Korean Job Discussion Forums

wonkavision · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Seoul

I am in the States right now and I'm looking to come back over and work at a public school. Haven't decided whether I want to live in Seoul or Busan, although I'm leaning towards Seoul. I have 1 year at a hagwon in Ilsan under my belt. It's my understanding that most if not all public school positions were filled and began Sept. 1. I would be looking to arrive late-October early-Nov.

What are my options here? I imagine that vacancies are opening up all the time, but I'm not sure about this. Would it be reasonable to just show up in Seoul and try to find a position from inside Korea? If I was forced to wait until February/March to start, could I find part time work until then, like say at winter intensives? Also, if I start late into the semester, like say mid-November, would I still be required to sign a 1-year contract? I would think that would be inconvenient for the school, who would then have to fill my vacancy come next November.

thanks in advance for your wisdom... Very Happy

p.s. while I have your attention, any thoughts on elementary vs. middle vs. high school?

EricaSmile84 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008

I was under an impression (could be a wrong one) that one difference (among the many) between hagwan and public schools is that you can't just walk into a public school and get a job. I thought the government uses programs to employ the teachers for their schools, not walk-ins. If that's true, you'd have to find a agency to place you in a public school.

Joe Boxer · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Location: Bundang, South Korea

Here ya go:

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=33453

Ronald · Joined: 14 Feb 2007

Come on over and get you a pubic gig now so you can get a winter vacation paid. Get a gig with Gepic or Epic and hold onto it. Doesn;t matter what ages, all the same jive.

Juke John · Joined: 20 Nov 2007

Right now, there are a bunch of elementary jobs, few HS jobs, and middle schools fall right there - in the middle. If you want middle or high, wait until Feb. Otherwise, come now.

Aussiekimchi · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Location: SYDNEY

EPIK have a few positions left over in Gwangju, Gyeonbuk, Chungnam and Gyeongnam. Basically positions that were not filled in the Sept intake.

GEPIK do not know their elbow from the A hole right now so I doubt there will be many jobs with them throughout the next 2 months other than the crappy intern jobs. They are not taking any new applications from recruiters for October ...who knows what they will do for November.
SMOE are completely full until Feb.

Waiting until Feb gives you the choice of the whole country.