Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Monty_]

Basically, I've been messed around by a couple of recruiters at home, and I need to start working sooner rather than later. As im back to square one in the UK, it looks like being later if I stay here.
What I want to know is:
1) How long should it take me to find a job in Seoul/Suwon/Ansan (I aint too picky as long as they pay me)
2) Can I get into the country on a one-way ticket or do I HAVE to have a return ticket
3) How much money will I need to live a meagre existence while im looking for a job (Im staying with a mate in Ansan, so no accomodation costs)

Cheers people

[canuckistan]

I came to Seoul, stayed in a small Korean motel, and had a job in 5 days.
Had bought a 1 year open return air ticket...I suspect you will need a return ticket (which a school should reimburse 1/2 for at the beginning and the other 1/2 at the end of your contract) since you're not going to come in with a work visa already stamped in your passport.
Immigration doesn't mind people coming in *on a tourist visas* but they will want to know when you'll be leaving and possibly deny you entry if don't have a ticket out of Korea too. I would get an open return so it wouldn't be an issue. You'll make the money to pay for all of that in the first two months of working anyways.
The job market is a little slow these days, I think it's also the time of year. It seems to get busier around Dec, Jan, Feb, March...

Give yourself a month. You could get something in 10 days though. Staying with a friend is great for you because accomodation would be your biggest expense. 500 bucks for food for a month is more than enough. Do you cook? Then it'll cost you even less to eat well. Once you get a job you can always ask for an advance on your 1st pay to tide you over.

Best of luck!

[buddy bradley]

I'm in the same boat. In fact, I'll be in Korea in two weeks time, jobless and hopeless.

PM me for more details.

[eamo]

I've been there and done it.

I'd guess 90% of the time a tourist is asked to show a return ticket.

You can stay in a Goshi-won (cheap, basic, student-style accomodation) for 300,000 per month. (you're British right? That's 150 quid.) The advantage of a goshi-won is that you can find one in a central area (of Seoul) which will really help you when looking for a job.

Place an ad in the Jobs Wanted section of this website. Be sure to say you are in Seoul NOW and available to start work IMMEDIATELY!! Thats how to get a lot of interest. Put this information in the ad title. Most employers scroll down the titles only.

The other stuff is basic. Dress well for interviews and, I'm afraid to say, put on a neutral, clear accent. If you have a strong British accent it might be a problem for some employers. Also don't mention you're British in the main part of your ad. It sounds terrible but it will get you more replies.

[ed1980]

Monty / Buddy ..... how did you get on ? any advise ?


I am flying out from Britain too - hopefully in under 2 weeks' time

[Lost Seoul]

Here are some places you could stay in Seoul for a reasonable price whilst looking:

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http://www.eslcafe.com/korea/index.cgi?read=90137
Try a "study room".
Posted By: Simone
Date: Tuesday, 13 November 2001, at 12:57 a.m.
In Response To: Looking to rent by the day and looking for advice (Travis Towle)
They're called "Koshiwon".
Students rent them for studying in, and they sleep there, too. Tiny little rooms, shared showers, but usually clean and friendly.
Since you'll be surrounded by university students, you'll have no lack of people wanting to take you around and practice their english, once they realize that you're completely helpless. Nice kids, these korean uni students.
Just ask around in any university area. You might even be able to pick up some privates on a temporary basis while you're looking for a job.
I would expect to pay about 200,000 won a month for a teeny room. By the week, maybe 80,000.
Good luck.
Simone
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http://www.eslcafe.com/korea/index.cgi?read=100105
Re: Rented Accommodation under 1.5mill a month
Posted By: theansweryou'relookingfor
Date: Wednesday, 9 January 2002, at 6:21 p.m.
In Response To: Rented Accommodation under 1.5mill a month (Putzi)
Hi
I have a bunch of friends that live in Hae Bang Chon and pay between 500,000 - 700,000 won a month, no key money, for 20 - 30 pyoung places with 2 or 3 bedrooms.
Don't think that living in a hole will save you money. If you aren't comfortable in where you live, you'll always be going out, spending money. Living with your gf, you'll need a 2 bedroom in order to keep a healthy relationship. Trust me.
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http://www.eslcafe.com/korea/index.cgi?read=109010
Re: Accommodations upon landing
Posted By: happy lander
Date: Saturday, 23 February 2002, at 9:48 p.m.
In Response To: Accommodations upon landing (kb)
I stayed at the Dae Woo motel, right near the Plaza Hotel downtown, also near Seoul Station (subway) it was clean, safe, and the owner's son speaks English (call him Kim) you can get the directions including which bus to take (605 I believe) from the information desk at Incheon, they'll set everything up for you...you'll take a bus to the Plaza Hotel, and phone the motel from a public phone there, and they'll just trot over and pick you and your baggage up...it costs 35,000 won a night, room includes phone and cable TV...I spent a day or two sleeping off the jet lag and it was great...they're good people. Peace
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Try the Dea Wha Motel at 20-17 E Tae Won Dong, Yong San Gu, phone 794 3364. Ask at the tourist information at Itaewon subway station where it is. Rooms are from 15000 to 17000 per night.
http://www.eslcafe.com/korea/index.cgi?noframes;read=132710160573
Korean Job Discussion Forum
Re: dorms, guest houses, and other cheap roofs
Posted By: seoulicious <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, 5 February 2003, at 8:01 p.m.
In Response To: dorms, guest houses, and other cheap roofs (dax)
There's an ok place with plenty of room. 2 guys live there semi-permenently but they're cool. Free internet, use of kitchen and laundry. It's 13000/night and a little out of the way (near kyungbok palace). I think the web address is www.excitingkorea.com. Good luck!
http://www.eslcafe.com/korea/index.cgi?noframes;read=132710160591
Korean Job Discussion Forum
Re: dorms, guest houses, and other cheap roofs
Posted By: Derrek
Date: Thursday, 6 February 2003, at 2:34 a.m.
In Response To: dorms, guest houses, and other cheap roofs (dax)
You want to check out "homestay".
Go to the site: www.komestay.com
(yes, with a "k"). I used it and it worked very well for me. It was a great experience being shown around by a korean family, too.... they were nice to me.
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http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=4425&highlight=
rudyflyer
Joined: 26 Feb 2003
Posts: 563
Location: wasting away again in margaritaville
Posted: Wed May 14, 2003 8:15 am Post subject:
i know of a decent yogwon (the Dong-il) near the seoul hotel and chongjak station, they charge 30,000 won/nite but you should be able to negoitate something. I put a bunch of people there for 3 weeks during the WC and the adjumas cut them a deal

[buddy bradley]

The job offers just poured in. I'm South African by the way.

My advice: Speak clearly. Speak like an American. No worries. Whatever you do, do NOT speak like an Ozzie or Kiwi (ugh); rather just speak like a human.

[jajdude]

Never been asked to show a return ticket in Korea. Never had one after numerous entries. Relax. Find a "goshiwon" for a week or whatever.