Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cetraveller]

I am moving to Sancheong to teach and while going through my closet realized I have no idea how to pack. What is the dress code for female teachers?
Im aware that my size is very different from Korean women therefore I will need to bring a lot of clothes cause I cant buy it there. Im a size 12, 5ft 7in tall american woman.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[Died By Bear]

Conservative , smart dressing will keep away the crazies and stalkers, or would-be rapists. Maybe even buy you some respect among the staff.

But bring some of the good stuff for nights out on the town, ie Iteawon.

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

The biggest difference between Western and Korean standards is the upper body. Sleeveless tops and shirts that show even the tiniest hint of cleavage are unacceptable.

For example, this dress is probably unacceptable because it shows too much shoulder: http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Tailored-Exposed-Shoulder-Pencil-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1250433&cid=8309&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black/Grey

This, aside from being hideous, shows too much cleavage/chest: http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Tailored-Short-Sleeve-Blazer-Jumpsuit/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1249932&cid=8309&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Tobacco

Armpits seem to be a bit taboo as well: http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Layered-Sleeve-Blouse/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1270480&cid=8309&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black

This is about as low as your neckline should go if you are shaped like that model. If you have any breasts at all, you should be even more conservative: http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Twist-Front-Top/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1248048&cid=8309&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mink

Skirts are not as big of a concern. I would feel comfortable wearing this outfit (with tights) here, but I would
never wear it back home: http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Tailored-Belted-High-Waist-Mini-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1344664&cid=8309&sh=0&pge=3&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Tobacco

In fact, even in the summer, pantyhose are the norm. Even under jeans. Speaking of which, non-ripped, non-faded jeans are usually acceptable.

All of this said, it really will depend on your workplace. I never wear pantyhose/tights, I occasionally wear printed T-shirts instead of professional or plain cotton shirts, occasionally show some armpit, and probably wear thinner/tighter clothes than most of my colleagues (especially considering my body type). I justify this because I get hot easily and no one has ever said anything to me. You might want to error on the side of caution when you first get here, though.

Also, make sure you have a couple of comfortable, nice-looking jackets/coats that you would feel comfortable wearing all day, as the indoor heating is likely to be sporadic during the winter. Also, you'll need a pair or two of indoor shoes. I just wear the guest shoes, which a couple of people have complained about, but I'm not making a trip to Seoul just to find a pair of indoor shoes big enough and comfortable enough for my giganto feet. And if I were going to buy plasticky men's slippers anyway, might as well wear the guest shoes. Something along the line of these would be fine, although black and logo-less would be preferable: http://www.global-b2b-network.com/direct/dbimage/50288118/Men_s_Beach_Slippers.jpg

And the women at my school wear them with like 5 inch platforms, ala these, no lie: http://www.eurluxury.com/bmz_cache/b/be63fcd84421bda03480131bc84e3a82.image.300x300.JPG

It's ridic. But they'll admire yours if you do too. Up to you.

Hope this has helped!

[jvalmer]

I'm male BTW. The biggest factor is if you have male students at your school. If it's an all girls' school then almost anything goes. However keep an eye on how your fellow Korean teachers of the same age dress, and keep notes on how much shoulder and cleavage they decide to show. Start off conservative though and remember western ladies are thought as more skanky by default by most Korean guys.

[Ruthdes]

[nikki15]

It really does depend on your workplace. I brought a lot of dressy clothes thinking that it would be the norm, to find out that everyone in my Hagwon just wears jeans. In summer lots of summer dresses/skirts, I don't go above my knees but I have a Korean co-worker who gets pretty short sometimes. Just observe your co-teachers, mine show some shoulder/armpit in the summer sometimes, so I did too. Bring lots of warm stuff for the winter and cool stuff for the summer. I relied on skirts and light blouses for the summer and now that it�s getting colder I wear jeans with a long sleeved shirt, or warm cardigans. Also tights paired with dresses are really fashionable over here, so if you like that you're in luck! I suggest bringing LOTS of clothes. If you are a US/CAN shoe size 8 or smaller you will be able to buy shoes here, if not...you might want to bring a lot with you. I just bought a pair of plain black flats to wear inside the school.

You can forget about bringing loads of shampoo, body wash, makeup, etc. You can get many western brands over here like Herbal Essences, Pantene, etc.

I haven't been able to find a decent women's non disposable razor so you might want to add that and some blades plus shaving cream to your suitcase.

I definitely wish I had brought more clothes with me.

[cetraveller]

Wow, thank you for all the information. This helps a lot. Ive decided to get rid of most of my wardrobe - Im taking it to a consignment store (try make a few bucks) then buy some new clothes. SO all the tips (especially the links) were very helpful.
Im wondering about the slippers, does everyone wear those at school (with socks)?

[nikki15]

At my Hagwon everyone just kind of wears their own indoor footwear of whatever style. Some people wear full out actual slippers, others just slip on shoes, some wear those high heeled things. I wear just plain black flats. There will be guest slippers that you can wear there for the first bit if you want to scope out what others are wearing. Or you can just stick with the guest slippers. I did that for awhile and no one cared.

[trogdor]

I showed my shoulders in Japan. I think it was a bit more acceptable. There's a popular style of lacey, short sleeved cardigans that the younger women wear to cover the shoulders that I saw younger women wearing on my first visit here in the summer. They are free size. I got a few for next summer here.

[nomad-ish]