Q: I want to buy a notebook computer, but find that the prices are quite inflated here in Seoul. If I use my credit card to buy a notebook computer online from Amazon, Dell or Sony and get it shipped to me here in Seoul, will I have to pay a duty or tariff on the computer to get it?
A: According to the Korea Customs Service, if you buy any product priced at over $150 from overseas, you must pay 10 percent of the price as a tax. Please refer to the following Web site for more information. http://www.customs.go.kr.
Q: It's my second year in Seoul. I was wondering when the ski slopes are open. Please let me know so I don't miss out on this great time of year.
A: There are several ski resorts in the nation. You can check out Phoenixpark (http://www.phoenixpark.co.kr); Youngpyong Ski Resort (http://www.yongpyong.co.kr); Sungwoo Resort (http://www.hdsungwoo.co.kr); Daemyung Vivaldi Park (http://www.daemyungresort.com/vp); and Jisan Ski Resort (http://www.jisanresort.co.kr/eng)
Q: I read online that English teachers in Korea have to be native speakers from an English speaking country. I plan to spend a year in Korea to follow my partner, who is there for business. I'm a French-speaking native but I have a very good level of English and would like to apply for English teaching jobs. What are the requirements for such positions?
A: According to the immigration office, if you are not a native English speaker, you cannot work in Korea as an English teacher. In principle, a native English teacher has to come from one of the following countries and have a bachelor's degree: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand
Q: I am Russian national married to a Korean. I have an F-5 residence visa. If we divorce, will I lose my visa status? How will I see my children?
A: According to the immigration office, in the case of divorce, you don't need to surrender your F-5 visa. Please contact the immigration office at (02) 2650-6399 for further questions or clarifications.
The Seoul Help Center for Foreigners (SHC), operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), is an organization that provides foreigners in Seoul with comprehensive information and advice in daily life, business and tourism.
Seoul Help Center for Foreigners (SHC)
Tel : 02-731-6800
Fax : 02-731-6803
http://shc.seoul.go.kr
