Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Maz]

Hi,

I have a tongue piercing and quite a lot of ear piercings, which I've always left in when teaching in Europe...

I'm assuming that this probably isn't appropriate for teaching in Korea...

It's not a problem for me to take them out, but I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me about the general cultural feelings about piercings in Korea.... Just so I know what to expect..

Maz.x

[seoulsista]

Some places will definately ( ) have a problem with it, so you should be very honest with any prospective employer. But some places might not care.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

If you're at a hogwan in a big city you may be able to get away with a few. If you're at a public school or teaching adults, I'd suggest you lose them.

[Ilsanman]

We had a korean teacher with a nose piercing at my last school. The kids called her crazy cow.

[RobinH]

unis won't hire you, either.

[formerflautist]

It depends on the school. I know people who have worked at hogwans with piercings. I work at a public school and have tattoos on my foot and ankles and no one cares. But it was a big no-no at my job at a hogwan. The tongue piercing isn't that visible and I don't see the ears as a big problem but ask about a dress code.

[Roch]

[Grotto]

Roch wrote:

[Roch]

[Grotto]

Tattoo's have come a long way in the last 50 years...originally....With tattoos the ancient tribes defined the categories of warriors and marked social hierarchies....tattoos were a symbol of status!

also

The tattoo is the Sacred Mark, its origins usually found in the Myths of Heroes and Gods. In most cultures the practice of tattooing is a gift from the Gods or the Spirits to man. And in many instances the gift of tattooing is given only after a Hero has made a perilous and arduous journey to retrieve it. In many cultures it is thought that without ones identifying tattoos it is impossible to enter the Underworld or the Spirit World or the Afterlife. The tattoos are your mark of identification to the Gods and Spirits and allow you to make the journey after death unimpeded. Tattoos are sacred marks for this very reason alone.

As for comparing IQ's if you wish to be so crass...lay on....and damned be he that cries hold anon!

Your OP was crass, insulting, derogatory and inflamatory....dumbass was an apt and suitable association with that post. If you wish to define the term "Your kneejerk response" I would seriously suggest you look at your OP!

[sheba]

I have a tongue piercing and its not a problem. I know a few other people who have them as well. I was talking to the teachers at my school about it, they said the tongue is ok because you cant really see it, a nose piercing is acceptable as long as its small, and ear piercings are fine. Anything else on the face would be a problem.

But it all depends on the school.

[poet13]

And WTF are wrong with the offspring of bikers? My son is one.
And, yes, there are bikers in Korea. Both korean clubs and an internationally chartered american club.
My students think my inks and piercing are cool. Even my buddhist monk student appreciates the ones she has seen.
Yes, ink is seen by some older people as some kind of underworld thing. But I would argue that the vast majority of young people either have no negative view of them (ink or pierce), or even a positive view.

OP Bring your gear. Figure out where and how much is appropritate when you get here.

[rothkowitz]

All Korean bikers do is go round and round the block clamouring for attention.

Koreans really shouldn't try to do western stuff unless they can make it their own.

Rich little kyopo boys with tatts trying to be black,well,its a bit lame really.

[Grotto]

I dont know...I found the Korean 'biker' wannabe's comical in their appearance and demeanor...sort of a flashback to the bikers of the fifties but without a clue as to why they are doing what they are doing

[poet13]

I've met a few K guys who have their stuff together. ie, who they are and why they ride. Try the American club...