Korean Job Discussion Forums

ptewkesb · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

Hongik University and Dongguk University have both offered me teaching positions, so I would appreciate any feedback that can help me decide.

I'm most interested in comments on the intangibles: quality of school, quality of students, collegiality among faculty, fairness of institution, level of personal and job satisfaction, etc.

Here's the tangible information I do have: each school requires 12 teaching hours per week. Hongik's class sizes are 15-20, while Dongguk's are 25-35. The monthly salary at Hongik is 2.5 million won, while that at Dongguk has yet to be revealed. Housing is available at Hongik, but the monthly amount is paid by me; housing is not available at Dongguk. The Hongik contract is for 2 years, while the Dongguk one is for 1. The administrators and students whom I've dealt with at both schools have been extremely pleasant, but I really liked the people at Dongguk. However, the empirical data make me lean toward Hongik.

Any information that anyone has about either or both of these schools would be greatly appreciated. And if I've failed to consider one or more additional important criteria, please let me know. If you'd prefer to respond off the record, please PM me.

Thanks!

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

YOU have been offered a job at HONGIK?? Oh my gosh... I've got to make some calls... you'd better take the other job...

hahah.. just teasing! I don't know a soul there. Congrats. Sounds like you've got a nice set of jobs to choose from.

I'd go for the Hongik one, myself. Better name recognition for a future job in Korea, too, perhaps? Also, you're in a fun area. I feel old when I go there, though, even though I look 7 years younger, and am often checked to see if I'm military.

What are your credentials? Weren't you the guy with a BA+ certification? Or was it a Ph.D? I forgot.

Cheers.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 2:07 am Post subject:

I don't know much about the actual working, but Hongik is in a really good area. It's famous for its art program, and the college nightlife is pretty good here.

I don't even know where Dongguk Uni is.

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Dongguk is a Buddhist university, and also well-known in Korea, although maybe not quite as much as Hongik. It's in a less trendy area of Seoul, though (can't remember the neighborhood right now).

ptewkesb · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

Thanks for the feedback everyone! It looks like I'll be going with Hongik.

Zark · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 6:51 pm Post subject:

I'll play devil's advocate here.

It seems to me that 2.5 is NOT a good wage if you need to find and pay for your own housing. (if I am reading what you wrote correctly) I don't live in Seoul so can't even guess what a decent housing package would be worth - but it does seem to me that it significantly reduces the value of the 2.5 - maybe down to 2.0 or even less?

I'd wait and see what the wage package is from the other school.

Number22 · Joined: 16 May 2005

2.5 for 12 hours of work at a university is good. Generally, Universities do not pay that well, but the benefits are nice. Low working hours and lots of vacation time. Housing can be expensive but there are deals to be found. If you're not picky you can find a place for 300-400 a month.

Both Universities have a good reputation. Have you been in Korea long? Do you have experience working for Korean employers? I think you'll find some of the same problems at Hogwans and public schools existing at the Uni's as well. I think at the end of the day you'll find that there is not much difference between the two places. If you enjoy the nightlife Hongik is probably a better choice. In terms of work environment.....I'm willing to bet they are pretty similar. I don't have any 1st hand experience though. Good luck.

zappadelta · Joined: 31 Aug 2004

I think Dongguk is a better school

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

I worked at Hong-Ik about 4 years ago. From what I've heard, the program has had an overhaul and it's completely different from when I was there.

4 years ago, the housing was just off-campus, a 3-minute walk to the office, literally. The housing was offered, but payed by me, but it was a small one-room type of place (6 pyung?), but the good news was that it was a new-ish building (right behind one of the campus cafeterias). The rent was 400,000w a month + utilities. I was single and fancy-free at that time, so I didn't mind much, especially since it's a good neighborhood to party in. I saved a lot on cab rides - that's for sure!

I don't know anything about Dongguk. Hope this helps.