Korean Job Discussion Forums

[anorakcity]

I've been looking for a job now for about a month. This would be my first year teaching, and I'd like (like everyone, it seems) to work in central Seoul. Yet all I can see to find is jobs in places way outside, Bundang, Incheon, Bangi, Banghwa, Guro, etc. Anytime I find a place that is reasonably close, they tell me they are looking for experienced teachers.

Are my expectations of finding something inside the city too high? I'm young, I want to be in a vibrant area with nightlife, but should I be considering these places I'm writing off as boring suburbs? It's hard to find much information about many areas, I usually search on here and Galbijim and Google.

Or what am I doing wrong?

[xCustomx]

Depending on where you live in Bundang, you can get to Seoul (Gangnam area) in about 20-30 minutes. I can take the bus and subway to get to Hongdae in about 35-40 minutes, or Itaewon in 30. When I first arrived in Korea I wanted to be right in the middle of Seoul, but now I'm glad I'm a little out of the city.

When you say "central seoul" where exactly are you looking? Bangi is in Seoul, but in the SE corner. If you learn to utilize the bus and subway together you can get to almost anywhere in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

[PastImperfect]

I'm looking at jobs at the moment and also wondering about the suburbs.

xCustomx: what bus & subway combo are you using to get from Hongdae to Bundang? I have a friend who just started commuting between them and it's taking him two hours each way. If you have tips, please share.

Also, what do you do if you're out after the subway closes? Is it cheaper to get a taxi all that way or to crash at a motel?

[Bibbitybop]

Anorakcity, do you have more experience than a BA (or equivalent)? If so, that gives you better options.

I had the same issue when looking for schools. I finally got an interview with the Seoul public schools and took it. If you want to start work at the end of Feb, apply now.

[nomad-ish]

[anorakcity]

[xCustomx]

[buffygrrl1]

no you are not being picky at all. you HAVE to be picky. Look on WorknPlay there are TONS of jobs that are in the area you want (that is where I live right now on the green line and yeah its def great). Don't settle for anything below 2.2 and don't work 9-5:30 like me. You can do way better if you look around.

[mountainous]

you can also get a TOEFL certificate to make urself more marketable, look around the forum to find out best place to get one, good luck, you are not being too picky as it's not too tough to get a job in Seoul for newbie

[Homer]

2.2 is not bad for a newbie with zero experience (if that is the OPs case)...telling him/her that he1she can do way better than that is a bit unrealistic.

As for placement in Central Seoul, I understand your preference OP..you can get something there or nearby if you are patient and look hard enough.

As for that 9-5:30 for 2.2 it is not a bad deal for a newbie...you may not be able to get "way" better.

If you have experience or a degree in an ESL related field then you can certainly gun for higher.

Are you just looking at Hakwons?

You must be at this time of the year. You can also look at various programs (EPIK, GEPIK) that place in Public Schools in the fall.

You can use worknplay too as they have heaps of offers.

You will command a salary that is relative to your value on the market. That value is determined by your experience, credentials, ressourcefulness and ability to negociate...

Finally, when I first arrived in Korea way back in 1997 I was supposed to head to Central Seoul. I got a last minute offer through the same company in Busan because they needed a teacher there. I ended up heading to Busan and never looked back.

There are other vibrant and active areas/cities besides central Seoul

Good luck out there!

[I-am-me]

If you are coming under the new E-2 rules, you better ask for 2.5 starting. Its time to play hardball. A lot of teachers are leaving korea this year and they better pay to play. If you go to a public school you better start at 2.5. Dont sell yourself short.

[Homer]

Entertaining notion I-am-me....

Asking any numbers on that legion of teachers leaving or are you just assuming this based on the new regulations?

There might be an exodus of teachers but there might not be. It is far too soon to tell and far to soon to assume that salaries will rise like you imply.

If 2.5 is what the amrket will offer for a newbie then cool. If not, asking for it will only lead to being turned down by potential employers who might be offering good positions.

But hey....the OP can take whatever advice he/she wants from this site.

[MarionG]

I'm in Korea, an experienced teacher with a great educational background. I'm looking for a job starting in March and it seems to me from what I see that salaries are FALLING...recruiters positively gag when I tell them what I'm earning now (2.5) and tell me I'll have to settle for less.

Yes, I know this is in part the recruiter two-step, but I don't see many high paying jobs out there.

[twg]

[anorakcity]