Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sonshine20]

Korea is a "high context" society compared to many Western cultures. That means that many things may not be stated explicitly, but are assumed to be understood. (http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html for more about this idea)

I'm guessing that the dress code could be one of these things. Koreans tend to dress more formally than Westerners. Despite what they say, you should bring nice clothes for school (and for Kindergarten, "nice" might be slacks and a nice shirt, but definitely not Hawaiian shorts!), at least at first. After you are there, you can probably dress as casually as the most casual Korean teacher does.

There will be enough real challenges living and working in a new country. Dressing nicely is an easy way to score a couple points. Do it.

[Keepongoing]

i would never determine my dress code by what my peers wear. I work at a university and want to look as well dressed as the Korean professors if not better. Actually, I quite enjoy the Armani look, so it is no effort for me.

[Aussiekimchi]

When I first started I was keen to be seen as professional so I wore ties. Bl**dy Kindergarten kids simply see this as something to pull, tear, eat or suck.
Dress according to the age of students you are teaching is one option many teachers in western countries take.
You could always go for the Australian seventies teacher look.
short sleeves, thick woolen tie, dress shorts, long socks and slip-on shoes.
I still shiver at the thought.

[ella]

How do you select your clothes when you don't know which age group(s) you're going to be teaching?

[Aussiekimchi]

How do you select your clothes when you don't know which age group(s) you're going to be teaching?

Reading your contract may possibly give you an idea or perhaps asking the following question could clear the air for you:

What ages will I be teaching?

[poet13]

ella, pack all your clothes in a bag, and arrive in only underwear. Dress in class after seeing the students....

Or, like Aussiekimchee suggested....just ask.

[ella]

I meant before you sign a contract. Judging by some of the posts, you might not end up teaching the age groups as described in the contract, anyway.

[poet13]

I'm sorry. I was being silly and a little mean.
Umm, if you're going to be at a hakwon, chances are you will have everything from 8 year olds (or younger!) to adults. I do. If you're going to at public or uni, I would plan for prfessional. For a hakwon, I would plan for professional "lite". It might be worth it to have a backup box of clothes ready for someone to send.
I would personally start out overdressed and work my way down. Some hakwons have a dress code, some dont. Mine doesn't. Again, probably best to ask your prospective employer...

[Natalia]

[Aussiekimchi]

Ella, usually girls get away with wearing whatever they want, obviously within reason.
In Korea refrain from too many piercings, definately no eyebrow rings, and careful with the nose rings.
I have been teaching for 11 years, and I have teaching clothes and social clothes, usually becoz your teaching clothes get wrecked.
Try not to bring too many clothes to Korea as the shopping is pretty good here, but if you have any doubts at all, ask one of the current teachers at the school, or whoever interviews you.
Usually mini skirts are bad coz you may have to sit on the floor at some point of the day and your kids may well be distracted for obvious reasons.
Jeans should be ok once a week, but try to wear dresses when possible or trousers.
There is not often a need to wear business attire even at a University.
In a previous post I wrote that you should dress to the ages you are teaching, but you know what, that doesn't really pertain to girls. Most female teachers dress the same for all ages.
Oh, by the way, I am assuming you are female...if not...oops!