Korean Job Discussion Forums

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

I've seen ad's on certain websites offering ESL jobs in Korea but only to, "Young, Caucasion, American females."

How many discrimination laws would that break back home!!???

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Gollum · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Location: Japan

tomwaits · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Location: PC Bong

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

CustomX,

First of all Seoul is not all it's cracked up to be. I noticed your from Seattle. I actually am from Portland. You may very well not know what you are going to expect when you see Seoul for the first time.

I came here in January and was overwhelmed a bit by the size of Seoul. If you like hustle and bustle 24 X 7, then it's your town. If you like large amounts of smog, it's your town. If you like to live with 12 million other people...ok..I'm getting repetitive.

What happened with me is that it didn't work out with my hogwon in Seoul and I ended up coming to Daegu. It's not that bad here, although it is VERY hot during the summer. If you have ever visited Southern or Eastern Oregon during the summer, then you'll know what I mean.

There is only 2.5 million in Daegu. I have also heard good things about Busan as well, they have closer to 4 million people (I think).

Also as far as salary, you may be expecting too much. These are not high paying US jobs, they require a lot of hours. Some hogwans will ask you to plan your own lessons in addition to your teaching hours(as did the one I worked at in Seoul). I'm not saying it's a bad job, but it is exhausing at times.

As far as recruiters, if they are trying to pressure you, tell them you want to wait for something that is right for you. If they persist, then simply let them know there are OTHER recruiters that you can talk to. They are only in it for their commission (which I've heard is about a million won).

I ended up getting pushed into the job in Seoul and regretted. If a recruiter won't let you make a decision without pushing, it's not worth dealing with them.

CustomX · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Location: Seoul

Milwaukidave-how does it compare to something like Seattle? I've envisioned Seoul to be a lot like LA or NYC. Though I'm not too familar with the heat in Oregon, I have been to eastern WA a bit (wenatchee, lake chelan, spokane) so I know how 100+ degrees feels like. I've also been to the east coast in summer where it was 100+ degrees and the AC broke. The humidity and heat made it almost impossible to sleep at night. Anyways, thanks for the info

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

I'd say that in terms of weather and public transportation Seoul compares to NYC. Actually Seoul's public transportation is better and cheaper.

However, in terms of culture and entertainment you'd find Seoul lacking compared to most American cities. It does have its charm, though.

On the other hand, the crime rate and cost of living are MUCH better than any U.S. city.