Korean Job Discussion Forums

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

I am 60 years old in the Western age counting system but 62 in the Korean system.

What I would like to find out is:

1. How old one can work in the public school system. My contract comes up for renewal in a couple of months so I'm trying to find out if age will restrict my school from offering me a new contract.

Of course, I could have my supervisors here at school research this question, but I'd rather not because I want to de-emphasize my age rather than drawing any unnecessary attention to it.

2. Beyond teaching in the public schools, does anyone know how old one can legally teach in private schools (hagwons)?

Thanks.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

I know of a teacher as old as 69 who was working with GEPIK.

Obviously, the schools can hire you even if you are a bit long in the tooth. Whether they want to is a different story.

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

bogey666 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Location: Korea, the ass free zone

there was a guy at the gepik july orientation who stood up and talked about ageism and age discrimination for whatever reason, and I think implied that he was in his sixties. (he sure as hell looked younger to me though).

from reading around here, I know there are at least several guys tattering on the edge of geezerdom (if not already there) teaching here.

(I'm saying "geezer" with affection Very Happy

) Old guys need love too, in fact ESPECIALLY old guys.

if I were to find myself in such a situation, I'd say your best bet would be to work and become liked at a school while being a bit younger, then renewing, you will be seen as a good teacher and an asset instead of as a commodity with an age number attached to it.

In fact, establishing personal relationships with Koreans on track to be VP's and principals (if not there already) is a key to your success. This way, if someone you're on excellent terms with becomes a VP somewhere or best yet, a principal - you have a lead in, at worst, you have a contact, and remember Korean teachers within school systems move around constantly and they network.

So - once you have a good rep from someone high up in the food chain, they can recommend you to a friend, etc.

don't get me wrong, age is a barrier but not an insurmountable one.

btw.. it's equally important that your young students like you, because if they do not, and the hierarchy notices it, then no amount of ass kissing and networking etc will help much.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

I think age might actually help with some of the higher-ups at schools.. probably have more in common with them if you're both in your fifties than some fresh face right out of college

bogey666 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Location: Korea, the ass free zone

seoulteacher · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: Seoul

Viaje · Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Location: Indebted, USA

I know a teacher in Korea who is 61, just renewed at the same public school. I am 53 and considering going there. He told me 55 is the cutoff for new hires(not sure if that's true) but they renewed him because he has been there and is a good teacher.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

refikaM · Joined: 06 May 2006 Location: Gangwondo

I'm a PS school teacher in Gangwondo...I'm 54 and have had no problems; however, I look (and act!) much younger. But still, everyone knows my age since it seems to be an issue in Korea knowing one's age.. You'll get asked a lot... I heard that Gangwondo EPIK has "unofficially" lowered its age cutoff to the mid-forties... but don't know how well that's enforced... Nonetheless, you should have few problems securing a position in a public school in one of the provinces here...