Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cincynate]

Can anyone tell me what your school expects you to wear? I'll be teaching in a public school through EPIK, and I have heard conflicting information, from suit and tie all the way down to whatever the heck you want.
Thanks!

[uk27]

[andrewchon]

First impression is BIG in Korea. Look smart for the first week. Presentable for the rest. For the females 'revealing' is a no no.

[cwflaneur]

There's no actual rule unless your Principal or VP tells you there is.

I taught for a year in public school. I always felt overdressed when I wore a suit and tie, but felt underdressed when I didn't wear a dress shirt. If you have a smart jacket or two that can be handy in boosting appearances without the need to add a tie.

I'll say that if you wear jeans and shorts when all your students are in uniforms and the K teachers are dressed formally (some will all year round), you won't be doing yourself any favor in overcoming the 'sloppy, irresponsible' esl foreigner stereotype in SK. It's up to you but try to wear trousers that are at least semi-professional. Corduroys, smart wool trousers, light cotton in summer, etc would be fine.

Your choice of shoes will be irrelevant because you'll be expected to change into slippers at the front door.

[iammac2002]

[thoreau]

[Dude Ranch]

First impressions AND image are HUGE in Korea. I've always dressed well for any job I've had, whether in Korea, UK, or Canada. You know what? People notice. You will psychologically be perceived as smarter, more competent, and doing a better job overall. Some people disagree, or downplay the importance, but you whether you believe it to be true or not it is always happening that people are judging you on first impressions (how you dress, look, act).

I work in a hagwan. I would wear a suit to begin with for the first week with tie. Then this is what I brought to Korea which is what I wore after the first week.

2 - 3 pairs of dress pants. One grey, one navy blue, and either a black or khacki. I went with the dockers khackies that are anti wrinkle, no iron, anti stain. I got two for $100 before leaving Canada at the Bay. I got them in a in navy and grey. very easy to manage and look good. Then I brought with m a bunch of button up dress shirts I bought in the UK. I've also bought several slim fit dress shits in Korea for 20,000 won or less (I prefer the slim fit as there is less excess baggy shirt at the bottom near the belt). A pair of black and/or brown dress shoes and belt. Shirt tucked in.

After about six months I started dressing down a little bit and wearing jeans, and sometimes on days with only a couple of classes I would wear a t-shirt. I also wear polo golf type shirts now too because the staff are use to me so I can get away with it.

So EVEN if you are told you don't have to dress up, and your co workers don't dress up, and the school does not have a dress code, I would suggest still dressing nicely (especially for the first couple of weeks/months).

[bixlerscott]

Only time I ever put on a necktie is when my old hagwon would have open house for the parents. Other than that, almost anything goes, but I typically wear khaki pants and button down shirts. I see Korean public school teachers dressing in everything from full business suits to long T shirts and shorts that look like beach wear. Just be yourself. No need to put on some silly costume every day.

[Goon-Yang]

Spend some $$ and get some nice clothes. Nothing worse than a foreigner that looks like a backpacker.

You will get more respect from your collegues and students the more you dress up. Like everything else in Korea how you look is 50% of a job. If you look like a teacher you'll be a better teacher. That's why I usually wear suits when I teach. It's a joke, but that's the way they think.

[fraukoch]

Will Corea be teaching yet another backpacker how to tie a tie and where the dry cleaner's is?

[Goon-Yang]

[cwflaneur]

If you buy any clothing in Korea at all, the best thing is to get is some custom shirts. This is good for dress shirts, but you can also get short-sleeved button downs for casual wear in summer.

Only 40,000 won each at any custom tailor. This is an especially good choice for those of you who can't find clothes in Korea that you are physically able to wear. Don't worry, the price does not increase for those of greater girth ; )

[quilter]

As many other posters have said, first impressions are important. Wear some nice clothes to start. Once you feel comfortable and know what is acceptable at your school, then go from there.
I have to disagree with a few of the posters here. Clothes don't make the teacher. If you are a good teacher, well liked by students and teachers,your school won't care, or over look your fashion senses. Perhaps if you are new,or are not a good teacher, you might have to "dress" like one. One thing I like about teaching ESL is that, for the most part, I don't have to wear a suit and tie.

[dessab]

What about for the ladies?? Any rules about skirts needing to be below the knee or anything? Are sleeveless tops OK?

Any specifics would be awesome

[cwflaneur]