Breaking a Contract---How long can I stay in Korea?

Hi there,

So I've decided to break my contract early and was wondering how long will Korean Immigration allow me to stay in Korea for? I have a plane ticket purchased, but my departure from Korea will not be until about 25 days after I quit my job. I don't want another job here and I'm not planning on returning, but I'd rather not waste money on a ferry to Japan in order to get a tourist visa for a couple of weeks if I don't have to. I've heard that immigration may try to fine me if when I try to leave the country, however. Is this true?

Thanks for your help.

Re: Breaking a Contract---How long can I stay in Korea?

If they've let immigration know this, I think you've got 14 days.I wouldn't take any chances mate, I believe the fine is 100 dolars a day.They made me pay one for my kid years ago, and he was only 9 month's old.

Re: Breaking a Contract---How long can I stay in Korea?

100,000 won fine for first violation, (10-14 days)

250,000 for over 30 days. and a permanent blackmark on your record.

if you end up with the latter, like i had (only second mistake i ever made in 10 years of living and working in korea, means nothing to them). one error, forever branded a vagrant. they don't care.

 they will make you go home to your country to get a new visa(that is if you have a new job each and everytime. the visa is new. if you renew your contract, it doesn't matter, soon as you leave that job, the brand of visa violator sticks with you. just get on the boat and go to fukuoka till something comes your way. or better yet, leave korea to the koreans. work elsewhere. they are no longer worthy.

Re: Breaking a Contract---How long can I stay in Korea?

I stayed here like 3 months, just go to the immigration and give them your passport and ask if there is anything wrong, they will hand it back either saying you have x number of days or they will say nothing.

It is too much of a hassle for your hagwon to go down to the immigration and tell them you are gone. They expect the recruiter to do it cause they don't do any paperwork. Problem with that is the recruiter got their money and no longer has anything to do with you, so no one will file, stay as long as you want, just every couple of weeks go down to the immigration and ask if there is anything wrong with your visa.

Re: Breaking a Contract---How long can I stay in Korea?

It's probably different depending on what country you are from.  If you are from Canada, it's 30 days.

Call immigration (get number from information if you need to) and ask them.  As long as you get the English number (again, ask information) should be an easy question to ask, less hastle and more certainty than listening so any of us on here.

Re: Breaking a Contract---How long can I stay in Korea?

Information is all here on their website. It's 30 days if applied for.

However, since the contract is being broken, I would guess the same rules don't apply.

http://www.g4f.go.kr/pt/CvlapplInfoDetailR_en.pt?pageSpec=&targetRow=&la...

I would suggest calling them on their English support line, 1345, I've personally never used it, but my friend does all the time and their English is good.

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt?categoryId=25&parentId=111...

It would also be nice to hear back from the original poster to see what they've found out, if anything.