Korean Job Discussion Forums

[genesis9]

I was told that I had to dress up for the last day of SMOE orientation due to a meeting with my future boss.
Do you have to really dress up formally? or casual dress up?

Also, what's the dress code like while at work? (while teaching)

[MattAwesome]

being a man i always went to work looking like money. business attire. dress shirt and tie. i dropped the tie in the summer because twas too hot.

[Xuanzang]

I dressed up nice for the "closing ceremony" and to meet my coteacher/principal. Makes sense with any first day on a new job.

[sobriquet]

Jeans, t-shirt

Summer time - shorts and t-shirt, no socks

Nobody complains.

[Bibbitybop]

[Bibbitybop]

[marlow]

I feel really stupid wearing a suit to go work as an "assistant teacher." It doesn't look right, and people who see me on the street know it.

[antoniothegreat]

this is korea, appearance and first impressions are huge.

if you want your principal to think you are a weed smoking slacker, dont shave, wear t-shirts and shorts.

if you want them to think you are a professional, wear a suit and tie.

you decide.

i go in between. usually khakis and a polo shirt, sometimes jeans and a NICE shirt (never a t-shirt) but usually only on days with out class or something like that.

key rule, dress how you want to be treated (thus respected) and watch what others do. if NO ONE at your school wears shorts, dont... if no one wears jeans, dont... if no one wears a tie, dont...

[marlow]

[egrog1717]

Suit and tie the first day goes a long way...
After that stick to business casual when you're teaching, and something a little more comfortable for chair-warming days...

A good rule of thumb is to look at the other teachers in your office/department/etc... If they're all wearing suits, wear a suit.. If they're busting out the jean shorts and flip-flops, game on

[ardis]

[Ukon]

I teach elem...I see teachers come in with sweat shirts or tees(usually coordinated with an outfit....

I sometimes come in with tees....all my nice work shirts need to be dry cleaned to get the red sauce out of them from eating a korean lunch on a regular basis.

[Xuanzang]

I got in trouble for wearing shorts in public school and rolling up my jeans into capris (as I had 4 mosquito bites - itchy as heck). Whenever I wear a suit, the Korean teachers ask me if I`m going on a date after school or compliment me. Can`t possibly overdress in this country.

[marlow]

[dean_burrito]

I wouldn't dress up too nice. If you come in wearing some 3 piece suit, sure the principal will like it (unless you are dressed nicer than him) but your students will think you are too formal and strict and may not feel comfortable speaking. Do what you will though. Most of us wear slacks with some sort of button up shirt.