Working in South Korea is rewarding, but you might find yourself thinking of quitting your job. In this article, Ziptoss has made a guide in properly resigning in South Korea as a foreigner.
Common mistakes when quitting a job in South Korea
There are some differences between quitting a job in South Korea and quitting a job in other countries, here are some mistakes to avoid when you’re planning to quit your job:
- Taking things personally.
- Getting emotional.
- Not providing a resignation letter.
- Expecting things to work according to the contract.
- Not offering to help find, train, and onboard your replacement.
- Not making an effort to understand your boss.
- Not documenting every meeting or task you complete.
- Criticizing your company.
- Accepting a counteroffer.
- Not asking for a letter of recommendation.
How to quit your job when you have an F-series visa or permanent residency
- Have the next job in line. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan when quitting your current job. There are many opportunities in South Korea but it might take some time to find the right one so it’s better to think ahead of time.
- Know your rights and give proper notice of resignation. Make sure to give notice to your employer about resigning in a timely manner, at least 30 days ahead so your employer could also adjust to the situation.
- Keep track of your records. Keep track of what you’ve done in the company(such as what your tasks were and you’ve accomplished, working hours, and your monthly salary).
- Offer assistance with the transition. To have a good record before leaving the company, offer help in assisting and training your replacement. Let them get comfortable in the workplace, be familiar with their tasks and co-workers, and give tips and tricks for extra help.
- Have patience. Being patient with the transition is important, it might take a while to fully process your resignation. If you get unexpected requests, handle them in a calm and proper manner, it’s also a good way to improve yourself in the process.
How to quit your job if you have an E-2 Visa
The process is similar to having an F-series visa, but one particular difference is that you are sponsored by your employers so your stay in South Korea will also depend on how they will handle your resignation.
What to do with conflicts
Whether a formal resignation or a voluntary termination, you may hear counter complaints from your employer(such as taking long lunch breaks, not working hard enough, etc.), knowing your rights is important for these cases and it is better to consult a lawyer or local if you still have trouble understanding the language. There are also some organizations that can help you out such as Seoul Global Center.
You can go to the Labor Board or (goyongnodongbu or MOEL), with a Korean local or friend and present your information to a caseworker and they’ll be the one to contact your company. Results could take a few weeks, but they do their best to make the process faster. Avoid having any contact with the company while and do not get carried away with your emotions, it’s better to try and stay professional with this kind of matter.
Tips for resigning in South Korea
- It is necessary to provide your company with a formal resignation letter in Korean and English
- Your Visa will determine how you quit your job
- If you are not too familiar with the Korean language, do not sign any papers you don’t understand. Ask a friend to help you translate it.
- Properly document your tasks and meetings with your management
- The company will expect you to help find, train, and onboard your replacement.
- You should give at least a 30-day notice about your resignation to your employer unless there is a specific period given in your contract.
- Take note that you are entitled to have a month’s severance pay, for every year you’ve worked for the company.
- Be on good terms with your employer to avoid having conflicts when resigning.