Korean Job Discussion Forums

[drdst122]

I am working on getting a job at a public school and am receiving help from recruiters. They say that the pay is set in stone at 1.8 million since I only have a bachelors degree.

I don't expect tons of money, but it seems odd that a salary for a job that I have no idea would come from could have a salary set in stone. All the posts I see on the job board have varying salaries and I'm wondering if this is legit.

How much can one expect to save making that much a month not being overly cheap or money conscious?

Any suggestions or answers would be appreciated!

[The Gipkik]

As far as I know, SMOE's rates are nonnegotiable. If you want a pay raise, get yourself an online TESOL certificate, just watch the hours. Or get a Master's. Or get more experience. Or just work for SMOE for a year.

[drdst122]

double post

[drdst122]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I guess it seems that's the case as I'm looking more and more.

Is SMOE all public schools in Seoul? Is it possible to work for a public school in Seoul that's not SMOE?

When you say get a TESOL certificate, what do you mean by just watch the hours?

Thanks for your suggestions.

[eac02]

SMOE= Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education so yes it includes all public schools in Seoul.

I know people who were contracted independently at a public school and not through SMOE but their school is still part of SMOE and they were already in Korea to get that job.

SMOE only accepts certificates that are 100+ hours, anything less means you won't get a raise.

[Mr. BlackCat]

You can, in theory, get a PS job directly with the school but you'd have to be in the city already. And they'd likely offer the same pay level as SMOE, maybe 100/mo more. The pay does seem low compared to hogwans, but keep in mind that at most PSs you can do afterschool classes and earn lots more, while still teaching less classes than in a hogwan. You can even do these afterschool classes at another PS because you're employed by SMOE. I'm currently doing classes both at my school and another and I'm rolling it in, more than doubling my official salary.

As for saving, it depends of course on your lifestyle. You could save 800-million per month without too much trouble. 500 while living the good life. And pray the exchange rate gets better before you leave. Oy.

[bogey666]

OP, if money is such an issue for you, you can consider GEPIK, which would keep you close to Seoul, but starts you out at 2.0 AND 4 weeks of paid vacation.

[Ukon]

You make a big chunk from after school classess...it increases my salary by 50%...not always...some schools are total cheapskates and can pay you the bare minimum for working after school(25k won an hour)...some pay very highly (50k-60k won) an hour.

[drdst122]

The reason I'm attracted to the SMOE is that I want to be in Seoul and I want a reliable job. I know for every bad experience posted there 20 success stories we don't hear about.

I'm not extremely worried about money as I wouldn't be going to Korea if it was my priority in life. However, I do want to be able to have some fun while I'm there and save a bit of money before coming back to the states.

Is it a given that you can teach some after school class for some extra money?

What exactly is GEPIK?

Thanks!

[bogey666]