Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cybermutiny]

Hey all. I've taught in Korea once before and plan to return to Seoul in March. My question is whether it's in my best interest to use a recruiter (like I did last time) or just fly to Korea and find a job by pounding the pavement.

In concept, I like the idea of just flying there but it seems like there is some downside to this. For instance, I believe you have to pay for a return ticket home in order to be granted a tourist visa (this can be quite expensive). Also, you have to pay for living expenses while you look for a job. Last of all, you have a limited time period to search for the job, there is no guarantee.

Does anyone here have experience with just flying to Korea and searching for a job? If so, did you find that it was to your advantage to do this?

Thank you!

[proverbs]

although it is easier to find a job when you're in Korea, you do not actually need to come to Korea BEFORE you get a job.

are you looking for a Uni job? March is still awhile away, so you still have plenty of time. there are plenty of recruiters out there that will help you. if you need help finding one, i can refer you to mine. just shoot me a pm.

good luck!

[northway]

You don't actually need a return ticket home, you just need a ticket out of the country. You can check out the flights to Japan, Taipei, Shanghai, and Beijing, and book whatever is cheapest (hopefully refundable). I'm not suggesting one way or another whether it's a good idea to come over here on your own dime, I'm just saying that you don't need to worry about the expense of a round trip ticket from a distant destination.

[ttompatz]

[jeremysums]

Use a recruiter. You'll have to do a lot of leg work if you don't. Going around applying.

[young_clinton]

The upside on being in Korea looking for a job is you can examine the hogwan, talk to the owners and talk to the teachers in person. The downside is what happens if you're documents aren't in order or you run out of money?