Job Discussion Forums

Patrique · Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Toronto, Canada

I've gotten job offers in both Korea (a hagwon in Pusan with a good reputation) and Japan (with ECC). I'm really grappling with which one to take.

On one hand, I want to use the savings I accrue to travel through Europe, and I feel like I could save way more money in Korea. A friend of mine tells me I could easily do private lessons on the side and save just as much (around $1500 US a month) in Japan, however. Also, I could start in Korea in December, instead of mid-January for ECC. My apartment and plane ticket would be covered for Korea.

But the sticking point is...is the cultural and quality of living experience in Japan that much better, to be worth the sacrifice in time and money? I'd love to hear some thoughts from anyone who's been/taught in both places, or anyone who has grappled with this decision. I have to make a decision very soon! Help!! Very Happy

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

I've never taught in Korea, but here in Japan, on an eikaiwa salary I was able to save up to ￥110,000 some months if I didn't live it up on the weekends. If you're pretty much debt-free or your debt is minimal, you can enjoy Japan and still save between ￥50,000 and ￥70,000 if you manage your money wisely.

drifter13 · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Fujisawa

I would say that Korea has an equally interesting culture and living experience, just not one as well covered as Japan's. Japanese culture has been permiating the west for years, and the last decade has just been a deluge of stuff. Korea is currently in a major growth period though, and they're cinema and other creative outlets are starting to draw serious world wide attention. I'm in Japan now, but I am seriously considering going to South Korea later on next year.

I think they both have thier merits, and it'll come down to what attracts you most about said country. In the end, flights between the two coutries are very cheap, and theres no reason you can't make some money in one, and then travel to the other for a relaxing vacation.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

I lived and taught in both countries. It is easier to save money in Korea, IF (and it's a BIG IF) your employer will honor the contract. I spent seven months in Korea, and four years in Japan, which might give you some indication where my bias lays. I and most people i know had negative experiences in Korea, but I do know some who've been happy there, and a lot depends on your employer and where you choose to live and work. Pusan is a nice city.

ironopolis · Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 379

Patrique · Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Toronto, Canada

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

Oldboy was horrible! I mean sure, it was decently well-made and very interesting. But I am STILL disturbed by it and it was like 2 years ago that I watched it!

drifter13 · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Fujisawa

alicat_blue · Joined: 04 Mar 2005 Posts: 24 Location: San Francsico

I taught for one year and three months in South Korea and I'm currently in my second month teaching here in Japan. I guess I was unusual in that I loved my South Korea experience, but being the adventurous person that I am I decided to try a different country and came to Japan for my next round of ESL teaching. If someone asked me right now which country I prefer, my answer would be South Korea. Now I know South Korea gets a bad rap and Japan is like the holy grail of ESL for many. But for starters, it is really MOD EDIT expensive here, and I was expecting a certain amount of pricey-ness but yen ahoy, grandma! I get my apartment paid for by the school that employs me but I'm still going to be livin' slim if I want to put away money every month. Korea is way more economical. Also, I enjoyed my job in Korea more. I worked for a good hagwon that was really supportive and helped me with my whole transition period when I first arrived, got me all set up with a bank account and mobile phone and whatever else I needed. They also took me and the other staff out to dinner on a regular basis and just took really good care of us. I came away from Korea with 10,000 dollars US, after a year. I think if you do your homework and find a school that seems right for you, you'll have a great time in South Korea. If you have any other questions, please PM me, I'll be happy to answer them and help you out as best as I can.

pastis · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 82

Korea is alright, but in my opinion Japan is quite a bit better. All boils down to personal preference. For money, Korea is easier generally (no rent), but if you're qualified and/or well connected enough you can get a better paying gig in Japan.

drifter13 · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Fujisawa

pastis · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 82

drifter13 · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Fujisawa

Yech, Dragon War, what a mess. I blame that on Korean directors trying to keep up with mainstream Hollywood. I do love the indie scene in western cinema though. Living in Toronto, I got some great chances to check out a lot of fun film festivals and thier's a strong indie film network there. I want to believe the Dragon War (labeled D-War for us i think) becomes a failed and forgoten experiement than a sign of the times.

Back to Korea in general though, I personally plan on making a stop over there either as a transition in my english teaching career or before I make my return trip home. Japan is great though, but I want to maxamize my mileage in this region before I return home. Taiwan and Hong Kong are on my list of places to swing by to.