To South Korea as a volunteer

KidSiberia Member

1POSTS

7 years ago

Hello, guys,

I am Ivko, from Russia.

Not sure I have chosen the right forum to ask a question, but still.. I am interested in moving to South Korea for a month (or so) as a volunteer. It is not about some organisation, it is about single volunteering at a hostel where I am supposed to work for food and accommodation.

So, the question is, if I go to the country as a single volunteer (not a member of a volunteering organisation), would it be legal? Do I need a specific visa for this? Or, the usual touristic visa would be enough?

What should I say to an officer (the person who checks arriving people) at the airport in this case?

Any help or advice would be very appreciated!

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惭茅濒补苍颈别25 Member

1POSTS

4 years ago

Hello,

I know this is quite an old post but just in case (and for the next people looking for answers) I will answer to the best of my knowledge.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TEACHING VISA AVOID LANGUAGE CAFES AT ALL COSTS.

I went to Korea for a few months last year and volunteered at a language cafe on a tourist visa. But there were other volunteers with all kinds of visas (student visa, EVEN working holiday visa, business visa). We did not receive money but we were living together in a dorm so we didn't have to pay for accommodation. IT WAS ILLEGAL.
One day, the immigration came to the cafe, we had to follow them and in the end we were detained at Seoul immigration center for 5-7 days (10 of us) and we all had to pay a huge fine (otherwise we wouldn't have been able to ever return to Korea) Most of us also had to leave within a month.

If you're unsure about something, get a written email from your embassy stating that it is legal. I called but it wasn't enough apparently.

Good luck and enjoy your time in Korea,

惭茅濒补苍颈别

1 member reacted to this post

The South Korea expat guide

Comprehensive and free

Read it now

Priscilla ViP

42358POSTS

4 years ago

@Melanie:

We appreciate your contribution and thanks for the wise advice.

Priscilla
大咖福利影院 Team

1 member reacted to this post

amir hameed Member

1POSTS

4 years ago

Priscilla wrote:
@Melanie:

We appreciate your contribution and thanks for the wise advice.

Priscilla
大咖福利影院 Team

harounelaslouni Member

1POSTS

4 years ago

Hello , i wish you are doing well i'm Haroune from Algeria 馃嚛馃嚳, i have Bachelor degree in English language .聽 Could someone guide me how Can i get work permit in south Korea . Just Contact me : *** what's app number and kakao talk

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stagemother Member

2POSTS

2 years ago

@惭茅濒补苍颈别25

Why was your non-paid volunteering illegal?聽 Also, how much was the fine?

partofthatworld Active member

36POSTS

2 years ago

@KidSiberia Just be careful with volunteering if you're on a tourist visa. Like Melanie mentioned, the language cafes can get you in trouble if you're living and working there without the proper visa. Your best bet is to look into volunteering with an established organization. That way you know everything is above board legally. Maybe check out some international volunteer groups in South Korea and see what options they have. Have fun exploring if you do go!锘�

1 member reacted to this post