Korean Job Discussion Forums

[phutc]

At the moment I am looking to move to seoul and the main reason for this is that I have been given the chance of (maybe) playing for a Korean 3rd division soccer team. In order to do this I�m looking for teaching jobs in seoul. My problem is that I would need to be free in the afternoons to go to training.

So my question is basically this - what kind of jobs would let me have this schedule? I was thinking university language institutes would be good � if anyone knows any which have a morning and/or evening shift pattern for teachers let me know!

Maybe I should also mention that I think I am fairly employable � I have 1.5 years experience teaching/assessing/ creating content at Japanese universities and almost 3 years total teaching experience. I also hold a master�s degree (In applied maths not TESOL) from one of the world�s best universities (usually ranked top 10 or top 20 in those international league tables) I hope it doesn�t sound like I�m bigging myself up too much it is just that it is the kind of thing I might mention in a job interview to give you an idea what jobs I might have a chance of getting�

[Yu_Bum_suk]

You could get a job at a kindergarten. You could also get a job at an adult academy doing split shifts (before 10AM and after 5PM) but you might not be in much of a mood for training in the afternoons.

[phutc]

Thanks for the reply!

what are the typical hours for kindergarden? I actually need to be free from around 12 or 1 to about 5 or 6pm...

Also i was kind of hoping there might be a cushier options than kindergarden! I really would prefer adults or uni students though. I'm used to doing my 14 hours a week then enjoying 4-5 months holiday.... any thoughts??

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Most kindergarten jobs would require you to stay until at least 2 or 3. Your only real option job-wise would be getting a job at an adult academy (teaching mostly business English / TOEIC) from around 6-9AM and 6-10PM. If you can get by all right being on the go for 16-18 hours a day I guess it could work, but it sure doesn't sound very pleasant.

[phutc]

Thanks for the advice!

That is quite a long slog! I'm not sure i'd enjoy that, i really hope there are better options!

Does anybody know anything about the university language centres/institiutes and the hours they keep?

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[Rory_Calhoun27]

I just have to know what the OP considers one of the world's BEST universities.... and if the world in question is close to THIS one.

[Ruraljuror]

OP, I'm going to level with you: I've been here for 4 years and I've never heard of a job with afternoons off. With the exception of split shifts at an adult hagwon, but frankly even then I've never heard of a job that would enable the hours you require.

I'm not trying to be mean here, I just think you need to understand the odds you are up against.

What is the reason you are looking for a job? Do you need a visa or money? If you need a visa, you should look into taking enough morning classes at a university to qualify for a student visa...I know for a fact that you can take an intensive Korean Language class every day until 12 pm at Yonsei University that will enable you to get a student visa, which may allow you to play soccer in the afternoon. It costs 1.5 million won a quarter.

If the salary you make playing soccer is not enough to support yourself and you need a job for money...frankly I don't think you will find one, no matter how hard and how long you look. It has nothing to do with you or your qualifications...I simply don't think such a job exists. The afternoon from 12-6 is THE money making time for ESL and I can't imagine a job would employ you, but not during that key time. It's like trying to get a bartending job but insisting on only working weekday mornings.

In any case, good luck...and please quit with the flopping. Everyone hates soccer players who pretend they were tripped/injured anytime someone comes close.

[phutc]

Thanks again Yu_bum_Suk! The reason i was going on about uni language centres was because a friend of a friend used to work 6-10pm M-F in one. I guess that could be a rare case...... if anyone knows this kind of place please let me know!

Also I currently have an E-2 visa and I am confident I can get a letter of release from my employer - is it possible to transfer a visa to a part-time job? and then add a few hours here and there to make the cash??

Rory_Calhoun27 -> like said not boasting but #6 on this --> TOP 100 UNIs


I would take these rankings with a pinch of salt but I just figured it might be the kind of thing a korean employer might like (as far as I can gather tests and tables are taken seriously in this country)

[T-dot]

Go to an adult hagwon with split shifts.

probably get out by 11:30 and likely back by 4 or 5.

[phutc]

Hi Ruraljuror, thanks for your candour. My situation is a little complicated in that if things went really well for me there is a (small) chance I could earn a decent living playing soccer in Korea. For me that would be amazing.

To have that opportunity I need to get in the system - hence wanting to try and play for a K3 team I have a contact with (who are semi-pro/amateur). To do this i need a job in seoul with at least some money coming in. In truth even the K3 team could come to zero. In england I used to play semi-pro and I have certain height and strength advantages over most koreans but on the other hand it has been 2 years since I played soccer properly ( i broke my leg in 3 places). What i'm trying to convey is that it is a really big opportunity for me but also one that is fairly uncertain so I want put myself in a situation where if the soccer doesn't work out at least I have a job and a chance to enjoy my time in korea....

if anyone has ANY suggestions they would be greatly appreciated...

P.S. The ground over here is a lot harder than it is in england so I'll trying keep the flopping (or diving as we brits call it) to a minimum

[Ruraljuror]

[phutc]

Hi T-dot thanks for the tip but I suspect 4-5 might be a bit early but I will have to check.

Thanks again Ruraljuror - i suspect you're right about that job and I do believe you but I am an optimist!

Also I am currently in korea and I think I will be able to transfer my visa which should help a little. Does anyone know if there are any minimum working hours/salary requirements for visa sponsorship??

[Ruraljuror]

I can tell how important this is to you, is there any way you can borrow money from your parents or from a bank in order to live here without having a job?

Like I mentioned, you can take an intensive Korean Language class every morning at a University and doing this will take care of your visa. This might allow you to attend your soccer practice, and you wouldn't have to worry about working after you are finished...you could just go home and rest up. Plus, after a year of studying Korean 4 hours a day, every day, you'd be about halfway to fluency.

I actually know of people who do this in order to procure a visa, in order to partake of...other activities.

[phutc]

Hi Ruraljuror, thanks again for your advice. I don't really have access to that kind of cash...i'll have to mull it over!