Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sbp59]

Just looking for some advice from people who have been here for a long time. I love my girlfriend, even considering marrying her in the future but I really hate the job opportunities here. Most of the hagwons are risky and public school doesn't appeal to me at all. Co-teachers and huge class sizes are not something I'd do well with in the public sector. Plus they seem to be cutting public teaching jobs drastically.

I would like to hear from some folks who have been here awhile and possibly those married to koreans. What kind of job prospects have you found? Have they been worthwhile and rewarding?

Thanks in advance.

[koreatimes]

One idea comes to mind. My ex-Korean girlfriend teaches match and piano at a school. I thought if things worked out better than they did, we could work together. I would teach English.

I don't know all the legal issues involved and how profitable it is, but you hire college students to teach basic English classes while you teach the more advanced students. If being a foreigner is a no no, then your Korean spouse would do the hiring and firing (according to the paperwork) and simply take you on as an employee (according to the paperwork).

However, I am sure some F visa holders will correct me and show how you could have more freedom.

[oldtactics]

Uni jobs are about as good as it gets without an F-visa. I teach 12 hours a week, plan my own curriculum, and have a private office.

Come join us, it's nice here.

[World Traveler]

In the years 1997-2008, it was much easier to get a uni job than it is now.

And now ads want people with years of uni experience (or a PhD). It is much harder to get one's foot in the door post 2008.

The good news, OP, is that if you marry your Korean girlfriend, you can get an F visa, which will open up more opportunities.

Heck, even unis will be more eager to hire you once you have the F visa.

Marrying a Korean national = boatloads of opportunities for making boatloads of money.

[edwardcatflap]

[Jack_Sarang]

[PatrickGHBusan]

You CAN do very well in Korea as a teacher or in other fields if you have the relevant qualifications, know how to market yourself, understand the importance of networking with fellow professionals and are able to set up goals and work towards them.

This can be done on an E2 visa or an a F-series visa. The F2 visa gives you a broader range of choices but you will still need qualifications. For example the F2 visa in itself does not qualify you for a University teaching position. Your actual qualifications do that....

[Unposter]

I agree with Patrick on this one. Visa does not determine what kind of job you can have or even your business opportunities.

You want a university job - any visa can get one.

You want a second job - any visa can get one.

You want to start a business - get a D-visa. It only requires a 50 million investment.

You want an F-visa - these days it is even possible to do that if you have spent some time in the country and you know some Korean. You don't have to marry anyone.

Please, please, please do not marry someone for a visa. You don't have to do this! Marry someone because you love them and you want to spend the rest of your life with them. Otherwise, there are plenty of opportunites in this world if you have what it takes to take advantage of them.

On the other hand, if you are married to a Korea, the biggest advantage for you is that you get to stay in Korea for as long as you like with the person you love. Ahh...isn't that nice!

[wooden nickels]

An F-2 VISA isn't a money-tree. Even with the F-2, it takes planning and work to make a good income.

[World Traveler]

I'm sure the F-2s would like everyone to believe it was their intelligence and hard work that got them their money, and that their visa had nothing to do with it.

Take a look at these jobs, and tell me which is more desirable: the one in Gangnam that pays 3.5 million for 5.5 hours per day or the one in Suwon that pays 2.0-2.3 million for 9.5 hours per day. Hmmm...which is the better deal?

[edwardcatflap]

They both look crap to me. And I'm on an E2

[World Traveler]

3.5 mil is a crap wage?! For working 8:30-2?! I'd say those are good hours (getting out so early). I'd also say it is a way better job than the overwhelming majority of those I see advertised.

Edward, you said in another thread you legally made 12 mil last month on an E-2 visa. You're a smart guy, so I don't doubt what you're saying is true, but could you tell us how you did it?

[edwardcatflap]

There are only two places I'd work for in Korea, a good university or the British Council. Both of which employ people with E2s. At a good uni you'd have a lot fewer hours and long holidays for around the same money as that job plus maybe paid accommodation. At the BC, with housing allowance, you'd start on more than that wage plus you'd get fewer hours, comprehensive medical insuarance, private pension contribution, flights, ten weeks paid holiday a year and a lot better prospects for promotion and subsidised training.

Re your last question, PM sent

[Unposter]

For what it is worth, the Gangnam ad looks like a kindergarden and it is illegal to hire someone on an E-2 to teach English at a kindergarden. So, only Koreans or permanent residents are eligible for that type of position. But, those positions are rare and I think many F types wouldn't want that type of work hence its higher than average salary.

[Lazio]

To make decent-good money on E-2 visa takes specialized and high qualifications + good work experience and somewhat of a special mindset dedicated to make a carrier in EFL. And I think some luck needed as well.
None of these are necessary for someone holding an F-2.

Among all E-2 visa holders, what would be the percentage of those making 4 mil or more/month? I can't imagine it being over 5%. Even when adding the housing, flight ticket, pension and insurance it would be well under 10 %. And the same number for F visas? 50% give or take?