Korean Job Discussion Forums

movybuf · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Location: Mokdong

What do you think is a good level of pay for working in Kangnam? I have been here for 6 years, but never considered working in that area, until now.

I just got offered a job near Maebong (매봉) station for 2.5M with a 1-8 schedule. Does this seem reasonable, or too little?

Also, what can I expect for a housing allowance in that area? I know that is an expensive area, but I have never looked at apartment prices there. I am married too, so I can't live in a one-room.

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

movybuf · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Location: Mokdong

plynx · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

2.5 is way too low with your experience. at least "see" if they can give you upwards of 2.7. when i'm offered a salary that is too low, i counter, saying that i would love to take the position, but another school is offering me [insert desired minimum salary here] and as much as i want to accept a position based on the school's reputation alone, salary is an important component (especially since you're married). i've never had a school turn me down for an increase in salary when approached in this manner. make them think you're an experienced teacher in high demand and they'll usually react accordingly.

as for the housing, yes, the kangnam area is VERY expensive. i had a studio that was big enough for a bed and the fridge that ran me 750,000 a month. try looking in the surrounding areas for better deals.

movybuf · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Location: Mokdong

Return Jones · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:13 am Post subject:

Prediction: After seven years here I can say with 99% certainty that the school will not pay more. A lot of ESL internet millionaires claim that they make 3.0+ but I call BS in 9/10 cases. In this industry quality is 2nd. Saving a few won is first for hagwons. If he asks for more money they will pass on him and go to someone willing to accept the salary they offered. Their excuse will be that other teachers only make 2.5, so they can't offer any more than that.

Prove me wrong kids, prove me wrong!

movybuf · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Location: Mokdong

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

If you're married and have been here for as long as you claim, why the hell would you work in a hagwon? Shouldn't you be striving for something with a little more earning potential? If you're on an F2 or F5 then there's no reason why you shouldn't be making at least 4 million a month (not working at a hagwon obviously)

movybuf · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Location: Mokdong

I would love to get set up with a situation like that, but I am looking to start in October - and public after school programs are hiring for August.

Once I get a job and work for a while, then I can keep my eyes open for those kinds of things. I need to have a steady income going for a while then I can work on setting up a better situation.

Also, I have liked every hogwon I have worked for, except one. The hogwon business isn't all bad if you do your homework and pick a place that fits you.

plynx · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

I've been lambasted in the past for posting advice about salary, but I'll do it again anyway. OP, like some others on here have said, you can make more than 2.5 if you know how to market yourself. I have done this, and I have always moved up to better, higher-paying jobs in the two years I've been here. Now I work at a great foreign language high school and make over 3 million won per month. If you want to earn more than a pittance, you need to sell yourself at good hagwons. Any hagwon that specializes in SAT, AP, TOEFL, etc. should be willing to offer at least 3 million for someone like you. If you haven't taught those subjects before, convice prospective employers you can.