Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Penelope]

I am moving to Korea in about a month or so and I am a bit confused about teaching private lessons on the side? How common is this? Is it actually illegal, or is it one of those things that everyone looks the other way on? When are the best hours to teach private lessons? How well do they pay, and how does one go about procuring an assignment?

Whew! I know that's quite a few questions, but I would really appreciate any perspective or experience people have with private lessons, as I am trying to figure out my budget right now.

Thanks everyone!

[jlb]

Do a search...it has been talked about extensively. It is illegal and people do get caught, fined and deported. Just a word of warning.

[RachaelRoo]

Don't risk it. I know someone who did - they managed to stay in the country but it wasn't fun to get caught. It seems that Korean immigration actually does bother to go after people for this. It's not like smoking weed in Canada illegal - it's enforced.
If you wanna make extra $ while you're here, you could try and find a school that offers overtime hours and a good overtime rate. Some schools do private lessons, which are legal for foreigners to teach (provided the school is the one which holds your visa).

[Captain Corea]

You wil not find a lot of helpfull advice on this board in relation to teaching privately.

Most here know someone (or have themselves) that have been in trouble with immigration. Large fines, deportation and possible jail time await.

Just last month, 39 teachers were arrested in Busan for illegal teaching (on tourist visas). I met one when he was on his way to the airport. Nice guy, but very unhappy

[Penelope]

Thanks for the help. What is a good rate for overtime pay?

[The Man known as The Man]

[Penelope]

[Son Deureo!]

Penelope, I really think you should listen to The Man. He's telling you the truth.

[desultude]

[Cohiba]

DON'T listen to these people. Privates are the only way to
make money in this country. Any other way just makes some
grease-ball hagwon owner rich. I have been a freelancer for
5 years and have never had any problems. You make your own
hours, your own vacations and if you don't like a class you can
dump them PDQ.

Most of the people who post on this board are the "nerds who sit
at the front of the class types" who give shiny apples to the teacher.
The rest of us in Korea, 99%, teach privates.

Current Rates for Privates:

Residential - 50,000W/hr.
Corporate - 100,000W/hr. for the first hour and 50,000W thereafter

Remember:

1/ Never give your real name.
2/ Never give your address.
3/ Never use a recruiter.

[Captain Corea]

Those are some pretty impressive hourly rates Cohiba. I have a question for you though, how do you provide a receipt? With massive outflows of cash like that, would not a company need to explain it? (you can PM if you'd prefer)

[RachaelRoo]

Penelope: I get 20,000 per hour overtime and 25,000 on Saturdays. I'm not really sure what is considered good, but I find this pretty descent. Anyone else out there care to share what they get?

[Homer]

[Veronica]

I don't know of anyone that has been caught. I don't know of anyone that has even come close to being busted. I know a lot of people who have made a ton of money, either working plus privates or only privates. I don't know one single teacher that has been here or is here who hasn't done a private.

Like anything else in life, if you are stupid, then it is going to go wrong. If you are careful with how you do things, then there should be no worry.

[desultude]