Korean Job Discussion Forums

[You]

Hello everyone,
I've lurked the forums for a few months and just started applying around for jobs.

I know some areas are more expensive than others when you consider cost of living so I was hoping someone would have some insight on this question:

What salary should I be looking to ask for if my job/living location is in Bundang, South Korea? I am looking for a position in a Public School.

Thanks so much for your help guys

[tob55]

It is whatever they are willing to give, which depending on your qualifications would likely put you in a 1.9 - 2.2 million KRW range to start. Many people are posting on this these days and you must understand that Korea has a set standard with regard to salary. This is not like other countries where you are able to negotiate a good salary coming in. It takes time and experience here in the country before you will actually be able to command higher salaries from employers, and unless you have an F series visa giving you greater employment freedom, you will max out at around 2.7 million KRW with no reasonable expectation of getting more than that, at least legally without doing other types of employment. I don't want to discourage you, but these are the facts.

[Insomnia]

I don't think they will give you more money based on the area. They will likely provide you with housing, so that is where the higher compensation would be.

[You]

Thanks for the insight, I was just curious because I am trying to get in touch with recruiters and they keep asking me to fill out what salary I desire, so as an entry level teacher I think I will go ahead and put 1.9 million won per month based on that info.

The school providing housing in a higher cost of living area really is good compensation, that's a great way to think about it.

Thanks again

[tob55]

Don't sell yourself short. If you want to ask for more money up front it doesn't hurt anything. All they can say is no, and it will not ultimately affect you getting a job in the area you mentioned. It is just a matter of what they are willing to pay based on their own criteria for hiring ans what they will pay someone. Good luck

[You]

Thanks! I hear Bundang is competitive place to find a position in, so I think I'll need the luck!

[tob55]

[frankly speaking]

don't ask for less than 2 million. I have seen many starting teachers making 2.2. I started at 1.9 but that was more than 8 years ago. Don't sell yourself short.

Bundang isn't that expensive for daily stuff, I wouldn't worry about cost of living because you are not paying rent.

Before you come over, you might want to try and get some experience teaching. Perhaps go to your local YMCA or any community center that works with children. You can even volunteer a little. That way you get some practical skills working before being placed in an overwhelming situation.

[Xuanzang]

Ask for 2.5 and work down from there.

[blackjack]

Public schools work on a pay scale you generally can not get higher than what your qualifications (experience, degree) allow. Yes there are exceptions but they are few and far between

You can asked to be placed in a school that gives you overtime/ paid afterschool classes. The public school teacher at my school gets an extra 300,000 a month in overtime.

The other issue to consider is does the school make you "bench warm" (come in when there is no school).

But like another poster posted, the main thing to negotiate is the apartment

[tenchu77491]

I started 2.2 from my first year with no job exp or certificates.

[hellofaniceguy]

Why would an experienced teacher accept the same amount as a newbie!?
But they do everyday...go figure.
You need to be a salesperson and sell yourself and skills.
25K~30K U.S. a year is decent...25 million won a year is not. Housing included does not make no difference....most schools get their housing deposit back and lose nothing.
2.2 a month is what.....2,000,200.00 KRW = 1,619.81932 USD
That's slave wages if you are teaching 7/8/9 50 minute classes a day!
If the school has an enrollment of 125 students paying 175.000 won a month....over 20,000.000 a month times that per year and they are doing good! They can afford to pay more but won't because they know that any 'ol teacher will come along and accept what they pay.