Korean Job Discussion Forums

miniD · Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: rok

Job hunting indecision is making me crazy. First search in Korea. What ya'll think?

1. Private girls' high school, Sunchon, 2 mil, 3 mos. vaca
2. Hogwan, Pyeongchon, 3 mil, 1wk vaca ($$)
3. Hogwan, Wonju, 2.2mil, 4wks vaca (real nice director & coworkers)
4. Uni, Daejeon, 2mil, 4mos vaca (if offered, tee hee)

Okay, so I didn't get the uni offer...yet. Confused

And just a little beta: most all things not mentioned (airfare, housing, etc.) are comparable, hours differ but no splits, weekends or kinder; and I don't mind being out of Seoul. Might even prefer it. But I've never been to Sunchon (or Daejeon for that matter) -- any thoughts?? Thanks ya'll!

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

It all depends on what YOU want. Why does anyone work? For money!
Get the best deal for yourself and stick it out for the year...network during the year for a better position, location. Travel around korean when you have the time and see what places you'd like to live. No one can say what is the best area or the best contract...different people have different needs and desires, etc.
Hakwons? Stay away from if possible. Hakwon owners are in business to make money...at YOUR expense. But...if a hakwon is the only choice...get the best contract you can. Vacation? Two weeks at least...and when YOU want it. Not when the hakwon owner says. Pay? You already know. Housing? Don't share. Never. No homestay either. You'll learn a lot the first year. Get educated and go from there.
Korea and koreans are no more special than any other county or people. You'll meet some great people and some not so great...just like back home. But remember...it's not your country, no one forced you to come to korea...and you have to do things the korean way. Don't try and change korea or koreans to be like the west. You'll go crazy!

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

I don't know anything about the cities, but if you plan on staying for more than a year, the vacation is a good idea, so go with the high school, or the university if you get it.

If you are coming for just a year, you can manage a vacation before or after the contract, so I would go for the hagwon for the cash.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Is Sunchon in Kyonngi-do?

I am curious, because my advisor at my Private high school told me that according to Kyonngi law, we now had to sign a contract that said 2 weeks vacation only. But he'd give us more.

I'm taking them for their word for now. Call me stupid, but as I told them, if they lie, I'll be handing in my resignation. I'll go home and start my Masters earlier... so what.

peppermint · Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:07 am Post subject:

Suncheon is down past Gwangju and from what I understand, it's TINY. Could be very isolating for someone new to the country.

miniD · Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: rok

Hellofaniceguy? Do you mean guywiththebigyap? Who said anything about westernizing Korea, or anything even remotely like that? Innocent me only wanted to know if anyone out there had insight into private girls' school vs. high-paying hogwans vs. unis. Jeesh. Oh, I just checked your profile, and intigator you are. Rolling Eyes

Cheers.
To the others and potential responders, thanks. Oh, and Sunchon is on the south coast. Cool

zappadelta · Joined: 31 Aug 2004

How do you know the coworkers in Wonju are nice?

gypsyfish · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

miniD · Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: rok

met em

VanIslander · Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 5:36 am Post subject: Re: weigh in on these

ohfamous · Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Location: Off the beaten path

hey mini,

stirctly going from the facts you've presented, i'd personally go for the uni job (if you get it), then the high school job. in general, they'll beat the hagwons concerning vacation, educational goals (i.e. less business-centered), and even money (if housing is included or not and if you feel like doing a camp during part of your vacation).

good to hear that you're having to beat off job offers with a stick! Laughing

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

I would like to know what hogwon gives 3 million won, I can't believe it. UNLESS that offers no apartment, and that includes housing. AND it has to have split shifts or 40 hours a week. If I am wrong, sorry about not believing you.

ALso find it hard to believe that you can get a great deal unless they meet you first.

Yes, there are great deals out there if you can start tomorrow, but they are few.

I do wish you the best of luck, but do not believe everything that is advertised.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

sniff, sniff. Anyone else smell the BS?

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

I would ignore any hogwan offer over 2.5.

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

Is the 3 month vacation paid? Do you keep your housing during that time?
What's the housing like for all the jobs?
Margaret