Korean Job Discussion Forums

DeLaRed · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

okay I have done a search and most threads pulled up the average salary of being 2.1 (for hagwons). but these threads were from last year and before last year. Would you say 2.1 is still the average for a newbie now? I might be coming over in the near future but don`t want to see myself short if I negotiate the salary

marlow · Joined: 06 Feb 2005

Hah! Wait until the winter. If the won doesn't recover there is going to be a lack of new teachers plus an exodus out of here. You'll be asking 3.1M.

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

Considering I got 2.0 without any experience about 3.5 years ago, asking for 2.1 seems fairly low. With the wons decline and inflation, you could probably get 2.5 fairly easily, especially if teachers leave. I have ties to Korea, but if I didn't, I would be leaving for Japan or Taiwan.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I wonder how organisations like SMOE will be able to get anyone for 1.9? That's $1,400USD, $1,665CAD, and 810GBP for people who need to send money home. Regionally, it's 48,000THB, 140,000JPY, and 45,500TWD, when looking at the main areas of competition for English teachers.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Don't count your chickens just yet, boys. Hakwon salaries are collectivley regulated, legal or not, through the hakwon association. Even during the 97-98 financial crisis, there wasn't a big jump in pay. People still came on over. Don't forget that unemployment rates in the US, Canada, and Australia are projected to be as bad or worse than in the early-mid 1980s.

And think about this: University jobs were paying 2.5 for 15 hours (with free housing and fully paid summer/winter breaks) TEN YEARS AGO. Check the current job postings and you'll see that they're asking for more and paying the same NOW.

Wishing it don't make it so. Either keep your won in Korea or pack it in.

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

Bread · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

marlow · Joined: 06 Feb 2005

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject:

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

The_Source · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

2.7? 3.1? I don't think the average salary will get quite that high. Even if the won continues declining, there's not going to be a mass exodus of teachers overnight. Long-termers will stick around, and even some of the short-termers will finish their contracts. So it will be at least a year before there is a noticeable change in salaries.

And that's assuming the won hasn't rebounded by then.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

If I weren't here, I'd be in Hong Kong or Taiwan. Only problem is that it's too damn hot in them there hills.

Toon Army · Joined: 12 Mar 2007

Teachurrrr · Joined: 21 May 2008 Location: Parts Unknown

DeLaRed, I know most teachers around Masan and Changwon (with no experience) are starting at 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 million won at hogwans (language academies). For Public School jobs, your salary is lower if you have no experience, certificate, etc (1.8-2.1 million). There are also private Elementary/Middle/High Schools that pay native speakers with no experience anywhere between 2.2-2.6 million. Some do better, some do worse.

Don't forget that most public or private elementary/middle/high schools have extra classes for you on campus after school if you wish. OT can vary between 25-35,000 won an hour (in some cases more). Thus, you could earn an extra 500,000 to 1,000,000 won legally at your school if you choose to.

If I were in your shoes, I would stand firm at 2.5 for hagwon, 2.5 for a private school, or 2.1 for public school. I would shoot for 500,000 won extra a month for afterschool classes. That could get set you up to get close to the 3 million a month mark or hopefully better. Good luck!