Korean Job Discussion Forums

vincentmiser · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Location: Everywhere

Hi folks.

As the post says, I am a new teacher at a new hagwon. So far things are going smoothly except for my bed.
It is a Japanese style futon 'thing' which, at first, was ok. Now, I am getting up with neck cramps and back trouble.

There is nothing written in the contract about this so I would like some advice if you are willing to share. The actual mattress is about 7cm high, and about 1.5cm of that is the board Sad

(Juice bottle for size reference)
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/9906/dsc00476tom.jpg

Is this just bad luck of the draw? Or should I complain and request a decent mattress? I mean, for goodness sake, the director wouldn't let his daughter or son sleep on a box like this..
Responses are much appreciated.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Just buy a mattress and sleep on the floor. I did that all though university.
Unless your contract specifically states you get a bed you won't get one.

Cohiba · Joined: 01 Feb 2005

Just get some waaaaaay skinny K-Girl to share it with and everything
should sort itself out in due time. Smile

Jane · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Koreans typically sleep on the floor (although this is changing), so they might not get it.

When dealing with Koreans you have be indirect about stuff. This is how you should proceed: Ask someone who has power and sway to help you order a mattress online. That will give you the opening you need to dip into the issue. You can explain what problem is, etc. Then find some round about way to get them to pay for it.

Illysook · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

most mattresses here are hard as rocks. Go to E-mart and get one (or two) of those traditional Korean mattresses (called yo's) and stack it on top of your mattress.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Yeah, you can buy pads that are about 2 inches thick at most bedding stores. I know you can buy them if you hunt around at bangsang market.

http://bangsanmarket.net/home/home/best/doc.php?doc=5

Look outside of Euljiro 4-ga exits 5 and 6. You'll have to walk into the middle and back of the market, if memory serves to find the pads.

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

I had a similar situation years ago. The first thing that I did was go to the director. I first did the mandatory face saving tactic.

"I want to tell you that I appreciate all that you have done for me so far. It is nice to work in a plcae that I feel respected. As you know I work very hard to give my best to the students. But lately, my bed is causing a lot of serious problems and it is hindering my health. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a bed that fits me better."

This way that have to get it to save face. You put it as their duty to you as you give so much to them and that it will help you continue to do a good job.

It worked for me. I use this tactic when I want most things.

Good luck

Worse case scenario, spend the 200,000 won and buy your own.

ekul · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: [Mod Edit]

My mattress is like a rock and impossible to sleep on without one of those mini mattress thingies. My only gripe with them is that they are not the same size as the actual bed, so if you sleep on one of those you lost about 1/4 of your sleeping area. Not good if you share.