I'm in my last year of High School studying in the U.S. I'm currently studying Korean by myself but plan on taking a Korean language class once I get into college. When I finish my studies in the U.S. I plan to work to save money. By the age of 21 I want to try to get a Visa to live and work in South Korea, Pusan for 1 or 2 years. I was originally born in the Philippines and studied in the Philippines for 8 years, I don't know if this helps. If possible, I also want to have a dual citizenship in Korea but I don't have related blood there. Any suggestions if possible? Please? I only plan on staying in Korea 1 or 2 years because of of the cultural experience and interest. So I wouldn't leave the US permanently ^^ that's why I want to get a dual Citizenship but I don't want to join the Army either...... I heard they might consider allowing a dual citizenship for US in 2011 if I don't get a dual citizenship I might as well just go for a VISA but I don't know what kind? Sorry for the trouble......
Korea - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
America is the best country on earth why would you want to leave.
2 :
you should join the U S ARMY you could be a translator if your lucky there might even be a war with N Korea thats one way to live in Korea
3 :
If you are a USA Citizen, you cannot have dual citizenship. I think you'd have to revoke USA and get Canadian citizenship to have the dual one. You DON'T have to be related to a Korean person to get it.. you just have to live there for a certain time and pass a test. I'm personally waiting to see if the Korean government eventually will come around to it and give US citizens dual citizenship... because I'm not stupid enough to give up my US citizenship. :x If they ever do, I'll be getting it ASAP. EDIT: If you only want to go for 1 or 2 years and don't have long term plans, don't bother with citizenship. If you teach there or get a job or study there you can get year long visas which are much less permanent and easier to get. English teacher - E-2 Visa Professor - E-1 Visa General Work - E-7 Foreign Student - D-2 for general There are a lot of different types of visas. But whatever you do, they should tell you what visa you will need to get. The cost varies.
4 :
Do what I did! The best way is to go there as a hagwon teacher. Get your college degree, and if you speak Korean before you get there you will be head and shoulders ahead of everybody. I knew people that had been there for four years and could barely count to 20. You will teach for a year, have your airfare and apartment PAID FOR (a big plus) and should receive compensation that equals about $2000 per month, which is more than enough to live on. You will have ample free time and it's the perfect cultural experience. What's even better: you don't need a specific degree to teach, any degree from a 4-year American university will work. (My major was drama and an Aussie friend had studied wine making.) You don't want to (because you can't) get dual citizenship- just a work visa, for which your boss will need to send you to Japan for two days after you get there. It's easy! BTW: Busan was my favorite city, so good choice.
5 :
It's theoretically possible to obtain Korean citizenship, but 99% of people are locked out of it unless they marry a Korean. Teaching English is a great way to easily come to Korea. The pay and benefits are great. You need only have a four year degree from a US university in ANY subject. After 5 years of residency in S. Korea, you can apply for permanent residency. Korean citizens of your age group are required to serve at least 2 years in the Army. The S. Korean Army is made up mostly of draftees who get essentially zero pay. It's a very hard two years and a large number of S. Koreans, if polled, would certainly prefer to opt out of it if there was a way to do so. As a person not of Korean heritage, you would be something of a social pariah in the Army as well. Anyway, come and teach and enjoy yourself. It's a blast. PS Seoul is the best place to teach. It's the most westernized place in Korea. In some smaller cities/towns, westerners often complain of little/no access to western products like deodorant, medicines and foods. Thousands of these small town teachers actually make a monthly pilgrimage to Seoul to resupply. Also, in small town folks who aren't accustomed to seeing foreigners on their streets are notorious for staring. I'm told it gets a little uncomfortable at times. This almost never happens in Seoul. PPS To rebut one of the other answerers, it is NOT illegal for Canadians or US citizens to obtain dual citizenship. This is false. MANY Americans and Canadians have dual citizenship. I wish people would do a modicum of research before making assertions like this. Very irritating. South Korea does not currently allow dual citizenship but there is talk as of late to change this law.
6 :
You can't become a dual Citizen. 1. Korea doesnt allow dual citizen. 2. Men must serve in the 2 year military term or do service inorder to fully maintain Citizenship. (Not really sure about a foreigner who wants to stay for 1 or 2 years -_-;;) 3. Instead of wasting time here, where no embassy workers are able to help you. Talk to someone professional, and tell them your situation. 4. I really don't think a little saving will get you living there for 1 or 2 years. Getting Job there with a degree from America isnt really high. Also, Korea's living expense is almost same as here in America. 5. the 2011 thing only applys to the korean citizens, whos holding green card while being a citizen in Korea. They are able to serve 2 years duty and become dual like that. (Not really sure, but that's how i heard)
