The Working Adult Life

Besides my first year in Korea, when I worked at the hagwon, I have never worked so much until now at this job. Because of this I have been busy after work taking care of plans and preparing materials, and my weekends have been spent with work as well. On top of this, ever since I moved in to my new place I have been running around on the weekends picking up stuff for the house and taking care of visa tasks.

I just want one weekend where I explore and do something other than house or work related. However, as much as I whine about how this job is keeping me busy it doesn't compare to JH's work week. The poor guy usually works till 7:30pm or on some days has to drive around Korea. It amazes me that even after a day of hard work he still calls me in a good mood.

But because of his hard week he is often very tired on the weekend, and you can usually find him in the position as seen in the picture above. It's been a little issue in our relationship of how our time is spent on the weekend together. I want to get out and explore but he mostly wants to stay home and rest. We have come to a compromise that not every weekend we will do something active and that we don't have to do everything together.

Tomorrow is Friday and I have to leave work early to get to KEB bank to open an account. Although I still do not have my new Alien card yet, I can use my passport to do this. As I was getting permission for this today I was told I could go there by taxi and then "come back." But of course I don't want to have to come back. I was told we get to leave work early for these kinds of matters just once a month, but it doesn't really say you should "come back." We'll see!

Tom needs my love! Bye

New E2 Visa Health Check and Done on a Saturday

It turns out that because the new E2 health checks require the testing for marijuana usage that certain hospitals can't do the check anymore. This was the case for me as a local hospital in my area declined several teachers from my school.

As you know I opted to get the test done on a Saturday and that left me with the big hospitals in Seoul. All in can say is that, yes you can get it done on a Saturday and I recommend you going to the International Health Clinic at Yonsei Severance Hospital near Sinchon and Ehwha.

Preparations:

• Bring your passport.
• Bring two photo id pics (just in case...I didn't hand them in)
• Don't eat for the blood test. (On the phone they said I didn't have to, but I just didn't eat anyways.) (There is a great food court on the same floor as the International Clinic, that has a Kraze burger of all things....so you can grab some grub afterwards)
• If you are a woman don't show up if you are on your period, as it can alter the results of the pee test. 
• Expect to pay 140,000 Won, which is not cheap!
• Show up at 9:30am to be the first in line. Otherwise you will have to sit around and wait your turn. I believe the office will run till 12pm on Saturdays. 
• Obviously come in a healthy state. 
• Another point is to just not tell them you have a certain medical condition or that you are on certain medicine. You want to pass the test and not complicate things. I actually goofed up on this since Yonsei is the hospital I visit for my GI disease, but they said it was okay.

Test Procedure:

• I think a lot of people are kind of worried about how they will do the Cannabis test. Apparently it was just as simple as peeing. But you have to divide your pee in to two containers. 
• First they check your vitals, weight and eyesight. Then you sit in with a doctor and she asks about your medical condition.
• Then the doc has you change into a hospital gown, where you then get a chest examination along with testing your bowels area.
• Afterwards, you go do your blood test, peeing and chest xray. 
• Tada ... all done. They didn't check my teeth this time...thank God!
• The results should be finished in about 4 - 5 days and they will give you a slip of paper for when you should return to pick it up. (Which you can do on a Saturday as well.)

Keep in mind schools tend to take their teachers to some hospital for their health check, but mine makes us go by our selves. In this case, you likely have to miss work to get to a local hospital in time. I didn't want to miss work and so that is why I did it on a Saturday.  Also know that if you live near a major hospital they will likely perform a health check during weekdays, and you can get it done faster if you made an appointment.

What a day!

Visa Number and Position

I woke up this morning to an email in my inbox from my new school. It listed my visa number and my new position at their school.

I am going to teach math to 1st graders. When I first read this I was a bit shocked, since I really wanted 4th grade and up. But I don't want to make a stink about it and so I will accept what has been given to me. I knew I wanted my next job to be a challenge, and well here it is. Thankfully, I know the class size will be 15 - 17 students. So at least I know management will not be too much of a worry.

When I went to the interview I was asked whether or not I could teach math. I jumped in with a great answer that I have always enjoyed learning math throughout college, and that it isn't always about the subject but how it is taught. I said things like I would make sure each kid is learning, having fun and excited to learn math. At that time I wasn't really thinking that I would actually end up teaching math, and now here I am facing that fact. I still believe in my words and really do want to teach it in a way that is fun and engaging for the students. Already with the things I have learned from studying my Multilevel teaching book I know I have already a basis to go by. Plus they give us the book and materials so it's not like I'll be teaching math from scratch.

However, I am scouring Amazon to look for basic math teaching books for 1st graders. Looking for something to get my mind on what lingo to use and methods that will make teaching it more effective. I have found some and they are already helping me get my mind in the area of how to teach math to kidlets.

Of course, a huge part of me wishes I had gotten a subject teaching 4th, 5th or 6th grade. Mostly because I am familiar with those grade levels. But then a part of me is excited for this challenge and has a feeling it might not be as scary as I think.

In the mean time, I have sent of my passport along with the necessary documents to the Korean consulate to get the visa stamp. Just one last step in this whole process, the last being picking up the passport and getting on the plane.

Because I just got the news of what grade and subject I will be teaching my mind is all in a dizzy. Hopefully, being excited and nervous is a good thing. I can't wait to get back to Korea and meet this challenge!

Apostilled Degrees Arrived Today

In accordance with the new E2 regulations I had copies of my University Degrees apostilled. All that is left is the FBI check returning to me with "no record" and sending it off for an apostille. Oh the joy's of immigration!

The Changed Job Market for Public School Seekers

As I consider my future job hunt here in Korea I am starting to recognize how much things have changed. First let me just say this is only in regards to public schools, since that is my target. Also keep in mind this is for those looking for a public school in Gyeonggi-do and not going the way of the GEPIK application. Meaning finding a school that searches for their own teacher instead of having one randomly placed there. One could still apply to GEPIK and find themselves placed at a school randomly but only for the Fall or Spring start.

Now that I got that out of the air let's look at how things have changed for those seeking a public school outside the application process.

Last year I was looking for a job around this time. I was in Korea and just got my TEFL certificate and was finishing my previous school. I had several offers and more were coming in towards the end of my contract. I was just looking for elementary schools and in a target region of Yongin and Bundang, so things were naturally limited. Yet I did have offers and even some schools willing to hire me on the spot.

Although I am not looking for a job currently my foreign coworker is and has been having trouble. Things are definitely more competitive now and schools are for sure being more picky. Another factor seems to be that people are choosing to continue their careers here in Korea so there are more experienced people to compete with than before.

However, my coworker has had several offers, one she rejected and others rejected her. I believe she has landed a job now but there are some complications in her documents. So things aren't terribly bleak but from what I can tell she didn't have a whole lot to choose from. In the past you could have more choices but these days being picky is hard.

The landscape of job hunting for a public school in Korea has changed because there has been a surge in applicants and schools have become pickier.

I saw what was happening to my coworker as warning signs for my future job hunt and so decided to contact a few recruiters with my concerns.

Recruiters Expressing the Change:

The following are the responses I got from several recruiters. I won't mention who they are but they are coming from reputable sources.

1. "We have not been too successful with these of late. (Talking about independent public schools)
   Getting the match is simply too hard and usually a waste of time for us.
   Most schools want experienced, white, young, pretty, US females in Korea now.
   If we are lucky enough to have those candidates, we have to be able to offer them positions in the locations they desire.
   If we are incredibly lucky to still have a match, the teacher has to be able to pass the interview and get the docs in before the other applicants from other companies.
   It just does not usually work out. So we will not be dealing with independent schools anymore. Life is too short for them.
   I do hope you find something you want."
2. "Honestly competition among foreign teachers to get a position is really intense so far. Even stable public schools or private academies’ principals tell me they want teacher who has degree in English or Education or Teacher license. Or they are looking for a teacher who has teaching experiences in Korea AND who is in Korea. Because economy in Korea is bad like the world does. So their budget is reduced. They need to stay on the budget and have to hire qualified teacher. So they choose to do not pay overseas flights then hire a qualified teacher. Even some Public schools and private academies don’t care TEFL, TESOL.
   School needs to prove they have good quality teachers for students. Most foreign teachers who already stay in Korea currently, they are extending to contract with school for next year. Because they heard there are no opportunities to make money back home now. I think you don’t want to work for bad institute during your rest of contracted days. So I’m telling you about present scene of Teaching in Korea. Anyway I didn’t mean to knock you down about it. But if my say made you it, I apologize to you."

 This line "Most schools want experienced, white, young, pretty, US females in Korea now " seems to be the most controversial part of this new job hunting game. Even on Dave's ESL cafe there are threads where people go on about how they can't get a job because they don't fit the new biased criteria of schools. We can sit here and discuss this discrimination and outright illogical thinking, but the reality is schools have the upper hand. In that case one needs to prepare themselves for a much harder job hunting climate.

My advice to get a job in this new climate:

1. Be patient! Look at the reality of the situation and understand that it might take longer than expected.
2. Get a professional photo. It really doesn't take much to put on an ironed dress-shirt and sit in front of a camera. In fact you can go to your local Emart or Lotte mart and make a visit to the photo booth section. Here they can take your photo under those studio lights than do a little photoshopping to make everything look smooth. You can get both digital and hard copies to take home. From what I have heard on Dave's ESL, and from what my coworker has experienced, this seems to be working like a charm. Consider your professional photo next to other applicant's casual ones, which one do you think they will take more seriously.  
3. Be nice to the recruiters. They probably have no worries with getting paid. So if you are rude or impatient to them they can likely put you on the bottom of their pile. I suggest keeping things simple and concise when communicating. Also some might not know all the answers to things such as immigration issues or (well) your life.
4. Have a Plan B, C, D... Because the job market is tougher one should have a plan if they don't get a new job right after your current contract ends. Either make plans to go back to your home country or choose to stay in Korea. You can stay here on an extended visa or go in and out of the country and stay here on a tourist visa. This goes without saying, but have money saved up for this in between time.
5. Send photos of your work with children: Some might say schools don't want to hire experienced teachers because they cost more. However sending pictures of you working with happy smiling children might convince a school otherwise. If you are working at a school now ask your coteacher to take your picture during a special activity. 

It is my opinion that there is no solid "one type" of person that schools are looking for. One school might want an experienced applicant while another wants one fresh off the boat. Yes it is important to keep in mind that most schools are choosing just based on age, race and looks. We all know this is wrong but it is the way it is. That's why you have to take what you got and step it up a notch! 

Although, all of this makes me nervous I can't help but see that it was inevitable. With the job market being so poor in America (and other countries) and new graduates having trouble finding work coming here looks like gold. 

The most important aspect I feel, in the end, is to support each other. That is what I am doing right now by providing this insight I feel on the current job market.

But let's hear from you!

Are you having troubles finding a new job?
If you work for a hagwon are things changing in that sector too?
Any words of wisdom?

Comments?

Osaka Visa Run: How I Did It

This will be my information of my experience of doing the Osaka Visa Run. I stayed there for 6 days so I had plenty of time to get accustomed to the transportation system and local neighborhood near the Korean Consulate.

From Kansai Airport to the Train Station:

Obviously you will take a flight into Kansai International Airport. After clearing immigration and picking up any checked-in luggage you are free to go.

Head towards the signs that read "subway" so that you can follow your way to the public transportation options.

Transportation Passes:
Before heading directly to the train stop for a minute at the Tourist Information Center located on the first floor. You want to stop at the "Travel Desk" because you can purchase a very important train pass called the "Kansai Thru Pass"

For just 5,000 Yen for a 3 day pass or 3,800 for a 2 day pass you can use this to ride the Osaka City Subway and buses both in Osaka and Kyoto.

It is a lot easier than having to figure out which ticket to buy at the station. Also when you transfer from one Osaka subway line to another you have to buy a separate ticket. This saves you the hassle.

**Also you get a complimentary Kansai guide with train and bus map that is amazingly useful!
**In this area also look for more maps and tourist information.

And yes! It will allow you to ride from the airport to Namba station, on the Nankai line, which is where you are going.

If you plan on staying longer than 2 days consider getting the JR Subway pass. JR subway is a private line and more expensive but it can easily take you to places like Kyoto and has rapid service trains that are really fast. I would recommend getting a 3 day pass depending on how far you want to travel.

You will get the JR West Kansai Pass and to get it you have to show your passport. Also the ticket booth is in the train entrance area which means you have to make the next move and leave the airport terminal building and go to the train station.
 

Subway / Train Terminal Building:

Again make your way to this area of the airport complex to either use your Kansai Thru Pass or purchase a ticket on the Nankai line heading for Namba.

But the best way I found to plan out what train to take was to use these trip planning websites:

Hyperdia

Jorudan Train Route Finder 

Enter your information: Hint on using this site... type in the station name until you get the choices which come up and select the choice...Namba Nankai is a different station and line from Namba (Subway).

Hit "Search" and view your results. You basically have 3 choices:

1. Nankai "RAPIT" which costs the most but is the fastest...but not really that much faster.

2. Nankai "Airport Express"... makes major stops before arriving at Namba but pretty fast.

3. Nankai "Local" makes every stop before arriving at Namba....slow but you can enjoy the scenery.

You can use the Kansai Thru Pass on all of these EXCEPT the "RAPIT". You can take the RAPIT and pay a discount since you have Kansai Thru Pass, basically paying the difference.

All in all I would shoot for #2 of that list up there. Once you have your ticket or Kansai Thru Pass go through the gate (put your ticket in the machine) and make your way down to the platform.

Read the signs along the platforms and find the one that shows the label of the train..."Airport Express". Wait and get on the train. If you are going to take a local train expect more passengers so tuck your luggage close to yourself to be nice.

Namba Station Maze:

This might be the trickiest part. I know many other bloggers and recruiter websites say to just take "Exit 25" and make a right....blah blah...well it was complicated for me considering that Namba station is huge. It includes connections to other lines and an underground shopping mall. But with a little preparation I am sure you can also make it out.

You have two major choices you can make to get out of Namba station and towards the Korean Consulate. First let's look at a map of the station:

The train you get off on is on level 3F you need to make your way out the turnstyle (put in your ticket to exit) and make your way to either 1 of 2 exit choices.

1. Main exit (above ground...main entrance...more walking distance to Consulate)

2. Exit 25 (closest exit to the Consulate)

Signs and exit markers are confusing...but I will try to explain everything to make it clear

Area Map:

To put this into reality let's look at a map of the area:
First I will show you the clean version:

Let's look at my modified version:

The station you arrive at it is the "Blue Namba" on the map. If you notice there are actually 3 different Namba stations here.

Exit Choices How To:

1. Central Exit: This exit is probably the easiest to find. Once you get outside you can look around and see you are next to this building: source

From here you head upwards toward the area I have shown you on the map. You want to be on the left side of the street. You will pass the Shin Kabuki theater and you know you are on the right side of the street if this is right next to you above your head.

Keep going and you should come to a huge ass intersection with a highway overpass above you. Walk under this and notice on the other side of the street (on the right) is the Namba Hips building.

source

Not hard to miss....funky looking building. So keep going up and cross the little bridge over the stream.

Pass the McDonalds and exit 25.
You will soon see a JAL airline sign advertisement and just past this is the Korean consulate with the huge ass Korean flag out front and security dudes keeping watch. I don't have a picture but you can imagine this pretty easily I think.

2. Choice: Exit 25
This choice means you need to find your way from level 3F to the exit. Let me just say that when you get off the train you are on the opposite end of where the exit is, so you need to travel through the underground maze to Exit 25.

I found this lovely map to illustrate how they organize their exiting system. If you find this map you will see that you are coming out of the D Green area (Nankai subway) and you need to get to the end of the C (Red area).

Look for exit signs like this:

Source

Find your way to exit 25 by following those guidelines. In general if you see the red markings in the above pictures you are making your way there. There are many information stations along the way which you can ask for help. I did and they were very helpful.

Once you are out of exit 25 this is what you do:

Make a sharp right and make sure the "Royal Host" restaurant is on your left side. Go up the street and follow the same instructions as mentioned above.

 

 

 source

At the Korean Consulate: Procedure

The rest is a breeze as long as you have all your documents and your visa number.

- Your passport with remaining validity of at least one year
- Visa issuance document
- A completed Visa application form
- One passport-size photo
- The visa fee of 6,000 Yen (approximately 60,000 KRW)

Other Information You will Need Handy:

• Your address in Korea (full address) If you don't know ask for a close friends address....it's ok.
• Your school's address and name (In English and Korean to be safe)
• Your phone number
• Your school's contact phone number

Step 1:
Find yourself in the Korean consulate. There are "island" style tables near the entrance with the forms. Find the one titled "Visa application".

Fill everything out concisely. There is an example on the island table.

Step 2:
Go to the "Visa" window and tell them you are there to get a new visa. She or He will look over your paper and give you a plastic number. You are to wait till your number is called.

Step 3:
Your number is called and you go up to the window. The person looks over your document to make sure you filled it in correctly. You give them your little passport photo. They then instruct you to buy a "stamp / sticker" from the vending machine nearby in the room.

They tell you how to do it and which buttons to press. You have to pay the exact amount and press the button so the stamp comes out of the machine. You then go back to the window and hand in the stamp along with handing over your passport.

They then give you a little piece of paper detailing when to come back to the consulate to pick up your visa and passport.

Step 4:
Check into a hotel. You can figure this out either before you go or look around while you are there. I used www.tourbaksa.com and got a flight/hotel deal for 6 days. If your school is helping you they may set things up for you.

After checking in you can become a tourist and have lots of fun.

Some great Kansai / Osaka tourist websites:

Osaka Info

Japan National Tourism: Kyoto

Nara

Step 5:
Pick up your visa by showing up at the time requested and handing in that little slip of paper.

Go back to Korea or stay and be a tourist.

What if's:

• Osaka is a fun area with trendy shops and 20 somethings dressed really stylish.
• Food is great and I highly recommend trying Japanese style donkatsu as it is better than Korean.
• Some people might speak English but again don't expect it. 
• Walk on the left. If you don't you will find yourself trying to go through a maze of people.
• If a small souvenir, like a cell phone charm, is over 600 Yen then it is too expensive.
• They have the same mini-stores like "Buy the Way" and "AmPm". You can find ramen here and healthy take out snacks such as mini salads. A real time and money saver if you are tired.
• Bring as much money as you are willing to spend. 
• Go see a Temple or other sacred sight.
• I highly recommend skipping Osaka castle and going towards Nara.
• Go through the back alleys...they are safe and full of cute shops and great restaurants. 
• Keep clear of "Pachinko" alleys...as they hold the skeevy types.
• Give yourself enough time to get back to the airport as you will have to figure out the subway system again. And there is a lot of shopping at the airport if you have extra time.

I hope this was both concise and will make your life easier the next time you go. I did a heck of a lot of research before I left instead of taking the "whatever" route.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. Now that I have finished up this post I will get back to writing up about the places I saw. ;)

Osaka Visa Run the Planning

This will be my first visa run to Japan but not my first time visiting the country. As you may know last winter for vacation I visited Tokyo and had a kick ass time seeing the Studio Ghibli Museum.

For this trip I am going to the Kansai area which consists of the major cities such as Osaka (where the Korean consulate is), Kyoto and Nara.

I plan to stay for 6 days and 5 nights and 2 of those will be spent at the Korean consulate area.

It's a lot of fun being a traveler for you can pick and chose where you want to go. As if you are drawing up your own treasure map. For me I want to emphasize seeing the historical attractions and put shopping second. I recall spending some time in a shopping district in Tokyo and feeling like I was in Korea so I kind of learned my lesson.

What to do? Where to go? How much money to bring?

Last time I was scared of running out of money so I ended up having a big chunk at the end and spent it all in a shopping mall before I left. I feel like I am going to be hitting a lot of gift shops and areas where handicrafts are sold so I am considering bringing extra with me. Also I want to try and eat out more than I did last time, instead of buying instant ramen and eating inside my hotel.

As for sightseeing I have made a list of the major attractions I want to see:

Osaka:
Shitennoji Shrine
National Museum of Art
Namba street area

Kyoto:
Fushimi-Inari-Taishi (red gates)
Kyoto station area
Kinkakuji
Kyoto Handicraft Center
Tenryu-ji (bamboo garden / temple)
Many more!

Nara:
Todai-ji (largest wooden building)
Other famous place
Nara is kind of far and two days are already going to be reserved for Osaka because of the visa...so we will see if I get out there.

In this day and age many travelers like to take the fantasy kind of route and not really plan out their travels. A guide book and a map seems to be what most people find as essential to traveling. I kind of went this way when I was in Tokyo but found that I could have planed things out a little bit more.

That is why this time I am writing out where to go, how long it takes and what's in the area so I know what to check out before heading back to the hotel. Certainly I haven't planned it to the hour, for I am not that neurotic.

So readers if you have been to this area and know of a must-see sight or a great place to eat lemme know.

Said Yes

It was a fun trip into Yongin today seeing the school. I was skeptical whether I would say yes or not until I saw the housing. I am just going to briefly sum up for you what I learned about the school and housing:

School:

• There is no English classroom, instead you go the homeroom class and teach there. They expect to build an English class room next year.
• I teach 2nd, 5th and 6th grades only.
  
• Teaching hours = 25 (3 extra hours of overtime)
• Schedule is heavier than I have been use to, but I can take on the challenge.
• No after-school programmed classes to plan for.
• New coteacher is a very experienced and focused person. She told me exactly what she will expect of me. Planning for classes will be done together and I should teach 80%. I agree with her and I believe I am capable of teaching more on my own.
• Location is about 20 minute walk from the housing.
  
• I share a teacher's room with another Foreign teacher and coteacher.
• Doesn't start till December.

Housing:

• Inside a modern building with a security Ahjusshi (man) at the entrance.
• I didn't see my exact room, but an example of what I will be getting.
  
• The officetel is separated into two rooms. One big living room type space with the kitchen in it, then the bathroom in the middle, then an extra small room near the entrance.
• The building is shaped like a triangle. One side looks out onto a busy street. The long side looks out onto a small river/creek, and the short side looks out onto a gas station. Guess which one I want?
• House includes a washing machine.
• Across the street is a huge Lotte Mart.
• Area is suburban with mostly housing surrounding it. Not much "Downtown" stuff until you walk a ways to where the subway station is.
  
• Seeing the house sold me the position and it was a done deal.

I haven't signed anything yet and am still in the process of figuring out the visa stuff. It's complicated since I extended my visa into November and the job doesn't start till December 5th.

For now it is time to start packing because no matter what I will be moving out of here on October 31st. Possibly moving into a goshiwon in Seoul, while my stuff is stored at JH's house.

I am nervous, excited and feeling anxious all at the same time. I just have to believe in myself and my choices and live them out.

Tourist Visa

Here's the deal, if I do not obtain a job that starts in November then I will have a certain time period after my E2 Visa expires to find a way to stay in Korea.

I figured that I will leave Korea and stay a few days in Japan and come back on a tourist visa. Right now I am doing research as to whether or not I have to get a special "tourist" visa when I am abroad before coming back into Korea. Or if I can just come back into Korea and have my passport stamped stating something that I have 30 days to be here. After getting that I am under the assumption I can go to the immigration office and get an extension for 90 days. Since I don't want to find out about all this at the last minute, I am doing my research now.

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website:

1. Visitors who plan to stay in Korea for longer than 90 days must obtain visas before entering Korea.

2. Nationals of those countries with which Korea has signed a visa waiver agreement can enter without visas, on the condition that they do not engage in remunerative activities during their stay.

Nationals of Countries allowed for visa-free entry
United States (90 days)

Nationals of the above countries are allowed up to 30 days of visa-free sojourn for tourism or visitation
- Exceptions: Canada is allowed up to 6 months, and United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Slovenia and Japan are allowed up to 90 days.

Okay so what this is telling me is that I can enter the country "Visa free" meaning no extra stamp in my passport and live here for 90 days as a "tourist".

Hmmm Let's go to the Korean Immigration website since ultimately it is them who I will be dealing with. I remember going through this last year when I was leaving the hagwon, but I know these things change over time so I want to be sure I know what to do this time.

The section for tourists lists the visa type and it's conditions.

Tourism/Transit(B-2)

• Foreigner who enters Korea without visa for the purpose of tourism or transit

Those that fall in the following categories will be allowed to enter Korea without a visa.
Countries under visa waiver agreements
Designated visa-free entry
Re-entry Permit holders

Nationals of visa waiver countries can enter Korea without a visa as long as the purpose of their visit is tourism or temporary visit. If they want to engage in profitable activities such as employment, they must apply for a Korean visa suitable for their purpose.

It basically continues with the same stuff from the Ministry website. So I feel like I haven't really confirmed whether I can just leave the country and come back without any "tourist" visa in my passport. But since it says "Visa-free" I guess that is what it means.

Oh Korea Sparkling confirms this by stating:

Any foreign visitors wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and obtain a Korean visa before coming. However, people of 99 countries who want to visit Korea temporarily are permitted to enter without a visa according to visa-exemption agreements (Table 1), or in accordance with principles reciprocity or national interest (Table 2).

A google search is necessary to make sure there isn't any hidden agenda I don't know about. I came upon this from EFL-Law Korea website.

If you are entering Korea on a tourist visa, you must have a round trip ticket. You will not be allowed to board the plane to Korea, or enter the country, if you do not have a round trip ticket.

There is no paperwork necessary to obtain a tourist visa. As long as you have a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration date, and a round trip ticket, you will be given a single entry 3 or 6 month tourist visa once you enter Korea.

I'll need a round trip air ticket?? hrmm Ok so the Korea Sparkling website continues to say that:

Visitors from countries not under Visa Exemption Agreements must apply for a visa extension if planning to stay for more than 30 days. Depending on the situation of the consulate, the visa extension will be issued 1 to 3 days from the day of application. Applicants require a completed application form, a recent passport-sized colour photo and the application fee. Visitors do not require the outbound flight ticket. Visa extensions are usually for 90 days.

After thumbing around on these websites with all their official jargon I couldn't find the exact answer I was looking for. But my google search came up with "Ask the Expat's" answer I will have to assume his procedure is correct.

I don't see any problem with this except for the fact that tourist visas are issued only with proof of through travel or a departing ticket. In most cases, you will not be issued a tourist visa without your departing ticket. That's easy to get around though. All you need to do is buy a refundable ticket to show to immigration. Once you're through customs and legally back in the country on a tourist visa, all you'll need to do is cancel the ticket and you're gold. There shouldn't be any problems if you follow those simple steps.

So I just need to purchase a ticket to somewhere out of the country that I know will be refundable and show it to the immigration services when I enter the country. Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Just another thing to put on my "To-do" list for getting through this whole ordeal.

I am sure some of you probably knew the answer all along but I bet there are a few out there that have no clue what to do if faced with this situation, so I hope this post will be helpful to those in the future.

If you have direct experience with entering without a visa from a visa free country then let me know how it went. If you have any other suggestions for taking care of this one small detail lemme know too.

OR should I get a C-3 Visa....which I think must be obtained at a Korean Consulate abroad. ><>If you are going to be in Korea less than 90 days then you should apply for the C-3 short-term visa. This visa is generally called a tourist visa or a visiting visa. Students who are planning to study at KLI for only one term (10 weeks) may apply for the C-3 visa. This visa is good for 3 months and can be issued immediately upon application at either a Korean Embassy or a Consulate office.
Thanks!

Criminal Background Check

Zen Kimchi posed an inquiry about whether I have to get a fresh criminal background check or not.

So here is the deal (so far).

I am doing a visa transfer, instead of canceling the Visa and going to Japan and getting a fresh new one.

This means you keep the same Alien Registration number but it is sponsored by a different company.

For the criminal record check I was told by my recruiter that for now they don't need a new one, but will take a copy of the one I did first.

When my new one comes in they would like to have it, but it is not critical right now.

What is critical is getting a whole bunch of documents from my current school. This takes some finessing from my supervisor, because I think she is reluctant. So I am hoping the recruiter can speak with her and get her to do it.

Basically though if I take the job, I have a week to get all these docs processed and have my visa transferred. So there isn't much time for my current supervisor to play hokey.

That is it so far in a nutshell.

Understanding Immigration

Well now that I am on the loose I need to figure out just what kind of Tourist visa I need to get.

At first I was under the impression that I would journey over to Japan's Korean Consulate and get the C3 Visa, or a 90 day tourist visa. But to make sure I inquired with immigration through their petition service online. The response I got was that I can't change my visa to a C3. That was not good news.

So after informing BK and having him call up immigration to get some answers, it turns out I was on the wrong track.

The actual tourist visa I need is the B2 visa which is:

Foreigner who enters Korea without visa for the purpose of tourism or transit

This is made possible by the visa waiver program. The only catch is that this kind of visa only lasts for 30 days. So to extend it all I need to do is walk into immigration and request to extend my visa and pay a small fee.

My journey now is that in order to get this lovely B2 visa I still need to leave the country and come back.

So where should I go? I don't really have all the money to spend several days somewhere, but I am starting to look into it.

Phew~!