U.S. Embassy -- Seoul, Korea

CONTRACT DISPUTES: SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Due to the growing number of problems experienced by American citizens teaching English in Korea, we counsel against taking employment as an English teacher in the Republic of Korea except at reputable colleges or universities. We receive several complaints daily from Americans who came to Korea under contract with promises of generous salaries, bonuses and other amenities, only to find themselves in tenuous situations, often lacking funds to return to the U.S.

The Embassy, by regulation, cannot enter into private disputes between U.S. citizens and their employers, nor act as lawyers in legal or contractual disputes. Grievances caused by the employer s violation of the terms of the contract should be reported to:

Social Education Department
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
#2-77 Shinmunroh, 2-ka, Chongno-Gu Seoul, Korea
Tel: 399-9243 or 736-3219
Fax: 399-9465-70

If you are not in Seoul, you may need to send your complaint to the Social Education Department of the Provincial Board of Education in the Province where you work.

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 to the Korean government prior to departure from Korea.

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: 739-9170

Other organizations that may be able to help are:
Seoul Bar Association
Legal Center for Foreign Workers
1553-1 Seocho-dong, Seocho-Gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel:3476-6000/3476-8080
Fax: 3476-8094

English speaking consultants are available Mondays 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

Internet mail list:
K-expat@nextel.net
many expats on-line to share experiences and opinions

Seoul YMCA
Tel:(02) 733-3181, 734-3904
Lawyers available for consultations from 10am to 4pm

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If you know of other organizations that can be of help to foreign workers in Korea, please write to us: U.S. Embassy, 82 Sejong-ro, Chongro-Ku, Seoul, Korea 110-050