Korean Job Discussion Forums

[EmmaHewitt]

I am a male, and I have longish hair, styled in a fashion that wouldn�t be considered normal (not as extreme as a Mohawk or anything). Would this be acceptable as an English teacher in Korea? I can slick my hair back and it looks like a normal style, but in the way I normally style it looks completely different. I understand that English teachers in Korea are expected to be somewhat professional, but I have seen some vloggers that teach English in Korea who have had unusual hair coloring hair and such. Any info would be great!

*Another random question
I am a vegan (I don�t eat meat/dairy/eggs/honey), and I also don�t drink alcohol. I am fine with not being able to eat out, but how often are there situations where I would have required work outings at food places where this will cause an awkward situation?
Thanks in advance for the replies I appreciate it!

[Squire]

Hippies' appearance and lifestyle flies in the face of everything to do with Korea and it's people, so expect to be an object of curiosity

[soomin]

One of my friends had a mohawk and she was fine~ but the students did bug her about it and ask questions, so get ready for that. Also, if your school states "professional attire only" or something, you might want to ask them if your hair style is okay...

I was a vegan for over a year here and you will pretty much never be able to eat out, which is why I gave it up. I was constantly constricted to my house or eating side dishes and having to try to explain veganism/ vegetarianism while having meat pushed on me. There are some vegan restaurants (the chain Loving Hut is in bigger cities) but it will limit you. If you are asked to go out with colleagues (this is usually non-existant (cheap boss) or a common event, depending on your workplace), then just tell them you can't eat certain things and maybe just stick to side dishes... Also, kimchi is rarely vegan (it is usually seasoned with shrimp brine, oysters, or fish sauce). There is at least one thread on here about being vegan in Korea, so I would look that up for more info ^.^

[Skippy]

[valkerie]

There are a couple of groups on Facebook that are all about veggie/vegan lifestyles.

Most schools are fine with you taking a packed lunch and eating it in the canteen.

[young_clinton]

As long as you don't look like too much like a criminal, I suspect you could get a job in Korea with an unusual hairstyle. I even suspect that some schools will prefer someone that is good looking and sports unusual hair and clothing, but only some. I think the smaller cities will be more reasonable about this. So......don't change anything you will find something.

[jasonXkeller]

[young_clinton]

Not hiring someone because of a pony tail is unprofessional. There are recruiters that will hire you regardless. Stick to those recruiters and schools.

[Dodge7]

This is why this "profession" is a joke, because you get rejects coming over here with hair that would unacceptable in the West going for jobs and think it would be acceptable over here to a place that is more conservative than their own country back home. Cut your hair, present yourself as a professional or stay home. If not, come here and be made fun of by your staff behind you back and by the kids, probably to your face, and not taken seriously and possible be one of the future reasons you were fired or not re-contracted.

[EmmaHewitt]

Thank you everyone, i really appreciate the info/advice. As far as what my hair looks like, it looks exactly like this: http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/nisuh/default/davey-havok-2006--large-msg-130507777688.jpg
here is more of a side angle:
http://i2.listal.com/image/1934410/600full-davey-havok.jpg
When i slick it back it looks pretty normal, but i would like to be able to wear my hair how i normally wear it (but its not a deal breaker).

@Dodge7 Part of the reason i ask these questions is because i haven't been in grade school for a while, and am not entirely sure what is accepted in such a setting(though i do remember having a teacher with long hair). Also at university most of my professors wear normal t-shirts, and don't appear to have many restrictions as far as hair goes. As far as being made fun of by staff or kids, it doesn't bother me. My only concern is with actually getting the job.Honestly someone�s skin would have to be rather thin to cut their hair in fear of being made fun of.

[ewlandon]

G DRAGON G DRAGON G DRAGON.

You're skin wouldnt have to be thin to cut your hair because youre an adult and trying to get a job.

I cant comment on the vegan thing because I cant even respect that decision.

As for the hair it's going to drive you nuts when the kids call you G dragon all day.

[ewlandon]

double post

[cheezsteakwit]

OP ,

I've got long hair and I make sure to wear it in a pony tail when in class. I teach at a public high school and I've had no problems thus far ... maybe people are talking behind my back , but whatever.

I haven't had a haircut in approx. 2-3 years and I don't intend to get it cut until Winter time , when my pony tail is closer to being 12 inches long. I'm donating my hair to Wigs for Kids , a charity that makes wigs for kids with cancer.

As for me being "professional", I'm a certified teacher back home & I work hard for my kids over here. You do a good job in the classroom and your hair shouldn't matter ... just keep it looking presentable while in school.

Outside of the classroom , I look like a character from the Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones or a member of Metallica. Inside the classroom is a different story.

Best of luck to you.

[Joe Boxer]

I think that people should think about the teachers they had when growing up, and then present themselves in a similar fashion.

And I don't mean the weirdo teachers you had, or the P.E. teacher!

[EmmaHewitt]