Korean Job Discussion Forums

[skyhawk]

I have been offered a position at a university-attached Institute where I am told that if more than one holiday occurs in a month that I would need to do a "make up" day. Is this a common practice? Also, it has a minimum of 18 hours a week and large classes (25 students for Institute classes, 40-plus (!) students for Freshman English classes). Vacation is two weeks in summer and two weeks in winter, salary 2 million won plus overtime of 22,000/hour, housing is provided. It is in a small city several hours from Seoul, so I assume the cost of living is lower. How is this package?

[Ya-ta Boy]

It's within the normal range. I'd say a little low on the salary end, but within the range.

Classes of 40 or so is not uncommon. In fact, they are the norm in public schools/universities for required English classes.

The make-up days thing is a sad reality. You may want to ask them exactly what that means for Chusok and Solnal holidays...it could mean they expect you to work Saturdays for 3 weekends in a row. Nasty.

[skyhawk]

Thanks for the info. The low salary - are both the base salary and the OT rate low? Or is it just the base salary? Are living expenses (other than housing, which is provided) lower in small cities far from Seoul?

Thanks

[paperbag princess]

both are low, if you're experienced ask for more.

[Grotto]

Also make sure that any make up classes are overtime classes...regardless of when they are made up

[margaret]

Yes, the cost of living is quite a bit lower in a smaller city outside of Seoul. When I lived in Jeonju I saved half my salary while not scrimping on anything and living here in Jeomchon I support my boyfriend, we travel every weekend and still manage to save a little.
Margaret