Korean Job Discussion Forums

Moldy Rutabaga · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea

Most of us are I think somewhere on the spectrum of liking Korea to despising it, and most long-timers have tried to make the best of things. It is possible to secure a fairly comfortable university post here and ride it out to retirement. I know people in their sixties who have done this. They spend two months in winter in the Philippines and two in the summer in Canada. They are not rich but have enough to live on.

I just eased past forty and teach in a university in Daegu. I'm completing my doctorate. Uni people tend to be older and I work with people from 30 to 60. I don't know about other places, but we get along pretty collegially and no one feels like an outcast. If you are sociable and like a drink you will be fine.

I don't think it's a bad idea to have a hogwan or public job for a year. Come here, get used to things, make some contacts, and then jump to a uni job. A good hogwan job is better than a bad uni job; there are some very sketchy ones here. Get a feel for these things first.

Have a look at my ESL site I list to the left if you like. You will find that Korea has become pretty cat-friendly as well. But do try to grow a bit of a thick skin in reading this board. People come here to blow off steam and I think most would not be so mean in person.

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Big bucks?

Not enough to live in a compound with no alcohol and a thousand other ridiculous social barriers.

carleverson · Joined: 04 Dec 2009

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

BaldTeacher · Joined: 02 Feb 2010

I'm 25 but I have friends that are in their 50s.

Zulethe · Joined: 04 Jul 2008

Everybody reading this please see the 35 plus club in the off topic forum.

The gathering is going to happen soon. Possibly this weekend.

OP you and your cat are welcome!!

teretere · Joined: 26 Mar 2010

How have you guys found designing a lifestyle around 2 different countries?

I'll be doing a rough half half split between South Korea and Northern Europe -- largely because I like both enough not to want to give either of them up from my life.

jhuntingtonus · Joined: 09 Dec 2008 Location: Jeonju

Welcome! I turn 53 tomorrow, have a Ph.D. in fact, and just signed my second one-year contract in Jeonju.

I find the social side is the weakest aspect of living here. Much depends, though, on how much you like to drink. If you don't drink at all (I don't), it's quite weak here in the provinces. Yet all the other aspects can be good - great people at the schools, very appreciative children, very low cost of living (especially without said alcohol). I would hope in Seoul there is more of a community of 40+ people (I agree with you and not the poster who asked if you meant 50+, as 40 or maybe even 35 is a better dividing line), and if not, your message could be a starting point for establishment of one.

Have a good time! And I love cats too, but just travel too much to have one here.

RobertGR · Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Location: Daegu

Work at a uni. Came here quite recently. It's been interesting and challenging so far.

Generally hang out with the other expats at the uni. Go out for drinks.

One person we sometimes hang out with is a non-drinker. It doesn't seem to be a problem.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

I am curious like ttompatz.. but for a different reason - why aren't you teaching at a university already?!

You should have just applied to one and you would get snapped up!

jhuntingtonus · Joined: 09 Dec 2008 Location: Jeonju

Just to clarify - I didn't mean nondrinkers can't go out "for a (virtual) drink," or go to a bar, and still have a good time. I meant that the majority of social events here are really just manufactured occasions to get drunk, with little appeal for others. That's the difference, and one, I think, pertinent to those over 40 who have no interest in such.