Korean Job Discussion Forums

[RMNC]

Also, getting a job in Seoul for a first timer is 100% doable and easy. Half of the entire country lives there. The demand for teachers there (regardless of where you're from) is still perfectly high. People who complain about not being able to find work are either terrible at it or don't know what they're doing. I'm a white American male and I had 0 teaching experience but still got a central Seoul job easily. Don't settle for a job in Gyeonggi-do if you're looking to have the most fun possible. Many people will roll their eyes at me, but I think it's true:

Remember "Cohiba's Rule" (Now better than ever!):

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell cuban cigars, European pies, cold
cuts or rye breads. Just to name a few things.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

[CarolinaTHeels]

Awesome info! Much appreciated!

I left for Colombia yest and didnt have anytime to get the FBI stuff done before I left as i just decided to do this Korea thing right before I left. Im def making things more complicated with my time crunch im gonna have!

In your opinion if I cant find anything in central seoul what other areas of the city should I consider? Im 24 so i dont wanna be too far from the things i enjoy like movies, gym, park, nightlife, girls ect.

[cyui]

Really? That 'fff" equation about to change up real quick yo':

OP- How was Columbia? Travel reqs?

[CarolinaTHeels]

colombia is fun! all u need is a passport if your an american.

[northway]

[RMNC]

[northway]

[RMNC]

True, being within 10 minutes walking distance from a subway stop really opens up the possibilities. Heck, riding the subway is fun and an experience in and of itself. I would wager however, that if you get put out too far northeast in Seoul you're going to find it a little less "fun" than the northwest or south of the river. South of the river is "newer" and nicer in general, while the Northwest has Itaewon and the Hongdae area, as well as Yonsei university. Not counting Gangnam, I would say that the northwest is the nightlife center of Seoul. Either way, as long as you are close to the green line, you're relatively safe as far as entertainment goes.

[northway]

[cyui]

Negotiable as hell man.

He can work on a tourist visa and then "hit" an F-series up later.

As long as your monetary interests are there, who cares?

[northway]

Nowhere does the OP suggest that he's kyopo. Are you suggesting that he stick around Korea until marriage, all while working on tourist visas, until he gets married and qualifies for an F-visa?

Generally I ignore your more ridiculous posts, but when you're giving godawful advice I feel the need to step in.

[cyui]

No i wasn't thinking that it was one..just though it would be easier then trying to wait for the E-2 process..

Yeah, marriage or whatever kind of investment it takes' to get self-sponser.\

It is a big thing so no need to intervene

[northway]

[cyui]

Whatever man. :shock: ;Leave it alone.

[sirius black]

OP, just to add (or remove) some of the advice that's already been given. Don't give up on a public school job. It can't hurt to try and you more vacation time and generally work less teaching hours than most hogwons. I've heard however that SMOE, the organization that hires teachers require an unofficial 3.0 gpa though.

Use multiple recruiters but do try for a public school job. Also, NEVER accept a job unless you can talk to a prior teacher. Especially if you've worked for a hogwon. I would also stay clear of any job that requires you to teach kindergarten. It is sometimes tough work for a first timer. Usually but there are exceptions.

I rarely post about other members but that I'd put that cyui character on ignore. I would also ignore that Cohiba's rule thingy as well. Someone always brings that up and its inaccurate and usually posted by someone who has never worked or lived outside of Seoul. First timers like to graviate towards Seoul and Busan and its completely undersandable but there are other cities of size (Deagu, Daejeon, Kwangju to name only a few) that have great schools and great people and you can enjoy life as much and sometimes more. There are 1000s of foreigners who live great, fun and rewarding lives in cities other than Seoul or Busan. I am one of them. Not taking anything away from the aforementioned cities. Great places that I love visiting and have been to many times.

No matter where you end up two things will make or break your stay here if you're a normal, well adjusted person (note the prerequiste). 1. Your job. If it sucks, life will suck. Make that your first and primary focus. 2. The friends you have here. Your friends can make a small or boring place bearable and even fun. Choose wisely. You could get that job in Seoul and meet and befriend some folks who you shouldn't.