Korean Job Discussion Forums

semi-fly · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

I've been thinking about teaching in Korea now that I'm completing my degree this semester. I would really like an old-timers perspective on the current situation [the hassle they're facing with their employers and with immigration] but also some perspective from a "newbie" point of view as well.

Do the hoops/hassles you're going through make the experience worth the meager [one supposes] wages and the micro-/mis- management you have experienced [not specific to old-timers]?

Given that I would graduate in May, when would be the appropriate time to start the process to find/seek employment for the fall? Are there any glaringly obvious changes to the system/wages since mid-2009? Are GEPIK/EPIK/SMOE still the preferred choices? Is it still difficult to find work in or around Incheon/Busan?

To clarify some points:
- I would prefer to teach in a kindergarten/elementary school
- I am not opposed to teaching in a hagwon so long as the terms are right
- I have no real teaching experience outside tutoring one on one
- I do not have a teaching certificate

bamboozler · Joined: 18 Jan 2011

You've answered your own question. Korea is really not worth the hassles. Low pay, depreciating won, increasing political turmoil.

Stay home.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

If you're prepared to go through all the visa hoops, Korea is still doable for the newbie. You can still make fairly good coin if you land it lucky, too.

However, you might wanna ask yourself:

What are your motives for Korea--just the money? Probably need another reason.

Is English teaching something I want to do for just a year or two and move on? A stint in Korea won't be looked upon with much value if you are set on a longer-term career path back home. (My experience)

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

The pay really isn't meager if you're fresh out of uni. Quite the opposite, actually.

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

I would never advise anyone to make a career of ESL.

chellovek · Joined: 29 Feb 2008

I agree with the two posts above. To amalgamate- it's a bitter-sweet life.

Ice Tea · Joined: 23 Nov 2008

I never would have came if there had been as many regulations as there are today. You have to put up $300+ of your own cash in visa nonsense before you even board a flight. Then the school might cancel your contract before you come and your stranded. If your E2 I don't think its worth it.

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 4:37 am Post subject:

Yes it is worth it on many levels.

You need to ask yourself if it is worth it for YOU based on YOUR needs, expectations and capabilities...

Good luck.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 4:38 am Post subject:

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 5:26 am Post subject:

semi-fly · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

My motives are not tied to money, though as many posters have suggested it is easy enough to save money while living in Korea, my motives stems primarily from opportunity to expand my horizons and to get some much need real world experience.

As for how long I would wish to stay that's not something someone can really determine until they get to experience the joy/horrors of teaching in Korea. From previous posts I've read it can be something of a crap shoot so if one is treated respectfully [I can already hear the laughter from older posters reading this] one would expect that I would want to stay for the foreseeable future.

I understand that the farther you are away from Seoul the easier it would be to find a good position, but as Seoul tends to fill up quite fast I was curious to see how well Incheon/Busan fill up after that.

Meager may have not been the appropriate word. Give the number of hours in front of the class and the remainder of stuff that you go through in a given day/week at your school and the potential school politics [good or bad]. Many posters have suggested that the w1.9-2.0 million they are getting paid/offered is less than appealing [in no uncertain terms would I expect a monthly salary of w2.3-2.5 million], but I don't think it's unreasonable to be paid more than the aforementioned monthly salary given all of the hoops/hassles one goes through at work.

I think I covered all of the questions asked. If there is anything missing let me know.

As to my enthusiasm in my initial post I am generally eager to come, it's just if I sound like a raving lunatic [which is entirely possible] I would get a lot of snide remarks and very little assistance with my questions. So I do appreciate the individuals who took time out and answered this lunatics questions.

debb199 · Joined: 15 Dec 2008