Korean Job Discussion Forums

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

When I want a good haircut that doesn't look horrific, I tend to got to the only english-speaking hairdresser in the Republic of Korea: a small salon above the former burger king in Itaewon. Predictably, every last other waeguk in town is in there in a big qeue. Of course if the owner wants to have a holiday, then your options dwindle to training a local korean hairdresser to cut it how you desire, usually after 2 or 3 disastrous visits.
Thus, the only business catering to foreigners has cornered the market.

likewise with my shoes. The only shoe shop i patronise is a nice little back street leather shoe store in the twon. The owner used to repair his shoes but now has stopped the service, because he realised people were simply getting shoes repaired instead of buying new ones off him each time. He has cornered the foreigner market, U can like it or lump it.

English speaking hospitals- ok- you have about 4 good ones to choose from. If u take a dislike to one doctor, u can go to another.

But the world belongs to the entrepreneur who opens up a hairdressers with 2 english speaking, 1 nigerian speaking, 1 vietnames speaking, and 1 Bangladeshi speaking hairdresser. Until then, the 500.000 foreigners in this country will just have to cut their own hair.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I've lived in Korea for over 9yrs...think about how many haircuts that is.

I've only had someone come in and explain what I want probably about 5 times.

I used to have a collection of the business cards of all the people that cut my hair over the years. It was around 20-30 people cause they never stay long at one place.

Still, I find great people who know how to cut hair and do it like I want. In fact, I find the opposite true about Canada. I wish there was a Korean stylist there who would do a good job and let me have the before and after shampoo so I don't have hair all over my face/head. In Canada I actually had to REMIND the fooking stylist to brush all the little hairs off my face. WTF is with that?

IMO the foreigner who opens up a REAL sandwich restaurant with REAL western style meat and trimmings is going to become a millionaire.

Chris Kwon · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Location: North Korea

If anyone in Incheon needs an English speaking eye doctor, pm me and I can help you out. Just thought i'd throw that out.

victorology · Joined: 10 Sep 2007

I've had great success with my haircuts here in Korea. I love it and refuse to get my hair cut in the States unless I have no other options.

Mix1 · Joined: 08 May 2007

ryouga013 · Joined: 14 Sep 2007

I tried explaining what I wanted the last time I got a hair cut, about 6 months ago... even with pictures, some Korean, various models the person just cut it military style... I really would like to get a variation on the bowl cut but it seems that can't pull it off... I don't trust them not to give me a mullet so i continue to grow my hair out...

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

You should go to the well known salons if you want a good haircut...in well known areas.

Going to your local adjuma shop is going to get you a crappy haircut. (Or going to Blue Club)

You might pay a bit more at a good place, but it is still cheaper than I would pay in Canada. Here I pay like 15,000 for a cut, in Canada I was paying $25 with tax and tip.

potblackettle · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Location: South Korea

I love Korea... honestly one of my biggest problems is that I have yet to get the haircut I ask for... and I have had Koreans go with me and explain it multiple times. If I just want a trim, they lop off 10 or 15 centimeters. If I want layers I end up nearly shaved. I've given up on getting the hair cut I want, now I'm just hoping for a haircut that looks decent.

I've started going to this one particular place because even though the lady doesn't ever give me the cut I asked for she always gives me a decent haircut of her choosing.

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

Have you tried Johnny at Zen in Edae? He speaks English and worked in London for years. While I was there, several men came and got their haircut.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

If a decent haircut and a coldcut deli sandwich are your worst problems in the ROK, then consider yourself fortunate! You could capitalize on your delemna by going to Hong Kong every 3 months or so for a long weekend. Get your hair cut and eat NYC deli sandwiches till you can eat no more.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I've trained one of my student's fathers who owns a hairdresser's how not to Kim Jongil me. I got him to take some pics on his handphone for future reference. He does an all right job but I still would rather pay $20 from someone who's experience in cutting hair doesn't come from Korean schoolboys and ajeoshis.