Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kkillert0fu]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum but have frequented this site and thought about teaching in South Korea for several years. I've read through the most recent topics about S Korea but I still would appreciate insight into some questions I have about going there to teach. My FBI criminal background check just came back in the mail so now I can actually get the ball rolling with this if I so choose. I'm 25, have a degree, a solid resume, and am fairly confident I can land a job that pays ~24K for the year, a salary I'd be okay with. My motivations for doing this are pretty straightforward: to travel, make a little money, meet new people, and hopefully eventually to use this experience to further my own career as an aspiring writer/teacher.

My questions pertain mostly to the social and political climate throughout S Korea, but specifically in bigger cities like Seoul and Busan (where I would seek jobs), after the death of Kim Jung Il. Do you expect the situation to deteriorate to a point where it is not a good idea for an American to spend any significant length of time there? When my brother taught in S Korea in 2009, although it wasn't exactly peaceful, the situation seemed relatively stable and safe for an American to be living and working there, and to even travel around Asia when time permits. But because of the present uncertainty with North Korea, do you predict that expats currently living in S Korea will start to leave, fearing their safety? Will the uncertainty result in S Korea not being looked at internationally as a place for people to come and teach ESL? Basically, will there still remain a steady population of foreign expats throughout S Korea, or will that begin to dwindle in the near future given the current situation with N Korea?

I ask this because, quite honestly, for as much as I would like to be immersed in another culture, I would also like to meet and network with other Westerners who have the common interest of working and living abroad. I had a good time and met a lot of cool people when I visited my brother while he was there. I'd like to have a similar experience. Thanks for any input, I hope this discussion helps others who might be on the fence as well.

[Kimchifart]

It's probable nothing will happen that will directly affect you.

If you're unlucky The North will artillery Seoul and possibly launch a nuclear attack.

[sulperman]

North Korea bombed the south last year. They blew up an airplane full of south Koreans before the Seoul Olympics. They have sent people down to try to murder the south Korean president. They have threatened to destroy the south every other week for god knows how long. The situation here has been uncertain for 60 years. Nothing new to fear these days.

[english puppet]

The bigger issues for you will probably be an over saturated market for teachers, a (intentionally weak really) skittish currency, slight downturn in the economy and possibly a somewhat less friendly atmosphere for foreign teachers.

[motiontodismiss]

[northway]

This is the only appropriate response to this question.

Also, am I the only one who cringes upon the mention of "South" Korea?

[comm]

[Julius]

[english puppet]

RE: Julius:

[Kimchifart]

[ttompatz]