Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Chaucer]

[metalhead]

Seeing as how the average salary is the same now as it was in 2004, by taking inflation into account one could argue that conditions are worse in Korea 4 da Englishee teacha. Of course, back in 2004 buying something like cheese and non-Korean spag sauce was a nightmare, so maybe it all evens out.

[Bowden_PSM]

Started for 2.1 at a hakwon in the countryside in 2003. Eventually made it up to 2.9 in 2011 at a university. Left because the cost of living had more than eclipsed my salary increases while at the same time, the won had completely tanked in 2008, not to recover until recent times. I just wasn't saving nearly as much any more.

I remember everything through whole, medium chickens. 2003 = 1700 won, 2007= 4500 won, 2011 = 6200 won. But my salary really didn't go up much, despite my slightly better credentials and work experience.

Left, went back to the west, earned an M.Ed and work in the Middle East now (after rejecting working ESL in the west - yikes). Salary up about 2.5 times as much as well as the size of the apartment. Only 2.5 months off compared to four in Korea, but way better than 0.5 in the west. Teaching time a bit more as well - 18 hours a week. Saving a lot again.

I miss the Korea of the past, but I long ago realized it was time (at least for me - others have different reasons to stay and perhaps more prosperous time spent there) to go. Went back last week for vacation and enjoyed it. A part of me will always be there.

[Yaya]

I glad they cleaned up Itaewon. I first went there in 1994, and it was a scum pit. I know bars that purposely don't carry domestic beer just so that they don't attract a certain type of riffraff. Sorry but things don't stay cheap forever, even in the Third World (think Philippines).

That said, wages in ESL have remained stagnant while inflation has shot up but you can say the same for jobs in Korea overall, too. I've said this many times but give Korea a pass if you wanna do ESL in Asia.

[bucheon bum]

I was in the Seoul area for a week in December. First time since leaving at the end of 2003. Was surprised how little had changed- including prices. Not the same as back then, but not much higher either. As others noted, PC bangs seem to be almost gone. Seoul seemed a bit cleaner and nicer overall.

There were also a LOT more people who could speak basic English. I think that was the biggest surprise for me. When I lived in Bucheon back in the day, I never ran into anyone in stores/restaurants who spoke English. This time? A handful in the day I was there. Maybe it was just my luck that day...

Also a hell of a lot more foreigners and tourists now, that's for sure.

[EastisEast]

The older posts are a great read !

I was back there in 2005 and I can only imagine how it was in the mid nineties.

Like how China is now, except Korean culture

[Yaya]

[Died By Bear]

I'm just going to put this out there, not trying to bash anyone.

The first time I was in Korea - 95 to 98, I rarely RARELY saw anyone overweight. And if they were overweight, they covered it up. They were NEVER fat, as in obese. Never, not once. Then in '06 when we came back for 3 years, I saw the occasionally obese Korean. Not that much, but noticeable enough to comment to my wife that people are starting to gain weight in Korea...I couldn't believe my eyes.

THIS TIME, they are EVERYWHERE. I see them all over the place. Especially the girls/women. It's amazing. I just can't believe there are that many. I was outside all day the past four or five days. I started counting how many fat girls/guys I saw after the first 4-5. Took a mental count: 28 in the whole day. And I'm not talking a little bit overweight, I'm talking head-to-toe obese.

The interesting thing to me was how they dress now compared to just five years ago. They wear short skirts, and low cut blouses, like they're proud. Was walking down one of the streets adjacent to Korea university the other day and there were two girls about 20-22 walking with their boyfriends, their legs were bigger than my waist. Shocked.

Funny thing is, I keep hearing about how Korea is all health conscious now, and how eating healthy, exercise and no smoking is all the rage. But people are much heavier, EVERYWHERE...so what gives?

[Adventurer]

[Otus]

[Died By Bear]

I think I miscommunicated my message. I know about the fashions back then, as I enjoyed them just like everyone else

What I meant was the way the big girls dress now compared to the way they dressed 10 years ago. They wear the same short skirts the hot girls wear... like they are hot. When they're not.

[Mr. Pink]

[Died By Bear]

Another thing I've noticed since I've been back almost three weeks now, is that Koreans in general are a bit more arrogant about their country. I don't know if 'arrogant' is the right word, but I've picked up on something when interacting with random Koreans when going about daily business. The humble, courteousness nature has been replaced with a haughty tone. Not sure how to put my finger on it, let alone describe it well...

Something has definitely shifted. Maybe it's because of the recent surge in tourism from all the Kpop and Kdrama success, or maybe Koreans see a direct correlation between the increase in foreigner population and think that their country is now the 'new America' as it relates to the land of milk and honey?

From conversations with family, a lot of SE asians and other 3rd world people think of Korea as a place they can make a good living, and try to get here for work, so that may be the reason.

I won't bore you with specific examples, but it's happened quite a lot, and I'm a really polite person when interacting with others. I dress quite well, and I look very presentable to Koreans. But somewhere along the line, their kindness and humble attitude has definitely shifted to an aura of more arrogant and haughty nature. It's across the board too, not just limited to one generation or one class of people. From the adsjoshi guarding the forest park near my home, to the pizza delivery guy all the way up the chain. Things have definitely changed in their attitudes towards foreigners. It's almost like they think their shit doesn't stink.

The only thing that hasn't changed is the smell of raw sewage in most neighborhoods.

[Yaya]

[World Traveler]