Korean Job Discussion Forums

[somethinginmovement]

Hey all, long time reader, first time poster. Hopefully this question isn't stupid (I tried searching to see if anyone else asked, but the search tool wasn't working, so here goes.) I'm planning on an Aug/Sep. start and this will be my first time in Korea--leaning hard towards Seoul (also considering Incheon, Daegu, and Jeju) at the moment.

So, I have long hair, and I'm a guy. It's pretty thick, and wavy, and about chin-length. Will I get looked at cockeyed in the workplace for this? On the street? I mean, I take pretty good care of it, and it's not some nappy mess. But I can see it becoming a spectacle in a place where my hair type is uncommon. I'm also a bit worried about the haircut situation there, as it's hard enough to find someone whom can cut my hair here in the states.

Basically, I'm considering getting whether to get my yearly haircut or not, and was looking for a little insight from some people who have been in the country for awhile.

Thanks in advance!

[cj1976]

I think you should get a 'short, back and sides' before you come here. Young Korean men are well known for their extremely conservative and masculine grooming style. None of this long, shaggy hair and eyeliner business, you big hippy.

[Mariella713]

Boy do I love long hair on guys...sorry off topic
A lot of Korean females I know think long hair on guys isn't a good look - makes them look untidy and whatnot. However, this is only from a handful of people I know, so I don't know if it's the general consensus or anything. I also know a Korean guy who is trying to grow his hair long in time for summer (not sure what all that's about ahem) so some people obviously think it's fine.


Aslong as your hair is groomed and clean then I personally don't see a problem.

[chellovek]

I came over with similar length hair and it wasn't a problem. However, I got 'Koreaned' in a hair dressers and now people say I look far more handsome, apparently.

[drama_addict]

If you're in a Hagwon, be prepared to cut it. They're all about appearance in order to please parents and get more students enrolled.

[DM24]

[Jane]

If you can tie it back into a pony and make it look neat, I think it would be okay. If not, chop chop.

[Fishead soup]

Get a mullet Conservative at the front party down the back

[metalhead]

I have hair down to my waist and I haven't had any problems securing a job here or elsewhere in Asia. Tie it up and look neat, and *if* they have issues with it skip that job and look for another one.

Unless you're aiming high for a good uni position it's really easy to find work here. I mean, I'm qualified and all to teach but they really scrape the bottom of the barrel here when it comes to hiring people, but that's what Korea is known for I suppose.

[Dragoon]

[J Rock]

My first 8 months in Korea I grew my hair out to the longest it has ever been in my entire life. They never said anything but I looked in the mirror one day and was like "oh my god, what have I done to myself!" I realized it looked terrible and I decided to cut it.

When I walked into my school the next day the staff went nuts, they all said it looks so much better (really anything looked better than it did before) and how handsome I looked.

I've always wanted to grow it out again but I still remember how bad it looked and i stop myself from doing it.

[brento1138]

I never really had my hair long per se, but definitely shaggy. However, the older I get, the more homeless I look with the shag. Koreans definitely prefer the non-shag look.

Looks go a ways in Korea, and no matter how ugly you think you look with shorter hair, they will all perceive you as more handsome and more respectable with the shortness.

[byrddogs]

[chellovek]

[Dragoon]