Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AmeliaJayne]

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

[lifeinkorea]

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]

[bogey666]

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]

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!

[AmeliaJayne]

[bogey666]

it's NOT a joke.

you'll learn soon enough, especially so if you work out at the gym and are therefore ahem... "shapely".

you are the publicity "rockstar" that every school seeks, public or private.

there's a limit to how much they may pay you, (and of course the hands of the public schools are tied) but you will surely have your pick of the litter in terms of available jobs when you apply.

[br_owen]

don't listen to anyone telling you not to be picky. If you're not picky you'll most likely end up in a crappy situation. It seems that the vast majority of people on this website don't possess the ability to say 'no', and subsequently end up way too much on here complaining about their jobs. You have plenty of time right now if you want to be in a public school (which i would highly recommend for your first year) so don't rush. I was picky before coming out and ended up with a 3 bedroom apartment and a load of vacation time, as well as a public school that gives me extra hours (within the 9-5) which bumps my pay to 2.5 a month.
Your recruiter will initially just try and shove a bunch of jobs down your neck - stick to your game plan and say 'no - i only want to be in a public school in such and such an area - if you don't have that job then don't call me.' It's really pretty easy - especially if you're a rockstar!

[AmeliaJayne]

Well yeah im....ahem..."shapely" yeah.

I don't know enough about how it all works clearly!!

What do you suggest I try applying for, what are deemed as the better jobs? And what money is kinda the best you could ask for as a newbie? It seems like its a bit of a mish mash and no guarantee what you'll face when you're actually there from everything ive read. I'd rather have some holiday time than extra money, crazy as it might seem, i just prefer to live a little.

I'm actually visiting in June for 10 days, so i don't know if that may make a difference as to how i go about finding a job?

[bogey666]