Korean Job Discussion Forums

u05emk2 · Joined: 28 May 2006

Hi. I am coming to Korea next week to search for a job and am just wondering what kind of dress is usually the norm for teachers there. Smart shoes, shirt, trousers and tie for a guy? Or are some jobs more relaxed about dress? Any info much appreciated.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Suits always work, but I wouldn't say they are mandatory. Pants, dress shirt and tie make the grade. Jacket? Why not? Some short-timers just say to hell with it and continue on the 'I gotta be me' kick. You'll generally find that in Korea, however, clothes DO make the man.

Then again, I'm sitting in my office wearing a sweater and a pair of jeans. I only teach in the a.m., so I can avoid the powers that be. The more the semester presses on, the more casual I get. I go from suits in the first month to jeans in the last. After I passed the 10 year mark, I started slacking off in the attire category.

Hakwon job? It's a business, and you are fronting for them. They'll probably want you lookin snappy.

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

Its completly dependent on the school. For interviews though, you should wear at least a tie and Iw ould recommend a suit. Appearance is everything here.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I agree with PRagic. I would add this: If you are teaching in a kindy with little 4 year olds, a suit would not be appropriate. Other than that, the nicer your clothes, the more Koreans will like it. They are very fashion-conscious and think professional clothes add to professionalism.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

If you're interviewing for a public school, uni, or adult academy wear a suit and tie. If it's for a hogwan or kindergarten wear trousers, a collared shirt, and a new jacket (but not blazer).

u05emk2 · Joined: 28 May 2006

It sounds like a suit is a good bet as I could well be going to quite a few interviews. I'm looking for job teaching adults but would also consider school kids. Hopefully I can pick up a decent cheapish attire without breaking the bank!

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Don't bank on buying off the rack here unless you wear a 40 short! You can have suits tailored for under 400, but your best bet is to stock up at sales at home. Same goes for shoes. Decent shoes are not cheap here, so bring em along. Deodorant, too, as long as we're at it. Oh, and a woman. Definitely bring your own western woman.

kermo · Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:52 pm Post subject:

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

My motto - Always dress better than your students.

shifter2009 · Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Location: wisconsin

My bosses seem pretty happy with me. I started out with nice pants and a button up shirt or a polo. Now I usually dress in a nice shirt and jeans or khakis. I think its best to dress your best to begin with and slowly work your way to the jeans and dress-shirt/sweater line, anything less and we begin to look sloppy. Or at least too sloppy.

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

I brought a blazer, slacks, dress shirts and a tie and I'm glad I did. The official who picked me up suggested a tie and jacket for the first day and went over real well. After a few days I dropped the tie but kept the jacket because the office is cold. I'll probably wear the tie again when I teach my first class but with the docker style pants I bought here. -Jeff