Korean Job Discussion Forums

[B.Alexander13]

I'm arriving in Korea on Sunday.....

1) Should I bow when meeting my director/owner of the school? (they are picking me up from the airport)
2) Should I convert my currency at the airport....or do some at the airport and some later on at a bank closer to home
3) Any advice/suggestions when landing?

I'm nervous, but can't wait!

[Jandar]

Do what they do as far a bowing you should bow lower than your superior.

Myself I merely nod because I don't believe in any sort of superior.

Convert your money at the bank, it's a better deal.

Your host should be giving you 300000 won if you got an EPIK type job.
See your contract.
You may be able to get a favorable rate from your bank
at home before you leave.

Check the exchange rates:
http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html

[Khenan]

Welcome, and good luck!

[climber159]

Don't exchange any money before arriving in Korea. Exchange some at the airport (enough to get you through a week or so) and then exchange more at one of the many regulated money changers scattered throughout touristy areas (Itaewon, Myeong-dong, and the like). Don't expect your employer (public or private school) to hand over the settlement allowance immediately upon your arrival.

Yes, bow to your boss. However, there's no need to exaggerate and make a 90-degree angle with your body.

Good luck with your job.

[ThingsComeAround]

If your boss extends a hand to shake, don't bow

Take the hint from whoever is going to pick you up (maybe your boss, maybe not)

And try to exchange a little before you get here. Having spending money is always good.. you never know!

[schwa]

I strongly doubt you can get a favorable rate on won anywhere outside Korea.

Simple & very convenient to exchange your money at the airport here. Same rates as at banks.

Finding & comparing other money changers sounds like a hassle for a newcomer & wouldnt save you much anyway. (Anyone got actual figures to contradict that?)

[teacherk]

Just exchange a little money and then WD from your bank at home using an ATM. You will pay a $5 fee, but this is a much better rate then exchanging especially if you take out a lot at once. There are international ATM's in Itawon.

Rest up as much as you can before you leave. Take vitamins with you and a water bottle. Expect to start working right away.

Koreans are pretty understanding that we don't normally bow or know all of their gestures but appreciate when you try to do as they do.

[balzor]

[AsiaESLbound]

Congrats on getting it all set up and ready for you to go.

Bowing. Yes, I bow to principal and vice-principal to build rapport with them, but at the same time I don't want to come off as a submissive follower type. Just not too deep of a bow or too subservient, because it's all a subtle competitive challenge. Ever hear of yin/yang?

I say buy currency when you land and hope your recruiter picks you up. If not, borrow a cell phone and call him or her as to why they are a no show to find out how to proceed. If you need to take a bus, go to ask at the center info counter. On the front outside wall are a few obscure somewhat hard to find ticket windows and then the buses pull up to the curb in front. You might consider possessing all the contacts info you can secure now in case you need to make a call to get to where you need to go.

Have a good flight!

[Chucky]

You're a foreigner. Don't be too worried about all the local customs. They won't expect you to know them and follow them. Just relax and act in a way that's normal to you. A few weeks in you'll learn the etiquette.

[Lunar Groove Gardener]

My suggestions:

*Exchange $300 at Incheon airport and have cash at hand for a later exchange when you open a bank account in your first week

*Bow 10 degrees, smile and say Ahn-young ha shimnika/Pahn-gahp-sumnida to the boss when you meet him/her
(that is the polite way to say "hello"/"good to meet you" to an elder)
They will get a charge out of that.

*If you want a little extra point, give a very small gift from your country*a pin or souvenir book for example

*I have never been met at the airport by a boss, it is probably just a driver

*Drink a lot of fluids on the plane(not booze or coffee)

*Bring several sticks of your favorite deodorant

*Bring a top sheet for your bed

*Get a decent haircut at home, they can be a luxury here

*Ear plugs for the plane

*Bring quality shoes

****"Hwa-jahng-sheel" means "restroom"

[Illysook]

Don't exchange money. Bring your debit card and pull money out of an ATM when you get here. You will find that the card companies give very competitive rates and it's fairly convenient, plus you don't have to worry about carrying a lot of cash around.

[Zilong]

I'd get about 50k won and then do the ATM thing later, if you have an intl ATM. Do a bow and handshake, it covers all your bases.

Also, show them pictures of a white woman and tell them she is your wife.

[pangaea]

Jandar wrote:

[English Matt]