Korean Job Discussion Forums

TravelinSig · Joined: 30 Dec 2009

I am leaving to Korea this weekend. I initially thought it would be necessary to bring a suit with me, but based on some recent posts I've read from people who said there is a lack of professionalism amongst the teaching community. My school does not require professional attire even though I plan on wearing business casual attire (Collard shirt, slacks n dress shoes) on a daily basis. If I won't ever have a need for my suit, I don't want to bring it and possibly have it damaged from the trans-pacific travel. Thoughts are much appreciated.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Do you teach at a hagwon = don't bring a suit.

If you teach public school - then wearing a suit/tie for the first week will show the principal/Vice principal/s and other staff that you are a man of substance (ha). Wearing your suit for the first week also gives the students the message that you're a 'teacher'.

Suits are cheap here. I bought mine on sale in a back alley store for 100,000 won. I only use it about 8 days a year. And yes, it gets really crushed in my back pack (but dry cleaning is also cheap here).

jonpurdy · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Location: Ulsan

loyfriend · Joined: 03 Aug 2009

I work at a high school and wear mine everyday. It make me feel better and the students seem to like it. But also when going out it makes me stand apart among the women who check me out.

So I say wear one, who knows you may score.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Bring one suit. If you need more, you can buy some here and average suits are cheap.

As for actually wearing one, depends on the school, season and your age. Some schools every male teacher is wearing suits in the cooler months, in others they come to work in jeans or trainers. Younger male K-teachers tend to favor wearing the suit. When the weather gets hotter you are free to wear the collared shirt and slacks, or those really thin rayon suit things. As for female teachers, they are a lot less formal than the males.

AussieGav · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: Uijeongbu

You definatly need one here, as anywhere else. You should wear a suit to special school events, on occassion you should wear one to work as people appreciate it and you may very well be invited to a wedding while your here. as another poster mentioned suits are pretty cheap here though.

Senior · Joined: 31 Jan 2010

Yea, bring a suit.

ticktocktocktick · Joined: 31 Mar 2009

You'll end up being invited to a wedding or 2, as well as needing one for school functions/special days. I'd reccomend bringing a suit.

bossam · Joined: 29 Mar 2010

I didnt bring a suit and wish I did!

jiberish · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: The Carribean Bay Wrestler

I brought one. Never wore it. I just wear wear the semi formal stuff.

Suits are uncomfortable and a pain in the ass imo. Korea has so much stylish semi formal stuff anyway. Just go shopping when you get here.

I think as long as you don't look casual, the look is clean and neat your fine.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

chellovek · Joined: 29 Feb 2008

Senior · Joined: 31 Jan 2010

Mariner · Joined: 24 Apr 2009

air76 · Joined: 13 Nov 2007

You will definitely want to bring a suit so that you can wear it to interviews if you want to move up to a better job the next year. All of the really great jobs in Korea require face-to-face interviews....that being said, if you have a $500 suit that you don't want ruined then maybe you would prefer to get one made here.