Korean Job Discussion Forums

Verser · Joined: 20 Nov 2006

I've been seriously considering teaching English here in South Korea, however I've been reading about problems due to race: the whiter, the better. I've also heard of Korean-Americans being especially "screwed over".

Would it be harder on me to find a job if my employer knows I am half-Korean? How about socially? I am fairly confident that I can pass as white if I choose to do so. My surname and physical appearance, coupled with their homogenous perceptions, should get me by. However, I'd prefer to not lie about my own identity; it seems degrading.

Stinky Llama · Joined: 12 Nov 2006

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm sure I could pass off as white for the most part but I'm working on getting my F-4 visa so it's going to be quite obvious I'm of Korean descent.

I plan on testing the water within the next week with applying to a few jobs. I'll keep you posted on how it goes! ^_^

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005

Being bilingual in Korean/English is a separate issue from 'looking too Asian'. If you speak good Korean, the Koreans here will be bowled over that you know their mother tongue and it can weigh heavily in your favor. As for the appearance thing, I think the really commercial hogwan centers that put surface fluff above teaching quality are simply not worth applying for in the first place. Go for somewhere that actually values a teachers' ability.

Verser · Joined: 20 Nov 2006

The problem is that I don't speak Korean. My mother pretty much neglected it, and I never got beyond basic comprehension and speaking.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

MissSeoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Location: Somewhere in America

About a couple months ago I met a guy ( a half korean ) in States who was an esl teacher in Korea. His father is an American and mother is a korean.
He couldn't speak Korean except a few sentences.
I don't think he never faced any problem because he is a half korean, he had a great time in korea and he loves everything about korea.
He not only taught at Hakwan, but also did private for 2 students and he said many times how the parent of 2 students did all kind good things for him. It was a wonderful conversation.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

You might want to contact the Big Hominid, he bills himself as a fat half Korean.

OneWayTraffic · Joined: 14 Mar 2005

I got a half Korean friend who came here without speaking the language or without (then) having a full degree. He's got the degree now though, and he's making out like a bandit.

My best advice would be to come here with your F4. Then just look around for good jobs. Don't take any crap about not being western. With the F4, you have the same privileges as anyone born in the country with regards to work: you don't need to stay at a crappy job; you can leave at anytime.

poet13 · Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2006 3:33 am Post subject:

Umm, not being half korean, I dont really have any place here......except...I've been drinking, so I have an opinion....lol.

I think that when you said you speak only a little Korean, you are probably ahead of most of us. Your idea of speaking only a little korean is likely far different from OUR whitey idea of speaking only a little korean. I know people who say they speak Korean because they can order a beer... Rolling Eyes

The places that don'twant you because you "look" asian weren't worht applying to in the first place. If you find a place that wants to hire you on the strength of your teaching skills will only be MORE enamored of you given your ability in Korean,,,,,however limited. THEN, there are the places where your Korean ability, or non-ability wont matter at all, because Korean simply isn't allowed in the classroom at all.

Honestly, we ("whiteys" as the other poster put it) have an advantage over you if the facility is judging you on appearance only. Other than that, I think you have several advantages over us (The Whiteys).