Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AmeliaJayne]

Hi everyone,

I'd initially been considering coming to Korea and doing the teaching thing but now I'm thinking I'd like to make my move more permenant and career focused.

So I'm wondering if anyone knows what sort of journalism based jobs are available with a BA Honours degree in Journalism?

I'm 23, English and female if that makes any difference?

I'd ideally like to get into broadcasting (radio/tv) does anyone know how to go about this or have any bright ideas for where to look?

I'm coming to visit at the end of June for 3 weeks if that makes any difference?

Any advice would be great, thanks x

[PRagic]

Your biggest problem will be getting a visa if that makes any difference. Are you Korean English? That will give you a leg up as you could score an F4 visa and be done with the hastles of having to run around trying to get a sponsor and work visa.

Arirang is an all English, government owned network, and they hire native and near native level English speakers. Most of the people on TV, though, are Kyopos (Korean Canadian, Korean American, Korean British...), though, if that makes any difference. They don't need a separate work visa.

You could send out feelers to the English daily papers (Korea Herald and Korea Times). They might hire foreigners, but the pay probably won't be too great if that makes any difference. They're always hiring proofreaders if you want a foot in the door. Again, though, the problem is that they generally hire people who already have sponsorship (an initial employer) and a work visa that can be ammended for an additional job.

Reuters and AP have offices here with staff reporters, but I'd be willing to bet that you need to speak Korean to fill a position there. You could ask and see if it makes any difference.

Do you have any experience? That will make a difference.

[superacidjax]

Reuters, AFP and AP are a no-go unless you are fluent in Korean. Most j-jobs worth anything will require a working knowledge of Korean. I used to be a Reuters contract journalist with over 8 years with them in the US and even I have found it difficult to get positions in Korea. Copy editor jobs are around.. the K Herald was recently hiring but the pay is not good and they don't provide housing..

I was offered a photojournalism staff job here in Seoul for Reuters, except they didn't realize when they originally contacted me that I wasn't K-Fluent.. so I didn't get it!

I'm teaching while I get my Korean up to par..

It's going to be difficult, even with experience without the Korean language. The reasons are pretty simple.. there aren't often press conferences in English and the handouts of the government are nearly always in Korean. Interviewing Korean sources can be hell without the language.

It sucks, but it's reality.. About the best to expect (at the moment) is to teach here and then become a contributor to some of the English language papers.. eventually that might lead to something better..

PM me if you want some more information or some suggestions..

-
BD

[PRagic]

Now THAT is some useful input!

Another thing that just hit me; quite a few of the larger international magazines have offices here, and they hire native English speaking proofreaders. If you have a specific background that matches up with their target readership, you might be able to get an article in from time time to time if the editors take to you. Who knows?

Also, a couple of the big ESL publishing companies such as Pearson Prentice Hall and Oxford hire local and country-wide account and sales reps.

There is also freelance writing, but that takes some time to get networked into, and many are relegated to test-writing or the occasional topic piece doldrums for an eternity before they can carve out a niche'.

What they hell...where there's a will, there's a way. The poster above has a never-say-die attitude, so I'd put money on him/her to succeed in the long run.

[WendyRose]

I was also a journalism major and continue to write. I provide web content for travel websites and also maintain my contacts from the states. I don't plan to make a career here, though.

However, you can always query magazines and newspapers here. Seoul Magazine is pretty good and there are plenty of travel magazines, as well. Good luck,

Wendy

[harlowethrombey]

Honestly, good luck finding a job, but if I knew of a journalism opening I would be applying for it and trying to keep it a secret from you.