Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ajumma]

When I met my husband (Korean), I was an English teacher in Seoul. We have since moved back to the States and have both obtained MBAs and well-paying business-related jobs.
Sometimes I wish we could go back to Korea just for a couple of years, as I think it's not fair to ask my husband to speak English the rest of his life (I speak intermediate Korean, but he prefers to use English all the time because he's in the States and he's totally fluent). Also, I feel we should be there for his family for at least a couple of years.
The only thing that holds me back from proposing this to my husband is that I fear losing my career and our relatively high income and comfortable life here ($100,000+). My experience in Korea was that good, professional jobs for foreigners were rare and required many years of experience with a large company, such as having worked in the States as an executive of a large multinational bank ... they send their own execs over as expats. Also, since so many Koreans are MBAs and speak English, they get hired for really good professional jobs.
I work for a company with no ties to Korea. I have thought about trying to work for a multinational and pursuing a post in Korea, but that kind of thing takes several years with the firm to accomplish.
Just wondering what your impression of the job situation is for foreign professionals there. Can professionals come over and get hired for jobs such as accountants (CPA), project manager, supply chain business analyst, financial analyst, marketing director, etc? Any stories or impressions that folks could share?
Thanks very much, Ann

[Derrek]

If you find the answer, let me know.

Best thing I've been able to find is applying for ads on the internet -- never hear back though!

The US military has a site for contract jobs and stuff. Those pay quite well, but are of limited duration in months/years.

Some people make it work though. I have seen some USA people married and living in Korea are working in things other than teaching.

My job as a teacher is basically a big step down for me, although it is enjoyable. In Korea, anyone with a degree can be an "English Teacher" at a hagwon, and everyone knows this.

As money-based as the ladies are here, it doesn't sound good to say I teach English for a living. That means I only attract those who want to learn for free, have a fling, or have a fling while learning for free *laugh*.

If I was in my lower to middle 20s, I'd be OK with that, but.....

[sadsac]

Check with your embassy and state department. In Australia we have areas within government who will advise on positons available at a professional level within other countries. There would be many opportunities possibly through the Korean American Chamber of Commerce. With the extensive economic ties between Korea and America, there would be groups that assist in seeking suitable positions. An Aussies perspective. I hope that you and your husband are successful.

[Seoul Skye]

List yourself with the top executive search firms in cities where the multi-national corporations are headquartered. A year ago, a friend who works in Wal-Mart's International HR Dept. asked me to source CVs for a country manager. They weren't happy with the candidates that their executive search firm had been sending them. I ended up referring her to KAIST's MBA Alumni network. Also, Halcyon Search International, based in Seoul, www.halcyonsearch.com has a good rep with the foreign companies in Korea.