Korean Job Discussion Forums

delad · Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Location: Dublin

hi, first post so go easy out there. I am moving to Korea in 1-2 months time. I don't want to rush over and land the wrong job. I've been in contact with several recruiting agencies and am doing the interview thing. I want to be sure I choose the right one because I want to enjoy myself in Korea and I want a good start to my career. I have read several older posts so I'm reasonably aux fait with some of the more obvious suggestions (eg deoderant) Smile

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Too the point, the majority of positions offered so far are in the 1.8m Won region, is this normal? I've been given a sample contract and it includes a section on confidentiality, is this normal? Also, has anybody heard of Blue Ocean Consultants (Canadian), Russell Recruiting, English Work, HBS, LongebridgePacific and EFL 2 Korea (none on any blacklist I've found) and if so I'd appreciate a little feed back. Finally, has anybody been to Gunsan (Kunsan)? If so, what's it like, to live and to drink (some would say I'm splitting hairs)?
Sorry for all the Qs... btw fav authors Arthur Koestler, Alastair Reynolds & Tom Holland (I really like the good Swords & Sorcery stuff too Rolling Eyes

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Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Try entering the agencies' names in this site's search engine.

As for the pay, 1.8 is way too low. 1.9 should be your minimum (only if you really like the school), and 2.0 is pretty standard for a first job.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

I agree
Dont accept anything less than 2 mil.

VanIslander · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:57 pm Post subject:

There are HUNDREDS of jobs paying 2.0 mill a month.
No need to accept less.
Check out the classifieds at www.pusanweb.com

Recruiters are a false illusion. One helped me get my job, and I'm happy, but he lied through his teeth as they typically do: they aren't needed and provide a false sense of security. Nobody needs to hold your hand. The process is pretty straightforward. Don't rely on recruiters if you want to get what you want. Or be darn sure to be FIRM and DEMANDING and give them the impression that you will NOT work for less conditions than promised (they don't get paid if you bail in the first month).

Do your own research.

It's easier and more rewarding than it first seems.

delad · Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Location: Dublin

Ok, thanks for the advice and thanks for replying to my post, I really appreciate it. Do the legwork myself and set a standard, straightforward stuff Embarassed

prbably should have figured it out without a post

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

It never hurts to ask. I wish I had done better research before I first came. A couple weeks' delay in finding a job will be well worth it if it means avoiding a year of hell. Just remember that it's still a bit of a crapshoot.

kathycanuck · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Location: Namyangju

Hey there; I worked in Gunsan for a year; not a bad place but a long way from Seoul or Incheon. It makes a trip to another country (Thailand, China) a bit more expensive and a hassle because of the trip to the Incheon airport. I wasn't into the bar scene but my fellow teacher was and had a great time with the guys from the US air base. If you're really into the nightlife, you might be happier in Seoul or Pusan.
Good luck!!