Korean Job Discussion Forums

Jon Bellwood · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

Hello all,

I've been looking into the EPIK program in South Korea and a lot of the posts on this site seem to be four or five years old, has anyone got a fresher viewpoint on the program and its strengths and weaknesses?

I'm 23, English, hold my CELTA and have a little experience.

Also I'm wondering if anyone can give me advice on destinations in South Korea? I'm open to anywhere but some advice would help.

I like going out but its not the be all and end all for me, I like to be close to stuff like hiking and historic sites. I'd like to be somewhere that field hockey is popular as I'd be looking for a team when I arrive.

From what I've read so far Incheon sounds promising but I'm open to suggestions!

Any help is much appreciated =)

Perceptioncheck · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Jon Bellwood · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

thanks for the replies guys, its always a big help when people with knowledge share it, anyone know if it would be a good diea to go through EPIK and go with a recruiting agency for Hagwon jobs or just stick to one?!

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Since you qualify for a PS job, ignore hagwons. Wink

nero · Joined: 11 Mar 2009

I would go for a public school position if you haven't really had much experience. They have their problems (read recent posts on vacations etc) but I think they are more organised (as you can be in Korea). For example every Gepik school uses the same curriculum, so your co teachers should be familiar with it and it is pretty easy to use.
You generally won't have to deal with a crazy hagwon director if you go the public school route (just a power crazed v.p!) but I still think it is the best option.
In rural areas you will have access to a smaller and more closed group of foreigners which is cool if they are on your level (and vice versa) but hell if you are not. In a larger area you obviously have a larger pool of people and interests. I'm not sure about field hockey actually.
Maybe Busan or somewhere near Seoul would be best for you - close enough to the city but with easy access to mountains and hiking.
Get in contact with Epik and see what they can offer. If you don't like it there are heaps of recruiting agencies out there.

Jon Bellwood · Joined: 25 Nov 2009

Thanks nero!

Whats the difference between Gepik and Epik?

This is the list of cities and provinces provided by Epik; any thoughts on where might suit me?

 Busan (c) #
 Ulsan (c)
 Chungbuk (Chungcheongbuk-do)
 Gyeongbuk (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
 Daegu (c)
 Chungnam (Chungcheongnam-do)
 Gyeongnam (Gyeongsangnam-do)
 Daejeon (c)
 Gangwon (Gangwon-do)
 Jeju (Jeju-do)
 Gwangju (c)
 Jeonbuk (Jeollabuk-do)
 Incheon (c)
 Jeonnam (Jeollanam-do)

I'm going to do a little research into Busan now!

vonnegutjr · Joined: 24 Mar 2009

There are tons of posts on EPIK. You have to llok for Public School or PS. EPIK is a recruitment and orientation program. It really sucks.

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

I am currently in Busan with EPIK and I will be renewing this year. Great little Elementery school with a one good co and one "meh" one. Most work days are pretty simple, the teachers are always down to play volleyball or badminton so I have not had to join a gym. Busan has great hiking and is a 50 minute bus ride away from Gyeongju if you are into historical stuff. The new contract is reducing my holidays by a couple of days which I am not too thrilled about but they did close the loop hole some schools were using to count weekends in on the days off. Like anything though it is the luck of the draw in terms of what schools you get. Some are good, some are woeful. Just like the Open Class/English teaching workshop I went to yesterday.