Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sonicmatt]

I was wondering where the best places to teach are? Which of these would you recommend-hagwons, public schools, english villages, or universities? Also, what areas or cities should I look at,saving money is not a big issue right now, i would like to exp. korean culture but also would like to be around westerners from time to time with going out and etc. I welcome any suggestions anyone with exp. living over there would have. Thanks a bunch.

[Aurora_Redwinters]

The FAQ's can answer these for you

[PRagic]

Universities are the best, but, like most other systems here, there are very good university jobs and very bad university jobs. With no experience, you either need to have your MA, or be willing to take a low-end university institute job (not much better than a hakwon usually).

English Villages are a joke. Avoid at all cost.

Public school jobs rank well above the average hakwon. More vacation time, but you run the risk of being plopped out in the boonies.

Institutes offer a viable way of getting over here to get the lay of the land, but I don't recommend them for long-term employment. In my opinion, you'd be best served by sticking to the larger organizations in Seoul (YBM, Pagoda, ChungMoon, Wall Street Institute...) where you'll be able to teach adults and generally don't have to worry about pay and housing issues.

You'll get better information if you provide your degree level and experience. Good luck to you, and read the FAQs!

[Cohiba]

Remember "Cohiba's Rule":

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell dart accessories, cuban cigars or
cowboy boots.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

I, unfortunately, live in Incheon where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

[PGF]

[PRagic]

1) Cohiba, we need to hook up for a stogie.

2) Incheon wouldn't be too bad as it is connected by subway to Seoul and, as PGF stated, there are decent things to do there.

3) Depending on where you live in Seoul, though, there are loads of opportunities for privates, with the caveat that you are 'legal' to work them.