Korean Job Discussion Forums

Language020 · Joined: 16 Mar 2017

Hello,

I would like to know if Japan is a better option for foreign teachers? Which country is more calm and inviting? Do you like one country more than the other? If so, why? Are the accommodations for teachers better in South Korea or Japan?

Thank you.

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

In short, Japan is a much better place to live in every respect. Except if you have no experience/qualifications (as I assume you have) in which case Korea might be a better bet.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

In which country are you more interested? That can go a LONG way toward having a positive experience. In my case, I had a better background in Korea and Korean, so it was a no brainer. For others more interested in Japan, I can understand the draw to work there.

If you're on the fence and have good qualifications (MA or higher, CELTA, DELTA, experience), you could look for jobs in both countries and go with the best offer.

Best of luck no matter where you end up hanging your hat.

kpjf · Joined: 07 Oct 2012

Krokodil · Joined: 02 Aug 2009 Location: Daegu, S. Korea

If you have an equal shot at both--and that's generally not the case--go to Japan. More money, better food, looks cooler on a resume.

Japanese schools don't like to hire people who aren't already living and working in Japan. Korean schools will hire you and pay your airfare, even if you have little or no experience. (They like first-time teachers in Korea, since they can pay them less.)

Koreans generally like Americans better than Japanese do, unless you're within a mile of a US military base. American GIs strut around like conquerors, play grab-ass with the waitresses, and leave an alarming number of dead hookers in their wake, so be ready to be held accountable for that.

Korean cars drive on the right side of the road, like Americans. Japanese drive on the left, like Brits. One of the first things Japanese schools ask is, can you drive?