Korean Job Discussion Forums

bnrockin · Joined: 27 Feb 2006

Hagwon's that is. In your experiences, did you enjoy working with the smaller hagwon's or with bigger ones (usually franchises like CDI, YBM, etc.).

Also, this is an aside, but can anyone give me some info about Mokdong? I had a job offer there and I'm not sure if I should take it. I want a district with a great nightlife.

Travelous Maximus · Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Location: Nueva Anglia

willneverteachagain · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

i loved living in mokdong but it doesnt have a night life.

what school is it?

faster · Joined: 03 Sep 2006

I worked in Mokdong for 4 1/2 years but lived in Seokyo-dong (hongdae area). Bus = about 20 min. Working in Mokdong is great - the kids are motivated and well-educated. Lots of kids from Mokdong go on to Daewon or Minjok foreign language high schools.

bnrockin · Joined: 27 Feb 2006

to willneverteachagain: the school was Hyunjae Language School.

I wouldn't mind living in mokdong but from the sound of it, it might not be a good place for me to live. Right now, I need a fast paced, fun life. I want to live in a place with a great night life, so I think that Seodaemun would be really good for me.

So I'd really like to get back to the main point of my post though which is whether you like working with big chains or maybe a big individual school or something. I have had offers from both and I just want to know what you guys think about it. In my opinion, I have a feeling that the big chains are more dependable, most likely have pre-set lesson plans so that is less planning time for you, etc. The little ones seem to be more flexible with both what you teach the kid and your own life. However, they seem a little less dependable and would maybe be more likely to change the contract on you to work you harder. They do seem more humble and you would be closer to your workers (if you like that sort of thing).

Please let me know your opinions.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Remember, most jobs are teaching children. You have to go where families are. Places with great night life are not known for having lots of families. As long as you're on the subway line, especially a line with a direct run into the fun parts, don't sweat it.

Big hagwons have the advantage of financial stability and an institutional knowledge of what you need as a foreigner. Visa issues, ARC card issues, etc. However, they can be impersonal "salt mines".

Smaller hagwons run the risk of money problems and a psycho boss. They may also be generally clueless as to issues for a foreigner. A well run hagwon with one or a small number of foreigners can be good, just as being in any small well run company can be good. You have higher status, you get to partake in more.

bnrockin · Joined: 27 Feb 2006

hmm yeah that is a good point, I didn't really think about that.

mnhnhyouh · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: The Middle Kingdom

While there isnt a lot of night life in Mok dong (I live there now) it is a nice place to live. It is a short subway trip to other places and taxis are cheap as well.

h

Nexus11 · Joined: 29 Nov 2006

I live in Mokdong as well. Very short subway ride or $7 cabfare to get to Hongdae. It is just about perfect. You get to teach fairly well behaved, motivated kids during the day, yet you are close enough to Hongdae to have fun at night.

On nights when you don't want to go all-out, there is a little Canadian-owned bar where a lot of foreigners hang out in Mokdong. Once you live in Mokdong, it is hard to leave.