. Before your departure from Canada, it is advisable to contact the nearest Canada Revenue Agency office in order to determine your residency status with regard to Canadian income tax.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
In principle, foreign instructors are entitled to Korean medical insurance through their employer. You should clarify this when you accept an offer of employment. It is important that you know and understand the nature and scope of coverage. While medical care in Korea is generally good and not as expensive as in Canada, it can still be quite costly. If you cannot/do not get insurance through your employer, you can get public health insurance on an individual basis, but only with a resident ID card.
If you purchase private health insurance, it is important to note that most medical practitioners and hospitals do not accept the premise of directly billing private health insurance, whether it is from an overseas or domestic firm. They usually demand payment before treatment and clients have to settle with their company for a re-imbursement after the fact.
It is therefore very important for you to make sure that insurance and/or funds are available in case you need medical attention. The Embassy of Canada in Seoul maintains a list of English-speaking medical and dental care providers in Korea.
For further information, see the website of the National Health Insurance Corporation.
PENSION
When you leave Korea, you may be entitled to receive both your and your employer’s contributions to Korea’s National Pension Scheme if you :
are a Canadian or Korean citizen; and
have contributed to the Korean National Pension Scheme for less than 10 years.
The documentation required for a refund application is as follows:
your passport;
your alien registration;
a copy of your bank book (Korean or Canadian); and
an airline ticket showing your departure date.
Your employer will also have to report the termination of the contract to the National Pension Service (NPS) of Korea upon your departure from the country. The NPS will deposit the refund in your bank account after it confirms your departure.
If you are a Canadian citizen and are eligible for a lump sum refund, you will only be refunded contributions made on or after May 1, 1999, when the Agreement on Social Security between Canada and Korea entered into force. It is important to note that you will no longer be entitled to receive a pension from Korea if your contributions are refunded.
If you do not apply for a refund of your pension contributions, the provisions of the social security agreement can help you to receive a Korean retirement pension if you :
contributed to the Korean National Pension Scheme for more than one year;
contributed to the Canada Pension Plan after 1988; and
contributed to both the Canada Pension Plan and the Korean National Pension Scheme for a total of at least 10 years.
The period of time in which you participated in the Canada Pension Plan will be counted towards the Korean eligibility requirement of 10 years.
More information on the Social Security Agreement is available on Korea’s National Pension Service website. For additional information, see the website of Human Resources and Social Development Canada.
Also, if there are every any problems recovering your pension, you can call the general affairs department of the National Pension at 02-2285-2618.
TICKET HOME
Some institutes will provide you with a ticket home on completion of your contract and will also promise to reimburse your costs for the trip to Korea. You should be aware that sometimes this commitment is not honoured.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
There are many different types of people teaching English in Korea. Some are professionally trained with degrees in TESOL; some hold postgraduate degrees in other disciplines and are teaching in Korea because they want to experience another culture; some are teaching English while doing other work, such as research; some are teaching English while looking for other jobs; and some are merely passing through.
Most of these people bring their own unique expectations to their jobs, as well as their own individual reactions to the circumstances in which they find themselves. Some expect to be treated professionally and are shocked when they are not. Some expect to make a lot of money but later realize that they are actually earning about the same as a unionized bus driver in Seoul. Some expect to receive a large Western-style house and are disappointed to find themselves living in very modest accommodation. Being aware of cultural differences before you start employment as a teacher in Korea will help you prepare for any disappointments you may encounter.
The Status of Foreigners in Korea
Korean society makes a sharp distinction between an individual’s inner circle of family, friends and business colleagues, and outsiders. Members of the inner circle must always be treated with absolute respect and courtesy, while strangers are treated with indifference. Korean society is not egalitarian: a person’s status is strictly defined in relation to others. How do foreigners fit into this scheme? The simple answer is they don’t.
Most Koreans who travel abroad do so in group tours, which limit their interaction with the foreign environment. Korean society thus remains very inwardly focused.
Living in Korea as a foreigner requires patience and fortitude. Most foreigners have found that Koreans can be quite friendly and warm, but you should not expect to be accepted as a member of a Korean’s inner circle.
The Status of Teachers in Korea
Most teachers in Korea, including TESOL teachers, are treated with great respect by their students. However, it is important for teachers to exhibit the personal qualities and behaviour that help to maintain that respect. A foreign teacher who acted disrespectfully would be regarded with great disdain by most Koreans, and would run the risk of getting into serious trouble with both his/her employer and the Korean immigration authorities. In other words, you should always act in a respectful manner and with discretion.
As a foreigner in Korea, you will be very visible: you may find everyone around you watching what you do with great interest. Always remember that Korean society is much more conservative in many ways than North American society; you should try to be sensitive to cultural norms and expectations.
Female Teachers in Korea
Korea is culturally very different from Canada. Some female Canadian teachers have commented that their working conditions are not as good as those of male counterparts. Sexual harassment is not the norm, but it does happen, and women should be aware of the situation when making a decision about working in Korea.
There have been cases of sexual assault against Canadians and other foreigners. Victims have reported being robbed and sexually assaulted. Canadian teachers should remain cautious and whenever possible should try to share accommodation. For more information and advice, refer to our publication Her Own Way.
If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should immediately seek the assistance of the nearest medical and police authorities. Canadian consular officials can:
assist in reporting the crime to the police;
provide support and assistance in relation to the emotional, social, medical and legal consequences of the assault;
assist in contacting relatives or friends;
contact counselling services locally, if available, or in Canada;
provide emergency financial assistance; and
seek to ensure that a proper investigation is carried out and charges laid if the person responsible has been identified.
For further information on this matter, visit the Sexual Assault Problem page of our Web site.
Korean Employers
Korean society is extremely hierarchical, like most East Asian societies. In Korea, the boss is the boss. Keep in mind that employees are not expected to question decisions made by their employers or to challenge their authority, especially in the presence of others. You should therefore be careful about how you deal with your employer. When discussing issues that might become difficult, do so in private and make sure that you do not lose your temper, raise your voice or use disrespectful language.
Communications Problems
Neither the language nor the social mores of Korea are very precise. As a result, many things are left unsaid by Koreans but are still understood. Of course, foreigners are often at a loss. It is important that you understand what is expected and required, and that any misunderstanding be resolved immediately. Otherwise, problems may continue to develop.
ADAPTING TO KOREAN SOCIETY
The following advice on culture shock was supplied by KOTESOL. You can find more information on culture shock and how to cope with living in a foreign country in the Consular Affairs publication Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze.
When first arriving in a country, one is usually excited and eager for new experiences. After a while, the newness wears off and homesickness begins. Do not be too hard on yourself; it happens to everyone —”I will never understand this place.” “I want some real food . . . some real friends . . . a real apartment.” “Why do Koreans do this or that?”
It is usually just a matter of time. As you continue to cope with the realities of living in Korea, you will begin to take for granted things that used to annoy you. Life will become enjoyable enough that you will no longer care about the inconveniences. You will suddenly find that you like kimchi; you will realize that your students are interesting people and that helping them to improve their English just adds to that interest; you will begin to understand your friends who want to show you the Korea beyond the expatriate community; you will begin to try to learn some Korean and use it.
There are many foreigners in Korea who came and stayed; they have carved out their own niche in Korea and want to remain for a long time. Many others, however, eventually reach the point where they feel it is time to leave. With luck, you will realize this before it affects your life too profoundly. It is time to leave when you begin to be negative about the country and its people. When you no longer want to go to work, dislike your students, become irritated with everything and everyone and have angry discussions with others of like mind, it is time to go.
HOW CANADIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAN HELP
Once again, please bear in mind that Canadian government offices are not permitted to become involved in any case, conduct an investigation, or act as lawyers or mediators in any personal, legal or contractual conflicts experienced by Canadian citizens. They cannot investigate, certify or vouch for prospective employers. It is up to each individual to evaluate any employment offer before signing a contract.
The Canadian Embassy in Seoul can, however, assist Canadians in a variety of ways. It offers notarial services, and also provides passport and consular services. It can assist in providing the telephone numbers of various Korean government agencies that you may have to contact. If you do find yourself in need of legal advice, the Embassy can give you a list of attorneys; however, it is unable to recommend any specific lawyer from this list, and the choice of legal representation must be your own decision. Embassy personnel will attempt to respond to all your questions or complaints. Finally, it is advisable for all Canadian citizens in Korea to register with the Embassy. Registration allows Embassy staff to contact you if an emergency or crisis situation arises, or if your family or friends urgently need to get in touch with you. Registration is voluntary, and the information you provide is protected and used in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act. Canadians can also register on-line.
If you have any further questions about teaching English in Korea, please contact the Consular Affairs Bureau at 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada) or (613) 944-6788.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION IN KOREA
The Embassy of Canada in Seoul does not maintain a comprehensive list of language institutes. Most positions are filled through either word of mouth or advertisements in the local English newspapers. Occasionally, the better institutes will hire instructors by advertising in the TESOL newsletter or by operating employment booths at TESOL conferences. They also sometimes advertise through university/college placement offices in the United States and Canada. The Internet is also being used to advertise jobs.
Newspapers
Once you have arrived in Korea, it is a good idea to subscribe to one of the local English newspapers, such as the Korea Herald, Korea Times or JoongAng Daily (distributed with the International Herald Tribune). They are published six times a week and cost from 16,000 to 20,000 won a month. They are also available in Seoul at most street newsstands. Outside Seoul, they are generally available only by subscription. You can contact the Korea Herald at 1588-0533, Korea Times at (2) 724-2342 or JoongAng Daily/International Herald Tribune at 1577-0510. Overseas subscriptions are also available.
The Korean Yellow Pages and Other Directories
A very useful English-language telephone directory, the Korean Yellow Pages is available for sale at most of the larger bookstores, as are other business directories. The U.S. Embassy Foreign Commercial Service and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea jointly publish a Korean business directory. All these directories contain a wealth of information, including the addresses and telephone numbers of universities and Korean government offices. The Korean Research Foundation produces a pamphlet on studying in Korea; it contains information on all the universities in the country.
Korea TESOL (KOTESOL)
KOTESOL is a non-profit organization established to promote scholarship, distribute information and facilitate cross-cultural understanding among English teachers in Korea. It is a good source of up-to-date information on teaching in Korea. KOTESOL’s national executive supports teacher training and development through special interest groups, academic publications and research grants. The annual international conference each October, attended by over 800 people, is a chance to meet some of the best authors, teachers and researchers from around the world.
KOTESOL has active chapters in Seoul, Suwon, Cheongju, Gangneung, Daejeon, Jeonju, Gwangju, Daegu and Busan. Chapters hold monthly workshops and sponsor educational activities in their area. Dates, times and locations can be found on the chapter pages of the national Web site. For further information, contact:
E-mail: KOTESOL@asia.com
Web site: www.kotesol.org
The British Embassy in Seoul’s tips on Teaching English in Korea:
Teaching English in Korea
A few general tips:
English language teaching is a large and lucrative commercial operation here in Korea. Unfortunately, as with all such operations, some language institutes are not as reputable as others or quickly go out of business. Some preparatory research before taking up employment therefore, may avoid problems in the future.
Wherever possible, try to check out potential employers, before committing yourself. Ask for contact details of present and past teachers and seek references from them. Ask how long the business has operated, and how many foreign teachers it employs. Ask about class sizes and expected working hours. Ask about accommodation, taxation, medical cover, who pays for air tickets, termination of contract arrangements, terminal benefits etc. Please note that medical treatment and accommodation and utilities, can be expensive if not included in the employment package.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises all those travelling abroad to take out sufficient medical/travel insurance for the duration of their stay. This should cover repatriation costs in the event of illness/accident or death.
Commercial disputes between language institutes and teachers they employ are not uncommon. On occasions, the conditions of employment stated in contracts are not honoured, or are subject to change without prior consultation. Always keep copies of all correspondence with your employer and/or recruiting agency.
If you are being offered something in your contract which is ”too good to be true”, them, quite possibly it is! Be realistic in your expectations.
Ensure you enter Korea using the correct visa, i.e. one which allows you to take employment. The nearest Korean Embassy is able to give advice on the visa requirements to work in the Republic of Korea. Click here for the contact details of the Korean Embassy in London.
Retain your passport. Your employer has no legal right to hold your passport, and is not required to do so by the Korean authorities. Your passport remains the property of the British Government at all times. Please contact the Consular Section of the British Embassy for advice, if your employer insists on keeping your passport.
Please note that the British Embassy is unable to intervene in any commercial dispute with your employer. We are unable to offer legal advice as we are not trained to do so. We can, however provide details of English speaking lawyers (BELOW), and also the contact details of a local organisation which offers free legal advice to foreign worker in Korea. We cannot help to meet any legal costs. You should consider taking out insurance cover, to pay for any costs which you might incur, if you become involved in a dispute with your employer.
English Speaking Lawyer
LIST OF LOCAL LAWYERS: REPUBLIC OF KOREA
All lawyers listed below understand English, and (for BN(O) passport holders) written Chinese unless otherwise stated. All lawyers are able to undertake criminal and civil cases unless otherwise stated. The British Embassy is unable to pay for legal advice/assistance for British nationals.
This list is provided by HM Consul at Seoul for the convenience of enquirers, but neither HMG nor any official of the Embassy take any responsibility for the competence or probity of the consequences of any firm/advocate on the list or for any legal action taken.
SEOUL
KIM & CHANG LAW OFFICE
Seyang Bldg, 223 Naeja-dong
Chongro-Ku, Seoul
Tel: 737-4455 Fax 737 9091/3
BAE, KIM & LEE
3-12th Floors, Hankook Tire Bldg
647-15 Yoksam-dong
Kangnam-ku, Seoul
Tel: 3404-0000, Fax: 3404 0001
KIM, CHANG & LEE
5th Floor, Wonseo Bldg.
171, Wonseo-dong, Chongro-ku, Seoul
Tel: 397-9800, 725-8727/8
KIM, SHIN & YU
Room 1204, Leema Bldg.
146-1 Susong-dong
Chongro-ku, Seoul
Tel: 2000-5000, 735-5822 Fax 2000-5050
KIM & KIM
12th Fl. Korea National Tourism Corp. Bldg
10, Da-dong, Jung-ku, Seoul
Tel: 755-2980 Fax 776-3370
HAHN BOK
Room 1001, Marine Centre 10/F.
118 Namdaemoon-ro 2 ka, Jung-ku, Seoul
Tel 752-1461, 1467 Fax 753-1145, 755-2903
AHN DONG-SU
Room 301, Seojin Bldg.
1569-1, Seocho-Dong
Seocho-ku, Seoul.
Tel: 598-4411 Fax: 598-4410
PARK CHUN-SHIK
Room 406, Kumku Bldg.
1718-4 Seocho-dong, Seocho-ku, Seoul
Tel: 536-7588/9 Fax: 536-4888
Aurora Law Offices
9th Floor, KNTO Bldg, 10 Da-Dong, Chung-Ku, Seoul
Tel: 771-8885 Fax: 771-8886
(Revised July 2006)
BUSAN DISTRICT
CHOI, Jang Rack (Criminal case lawyer
Room 4,10th Floor, Hyupsung Bldg, not available)
1489-4, Geoje 1-dong, Yeonjae-ku,
Pusan
Tel: (051) 255-2266, 2277
Fax: (051) 506-5973
Pusan Pacific Law Office
4th Floor, Chohung Bank Bldg
2 Dongkwang-dong 1-ka, Chung-ku, Pusan
Tel: (051) 244-9697
Fax: (051) 244-4484
Pusan International Law Office
5th Floor, Korean Exchange Bank Bldg.
89-1, Chungang-dong 4-ka, Chung-ku, Pusan
Tel: (051) 463-7801/3
Fax: (051) 463-7809
ULSAN DISTRICT
LEE, Jai Hwan (English speaking lawyer
279-6, Ok-dong, Nam-ku not available)
Ulsan, Kyong Nam 680-080
Tel: (0522) 72-9921
Fax: (0522) 69-5432
Ryu, Jin-Guy, Hanul-Law Office
2nd Floor, 280-6 Ok-dong
Nam-gu,
Ulsan, Kyong Nam 680-080
Tel: (0522) 71-0303
Fax: (0522) 73-5522
TAEGU DISTRICT
KIM, Seon Myeoung
173-1 Bumo-dong
Susung-ku, Taegu 706-010
Tel: (053) 753-0012/3
Fax: (053) 753-0013
PARK, Yong-Gil
2nd Floor, Bumo Bldg.
33-10, Bumo-3 dong
Susung-ku, Taegu 706-010
Tel: (053) 753-4157
Fax: (053) 754-2453
KOREAN BAR ASSOCIATION
5th Fl LAWYERS ASSOCIATION BLDG
1718-1 SEOCHO-DONG, SEOCHO-KU
Tel: 3476 4000/7 Fax: 3476 4008
More on Teaching English in South Korea
