Korean Job Discussion Forums

[What the Book]

I realize I am hardly the first person to ask this, but I also realize that the Korean job situation is constantly shifting. My ticket out has to be bought before the end of July and Koreans do everything at the last moment, so I am asking this now.

When my contract in Malaysia ends this coming September, I am considering going to Korea to look for a hogwan job. (Yes, I prefer hogwans for the smaller classes and later hours.)

1. Is this sort of thing sanely attempted only when one has a list of contacts? I wouldn't say mine is extensive.

2. If I fly in and look around like this, will I still need a medical certificate and interview with a Korean embassy? 2a. Should I get those ahead of time or wait for a job offer?

By September I will have been in Malaysia for 20 months, and apparently one has to be in Malaysia for two years before they'll do a police check. 3. Would Korea insist on police clearance from both Canada and Malaysia?

4. Has any additional red tape been recently added?

I'm sure I'd need a visa run to Osaka or Fukuoka, but that'd be a lot cheaper than a flight from the other side of the world.

About me: I worked in Yeosu from 2005 to 2010. I'm Canadian with an authenticated Bachelor's degree (not in EFL or English Lit), a 100 hour TEFLOnline certificate, seven years experience in EFL, female, will never see 40 again, and, well, overweight.

In late 2013 I had a local police background check done; yes, I know it will have to be redone (and authenticated) but I still have the Certificate number to help speed things along.

I am under no illusions regarding what I'll be returning to: stagnant salaries, inflation, possibly longer hours, well advised to get the real story from current or former NETs, etc.

Until now, I always had a job waiting for me when I flew off like this, so I prefer to look before I leap. For any and all suggestions and advice, thank you very much and 정말 감사합니다!

[isitts]

Sent you a pm.. though, perhaps a shorter answer is to try China. I mean, you left here in 2010? Yeah, things have changed since then.

[creeper1]

I wouldn't be put off by all the negativity you see on this forum.

The reality is not much has changed since you were in Korea.

For employment try using your contacts, this website, waygook.org, craigslist or anything to maximize your chances.

Age presents a bit of a challenge but by no means insurmountable. And you are the right gender with experience.

As for documents, I believe a police check from your home country will be enough and a quick trip to Japan to get your visa.

I am glad you are choosing Korea again. You must have liked it. Just shows that even older people can get something out of the experience.

Fighting!

[World Traveler]

And if you can't get anything decent, you can always go to Beijing to get your Korean fix (^_~): Say hi to creeper1 when you arrive. (^_^)
https://www.90daykorean.com/cities-to-practice-korean/

[What the Book]

Thanks so much, folks!

This whole past week I was quite busy with a work project, but I did read all your replies and will take your kind advice into consideration.

감사합니다!