EXCLUSIVE Hanyang University's housing contract terms frustrate foreign professors

A view of the Hanyang University campus in eastern Seoul's Seongdong District / Korea Times file

Foreign professors at Hanyang University are expressing frustration over eviction orders that contradict the terms of their contracts signed upon arrival in Korea, as well as new restrictions on university-provided housing for non-Korean faculty members.

With school policies being frequently revised, along with minimal legal protections, many foreign professors at Hanyang and other universities fear potential disadvantages from their institutions. Experts note that individual efforts to defend their rights are often unlikely to succeed.

A foreign professor at Hanyang University recently told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity that the university ordered foreign faculty members residing in university-provided housing to move out.

This notification was sent via email in April, informing them of the official eviction deadline set for Aug. 31.

The university introduced new housing rules in 2022, but the professor claimed they never adequately informed of the policy change.

"The message was sent exclusively in Korean, making it difficult to understand, even with translation tools," he said. "The university never responded to my questions about the new policy. They simply repeated that I needed to move out."

According to the new rules, Hanyang University now limits the provision of housing to a maximum of two years. After this period, it offers a housing subsidy of 300,000 won ($217.38) a month. Both the housing provision and subsidies are set to end entirely after September 2026.

Previously, the university provided housing without any time restrictions, in line with individual contracts.

The university's housing service has been used primarily by foreign faculty members. Currently, Hanyang employs at least 17 foreign professors, with the number rising to over 20 when including those teaching in graduate schools and English instructors for specific programs.

A paper copy of a notification outlining changes to the housing support system for foreign professors at Hanyang University / Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun

After receiving the eviction order, the professor sent a legal opinion to the school after consulting with a labor attorney.

The legal opinion challenged the legitimacy of the university’s order, stating that favorable conditions in the employment contract should take priority during the contract period.

It also emphasized that the university’s decision violated its obligations by not attempting to obtain the professor’s consent.

Another foreign professor at Hanyang, who also requested anonymity, expressed similar frustrations.

According to his employment contract, which extends until Feb. 28, 2033, the university is obligated to either provide housing or pay a housing allowance.

The professor received an email on Sept. 16, 2022, which notified him of the new housing limitations. Concerned about whether the rule applied to him given the terms of his original contract, he emailed the university for clarification but never received a response.

Two years later, in April 2024, he received an eviction order, just like the first professor. When he contacted the school authority for clarification again, an administrative staff member requested him to provide a copy of his original contract.

"It was fortunate that I had the original paper contract. When they asked me to show it, I felt like they were testing me," he said.

Both professors are now permitted to remain in university-provided housing after submitting a legal opinion that affirmed the validity of their original contract.

However, they said many other foreign professors have already moved out, opting to comply with the university's orders rather than risk potential job loss.

Despite being allowed to stay, both the professors expressed ongoing concerns about job security and potential future repercussions in various forms.

"I've often come forward to assert my rights, but the response has been discrimination and humiliation, as in this case," said the second professor, who holds a permanent contract at the university.

"It feels like the university is misusing the power, changing policies frequently, attributing it to the change of department or the dean."

The first professor, whose contract must be renewed every two years, is particularly worried about the problem.

"It seems likely that the university will revise my next contract to exclude housing benefits, and there’s also a possibility they might refuse to renew my contract," he said.

Li Ki-jeong, president of Hanyang University

Regarding the housing issue, Hanyang University stated that the eviction request was based on the duration of residence, regardless of the nationality of the occupants, noting that the majority of those in provided housing are foreign faculty members.

The university also stated that it increased the housing subsidy from 300,000 won to 500,000 won.

When asked about the reasons for implementing limits on housing provisions, university officials did not offer a clear explanation, stating that there has never been a practice of operating without providing housing.

Limited protection

Experts warn that if job contract terms change upon renewal, professors may have limited legal protections regarding their housing status and could face additional repercussions.

Jung Bong-soo, head labor attorney at Kangnam Labor Law Firm, emphasized that while the refusal of the eviction order was justified due to the school's clear violation of the contract, he cannot guarantee the same if the terms change upon renewal.

"Even when professors try to assert their rights, foreign faculty members often face the challenge of fighting individually, and many fear job loss or other negative consequences," he said.

Jung also highlighted the need for a union of foreign professors to negotiate their rights with their schools.

He pointed out that the housing subsidy promised by Hanyang does not align with current rental costs.

"While it may be possible to negotiate to increase the subsidy, I doubt the university will consider individual requests," Jung said.

Choi Jeong-gyu, an attorney at Wongok Law Firm, echoed these concerns, suggesting that such treatment may make it difficult for universities to hire talented foreign professors.

"To secure outstanding faculty, universities must continue to provide benefits and support, which ultimately enhances the quality of education for students," he said.

"While universities aspire to host excellent professors, their policies and treatment seem to undermine that goal."