Korean Job Discussion Forums

wsnipes · Joined: 27 Oct 2008

I am coming to Korea in March either with or without a job, but I am having trouble seeing the advantages looking for work on arrival.

If I do as I often see advised and pay my airfare and look for a job myself, the pay seems to be the same (judging by the jobs advertised here) as the pre-arranged jobs through recruiters - sometimes slightly more but without accom included.

OK, you get more freedom to choose....but if recruiters take so much money, I would expect a better deal - especially if Im making my own way over. I guess if i was overly concerned about where I work, then I'd want to decide on the school myself, but I'm going to be coming for the experience and not a career. So I'm not missing out on much going through recruiters?

Someone please clear this up as I am failling to see the often mentioned great benefits of arriving unattached.

No airfare, no accomodation and no work for a few weeks (until job is landed). Does not sound great, am I missing something?

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

I am not sure if it is as beneficial as it once was due to the changes in the visa regulations but I am F-5 (married to a Korean) and I am just not that familiar with the changes.

The advantage of just coming here is that you cannot always trust what you are told over the phone or by your recruiter. Being over here, you can see the housing, look at the hakwon or public school, see the curriculum, meet other teachers and staff, know exactly what you are committing to for the next year of your life.

Another advantage is a school is more likely to hire someone here, ready to start tomorrow, especially if there isn't any recruiters fee (as you are knocking on doors and applying directly) then waiting for someone overseas, who they don't really know. It is kind of a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.

You may be able to negotiate a slightly hire salary if you do not use a recruiter and you are here ready to go. The school can send you to Japan for a visa run rather than fly you from North America, England, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

(I have also heard that you may not be able to get a public school job without a recruiter but I don't really know.)

Anyway, I am not sure these advantages still stand because of the new visa rules. Please make sure you have all documents with you such as a CBC before coming to Korea.

Good Luck!

waseige1 · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

Does anyone know about how much the recruiters make? Knowing this would allow anyone to negotiate a similar amount in salary.

Poemer · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Location: Mullae

In my opinion, coming over without a job is more of a benefit for someone who has experience in Korea and knows exactly what they want and how to get it. I got my first job through a recruiter from the states, my second job I got after returning to Korea on my own because I knew the ropes and had enough money to support myself for as long as it would take to get the job I wanted.

I don't think it is even an option for most first-timers anymore anyway, since you have to interview at a consulate before you can get a visa.

lov2travel · Joined: 21 Oct 2008 Location: South Korea

jellobean · Joined: 14 Mar 2006

[quote="lov2travel"]

Big Pun Lives · Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I have heard on the Boards that you can still do a visa run if your employer does a verification through the KCUE. Is this true?

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

wsnipes · Joined: 27 Oct 2008

Well that is the problem solved then. I wondered what all the fuss was about coming coming without a job/ I will make sure I get everything sorted prior to arriving - thanks for making the piont to do my own extensive research v.clear, i understand the benefit of that.

I can see why coming first maybe would be good once I'm experienced.

Cheers for the pointers.