Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MicheleF]

Hi, I've been reading past threads on this topic, however the most recent one dates back to 2003. My boyfriend and I are hoping to find a contract to teach in Seoul ASAP. He is black and we have heard that this may make it more difficult for him to sign a contract. Is this still true? Is racism still prevalent in South Korea? I've heard different opinions on this topic. Friends have told me that the culture is simply not that accepting of other, whatever your race. However I'm wondering if they are especially racist if you are black. I've also heard that Seoul is more accepting. Anyhow, I would appreciate any feedback. As much as we would prefer to go to Korea to save more money, we're thinking that we should go to Japan where they are more tolerant.

Oh and if it is an issue, is it more of an issue in private or public schools?

Thanks!

[stevieg4ever]

Unfortunately it will be difficult for him. The fairer the skin you have the better your chances of finding a job. Im not white either and it took a while to finally land a job. I am also contemplating returning but, like your boyfriend, will face similar obstacles no doubt.

As for some of the preconceptions / misconceptions Koreans have about black people well lets just say that if you start on that grey area you will see a 10 pager develop. Its probably best not to go down that road now, especially on this forum.

Good luck to you both though!

[caniff]

When I worked at a public school the other foreign teacher was black. He was my friend from before, so I had a little to do with getting him the job (introductions). He was really popular with the students and teachers. I think it's a case of getting the foot in the door, but as I am a whitie I don't know how difficult the job search would be for someone just starting out.

[aldershot]

koreans still do black-face comedy sketches on TV. 'nuff said.

[bjonothan]

Korea is the most racist place I have been to so far. Not accepting other races is exactly right. Being black, he will get a job, but probably not with a real good school. Koreans believe that the darker the skin, the more stupid you are. It is probably better in Seoul, but pretty much the same mentality everywhere in Korea.

[Wangja]

[SPINOZA]

I've never asked the blacks I know in public schools (one may not be in Korea any more, actually) what their treatment by kids has been like. I really wanna ask but never got round to it. One guy I've met seems like a really good, intelligent teacher and his comments suggest he's happier than numerous white wusses one encounters. Saw said party waking round with a pretty Korean girl too.

Nevertheless, I know of two blacks in public school and a coupla girls in hagwons. Clearly, places will take black applicants, however it is correct that Korea has less liberal attitudes to race. It sure ain't San Francisco.

[jaganath69]

Re the comment that it is better to look in Seoul, there are black teachers in the provinces as well, Cheongju for example.

[Son Deureo!]

[earthbound14]

Koreans are pretty hung up on colour.....

I went to the Phillipenes and some of my most intelligent students asked me why I would want to go to a country full of dark barbarians? I looked at my student showed him my white arm and said he looked dark to me but I didn't thnk he was a barbarian!

I had a girl friend whose Mom thought I was too white!!! I had to remind her that my family came from northern Europe where there isn't much sun in the winter and that everyone there was very white and I couldn't possibly change that. I also had to remind her that she was dark for a Korean and that I thought she was very beautiful and I didn't want her to change her skin colour.

My employer, who was really nice, was looking for a replacement teacher and asked me what I thought about a black applicant who was applying for my position. She said she wouldn't mind hiring a black teacher, but she was very concerned about losing students. I had to tell her the truth, he will be a good teacher, but some parents will have a problem with it. She had a very small school and didn't hire him because she was worried about her struggling business.

Korean girls buy whitening cream to make themselves look whiter....I have yet to date one of these women, but I hear it happens.

That's just the way it is for the moment, but it is changing.

You will have better luck if you apply to schools in Seoul, larger schools, more western and professional schools and possibly adult schools. There are so many schools hiring, take your time and keep looking until you find an employer who is open minded. I've met lots of teachers who are not white.


good luck

[princess]

It's too bad, but yes, Korea is a harder place for blacks. Usually it never fails, when we see a black person in our books at school, the kids will point and say "Africa". Yeah, funny! I bet they don't realize there are people from Africa that are whiter than I am, and people from the states who are darker than some Africans.

[Adventurer]

Well, I know a black guy working in a certain city and obviously he had no problem getting the job, though so many of us in that city don't like him because of his mentality and who knows what he has in his background, but he did a get a job. Then there three black girls I knew and they were all decent and they all had hagwon jobs and there was a British Indian and a Canadian Indian. So, maybe your boyfriend might have to apply to more places than a Caucasian, perhaps, but he can definitely land a job. Yes, there will be racism, but let us face it Caucasians also face some prejudice over here. And since your boyfriend faced that back home it will be slightly different and not a complete shock to the system.

I know someone who has a mixed child i.e. mulatto or bi-racial however you want to call it. The child has a rough time with the Korean kids in many cases. I don't know if it is worse than North America but probably somewhat. I think generally prejudice here is about the same it was in North America in the 1960s when Canada and the U.S. decided to open the gates of immigration and some didn't necessarily like it. That's my take.

If he can handle it, he will be fine.... We all have our challenges...

[caniff]

[princess]

[Vancouver]

it'll be hard to get a job, but you never know