Korean Job Discussion Forums

wonkavite62 · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Location: Jeollanamdo, South Korea.

I posted a discussion on this website recently about the difficulties with getting a public school job in South Korea(it seemed like a more stable option, longer holidays, et.c.).

One thing they kept telling me is that I could only earn 2 million won.

The recruiter said I'd be better off trying the hagwons! Okay, which hagwons offer more than 2 million won, minimum?
One of my main reasons for considering Korea at all is money. I really want to teach in a major city.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Your recruiter is lying to you, you'd be better off not even considering coming to Korea and get a stable job back home.

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

I would venture to say that it is quite easy to get a job at a hagwon that pays more than 2 million. My hagwon started me at 2.3. Just sift through the job listings and you can see for yourself. What is your idea of a major city? Seoul and Busan come to mind right away. I am in Ulsan and like it very much.

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

I was fresh off the boat and got 2 million without any experience, and that was in February '05. You should be asking for a minimum of 2.3/month

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

You could go throught your contract with a fine tooth comb and have them agree on all your terms after getting all the best advice in the world and they'll still screw ya!

So come on over!

SirFink · Joined: 05 Mar 2006

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

Many of us public school teachers earn 2.5 to 3.0 most months if you include our after school classes. I teach my after school classes in my regular 40 hour schedule.

S.Bingham · Joined: 18 Sep 2007

The question should not be about pay... The difference between 2million and say, 2.5 million won, wont make a huge difference to your lifestyle in Korea... The job however, will.

So before thinking about pay, consider your job and whether it is right for you. I hear Public schools are genrally better jobs, offering more time off etc, but the classes are much bigger. You need to think about the job you want, not the pay you will recieve for it, which is a minor thought when coming to live in Korea for the first time, in my opinion.