Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Feah]

Hey guys. A few months back I joined a teaching programme to teach in Korea. They also swiftly found me a school in Korea (I'm to start sometime in January).

I've been wondering though...whether I really want to work in Korea or try in China.

The reason I'm wondering China is because I have many friends allready in China so I know I'll feel comfortable and very well looked after, in Korea I don't know anyone.

Could anyone possibly give me pros and cons of teaching in China compared to Korea?

Thanks in advance guys.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Today is December 29. January is 3 days away. You want to reconsider where you will live for the next year now? Are you sure you are ready to leave daddy's basement?

[Feah]

[asams]

well, i have no experience in China, but here's what I've heard on this board from those that do (correct me if I'm wrong guys)

you're gonna make more money in Korea

if you get a small hagwon in the middle of nowhere, Korea you'll probably be miserable if you like interaction with people like you

how do you feel about living in a communist country?

either way you're in for a culture shock, so be prepared

may be a bit too late to change now though, you'd have to get another visa

[jkelly80]

Note: I've never been to China.

Mandarin is infinitely more useful than Korean, and easier to learn IMO. You'll probably bank at least 5-7 grand less in China if not more. In the grand scheme of things, it's not that much of difference, but if you need that paper, Korea isn't terrible.

[ChinaBoy]

If all your friends are in China, it is hard to understand why you would pick Korea instead of China.

[chris_J2]

Pros:

China is bigger, & more diverse. Therefore it has better travel options.
It's cheaper to get around. You don't have to catch expensive flights or ferries. (South Korea is effectively an island.) China is also more centrally located in East Asia than Sth Korea. You can get a train to Mongolia/ Russia, or bus/train to Vietnam.

Cost of living is cheaper

Cons:

Food poisoning is more common (I've been sick there 3 times. A common practice is to turn off power to the refrigerator, to save money on electricity bills). You may have to buy imports from overseas at the Care4 supermarkets.

The language is much harder to learn than Korean.

Queuing is an alien concept in many parts of China

More crowded than Korea

Salaries are lower

Busses break down more frequently

Road rules are not adhered to, but that happens in ROK too

Hygiene standards are lower, especially in rural areas
==================================
nb: China is no longer a hardline Stalinist State. North Korea is one of the few, true Communist countries left. Big changes commenced in China in 1979, & have continued to date.

[Xuanzang]

pros: Eating out is dirt cheap but dirty.

Cons: Banking in CHina is even more a pain in the butt than Korea. Pollution is even more terrible.

[ChinaBoy]

God yes.. everything here is FILTHY, and if you open your window to let in fresh air, you open the window to let in piles of dust and dirt

Walking around at night is often hit-or-miss as to whether or not you'll be able to breathe, I guess due to coal fires.. face masks aren't just for SARS anymore

[mountainous]

[Tiger Beer]

Does it really matter which is better with others objective opinions?

Sounds like the heart of is...should I join my friends in China or go with this contract in another country where I don't know anyone.

For me, I'd just go join the buddies.

[chris_J2]

mountainous:

There are only about 26 consonants in Korean, but thousands of kanji, or Chinese characters. About 50,000, including archaic, no longer used symbols. Around 2,000 often used characters are required, to conduct a rudimentary conversation. Yes, speaking it might be easier, but reading & writing? I found it much harder.

Not all of China is polluted. Kunming is a popular city with good air quality. Other towns often considered by expats, are Nanjing, Hangzhou, & Chengdu (which does have air quality issues). I had a Canadian friend that lived at Clifford Estates, outside Guangzhou. The air was MUCH cleaner there.

[jajdude]

I'm not seeing a lot of difference between where I live and most of Korea, but I haven't been here that long, about 4 months. I think the big cities in China may be better for meeting people, from all over the world, than anywhere in Korea. I like the cheap beer at the stores here, but the bars usually cost nearly the same as in Korea. The internet is a big difference, Korea being way better. I think reading material was more available in Korea too. Depends on what city. It's hard to compare the 2 countries. I don't know much, but the province I am in has more people than Korea, giving a sense of the immensity of China. Korea has good transport and it's easy to get around. I've had a few episodes at train stations here. Got to watch out more for bums and thieves in China. Fruit and veggies and chicken breasts are really cheap here.

[samd]

Korea no question.

[jajdude]