Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mission_weasel]

Hello,

I will be moving to Mokdong in about 10 days...

I am expecting to walk to the subway and then to the hagwon every day, and I was wondering if most of you wear dress shoes? Is it normal to wear comfortable walking shoes and then change when you arrive at work? How about standing on your feet teaching all day? My contract says I should wear a tie to work so I am guessing dress shoes would go along with that.

Also, I understand that it gets very cold in Seoul but I am leaving from Texas in July and I am having a hard time finding a suitable jacket. Is winter clothing readily available in my size? I am 6'0 and 180lbs.

Finally, I play guitar and some drums. Does anyone here play an instrument and want to jam? Any suggestions on places to see live music that is not punk?

Sorry if these questions have already been answered but I didn't find anything recent that was useful. Responses to any or all of these questions would be greatly appreciated.

[Stormy]

Not sure about hagwons but at my public schools you change into slippers every day when you arrive. Bring runners or the equivalent for the walk there, I bought a couple of pairs of 'nice' shoes for work which I have yet to bother wearing....twas a waste of space in the suitcase. I just wear runners, reefies & comfy granny slippers at work.

[ZenMoto]

Bring the most comfortable pair of shoes you can...You'll do allot of walking. I would find a decnt wind/rain proof jacket as well...Although it's 90 degrees and humid today when winter comes you'll be wanting a good jacket. The stuff available here may not fit you and may be expensive.

I play bass...Drop me a PM and well talk when you get to town...There is a music scene...Bring your guitar, ect.

[globalgirlk]

Try to see if any retailers like Lands End or Cabela's ship/sell jackets. My dad works at a Cabela's and I think you can order one. At any rate there are two Cabela's in Texas on in Ft Worth and the other in Budha...see if they have anything left.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Bring at least one pair of dressy shoes but otherwise don't worry about clothes, unless you have feet larger than size 10 (or I guess size 11 US). Clothes are cheap over hear. I'm an inch shorter and a few pounds lighter than you and I have no problem finding things. You'll likely want shoes that you can slip on and off very easily as you'll be doing that frequently.

Also, while most hagwons are shoes-on, some are indoor-footwear-only so it might not even matter.

[ReeseDog]

[blurgalurgalurga]

yeah, there's a very limited selection of size 12+ shoes here. As for jackets, you can pick up cheap stuff in Itaewon in all sizes, from weeman to shaq.

[spliff]

these are Anti-spliffed ones.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=120340