Korean Job Discussion Forums

partymop · Joined: 24 Jun 2009

Hi, I recently got offered a job in the Gangnam public school system in an elementary school. It looks great on paper, 2.5 mill, 6 weeks vac, housing and airfare as per usual. I was just wondering...

1. has anyone ever taught in the Gangnam system b4 and if so, any thoughts/comments?

2. Ive lived in korea b4 but not in gangnam. i liked visiting there, but how is it for living, specifically the higher cost of living

3. any other advice b4 i accept this job on what i should watch for would be much appreciated.

thanks a lot

SFValley · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

Beeston27 · Joined: 03 Mar 2009

That sounds like a brilliant opportunity. The money and the location. It seems many out here are keen to work in Gangnam!!

newinseoul · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I found my experience with Gangnam completely opposite.

I find Gangnam to be hands down a LOT better than SMOE.

Then again, I'm teaching high school and not elementary.

newinseoul · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan

^Yes, I have friends in middle school that have to do less camp hours, such as 3 hours a day, but they don't get paid as much. Middle school and High school teachers also get a lot of extra time off with all the exams that go on during the year. A lot of your experience will entirely depend on the school you end up in. I had a dictator of a principal, who seemed to hate foreigners. They were totally by the book, and not flexible whatsoever. Last year, in SMOE, I had the entirely opposite experience. I'd say to find out what school you are going to, and talk to other foreigners there, and find out as much about the school as possible before taking the job.

partymop · Joined: 24 Jun 2009

thanks guy, thats a big help. all things to consider

zipper · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:59 am Post subject:

Elementary schools have less money than middle and high schools.

Elementary school co-teachers usually are not English majors. They can often be more challenging to work with than high school teachers, but of course I am just generalizing here.

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006

I worked for a junior high school, my wife worked in an elementary school. You might be able to find a lot of her former posts on this forum. Although I was scheduled to work 29 hours a week it was often a lot less. My wife was scheduled for 25 hours but only worked like 21.

Like all of Seoul, it's expensive. I used to work in Japan and overall that country is more expensive than Korea. But I was surprised to find out that my cost of living was dramatically more expensive in Seoul because there are more options for foreign goods in Korea, but the prices are insane. Seoul is an expensive city to live in, but it is possible to scrimp and save if you are very careful.

As for the Gangnam BOE I can't really say anything bad about it although yes they are very disorganized. Your experience at one school will be completely different from your experience at another although the Gangnam area is pretty small. I didn't like teaching there because the kids were mostly miserable and burnt out from going to hagwons all day. When I mean all day I literally mean all day - like 9am - 9pm. I had a better experience working for EPIK, but that was in a very rural and laid back area.

I only had 4 weeks of vacation but I heard it was bumped up before I left because of mandatory summer camps. Six weeks may seem like a lot but it's not quite so great if you can't schedule it according to your needs. It's also guaranteed to be split up between the winter and summer and you might need to coordinate your vacations with another foreign teacher since most of the elementary schools have two teachers.

The absolute worst part of working in Gangnam for me was the co-teachers and not the actual city itself. BoL!

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

The only difference between Gangnam and other public schools in Korea are the contract pay scale/vacations.

Whether or not you get a good school is hit or miss.

The students in Gangnam tend to be at a higher English level than elsewhere. However, you will still have groups of students who don't know any English besides "Big Bang, Shinee, Wonder Girls, and 2pm".

Personally, I got lucky and ended up at an awesome school. Guy down the street from me gets worked like a slave.

SFValley · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

Gangnam has its own BOE and run schools as well as schools within Gangnam run by SMOE? Does anyone know about or have any experience with the public schools in Gangnam run by SMOE? I think that is where I will be placed with SMOE this fall. Thank you.

alphakennyone · Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Location: city heights

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

newinseoul · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan

valkerie · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Location: Busan

Gangnam don't divvy up for a return flight ticket if u renew....of course they pay return fare if u finish a year and move on.

You will likely live very centrally but have to travel to school...this may be 2 buses or 1 bus/i subway ride.

Just two things I didn't see mentioned. Some good stuff has been put out there already.