It's more than unfair. It's discrimination and xenophobia. I teach my classes online and have to take a test with the threat of a heavy fine if I don't comply, but my Korean co-workers at the same university who teach offline lessons in traditional classrooms don't have to take the test. I have to put the health of my family at risk by standing in line for hours without social distancing, close to people who work in high risk industries. Seoul has been shamed into reserving the mandate because of international pressure, but there's no change in Gyeonggi Provence. So I'm doubly being discriminated against, one, because I'm a foreigner, and two, because I live outside the capital.
You are right. It was the British embassy that put the most pressure on Seoul to reverse the decision. Thank you Mr. Ambassador. But I thought Gyeunggi would have enough sense to follow.
I took the test the day I got the notice because I thought if I didn't get it right away the crowds would get worse. No corona in me.
I'm glad Korea offers the tests for free. I'm a little surprised they didn't offer a choice. At least there should be a distinction for resident foriegneers. Diplomacy is very important these days as a lot of people are on edge.
Peace
Yeah. It's been over a year since it arrived in Korea and we're all just tried of it. I decided not to get the test. It's not that I'm against getting tested under normal circumstances. I just don't want to be forced to get one by a mandate that discriminates against foreigners. I feel strongly about it and have made a complaint to the Korean Human Rights Commission. I don't think I'll get fined, but we'll see. Stay safe.
Good move. I saw in the Korean times that it was the petition to the human rights commission that reversed the legislation in Seoul. It looks like mostly a grass roots effort by foriegn teachers.