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  • It's convenient that it tells me "Your password is incorrect" every time I'm wrong.
    Silver Fox 2025-07-03 Community
  • Please give me a recommendation.Please.Just click it, recommend.
    Nova Hunter 2025-07-03 Community
  • 1st place kekekekekeke
    Lone Chaser 2025-07-03 Community
  • 📅 Event PeriodThursday, July 3, 2025 ~ Sunday, July 13, 2025⏰ DeadlineSunday, July 13, 2025, 6:00 PM KST🎁 WinnerOnly 1 Winner! (2nd place... unfortunately, better luck next time 😢)🏆 PrizeAirPods Pro 2nd Generation (It's truly free, you can trust us)✍️ How to Participate Sign up for Stenka Community Write posts freely The person who wrote the post that receives the most "Recommendations" during the event period wins! ✅ Any Post is OK! Funny posts, sad posts, angry posts, and nonsensical rants are all welcome! The content truly doesn't matter. If your post touches hearts, that's the path to AirPods. 📞 Winner Announcement After the event ends, we will notify the winner by phone. Don't worry if you miss the call. We will contact you multiple times until Monday, July 14th, 8:00 PM. If your phone number is incorrect, the prize will be given to the 2nd place winner. 🖊 Post Now! Your single line might just call the AirPods to you!👉 Go to Community
    admin 2025-07-03 Events
  • ⓒ Provided by Finding Rights Union (Gwonyuhada)Undocumented foreign workers employed at a lodging facility in Seoul endured extreme labor conditions, working in 24-hour shifts on alternate days. They received no overtime pay or severance pay, and were even subjected to harassment by management. All of this occurred under the guise of being a "workplace with less than 5 employees," despite the actual number of staff significantly exceeding this figure. Left in a blind spot of the law, they became victims of a structural loophole known as a "fake workplace with less than 5 employees."24-Hour Alternate Day Shifts and a Reality Without AllowancesMr. A, an undocumented foreign worker who worked at a lodging facility in Jongno, Seoul, repeatedly worked 24-hour shifts followed by a day off. Beyond his basic salary, he received no overtime pay, night shift pay, or holiday pay. "The manager used to curse at me and harass me," Mr. A said. "The work was too difficult, and later I quit because I wasn't even getting paid allowances."The problem was that this workplace was registered as a "workplace with less than 5 employees," the key threshold of the Labor Standards Act. However, there were only 4 undocumented foreign workers, and including day shift workers, laundry staff, and the manager, the total number of employees exceeded seven.Circumventing the Labor Standards Act: The Structural Problem of Fictitious RegistrationThe current Labor Standards Act applies major provisions such as overtime pay, night shift pay, holiday pay, annual paid leave, notice of dismissal, and severance pay only to businesses that consistently employ 5 or more workers. Consequently, some businesses conceal their actual employee count of 5 or more and falsely register as "less than 5 employees."The lodging facility in question was found to have evaded the protections of the Labor Standards Act by falsely reporting itself as a workplace with fewer than 5 employees. As a result, undocumented foreign workers employed there received no legal protections, including various allowances and limits on working hours.Undocumented Foreign Workers Outside the Protection of the LawThe seriousness of the problem is also evident in their status as "undocumented foreign workers." It is difficult for them to report their suffering to the outside or assert their legal rights. Even when the Ministry of Employment and Labor conducts labor inspections, their undocumented status leads to complications with violations of the Immigration Control Act, making it difficult to provide proper protective measures.Some workers at the lodging facility endured these issues and filed claims for unpaid wages. The Ministry of Employment and Labor confirmed that the actual number of employees was 5 or more and launched an investigation.The Reality of Fictitious Workplaces and the Structural Risks of Labor Blind SpotsThis incident is not merely a case of illegal employment. It is a structural problem created by the combination of employers' fictitious registrations, the authorities' neglect of blind spots, and the limitations in the application of the law. An official from the Ministry of Employment and Labor stated, "There are not a few cases where businesses employing foreign workers evade the Labor Standards Act through fictitious registration," and added, "We will take legal action against those found to be in violation."Such structural evasion pushes undocumented foreign workers into even more vulnerable positions and has become a breeding ground for human rights violations and long working hours.Calls for Institutional Improvements Are Also OngoingExperts point out the need for the following institutional improvements: First, **strengthened on-site investigations into the criteria for workplaces with less than 5 employees and stricter penalties for fictitious reporting** are necessary. Second, **institutional mechanisms must be established to resolve the dual blind spot, ensuring that undocumented foreign workers can be protected under labor standards laws**. Third, **the labor inspection functions of the Ministry of Employment and Labor need to be enhanced, and information-sharing systems between related agencies must be made more robust**. This incident is not an isolated event at a single workplace. As long as the boundary of the "less than 5 employees" system is unclear and structural circumventions exist to exploit it, another victim can arise at any time. Our society is now at a point where we must re-examine the legal framework for un Fprotected workers.
    admin 2025-06-30 News
  • Provided by SonjabgoIn October 2022, following a fire at the Korea Optical Hi-Tech plant in Gumi, the company chose to liquidate its corporate entity. Consequently, 17 foreign workers who refused voluntary resignation were unilaterally dismissed. The dismissed workers have been staging a rooftop protest for 537 days, from January 2023 to the present, appealing that “the dismissal was unjust.”They initiated legal action, arguing that foreign investment companies in Korea must also bear legal responsibility once they employ workers. However, the first instance court's judgment differed.Court: “Dismissal Justified”…Union: “Ruling Based Only on Formality”On June 27, 2025, the Seoul Administrative Court dismissed all lawsuits filed by the Metal Workers' Union and seven workers seeking the cancellation of reconsideration rulings for unfair dismissal and unfair labor practices. The court ruled that “Korea Nitto Optical, which succeeded the business, is a separate legal entity,” and that the dismissal was a “normal dismissal through proper procedures.”This ruling has drawn criticism for being “based solely on formal corporate personhood.” Choi Hyun-hwan, head of the Korea Optical branch of the Metal Workers' Union, stated, “Our voices demanding rightful employment succession due to being a foreign-invested workplace were ignored, and the court effectively condoned the employer’s evasion of responsibility.”Tak Seon-ho, the lawyer representing the workers, also criticized, “The court judged based only on the apparent corporate structure, disregarding the economic reality.” He added, “It did not hold accountable the circumstances where the Japanese parent company manipulated its corporate structure for relocation to avoid responsibility for domestic employment.”Restructuring of Foreign-Invested Enterprises: A Signal of Permitted Exemption?The workplace where the dismissed workers belonged continued to operate in a manner that effectively inherited the same operations and clients, yet legal succession was not recognized. In response, the Metal Workers' Union warned, “This ruling could set a precedent that justifies unfair restructuring and dismissals in foreign-invested companies.”Indeed, this case is currently undergoing mediation proceedings at the ‘OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises National Contact Point (NCP)’ under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. A determination is underway to ascertain whether Japan's Nitto Denko, the parent company of Korea Nitto Optical, has fulfilled its worker responsibilities in accordance with international standards.Experts point out the urgent need for the following institutional improvements: Strengthening legal responsibilities based on substantial employment succession during the restructuring of foreign-invested enterprises. Revising systems to include automatic employment succession when the same production and assets are inherited. Ensuring the effectiveness of domestic mediation and sanction systems for foreign-invested companies that do not comply with international standards. Although the workers were dismissed, the results of their labor remain, still being used for the company's profits. The legal entity has changed, but the factory, the products, and the labor itself have not. If so, we ask: Who should bear the responsibility for this labor? For whom is this ruling, which condones “employment without responsibility,” intended?
    admin 2025-06-30 News
  • 3.5 million won, 6.7 million won. For foreign workers, this is money they must rely on for their livelihood, but for employers, was it a "manageable" amount that allowed them to evade responsibility for several months? However, the Cheonan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor pursued every instance of wage arrears to the end. Ultimately, by tracking employers in real-time, they apprehended them, and the unpaid wages were returned to the workers. How Did the Incident Occur? The Cheonan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor confirmed that Mr. A, a foreign national and business owner of Vietnamese nationality, had absconded for over seven months after failing to pay 3.5 million won in wages to foreign workers. The investigation revealed that Mr. A evaded his obligation by not responding to summons for appearances. Consequently, the Ministry of Employment and Labor initiated real-time location tracking and apprehended Mr. A in Osan, Gyeonggi Province. After paying the withheld wages, Mr. A was handed over to the immigration office due to his illegal stay status. Around the same time, another employer, Mr. B, also evaded capture for seven months after failing to pay 6.7 million won in wages but was apprehended in an operation at a business site within Cheonan city. In this case as well, all outstanding wages were settled. Recurring Wage Arrears, Recurring Responses These cases are just a few examples. The Cheonan Branch has previously apprehended employers for minor wage arrears, such as 2.4 million won and 1.2 million won, through real-time tracking. The director of the branch personally visited five workplaces with high-value or numerous wage arrears, recovering a total of 1.7 billion won in wages and returning rightful compensation to 204 workers. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's response goes beyond mere enforcement; it sends a strong warning message regarding structural issues. In particular, with an increasing number of cases where employers exploit the vulnerability of foreign workers, who may be hesitant to report due to their residency status, proactive government intervention is being further emphasized. "Wage Arrears Threaten Livelihoods and Constitute Serious Criminal Offenses" Cheonan Branch Director Choi Jong-soo stated, "Wage arrears are serious crimes that threaten livelihoods," and added, "We will strictly enforce measures against employers who fail to comply with summons without justifiable reason or intentionally withhold wages, including issuing arrest warrants and pursuing compulsory investigations as a principle." Indeed, these apprehensions are being recognized not merely as the detection of rule violations but as the "fulfillment of responsibility" by the government to protect workers' right to survival. Experts point out the urgent need for the following systemic improvements: First, the surveillance system for wage arrears targeting foreign workers needs to be strengthened. Second, the standards for criminal penalties against employers who commit wage arrears must be clarified to prevent intentional evasion from the outset. Third, real-time response capabilities should be enhanced through information linkage between immigration and employment and labor administration. Numerous foreign workers who cannot send money back to their home countries or afford medical expenses due to not receiving their wages. In this case, we can clearly see the message that their rights must be protected within the framework of the law. For the simple principle that "wages must be paid for labor" to function as reality in Korean society, such decisive enforcement must continue.
    admin 2025-06-30 News
  • Is there anyone who has been to a Uzbekistan restaurant about 5 minutes away from Byeongjeom Station?   They say the food is delicious?
    그래요ㅇ 2025-06-30 Community
  • 🎨 International Artists in Korea? This post is for you! 🌍✨The Cultural Diplomacy Club is seeking artists of various nationalities to participate in the Embassies Art Fair, a special section at the new IAM Insa art fair, which will take place in September in Insadong, Seoul 🇰🇷📌 Participation is free📌 Booths are provided by embassies and cultural centers📍 Location: Insadong, Seoul📅 Dates: September 11–14, 2025📝 Apply via the link: https://forms.gle/UNMVJ67sUnMr4JcU7 Application deadline: July 18We want to showcase how international and creative the art scene in Korea can be. Write to us if you have any questions, and share this with your artist friends 💬✨E: julie@culturaldiplomacyclub(english, russian, korean)
    stenkacommunity 2025-06-30 Events
  • 🏠 Don't Forget: After signing a housing lease agreement in Korea, you must submit a notification within 30 days!📌 Key Information:If you conclude a housing lease agreement, it must be registered within 30 days.Starting from June 1, 2025, a fine will be imposed for late registration.A grace period without penalties is in effect until May 31, 2025.✅ What has changed:The fine for delayed notification has been reduced:Previous: ₩40,000 to ₩1,000,000New: ₩20,000 to ₩300,000The fine depends on:the transaction amountthe number of months overdueintentional concealment or error🔍 Why is this necessary?To ensure transparency in the housing rental marketTo protect the rights of tenantsTo prevent false or verbal agreements🧾 What is considered a violation?Failure to register the contract within 30 days of its conclusionProviding false information (e.g., rental amount)Registering only the fact of receiving "확정일자" (date confirmation) without full contract registration📱 How to submit a notification:Offline: at the nearest 행정복지센터 (Administrative Welfare Center in the housing's location)Online:Website: https://rtms.molit.go.krVia smartphone or tablet (requires 간편인증 — simple electronic authentication)You can use the QR code from the poster💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):Do I need to submit a notification when renewing a lease after June 1, 2025?✅ Only if the rent amount changes. If the amount remains the same, registration is not required.If the contract was concluded in January 2025, but the notification is being submitted now – will there be a fine?❌ No. All contracts concluded before May 31, 2025, are exempt from fines.Will this become a basis for taxing rental income?❌ Not yet. This registration is used solely for protecting tenant rights and market monitoring, not for taxation.If you have already received "확정일자" (date confirmation) at court – do you need to register the contract separately?✅ Yes. Without official contract registration, the notification obligation is considered unfulfilled.
    stenkacommunity 2025-06-27 Community
  • Simply typing "hospital" into a search engine might not be enough!When we look for a hospital in our countries, it's generally enough to just type "hospital" into a search engine and go to the nearest one to your address.In Korea, it's advisable to check which departments or specialized doctors are available at the hospitals!I remember in the early days, I typed "병원" into maps and went to complain to an ophthalmologist about a fever, cough, and runny nose.We have prepared a list of hospitals and clinics for you with recommendations on the correct Korean terminology depending on what hurts.🔍 Department🧭 In Korean (for search)💡 Typical cases / illnesses🩺 Illnesses in KoreanInternal Medicine (General)내과Cold, flu, stomach issues, diabetes감기, 독감, 위염, 당뇨Pediatrics소아청소년과Children's illnesses, vaccinations감기, 예방접종, 장염Gynecology산부인과Pregnancy, ultrasound, infections생리불순, 질염, 임신, 자궁근종Urology비뇨기과Urinary tract, infections방광염, 요로감염, 전립선염Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)이비인후과Runny nose, sore throat, otitis비염, 인후염, 중이염Dermatology피부과Acne, eczema, rashes여드름, 아토피, 두드러기Ophthalmology (Eyes)안과Vision problems, red eyes, dryness결막염, 안구건조증, 시력검사Dentistry치과Cavities, gums, tooth extraction충치, 치은염, 사랑니Orthopedics정형외과Joints, back, injuries관절염, 요통, 골절Neurology신경과Headaches, neuralgia두통, 신경통, 편두통Psychiatry정신건강의학과Depression, anxiety, stress우울증, 불안장애, 불면증Cardiology순환기내과Heart, blood pressure, arrhythmia고혈압, 부정맥, 협심증Endocrinology내분비내과Diabetes, thyroid, hormones갑상선질환, 당뇨, 호르몬불균형Rehabilitation Medicine재활의학과Physical therapy, post-injury recovery재활치료, 물리치료Oncology종양내과Cancer, chemotherapy암, 항암치료Infectious Diseases감염내과Viruses, hepatitis, COVID-19코로나, 간염, 독감Vaccinations예방접종Flu, hepatitis, travel vaccines독감백신, A형간염, B형간염, HPVPublic Health Center보건소Vaccinations, check-ups, certificates예방접종, 건강검진To search for large and main hospitals in South Korea, you can use the following key phrases:·If you are unsure which department you need help from, you can always find a 종합병원 – a multidisciplinary hospital that includes various departments.·대학병원– University Hospital (usually larger and more qualified hospitals that are affiliated with universities).·응급병원 — Emergency Hospital. Used to find hospitals that operate 24/7 and provide emergency medical care.
    stenkacommunity 2025-06-27 Community
  • Wall's Answer: Where can one get vaccinated in Korea?1) Polyclinics at district administrations (보건소)This is the most common and cheapest place for vaccinations, especially for children and pregnant women.For example: flu, hepatitis B, vaccinations for schoolchildren.Often free or with a very low fee.Advance booking is required, sometimes online.2) Private clinics and hospitalsSuitable if you need it quickly or at a convenient time.Vaccinations are paid. You can search for such clinics on Naver or Kakao Map by entering "예방접종 병원".3) Large university and general hospitals (종합병원)Usually **more expensive**, but almost all types of vaccinations are available, including international ones (e.g., yellow fever, if you are planning a trip).- Whom to consult?Yes, you can first make an appointment with a therapist (내과), especially if you:are unsure which vaccinations you need;have chronic diseases;need a certificate or vaccination before traveling.📌 How to find a clinic? Go to https://nip.kdca.go.kr (the official vaccination website in Korea — only in Korean)
    stenkacommunity 2025-06-27 Community
  • Chungnam Provincial Council's 'Research Group on Multicultural Students' Education and School Dropout Issues' Inauguration CeremonyLanguage Barriers and Economic Disparities… Why Do Multicultural Students' Frustrations Repeat? “I want to study, but I don’t understand what they’re saying.” The desperate cries of multicultural youth are no longer unfamiliar. The reality of those who must live together as members of Korean society being excluded from the classroom. Where has the principle of 'inclusive public education' gone? Giving Up School Due to Language and Cultural Adaptation Issues There are increasing cases of children from multicultural families refusing to attend school because they cannot understand the lessons. Especially as they enter middle and high school, the difficulties in reading and writing Korean accumulate, leading to lower academic achievement. Language barriers and cultural unfamiliarity effectively prevent them from even reaching the starting line of education. Dropout Risk Revealed by Statistics As of 2023, the average school dropout rate for all high school students was 1.55%, whereas for multicultural high school students, it was higher at 2.05%. Furthermore, the university enrollment rate for multicultural students was 40.5%, compared to the overall average of 71.5%, clearly demonstrating the educational gap. This suggests that even if multicultural students graduate from high school, they are likely to face disadvantages in their subsequent career choices. Identity Confusion and Psychological Isolation Beyond language and cultural differences, discrimination and lack of communication from their surroundings deepen identity confusion and feelings of isolation among multicultural youth. Parental neglect, distance from teachers, and exclusion by peer groups prevent them from adapting to the school community, leaving them as 'outsiders.' This situation can lead to psychological problems such as depression, anger, and apathy, ultimately encouraging the worst choice of dropping out of school. The Blind Spot of Private Education… Economic Disparities Lead to Broken Opportunities More than half of multicultural households have a monthly income of 3 million won or less, and 10% belong to the poverty class with an income of 1 million won or less. Such low household incomes limit opportunities for private education, which in turn leads to academic underachievement. The achievement gap directly leads to a college admission gap, resulting in a vicious cycle of dropping out of school. Exclusion from educational opportunities is not just an 'educational problem' but also a 'perpetuation of poverty' problem. Policies Exist, But On-Site Experience is Lacking While the Ministry of Education and local governments operate various support programs for multicultural students, critics point out that their practical effectiveness is minimal. Due to issues such as insufficient budget and professional personnel, and disparities in support between schools, multicultural students still remain in a blind spot. Despite research findings that 'social capital' connecting family, teachers, friends, and the community is crucial for school adaptation, there is a severe lack of policy linkages to activate it. Experts: "Especially Risky During Middle and High School… Structural Support is Essential" “The period between the second year of middle school and the second year of high school is the most vulnerable. During this time, parental supervision decreases, and if the support system within the school is weak, the risk of dropping out significantly increases.” This finding from a longitudinal study of multicultural youth emphasizes the importance of early intervention and continuous attention during this period. Experts point out the urgent need to strengthen Korean language education, expand psychological counseling support, enhance multicultural understanding education, and build community-based networks. Accordingly, there are opinions that the following institutional improvements are urgently needed: Expansion of customized Korean language education linked to school classes Strengthening psychological counseling and emotional support Building an integrated network connecting home, school, and community Establishing an early intervention and tracking system for students at risk of dropping out Securing and deploying counseling teachers and multicultural specialists The reality of multicultural youth leaving school alone can no longer be ignored. It is time for society as a whole to share the responsibility so that they can receive 'education with equal opportunities.'
    Michelle Mitchell 2025-06-27 News
  • Looking for an experienced and reliable tour guide in Almaty We are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide in Almaty who speaks either Korean or English fluently. The guide should be able to assist with translation and create a 7-day itinerary focused on cultural and traditional activities, mainly outside the city in nature-rich areas. The program should also include horseback riding suitable for an experienced rider. Flexible schedule and negotiable payment.Please leave a comment with your contact information under this post if you’re interested. 
    Ronald Scott 2025-06-27 Community
  • Looking for an experienced and reliable tour guide in Almaty We are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide in Almaty who speaks either Korean or English fluently. The guide should be able to assist with translation and create a 7-day itinerary focused on cultural and traditional activities, mainly outside the city in nature-rich areas. The program should also include horseback riding suitable for an experienced rider. Flexible schedule and negotiable payment.Please leave a comment with your contact information under this post if you’re interested. 
    Joon 2025-06-27 Community