Korean Job Discussion Forums

yakey · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Location: Korea

Anybody else think that's way too low for the job?

Seems to me when I applied there a few years ago they were at 2.0 (which I said no to) and talking about possible increases. Now they take a step back with 1.8. And this is a huge university. Who sets the salaries at this place, the Grinch who stole Christmas?

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

coolsage · Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 5:34 am Post subject:

Yes, salaries at unis are being rolled back, while conditions decrease. The hagwonification of unis continues, thus discouraging the best and brightest from doing what we do so well. At my U, the president (who to the best of my knowledge has never set foot in the English Lang and Lit Dept), decided to enforce the 'three-year-rule' with a vengeance, essentially gutting the dept of all its native speakers. Korean 'planning' at its finest; throw out the people who by now have a sense of what they're doing, and replace them with a crew who don't have a clue, yet, in order to shave a few won off the budget, which will go, no doubt, to enhance the lavish offices of the powers-that- be. Those powers decided to back off a bit, and as a face-saving gesture, agreed to rehire those of us who in turn agreed to sign a contract that puts us back at the original salary. I've been at this place for four years, and I'm certain that the cost of living has increased by at least 15% during those years, so that is insult enough. In addition, they would have me teach kids' classes, and shrink my vacation as well. Enough. Korea has been good to me, but it stops now. My talents are better used elsewhere. And to all, a good night.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

it seems to me that the universities have too much control over hiring of teachers and decididing the contract terms. This b.s. about teaching kids, summer/winter camps and not receiving the full holidays is crazy. Why does the MoE allow schools to have so much control? Bringing in new teachers ever 3 years isn't good for the students or the school.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

1.8 is an insult. They can have me 3 days a week for that much. No more than 3 days. Or maybe just mornings.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

makemischief · Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Location: Traveling

just a quick note/devil's advocate:

1.8 is for the actual English department position (4 months vacation- 12 hours a week).

2.0 is what the "language institute" starts at (for MA's) and thats with 2 months vacation and 18 hours a week.

still seems quite low- but dr. finch (in the English department- not the institute) would be fun to work with. he's a great guy and has quite a lot of good ideas regarding teaching IMHO.

cheers, and happy hunting.

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

yakey · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Location: Korea

If it's between working with a great teacher

or getting paid what I'm worth

I choose to get paid every time (no offense intended to the great teacher)

antoniothegreat · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Location: Yangpyeong

i dont really understand why uni jobs are so popular now, i heard they use to pay well above other jobs and give great vacation, but i have heard they have substantially cut back on salary, started giving unpaid vacations or making the profs work during vacation, and put you in a dorm.

my buddy took a 600,000 won a month pay cut to get into a uni. that was his choice, and he has saved some money, but god, what is the point then? do they figure you will just make the difference in money in privates?

i would never take a cut like that to teach at a uni. if they gave more vacation i would take a little cut, but never down to 1.7/month, you just cant make a living off of that.