Korean Job Discussion Forums

champagne@caviar · Joined: 08 Dec 2008

I'm having to fill out a health self-assessment form in my application to GEPIK (i've already been assigned a school, but need to submit all this paperwork). one of the questions asks if i have a tattoo, and if yes, to explain. i have a small kanji tatoo on my ankle (hella cliche i know, i got it when i was 18 ). should i lie about this? might i not get a visa because of a small fuc*ing tattoo? i asked my recruiter, and, of course, they said to just be honest.

also, i have a nose stud piercing i got when i returned from japan. (i'm a dude by the by). should I take it out when being picked up at the airport? when i worked for a private school in japan there was no way i could've had a nose piercing, but perhaps its more lax in public schools in korea?
i wouldn't mind taking it out to teach, but not sure if I have to hide it from my coworkers at all times.
thanks for the help

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

Don't worry about the tattoo, especially as it is on your ankle. I have one large one down my entire forearm and one elsewhere that can't be seen -- I admitted to both on my application and I'm still here teaching public school.

They did, however, as if I could remove my lip ring while I was at work. Because lip rings are so high maintenance (because they heal up immediately) I ditched it altogether (didn't want to constantly switch back and forth between the ring and the retainer), but you should be fine just taking your nose ring out for work. I wouldn't worry about hiding it from your co-workers.

My tattoo is regularly exposed at work and no one gives a good goddamn. The female teachers ignore it, the male teachers are somewhat fascinated by it and ask a lot of questions, and the students think it's the coolest thing ever.

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

If you were korean it would be an issue, but being a foreigner you're exempt from that. Here, it's usually seen as a sign of gang-related activities, but they know we see it as art.

Just tell them what it means (unless it's something like "Kill all asians and molest children") and they shouldn't have a problem with it.

I worked at a posh kindergarten in Seoul, and my head teacher (foreigner) had several tattoos, and the kids even saw them from time to time. The parents were fine with it.

Stormy · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Location: Here & there

I have a nose stud & work at a public school. When I got here everyone commented on it & I offered to remove it for work but they said it was no problem at all. Just be aware it will get pointed to & commented on a lot, I even had a student come up & touch it on occasion when I first arrived.
I wouldn't worry about the tattoo - just explain you have a small one on your ankle. I can't imagine it being a problem.

jboney · Joined: 14 May 2008 Location: Northern Seoul

the SMOE interviewer actually asked if mine were visable (which none of them are) and said that they are not allowed to be seen at all.

Ankle/leg wouldn't be a problem.

champagne@caviar · Joined: 08 Dec 2008

thanks for the info everyone, you've collectively set my mind at ease. sheeyit, i might just go out and get that MS13 tattoo i've always wanted on my neck. see you in Korea

darkhorse118 · Joined: 12 Jan 2009

teachergirltoo · Joined: 28 Oct 2006

Professionalism is a high priority at my school. Tatoos on a man would be hidden by his business shirt and jacket, so that wouldn't be a problem for them, but definitely no facial jewellery. Really depends on the school administrators.

megandadam · Joined: 28 Dec 2008 Location: toronto, canada

i have an 'atheist-related/james joyce' tattoo down my forearm. there wasn't anything in my contract about tattoos nor about what i should wear each day. the good thing is it's in latin, so i could make something up each time if they think being an atheist is offensive.

bonus question - what do koreans think about athiesm? good or bad to be one? should i even get into that with people over there?

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

If you think it might be a problem, just cover it up while you're at school...

Be it pants, shirt, bandaid, whatever...

I've got one on each of my upper arms... Didn't show anyone at my school (PS) until about my 3rd or 4th month here... Wasn't a big deal because first impressions were long over by that point and they already knew I was a decent kinda guy, lol