Korean Job Discussion Forums

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I haven't heard this for sure yet, but you're female, right? It's absolutely unacceptable according to Korean culture for you to stay with this guy. That makes it creepier.

The main issue here though is your own housing. A few years ago I was working in Suwon and my boss, who I got along with well, decided to recruit a new teacher. A day before she arrived, I asked about her apartment. He told me he had changed his mind and she would be living with his large family, so she could teach and look after his kids around the clock. At a lower salary than I get. After he had already promised her her own apartment. I demanded he get her an apartment, and he had it ready just in time. This was the beginning of a disastrous venture, and he end up hating her because of how much extra money he had to spend on her that she genuinely was entitled to.

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

On second thought, I guess I'm arguing things theoretically when the OP needs some fast advice. I would say if you're in country, you've got no visa, and you've got cash in pocket, then you're free as a bird and you should use that freedom to look around for the best job.

But, in the future, be aware that these weird situations are going to come up. Welcome to the ROK Smile

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

Koreans are dressed by their mothers and girlfriends,which would explain the lacey stuff.
Doesn't explain why EVERY Korean guy needs to have a shiny grey rayon suit and a pink tie.With a purple shirt.Farks sake...

I don't know if he's really wierd,but he is certainly clueless.He IS treating you like someone he brought in on an entertainment visa.If he doesn't sort it out quicksmart ,split.

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

Run.

And get a proper job at a public school. Where your privacy and independence will be assured.
What makes it all easier is that you don't even have an E2 yet.

Korean male behaviour is enough to freak out any western woman. They might be harmless, maybe not. Either way, there is no reason to work at an ajosshi's hagwon. As a single woman...take my advice, you can thank me later.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

jessie-b · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Thanks for the props. I'm out, staying in a hotel, paid for by the boss- at least for a couple of nights. I had to insist over and over again, which was awkward- and I made sure to lug all my stuff out to the street before he arrived so we weren't alone in the apartment again together. That's what made me so uncomfortable in the first place. He did grow up with a lot of siblings so he doesn't have the same space issues that I do- but he also kept saying things like, "You look better than money," and "How old do you think I am?"
I feel a lot better after getting responses from so many people. Thanks again.

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

uberscheisse · Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Location: japan is better than korea.

jessie-b - keep in mind that you are here to make money and experience a new culture - not to experience some other dork's idiot-syncracies. someone else's problems are not yours, and at the very least you deserve your own personal space. any other contract worth its salt grants a teacher that.

so - circle the wagons, make sure you say "no, unh-uh, that won't happen" when something off-color occurs and by all means, make some good friends who speak the language in case you get in a situation you can't handle.

this director, as creepy as he sounds, is probably harmless. that said, in korean terms "harmless" also means "deserving of a good beating on bad manners alone".

jessie-b · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Yay! My mom said my diploma just arrived at her house- sooner than expected. Now it's just a matter of her sending it somewhere- my apartment when I get one? I had a private, stress free night's sleep in a motel and already have a favorite internet bar-are these MagicPC stations open 24/7? They're so great. I'll almost be sad to get my computer hooked up and not hang out with all the kids playing video games and listening to random pop music.
Again, thanks to everyone for their feedback and support. I don't know what's going to happen next but I feel better knowing that I'm not alone here.

rawiri · Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Location: Lovely day for a fire drill.

[quote="jessie-b"]I had a private, stress free night's sleep in a motel and already have a favorite internet bar-are these MagicPC stations open 24/7? They're so great. I'll almost be sad to get my computer hooked up and not hang out with all the kids playing video games and listening to random pop music.
.[/quote]

Ohhh to be a newby again!

kermo · Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 5:17 pm Post subject:

Right on! Good for you for taking a stand and getting him to pay for it, no less. He might not like it, or understand it, but you stand a much better chance of getting along together if you're not in compromising situations like that (if you choose to work at this place.)

Sounds like he might have a perception of Western women that is slightly wonky, and doesn't realize that his flirting will get him nowhere (and yeah, it does sound like he's flirting.)

To use my own made-up word, he sounds blecherous.

poet13 · Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:07 pm Post subject:

"this director, as creepy as he sounds, is probably harmless. "

Sure, harmless until he shows up drunk and decides since he bought her, it's ok to tear it up a little.

Good for you for sticking to your guns and getting private accomadations.