Korean Job Discussion Forums

Patong Dong · Joined: 06 May 2003 Location: On Nut

Absolutely. I started at Poly in 2005 for the am/pm 48 class a week position for 2.75. My second year I was bumped up to 3. Had an offer for the same hours at a different Poly this year for 2.7. And back in 2005 the exchange for the currency I was saving in was more favourable.

Ice Tea · Joined: 23 Nov 2008

If you are Gyopo and speak Korean and English fluently, you can get a job as an academic coordinator. You teach a handful of classes a week, 4-10 and get paid in excess of 3.0. It's a good gig. Probably the best a Korean American can do in Korea.

88Sparky · Joined: 02 Oct 2011

I'm going to have a interview with the Director of the Poly School at their Songdo location where I'll start in February. I had a very good interview with the HR person at Poly who's name is Paul last Monday. They're going to offer me at least 2.7 million KRW per month.

Has anyone worked at this location? If so, how was your experience there?

dalpunk · Joined: 15 Aug 2011

I have worked at KPS Magnet ( in Hannam-si) for 1 year now, and I can honestly say it is C+ as far as Hagwons go in Korea. I have worked in Korea for 3 years both in public and private and this campus is one of the more relaxed outfits i've seen. The management has a pass the buck attitude and can routinely make more work for you for the betterment of the school's facade.

This is a business so whatever they can get done for the least amount of money is their mandate. It is continually frustrating that big events are sprung on you last moment.

There are no included sick days which is fine, if you want to work get paid for and if not then don't get paid for that day. But if you want need to go home sick, let's say for a flu or cold that has been wearing you down. The only option for them is to take you to the hospital or you stay and work. They make it indecently difficult to just get through to them that you work 56 hours a week and could use the time to lay in your bed and feel terrible.

The school makes a fine effort in other categories; always paid on time, helpful staff environment, very nice 1st floor Korean staff. The Field trip days and birthday parties are a nice break every month.

The Vacation time is a bummer but I think that is KPS wide as the summer was held Wednesday to Wednesday only covering one weekend.

Overall, this Hagwon is decent. It is in a terrible location at present being in a rural industrial zone next to a junkyard on a street with no side walks. But other than that it has some great people and no stresses in terms of payment.

elizabethvictoria · Joined: 13 Oct 2011

I have been offered a full time contract with this school at 3.0 a month. I have two years of previous ESL experience as well as my B.A degree and a B.Ed. I don't know if I should ask for more or not... What do you think?

pikadoopoo · Joined: 19 May 2011

read5140 · Joined: 09 Oct 2012

Hello Cafe trolls
Er, sweet angels:

Anyone have the scoop on the Suji-gu POLY in Yongin City? Specifically, will I hate my life or will it all be fine. Working hard isn't the issue, and I'm not much of a whiner, however paying me on time is a non-negotiable.

Also, what can I reasonably ask for pay if they low-ball me? What's the standard POLY pay?

Thanks all. Embarassed

Weigookin74 · Joined: 26 Oct 2009

I had asked about this a couple of years ago, I see. But, I'll ask again. What's the going pay rates nowadays?

Porksta · Joined: 05 May 2011

Fresh off the boat, kindy through middle - 2.8

read5140 · Joined: 09 Oct 2012

Porksta · Joined: 05 May 2011

If you are working from 9-730 you should make 2.8, then again I am not in Seoul so that may make a difference.

Also, make sure you understand your flight/visa info before you depart. I was given one hour to land in LAX and find my next flight. It was tough when my flight into LAX was delayed 30 minutes and then I had to ride a bus to the international terminal.

read5140 · Joined: 09 Oct 2012

Porksta · Joined: 05 May 2011

For salary think this way - is it worth an extra .4mil for you to work an extra 6.5 hours a week? If yes, ask to be put in a campus that has those hours as not all campuses are alike.

You will be working only during those times, unfortunately you WILL be working. Classes start at 940 and your only other break will be 210-3, minus time between classes. Also something to keep in mind is you won't only be teaching English classes - you will be teaching art, PE, science, SS, debate, presentations, among other things.

read5140 · Joined: 09 Oct 2012