Foreigners working in Korea, whether on a tourist visa for a short-term stay or under visa sponsorship by an employee, are subject to the Korean Law.  Korean labor laws do not permit you to work for anyone other than your sponsor,unless you receive written permission from both your sponsor and Korean Immigration.

 If you do work illegally and are caught, a heavy fine may be levied or you may be deported.

* All employers should observe the rules and regulations outlined by the Standard Labor Law. This law applies to all employees, regardless of their nationality.
Many foreign teachers working for "hakwons" are under the impression that "hakwon" owners must provide round trip airfare and accommodations.  This, in fact, is not the law.  It is up to the employer to include or exclude this provision in the contract.

* All companies employing more than five full-time staff must provide medical benefits, regardless of whether this is mentioned in the contract. All "hakwon" owners are required by Standard Labor Law to provide medical benefits. In most case, the employer pays half of the medical premium.

* Under the law, employers must remunerate their employees on a regular basis. However, the conditions of pay may vary. Legally, employers can choose to pay their employees in any one of the following ways: weekly, monthly, or six months in advance. In most cases, teachers are paid monthly.
All "hakwon" teachers must pay tax, but the rate of taxation varies according to the amount of salary earned. For example, a general level of 6.5-7.7% tax is deducted for a teacher earning 2 million won per month. If you pay more than the tax rate set under the law then employees can apply for a tax refund. Usually teachers pay a higher rate of tax because teachers are unaware of the exact rate of taxation.

* Under the law, all employees working for and completing a one-year contract will receive severance pay from their employers.  The amount of severance pay must equal one month's salary for a year contract.  A stipulation for severance pay should be included in your contract.

* If you think you are being mistreated, paying too much tax, or the employer is not complying to the agreed contract, you can call or visit the Regional Labor Administration Office for information about course of action.  It is recommended that you bring along a Korean friend/acquaintance to translate.  Remember to always keep a copy of the contract with you.