Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Andromeda]

So, I've been reading a lot of threads about living and teaching in Korea. Some of it makes me a bit nervous. I am in the process of seeking employment as a teacher in Korea and would love to hear some of the positive stories. I know there have to be some great things about the living and teaching experience over there.

[modernseoul]

[andrewchon]

I can only speak for myself, and I'd say it's good that
1. I don't have to worry about getting mugged at gun-point.
2. I don't have to worry about drug junkie's needles
3. There's no jocks and cheerleaders culture in Korea
4. So many students take music lessons in Korea
5. no soccer-moms in Korea
6. eating out is cheap in Korea
7. no dumb blondes in Korea
8. heavy metal music's unpopularity in Korea
9. no public nudity in Korea

These are my general impressions. Somebody will probably come up with an isolated example to disagree with me. I will disdainfully ignore any such attempts.

I've added some specifications because it seems some readers are confused about what's where.

10. No spray painted graffiti in Korea

[joelove]

[myenglishisno]

[FDNY]

KGIRLS

[Andromeda]

[jinks]

General rule of thumb is, if you are a whiner at home, you'll be a whiner in Korea. Saying that, culture shock will jump out and grab even the most well adjusted, flexible people. So be prepared to be chalellenged, and be prepared to be misunderstood in the most 'obvious' situations.

Your first job really comes down to the luck of the draw. You can do all the research and talk to the other teachers at the school (obviously), but that is not going to be the same as experiencing it for yourself. If you have a hobby and you can stand some solitude - or at least a very restricted social circle for a while - that will help you a bit. Online dating can get you out and about and meeting other people, but that's not for everyone.

Good Luck!

[myenglishisno]

Also, Korea isn't that much of a culture shock. It's a developed country, it is easy to get around in and everyone is eager to speak English to you even if they only know two words (which makes learning Korean rather hard).

I didn't even notice cultural differences until I was here for almost a year. For the most part, you're on too much of a ride to really be aware of it, especially if you're on the young side which most teachers these days are (under 25).

[cwflaneur]

[Modernist]

[mayorgc]

[mikesaidyes]

I moved here (to Sanbon, about 45 mins south of Seoul on line 4) just over six months ago. I was laid off in April 2011 and always said I would teach abroad if I ever lost my job and VOILA! Perfect time (especially since my apartment lease ended the next month).

I've always been a big fan of traveling, so I wasn't particularly nervous about the up and moving part or the "new scary language thing."

It definitely helps that I work at an amazing hagwon and am happy with all aspects of my job - work load, pay, co workers, company organization, yada yada yada. If I was a desk warmer alone at a public school, I'd probably kill myself.

Of course, I miss my friends at home, but if you're social (which I am), I've already made a giant group of friends scattered all over Seoul/Gyeonggi-do that I can see every night of the week.

The pay is good (considering that they pay your rent... to really think about how much you're making, add on 400,000 won to your salary each month for that free rent). My only bills are cell phone, utilities, student loans and american credit cards. Disposable income is high.

That being said, I'm not a big saver, but I also enjoy my social life, going out and buying things for my boyfriend.

Oh yeah, OTHER FUN THING ABOUT KOREA: I found love at the gay bar. Odd, I know, but we've been together about four months.

All in all, even if I didn't have the man, I'd still be THOROUGHLY happy here. The thought of being at home and knowing what I've left behind over here is really depressing. The social life is always an adventure and travel to other places is a breeze. There's also lots of places to go in Korea, too, that you can do on a quick weekend.

Before I was here, I was in my field of marketing. I was happy and really moved here to travel and do something on my dream list. Now that I know I'm good at my job, the teachers, parents and kids are happy and learning, I really don't want to leave. Sure, I may go back in like 3 years, but I'm definitely here for one more at a minimum.... but I could easily stay forever.

My favorite thing ever about Korea: meat restaurants at 3 AM.

[Gregski]

[mikesaidyes]

@Andromeda - I notice you're in Woodstock. I lived in Atlanta (Midtown, five years strong), myself!