Korean Job Discussion Forums

PolishZeus · Joined: 12 Jun 2006

Quick question (hopefully):

I have heard that the cost of living is cheaper in Daegu compared to Seoul (which isn't surprising since Seoul is the largest city....).

However, a possible employer is offering me 2.0 mil won as a salary.

I have a lot of background with kids (Kindergarten through high school) as well as a Masters in math education. Although math education isn't as good as a masters in Education for this job, I figured a masters in an educational field should certainly get me a smidge more pay than usual.

I have not been to Korea nor have I taught English abroad so I'm sure I won't be arguing over much. However, I feel that I should be shooting for 2.1 or more for Daegu.
Thoughts?

Natebomb · Joined: 23 May 2006

Well, I was offered 2.1 straight out in Daegu with zero experience and a bachelors degree. I've been offered as high as 2.5 elsewhere. I'm attributing to my extremely handsome features Cool

dimnd · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: Western USA

2.0 is lousy...to say the least..say 2.1-2.2 at least

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

There's not that much difference between Daegu and Seoul when it comes to most things, especially since your living accomodations will probably be provided.

2.0 is pretty low for an experienced teacher; however, if it's an after-school academy they probably don't care whom the get as long as it's a compliant white face.

chronicpride · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Day to day living expenses are quite very similar throughout the country, no matter if you are in seoul or in the countryside....

However, what is more expensive is temptations that get you to spend...in Seoul these are more plentiful than daegu...things such as good food, good books, good nightlife,etc.....

However, the gap is closing with even minor cities getting good mexican and Thia restaurants and of course the rapant frnachising of TGI Fridays, bennigans, Outback,etc..........plus you can buy anything you ever needed in seoul from the net....

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Just to point out again...this is gold chronicpride

PolishZeus · Joined: 12 Jun 2006

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

If I was in your position (a masters and strong background with children) I wouldn't take anything less then 2.4. Is your experience public school back home? If the place doing the hiring isn't recognizing the fact that you have a masters and experience...then they aren't going to be worth it.
People with bachelors in basket weaving with their only experience being frat parties are getting 2-2.1

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

tophatcat · Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Location: under the hat

I think 2.1 is a reasonable request. However, you might want to avoid any offer if it comes from OSS English Club in Daegu.

Dev · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

2 million won would be good for a public school position because you won't teach more than 22 hours per week.

If a hagwon offers you this kind of salary, forget it (unless you need to get working right away).

As for Daegu VS. Seoul, schools in Daegu should pay you more than Seoul. However, more otten, they will make up some BS saying that you're so much richer working in Daegu for 2 M won a month compared to working in Seoul.

This is the lame argument they give you to try to pay you less. The fact is that most foreigners (and Koreans) would rather work and live in Seoul. All of the action and half or Korea's festivals are here. Korea should be like western countries with respect to how they decide their salaries. In a western country, they will pay you more to work in less desireable parts of the country. Here they just hand you the BS that you'll be rolling in all the money you'll be saving. Too bad you'll have little to do most weekends.

The upside of working in a hagown in Daegu is that they have trouble replacing foreigners. That means you don't have to take any beeeeeep from them. You tell them what you want or you're going to take your services elsewhere. It works the opposite way in Seoul.

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

Missile Command Kid · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Daegu

I'm making 2.5 in Daegu: MA in English, experience with ESL back home but first year in Korea, male (this matters, believe it or not), and I brought my wife and two kids with me (this matters to my school, as they want to make sure that I'm taken care of!). Living in Daegu is cheaper than Canada by far except for a few choice Western staples. Can't compare it to Seoul as I've never lived there.

I love this city. The subway is terrific, and the city is small enough that I can get halfway across it for 5000-6000 won. The people here, both at work and in public, have been helpful, friendly, and extremely tolerant of me as a newbie.

Recruiters both in Canada and SK told me that my MA wouldn't help me to get a better salary, but once I'm here, I've discovered that practically nobody with an MA works in a hagwon - they all go for university jobs. If you want to work for a hagwon, shoot for the moon and prepare to accept a very nice offer. I was completely ignorant when I applied for and accepted a job here, and I realise now that I could have been completely taken advantage of. I would have accepted a 2.1 salary without batting an eye. This makes me respect my employers even more, and only increases my enjoyment of this country.

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

I've worked in both places. I would say that there is not really much noticeable difference between the two cities, except that apartment rental costs are higher in Seoul (no problem if your employer provides accomm) and I do spend MUCH more on the subway in Seoul! Although there must be some slight pricing difference because in Daegu I collected zillions of those annoying 10Won coins, but hardly get any in Seoul. Go fathom. There are also more attractions in Seoul and many more Western restaurants, so you could find yourself spending more quite unintentionally in Seoul.