Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AgentGhost]

Hey All,
I wanted to put my thoughts on paper about everything and hopefully some of you guys will read it and give me an honest recommendation since I have heard so many horror and positive stories about teaching English in Korea.
First off, I just wanted to say I am going to make this as short as possible because I know many of you are busy individuals, therefore I won’t waste your time with this post, however if there any additional questions or resources that I should be informed of or information which you want to ask, feel free to pm or reply to this post.
I am currently living on Oahu, Hawaii. Already got my AA in Liberal Arts, BA in Economics, Finance and Political Science from University of Hawaii and Finishing up with my MBA: International Business in a few weeks. I already contacted a Epik program about teaching English and I was told unless I had my MBA in hand, I would need an additional certificate; so I decided to postpone my trip and tie up loose ends here in Hawaii preparing to go to Korea next year if I didn’t have anything else going for me. (Im 23, with zero student debt.)

I have my heart set on either teaching in Busan or Seoul. However I know zero Korean at all. I know that someone can get around without knowing Korean, but I wanted to know what your opinions on the area I am planning on getting a position in.
In addition, I am NOT teaching at a hagwon, I heard to many horror stories about those places and going to teach at a public school if anything, I’ll take the pay cut, I rather not be harassed and imitated in korea. (I am part Korean myself, so I understand that anger, lol) With hopes of transferring to teach at a university in the second year, or even working for an American company in Korea after my contract is up since Ill already be there and I have some education and experience.
However, the real reasons why I am posting here and I have no shame so here it goes.

After being with my fiancé for almost 3 years, I found out she cheated on me with an ex boyfriend and stole quite a bit of money from me. To avoid getting into details it was an extremely bad breakup. I need to get off this rock here in Hawaii. I feel like I need to go. I have been applying to jobs all over the United States, and if nothing tangible pops up I want to be able to go to Korea.

I read a lot on these boards about guys going over to Korea and finding a Korean girl, I am curious. I have always had a thing for Korean girls, and I wouldn’t mind going over there and meeting someone and actually settling down, not saying I am going to stay there or even go back home if I find someone, but ill cross that bridge when I come to it I guess.
How are the women in Korea like? Are they open to western men? I read a lot about the Korean superiority complex, does it extend to women since I have also read that you’re looked at nothing but “hired help” in Korea.
How many of you guys out there have the opportunity or at least can give me a idea on the prospect of meeting someone in Korea during the first year, any idea?
I also had a passing thought on teaching in China, if any of you people out there have had experiences in China are they more receptive to western men? More or less then Korea?
Basically, give me the info you got on the women.
Oh yes, final question. Health insurance and health services. I was wondering, if you’re in Korea and let’s say something happens to you, (bad cough and you need simple Rx drugs) can you go somewhere and get it without paying through the nose? How about if someone ran into you with a car would you be able to get taken care of without paying for the rest of your life?

All inputs are appreciated, if you need any more info, please ask.

[edwardcatflap]

Most people seem to agree it's easier for a western looking guy to score here than in their home country. And from what I've heard even easier in China.

[augustine]

Really? An MBA at 23 with no debt? Impressive, but this guy sounds like an ass.

[Seoulman69]

If you are part Korean and it is noticeable in your appearance then many Koreans will expect you to speak some Korean. It's a double edged sword in that respect.
That may also hamper your chances with the girls. The cultural expectations of a Korean American, or part Korean, person is different from a white American.
Girls are the same the world over. There are some diamonds and some rotters. I'm fortunate to have been lucky wherever I've lived and that has continued in Korea. But if you had a girl that cheated on you and stole your money then maybe it's best to take it slow with your next relationship.
Health care is relatively cheap in Korea and if you get hit by a car you should call the police and the driver should pay for your hospital bills.

[FDNY]

I would say that about 90% of Korean women want nothing to do with mightey whities. But, that leaves 10% who are extremely curious. In general if you want to meet Korean women, around Seoul is your best bet. Korean women flee the hick towns of Korea's hinterland in droves. So much so, in fact, that farmer Joe down in Booneyville has to import a wife from Vietnam or some other such wonderful place.

Be cool, be generous, be funny and you can hook up with some waaay skinny and HAWT K-girl in no time.

[AgentGhost]

[Zackback]

Ok man listen up...you will have no problem finding a realy cutey in Korea. All that garbage yoru ex did will be forgotten. You will only say to yourself you should have come here and not wasted your time with the chicks back home. But in a way it is better you expereinced it. This way you know never to return to the garbage can again.
Thing is it may or may not happen right away. As with girls all over it will come in waves. It might be zero for a period of time then the flood gates will open.

[AgentGhost]

[CentralCali]

You guys don't seriously believe a word of that OP, do you?

[Who's Your Daddy?]

If you have an MBA you shouldn't come here to teach English. The value of your degree will decline as you aren't working in your field of study.

Although it is fun coming here for a while, I don't think it is in your best long term interests.

If you look on craigslist, you can see some mgmt jobs for Seoul. If you can get that, then you're golden. But otherwise, teaching English, not sure that's a good idea.

[Died By Bear]

Whatever you do, don't listen to the negative responses here. If you're confident in yourself and your appearance, you will do just fine with the ladies. Just go man, this is the time to do it. It's definitely not a big bowl of cherries like it was 10-15 years ago, but it's still doable for those who have the gift.

Now if you're overweight and a loser on the other hand, just stay home. Cheers!

[AgentGhost]

[AgentGhost]

[CentralCali]

[AgentGhost]