Korean Job Discussion Forums

will_1077 · Joined: 29 Dec 2008

hey guys ive been offered a position with a Hagwon in Seoul. Everything seems pretty above board however there is no mention of a settling in allowance whereas ive seen that in most other offers advertised. Do you think it would be cheeky to email and ask?? its with Kims Korea, is this a good company?

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

I don't believe settling allowance is standard for Hagwons, For public schools I do believe they have them.

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

I don't think hogwons do this much, if at all.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

If it hasn't been mentioned by now, then it's highly doubtful.

You might get an advance in pay, though -- if you ask very nicely.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Hmmm, even if they did, how much of a relocation allowance can a 1500 dollar a month job fork over, anyway? They might throw you 100 or 200 bucks worth of Won, or, or you might be able to get an advance, but I'd plan on bringing some coin with you to pad your stay unitl payday #1.

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

My hagwon gave me 300,000 KRW when I arrived.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Well, I called that one, then, at least ballpark. 300 beats a kick in the teeth but it won't get you through a month.

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

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Fair enough assessment, and the OP is smart to ask. I came over with practically nothing but a couple of duffle bags and a couple hundred bucks, and it wasn't easy to get by until the first payday. I don't relish those memories, and I'd save anyone that experience if possible.

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

It is important to note that this allowance WAS NOT in my contract. However, I asked for it, and it was given to me. It was agreed to prior to sending my documents and signing the contract. The former teacher advised me to do this, as it had worked for him. The other two teachers at my hagwod DID NOT get this allowance.

glasshalffull · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Busan, South Korea

My hagwon would not give me any "settling in" money. I asked for 300,000 won and they said they don't do that. I wasn't surprised. Luckily, some of my coworkers had been there a long time, and were in the same situation when they first got here. They were all willing to loan me some money until I got on my feet.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Nice to know that people still pull together and do that. We did. When someone new came in, their money, if they had any, was basically no good when we all went out. It was just a way to help them make it to their first payday while still being able to get out, get to know us, and get to settle in a bit better.