Korean Job Discussion Forums

thestaypail · Joined: 17 Jul 2007

I would like to apply for a job at a public school but I can't until late October at the earliest. My question is, do public schools in South Korea hire throughout the year? Or do they only hire teachers to begin in September?

Thanks!

sojourner1 · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:56 am Post subject:

I understand that there are a few jobs available all the time, but it means that another foreign teacher left his/her post or hiring demands were not met. Yes, there are more jobs than foreign teachers, because while so many people want to do this, only a handful actually execute the plan on a plane to a foreign country on the other side of the world. Apply and ask questions to those who respond. Try to find out as much as you can. Try to find out where you will go and see if you can talk with anyone relevant to the situation. It's easy to call here once you have numbers.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

If the earliest you can come is October, can you wait until March? The first semester of Korean public schools begins in March (apply around January). The second semester begins in August and finishes in December.

If that is not an option, consider hakwon (hogwan) jobs. They hire all year round. These are privately owned language after-school businesses.

Comparative working conditions:

Hakwons usually have shorter vacations (some none at all) but small classes (around 10-15 students) with students who are generally somewhat more motivated to learn. The problem is that many hakwons are scams and will be undependable in payment and other benefits.

The public schools will be far more dependable with payment and benefits, but most offer classes once a week with up to 40 unmotivated students.

Good luck.

Soccerstar · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: Kyungsangnamdo

Yes, OP, there are quite a few public school jobs available anytime around Korea. Sojourner1 gave good advice to decide on your location and contact a teacher on this post who works in that general area.
Public schools frequently hire teachers in the middle of the schoolyear, and a lot of teachers are only here to pay off bills and then head back to their home country once their 365 days are up.

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

Actually only about 50% of public school teachers complete their year.

This means that theres plenty of openings year round...

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006

regicide · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Location: United States