Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Halcyom Chimera]

Hello all! I talked to a recruiter today that informed me that the school I am looking to obtain a position at requires the candidate be an evangelical Christian. I'm a fairly liberal southern Baptist, but I said "Sure, of course I am." I am not familiar with the particulars of being an evangelical Christian, but is it really a deciding factor in the hiring process?

I'm not very knowledgeable about the Bible, nor do I attend church regularly. Should I beef up my knowledge concerning scripture and such? And what might be expected of me if I join a school that centers their hiring process around the religion of candidates?

[Mithrae]

I had a similar situation recently. A couple of weeks ago I applied for a public school job. The recruiter phoned me about a particular public school, and said that the principle wanted to know if I was a Christian. 'He wants to hire someone who really believes in God.' I was flabbergasted. The principle is abusing his authority here. He is a public employee using public money to hire a teacher in a public school. He does not have the right to hire only Christians. It is not a private religious institution exclusively funded by private donations. It is funded from the public purse. Buddhists, atheists, Catholics and adherents of other faiths fund the government through their taxes also. It is indefensible for him to discriminate against these same people at hiring time.

Besides, since when are a person's personal beliefs about the origins of the universe any of an employer's business. I'm an atheist. Back home I'd sue his ass under anti-discrimination laws. But in Korea, it seems the top ajoshi can do whatever he wants.

Korea's got a long way to go.

[Bog Roll]

And they will be demanding you go to church on Sunday - which will get old massively quick - 12 months is a long time where your movements are being dictated to in your free time - give it a wideeeeee berth for your own sanity.

[Teddycakes21]

[nero]

[sketcha]

I'd ask for more information about the school and what they're expecting from you ... read the contract carefully!

you dont want to find yourself on a crowded bus one day with zealous 'Christians' on their way to North Korea to 'evangelize' some heathen North Koreans

know what you're getting yourself into

[Halcyom Chimera]

[bassexpander]

Many American Christians find Korea a bit culturally uncomfortable. It really depends on the church you attend, people you meet there (or at school), etc..

I don't attend church. I used to, but a combination of laziness, being overworked, and uncomfortable experiences have kept me away. The main problem with being a foreigner and attending church here is that a great many people are quite annoying.

Let me put it this way...

1. Koreans are, in general, very friendly and love to chat with foreigners. Attend a Korean church and take this times 10.

2. Koreans often become chummy and want to spend time with you, for English practice or whatever. Attend a Korean church and take this times 10.

3. Koreans are often overly-interested in your personal life, and can ask intrusive questions. Attend a Korean church and take this times 10.

The flip-side of this are the large, conservative mainline old-style churches that don't offer a special full-English service, but do have interpreters on headsets. My wife and I attended one of those while dating, but with little interaction it was booooring. Old hymns, nobody talked to us simply because they were older and didn't know English (or were very shy), etc..

Your best bet, if you're a church-goer, is to find an English-speaking church service with lots of foreigners (at least 40% or higher). In my experience, that will include some gyopos too (whom you may not know are foreigners, as well) so the actual percentage on non-Korean Christians is higher. You will likely be more comfortable in such a situation.

I no longer attend there, but Sarang Family Church, which is a large church in Kangnam, has a more comfortable atmosphere with good people who don't come across like crazy Korean Christians. I liked the place, but didn't like 30+ minutes of contemporary singing, so I don't attend. I prefer to be in and out in 1 hour.

My friend says there is a nice Lutheran church in Hannam-dong near the Volvo dealership, and I plan on checking it out soon. Just had too much going on, and I'll be at Kotesol tomorrow.

[Dimitris Stylianos]

Do not use this thread as a launching point to debate or bash religion, as it will not be tolerated.

[Horangi Munshin]

My experience with Catholic churches has been a bit different. The people there generally left me alone (just the way I like it). The most I was asked was to play soccer.

[Halcyom Chimera]

Where did my thread go? I was using it for reference.

[Illysook]

Many churches in the U.S. will require you to belong to and to attend services there if you work for the church or one of it's ministries. It's understandable that a Christian school would have these requirements...but if the services aren't in English, don't agree to this. You will surely fall asleep during services on at least one occasion and someone is likely to feel disrespected and it can only go downhill from there. You are only human, don't subject yourself to this.

If the school is serious about wanting you to attend services, see if they will permit you to go to an English speaking church. Maybe you could even put them in touch with the pastor or someone who is on staff at the church that you would like to attend. They could then be reassured of your sincerity.

There are some very nice churches that comply with Bassexpander's requirements. Seoul International Baptist welcomed me with open arms and I highly recommend them. International Christian Assembly is also nice, and so is Lifechurch in Suwon. I had friends who were involved with all three of these churches and my faith grew tremendously while I was in Korea.

[ReeseDog]

[Teddycakes21]

[youtuber]

They are telling you this in advance because they want you to participate in their bible thumping and constantly profess your love for God and how great he is.

Korean Christians are a funny bunch. Be careful.