Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cjang]

I had a question regarding teaching in South Korea which I can't find any advice on, and I figured I could try asking here. First, a little bit about myself:

I am a Canadian gyopo, born and raised in Vancouver. I've been back to Korea a few times to stay with relatives, and I can squeak by with my Korean, but it's definitely nowhere near "business" Korean. I am about to receive my Ph.D. in biochemistry, and I really enjoy didactic teaching. I would like to go back to Korea for a year or two after I graduate to reconnect culturally and learn the language, but the issue here is finding a job.

Like I said, my Korean isn't great, so I can't imagine doing a postdoctoral stint at a university. I realize also as a gyopo, they dislike me as an English teacher. I was wondering if there is some sort of demand there for someone like me. Maybe a biology teacher? But the issue, again, is that my Korean is nowhere near as good as it should be to cogently discuss scientific concepts to kids. Does this matter? After all, non-Korean speakers go to teach there, correct?

In any case, thanks in advance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[jvalmer]

There is no problem with gyopo being esl teachers. However, with your qualifications, I'd would maybe try one of the conglomerates to work for, like Samsung or POSCO. I'd imagine having a PhD will get you calls from them. Or maybe see if you can get a position in one of the science specific universities like KAIST.