Korean Job Discussion Forums

ilovemunchies · Joined: 02 Jun 2008

I know most of the teaching English in Korea programs start at the end of August for public school positions, but that was too soon for me. Are there any legitimate teaching positions that start later? Thanks!

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

semi-fly · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

Along the same line as the op, so apologies for going off topic.

I'm interested in heading to Korea but not until the end of the year (December). Is there a set time/period when schools begin their annual (yet massive) recruitment of new teachers?

I'm not interested in teaching in Seoul but more along the line of Incheon or Pusan.

Join Me · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

sojourner1 · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:38 am Post subject:

Gangwon and many other provinces do intakes year round right now as they are hiring as the government is expanding the public school English program as much as it can.

Try Gangwon if nightlife is of no interest to you other than what you can do in an apartment at night. Be sure you care nothing about city dwelling or trendy up with the times city people. I lived in a very polluted city last year and must say, I'm much happier in the clean country despite the limited food and everything options you have. Can we say, "saving money to enjoy the finer sides of life on vacation?"

You will eat crap for lunch like you're in the poorest 3rd world country, but be doing OK at the bank as to afford almost anything for lunch so you can enjoy real food when on vacation since it's not readily available where you live and work. What a bummer side of the deal that is, but you will become an expert at improvising a fulfilling dinner with the starvation that walks in the door at 5:30 each evening.

I also like Gangwon with how it draws friendlier more down to Earth personalities when it comes to foreigners. No arrogance and stuck up bones about it. Of course, small towns draw a different interest group vs. the cities as well as it being a very different setting.

semi-fly · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

kiknkorea · Joined: 16 May 2008

sojourner1 · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:37 am Post subject:

A few huge incentives about teaching in EPIK gangwon PS schools is very low pollution, larger apartments, and 5 weeks vacation a year as well as the real possibliity to earn a few extra thousand dollars in the Summer and Winter school vacations teaching camps which are funner and easier than regular school. It's not uncommon for camps to pay 30,000 won on top of salary as well as getting a free day here and there, but these sorts of things are optional and not in your contract. You don't have to teach camps, but it's in your best interest to make money and keep people happy. I'm not sure if it's like this everywhere, but that's what I'm seeing.

People tend to be much much more friendlier than in most other parts of Korea I've lived in and visited. In rural Korea, they will even stop on the side of the road to give you a lift and you can hitchhike if you're so inclined or missed the last bus. They don't have the negative attitudes of city folk. This to me is a golden incentive to live in the sticks since I don't care about bars and night life though things like shopping are too limited.

If living close to western restaurants and night life is your fancy and you can put up with all the BS stresses city life presents you, then live in the city, but if you're a down home person who cares nothing about the amenities and BS of the city, then go for rural positions.

The only downer is shopping is a chore as I must go 2.5 hours on bus to get to a Homeplus and a 1.5 hour bus ride to the nearest Emart so your shopping is limited.