Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kiwiluvesyew]

I have "long" hair for a male, and probably by the time I land in Changwon the length will be well past my chin. Kurt Cobain type hippie stuff.I would hate to cut my hair for the job. Is long haired males frowned on in S Korea? What if I land in Changwon and they see my long hair - will I have to cut it? Has anyone experienced any situations that might arise with long haired male instructors in the public school system?

It's not dirty hair. Long locks, etc.

Ha, for whoever has seen this, this was my s.o. talking.
I am not a dude with long hair. He just thought it would be safe with the kitty avatar we originally had. Thought I should clear that up just in case...

[ardis]

You should be fine, but every school is different. My new VP came and had an instant dislike for me because of my dyed hair, apparently. He ordered my school secretary to tell me to change it to something "natural", but then my co-teachers got all over his case. "She's not Korean--she's American and she shouldn't have to dye her hair again just because you don't like it." He is a really conservative fellow and...obviously doesn't like me. Some older Koreans are conservative about guys having long hair or girls having dyed hair, but you will probably be fine.

[Draz]

Kristina L Harrison?

[Lekker]

Generally, the older Korean men think that men with long hair are immature, but look at it this way. They whine more than any child I have ever seen outside of Korea. They giggle like school girls, and they wear pink. So go figure. Do what you want. It's not a real job anyway. enjoy yourself.

[wylies99]

Everyone KNOWS how important appearances are in Korea. If you CHOOSE to look like Slash or Kid Rock because "it's your right" then, PLEASE, don't complain about how you are "mistreated" at your school or in public.

Priorities!

[RJjr]

It probably varies from boss to boss. I think they hate beards a lot more than long hair.

[wylies99]

Time to grow up?

[Unposter]

In general, you should not have problems. There will always be people who will be curious why? But, if it weren't your hair, it would be something else. And, these days more and more Korean men are wearing their hair long.

But, if you do not act very professional, prove to be a poor teacher or have problems with your bosses, it could become an issue - not because it is an issue - but it will be one more piece of amunition to throw at you because they (whoever they are) are not happy with your professional performance.

If you prove to be an excellent teacher that everyone likes, you can get away with almost anything that is not the norm in Korea and probably your home country too.

Take it for what it is worth and good luck!

[RJjr]

I like to look like a grown male, not a male child.

[kiwiluvesyew]

Got it! Thanks for the response.

[blaseblasphemener]

[Atavistic]

Yeah, some Koreans committed suicide rather than cut off their top knots when the Japanese came in 100 some odd years ago, but heaven forbid if you have long hair now.

[Scotticus]

[esetters21]

Curse you people that actually can make the choice to have long hair or not !

[Bibbitybop]

OP: Does the contract specify hair length or style? If it doesn't, simply refer to it if you get pressure to cut it. We are not Korean, we are under different contracts than Korean teachers.

Did you have to send in a picture to get hired? If so, the hiring education office knows you have long hair.

One of my friends was told on the first day by his principal that he couldn't ever grow a beard and work at the school. Later, he did, probably just to spite the principal's made up rule.