Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fox1]

Hey guys.... the big first post. I have read a lot (FAQs and threads)... if you don't mind, can I chuck in a heap of questions about working in Korea and how to go about it. any opinions good or bad, short or not so short, any question, would be very cool. thanks a lot! (by the way, I'm 28, have 2 degrees, overseas teaching exp, like to work in a long-term position). i know probably plenty of these are dealt with in the FAQ threads, but I went thru them many times and I'm still a little confused...

Getting on a plane, heading to Korea and looking for work: is that a good idea?

If I do that, what is the visa deal? (by which I mean I would prefer to do things visa-wise as up-front as possible, and legal.)

If I, say, arrive in Busan, how is the market there? and the best way to get a job.

What is the best type of school to work in... public school, right? or maybe another type. I;'d like to hear your opinion.

April, May and so on: how is the market round this time. is it a disaster to arrive in April or not?

Also, concerning "employers paying your flight and maybe also accom": is that common or a good deal? or is it a better option to fly yourself?

I am from Australia. just wondering does that have any bearing negative or otherwise in terms of getting teaching job in Korea. guess i would be wise to ask that now...

How competitive is the job market in Korea?

OK and this kind of silly one: can you join public pools, ride bikes round in the cities and are there places (parks) to run?

Thank you very much! any old answers to any of those would be really appreciated

[Daechidong Waygookin]

[Tiger Beer]

I always preferred coming to Korea without a job and looking. Its much much easier to get better jobs and you can see the location, your job, meet your potential employers, see your housing, etc., etc. (Most aren't so brave to come without a job though).

Regarding visa.. I usually get a tourist visa valid for 3 months.. if I have a few jobs prospects lined up first.. I'll just fly in without applying for a tourist visa.. which for Americans use to be 15 days.. (heard its extended to 30 days now). Not sure the deal with Australians though.

Market in Busan? Not sure.. easy in Seoul. www.pusanweb.com might be a good forum to consult though. They'd know the websites and such for that. Or look and try to line up places beforehand for potential employers.

When to come? If its an insititute, anytime before the beginning of a month is best. Like arriving on the 20th, as most want you to start on the 1st of the month. Not sure about middle schools and such.

Employers paying for flight. Many do that. I never have. I come to Korea and get the job. My last employer paid for my flight out of Korea at the end of my contract. I might have lost on this, but at least I like the location, employer, and apartment.

[Saxiif]

[fox1]

[peppermint]

For public schools you don't need an education degree-anyone will do, because you still wouldn't be certified to teach in Korea anyway. The thing is, the school year here starts in March, so it might be difficult to find a public school gig when you arrive.

As for accomodations- there's no law saying where you can live or anything- just limited by what you can afford- if you don't want to live in school provided housing. Most of the time, the school will provide an apartment that's a little small but generally okay.

[Daechidong Waygookin]

I wouldnt count on a public school job as a newbie if you dont have something awesome like an education degree. Unless yo8u go throuh Epik or Gepik, but then the conditions are no better than a haggie in many cases.

[casey's moon]

If you like bikes and parks and that sort of thing, consider Daejeon.
Although, I think Bundang would also be good for someone who likes to bike or jog on a regular basis and it is closer to Seoul -- if that is a consideration for you.

Parks aren't that small -- depends on where you are. Even when I lived in Seoul, there was a decent hike that started just a five minute walk from where I lived.

What I would do if I was you is look at the jobs posted here on Dave's, find something that sounds good, and then simultaneously apply and research the area. As parks are important to me too, I would also try to research the actual neighbourhood to find out how bicycle friendly it is, if it's near a river or a mountain -- that sort of thing.

I've never tried a Korean swimming pool. Sadly, there are basically no lakes that allow swimming in Korea, although some rivers are deep enough for swimming, and the ocean is never too far away on a peninsula of course!

If you're asking these questions now, you have a very good chance of finding a great situation -- hope it all works out for you!

[just because]