Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eawilson]

Hello!

My boyfriend and I are interested in teaching English in South Korea. I know for pubic schools you have to be married to get couple housing. What sort of issues are we likely to run into obtaining a job and living in Korea as an unmarried couple?

Thanks for any info you can provide!

[PRagic]

There are two schools of thought (pardon the pun). Some schools and institutes like to hire people in pairs, usually friends or couples. They figure it's a twofer, and that if friends or couples come over together, they'll be able to weather the local situtation better together. Sorry, but as you said, 'dating' doesn't count.

On the other hand, some schools and institutes will NOT hire couples, dating or married. They feel that if there's a problem with one, then they're going to have a problem with the other, and it's tougher to replace two teachers than one.

You'll find some opinions in the FAQs. One of the prominent points will be that you'd better be pretty darn confident in your relationship because there are a heck of lot more opportunities to stray here for a guy than there are for a girl. This, of course, depends on your preferences and those of your boyfriend. It is something worth talking about in advance, though.

Just apply to places looking to hire more than one person. You're under no obligation to let them know that you two are dating. You might be able to live together in one place and then the other person can take the housing allowance. Or you both could take the housing allowance (if offered) and then pool them and get your own place.

IF, and it may indeed be just a big IF, you and your boyfriend do have some relationship problems, keep them PRIVATE. Don't drag anything into the public sphere of the office as that'll probably get you both fired.

Also, recognize that this is a comparatively modest culture; no kissing in public at work, no hand holding around co-workers...you get the picture.

[hogwonguy1979]

I've known a number of people who have posed as a married couple, never were asked for a marriage certificate etc. If asked why you have different last names, say you didn't want to take your husband's name, heck thats the way it is in Korea when people get married. They are also starting to get used to western married couples having different last names. When the wife and I first got to Korea back in 1996, they were a bit shocked but that was it.

But if you get caught, expect to get fired and have to leave the country or you could get married in Korea.

Like somebody said make damm sure of the strength of your relationship and I don't mean guys being tempted, I never was but I do not find Korean women to be that attractive. No overseas life puts a huge strain on any relationship and support system is difficult with your friends and family being 8,000 miles away and couples counseling being hard to find and expensive there for decent ones like at Affordable Human Solutions

It can be done but it takes a hell of a lot of work to make it go

[SeoulNate]

[hogwonguy1979]

[DaeguNL]

[ttompatz]

[DomAndJenny]

I applied with my partner and we were given couples housing at our hagwon. It was really nice! When you are applying just be honest, it will be fine. We actually offered to get married at a courthouse and get a marriage certificate and were told it was unnecessary. I know a few unmarried couples that have gone to Korea together, I have not heard of any problems.