Korean Job Discussion Forums

AmeliaJayne · Joined: 27 Apr 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea

Hey everyone,

As i mentioned i'm new to this forum, so just to let you know I'm Amelia, 23 from England. I'm graduating in BA Honours Journalism at the end of this semester.

I have lived in Seoul for 3 months in 2007 during my university summer break and really enjoyed the city so much so I thought that when I finish my course teaching english might be something i'd want to do. Since then i have taken a few part time jobs working with children whilst at Uni and have enjoyed them so now i'm planning to move out to Korea and take up teaching. Ive done a fair bit of reading already but am struggling to work out a few things. That's where you guys come in, hopefully you'll be able to help me Very Happy

Firstly I am looking to work in Seoul and have a very close friend living in the Apgujeong area where I would also like to be based both to be close to them and also for the area, which I know and like. I also would like to be placed in a day time job, not working evenings.

A recruiter from 'worknplay' has suggested that i apply through SMOE for a public school position and said i could request the Gangnam area but what are the chances of being placed there does anyone know? I really dont want to be at the opposite side of Seoul because i know how horrendous the traffic can be.

Are there other ways I could secure a job with monday to friday daytime hours and the higher number of holiday days? If so how/where?

Sure this will just be the first few of many more questions but i'd be really grateful for anyone's advice. Thanks.

Morning_Star · Joined: 21 Jan 2009

I'm not an "expert" but as far I know, you're placed according to their needs. It would probably help if you apply early though.

Seems like you're extremely picky for a newbie, just stick with one or two things that are most important to you. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

The public schools holiday hours are pretty set, you could try for private schools but the risks outweigh the gain it seems.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Hmm, that is weird. Worknplay did NOT tell me to go through GEPIK and they helped find me a school in the area I wanted to move to.

Unless it works differently, I would get the name of the person you spoke with and call their main number. Talk to another recruiter there. See if they give you the same answer. I think they can help you get the general location, but don't expect the exact area.

I had to do this cause of some other issues and finally I got things straightened out.

Marissa0687 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009

From what I've heard about SMOE, you don't find out your school and location until the end of orientation. You can always seek out a hagwon in the specific area you're interested in.

AmeliaJayne · Joined: 27 Apr 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea

Hey, thanks for the tips so far. I had thought about finding a hagwon but thought that mostly these require you to work in the evenings rather than through the day? Ive read a lot of these horror stories about working in hagwons too. I figured since im new to this starting off in a public school might be more stable?

Straphanger · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Chilgok, Korea

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Hagwons will treat you nicely usually if they need you. As soon as you inform them you are moving on to something better, that's when you can be sure to be screwed. Make yourself NEEDED. If you don't, you will be thrown out with the trash.

Looney · Joined: 23 Dec 2008

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

let's see.

Amelia - female. - CHECK
23 - CHECK

are you blonde? if so CHECK

are you NOT fat? and at least reasonably attractive? if so CHECK MATE.

the Korean educational world is your oyster.

sell yourself to the highest bidder.

Binch Lover · Joined: 25 Jul 2005

SMOE don't hire for Gangnam-gu, their local educational office does it themselves.

SMOE do hire for Seocho-gu and Songpa-gu which are west and east of Gangnam-gu respectively. However, even if you request a specific area, you can't be sure that they will place you there. You might end around Gimpo which is more than an hour away from Apgujeong.

With your preferences and whatnot, I'd say you might be best off applying to a kindy hagwon because these usually finish in the afternoon. PSA, which is a subsidiary of YBM, has a branch in Apgujeong. Money is ok and you get vacation. It's worth a look!