Korean Job Discussion Forums

sakamuras · Joined: 21 Jun 2003

Seems like teaching ESL is one of the lowest paying jobs in korea. Can I ask why many choose to limit their options in this field if you're in it purely for the money?

Mody Ba · Joined: 22 May 2003

By its very nature,there are more job opportunities in Korea for foreigners inthe TESOL field than anything else.True,the money is not terrific,but what options do you suggest.if someone is a doctor,lawyer or other professional,chances are they will stay in their home country.Why in God's name should they come to Korea to practice their profession?

kimcheeking · Guest

The money only appears to be low. You need to take into account that most teachers get free housing. Also the tax rate here is very low compared to most peoples home countries.

I get 16 weeks of paid vacation a year, how much would I get in Canada? I'd be lucky to get 3. I'd also be taxed to death.

kylehawkins2000 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003

It is relatively easy to get an E2 visa which entitles you to teach English. As for other positions, it is not so easy. Perhaps they'd love to hire some doctors, lawyers, computer programmers, etc. from western countries......but most of them would not want to come because they can make alot of money in their home country.

Perhaps you should look at what kind of money can be made by an uncertified, unqualified ESL instructor in Canada, and compare that to what is being paid in Korea. Most of the folks I've run into here don't actually have great job prospect back home.....

Some people actually enjoy teaching as well!

Hagwon Muppet · Joined: 18 Mar 2003

Well for a start its not always easy to get another job - especially if you don't speak Korean.

Plus, lots of people aren't in it for the money. I came here for a break from the 'good job' daily grind.

Oh and there are much lower paid jobs in Korea - like most of the ones Koreans do.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I like teaching.

Mashimaro · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location

Everyone here knows (or should know) how nationalistic Koreans are. They are not going to hand out great, high paying jobs to 'aliens' like us. Besides, we don't know about kibun & face & jeong & all that crap Shocked

so for the meantime we are only good enough to babysit their kids! Hey I'm hungover & grumpy, but I stand by my point about the extreme nationalism.

GirlFromMars · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Corea do Sul

I like teaching too.

And after struggling for a year on the low wages here in Portugal, the deal in Korea sounds like magic.

sakamuras · Joined: 21 Jun 2003

perhaps you might want to reread my initial post...

this question was for those who are in the teaching business purely for the money...nothing else (including the love of teaching).

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

I used to grease suckas for the Korean mob, but getting the blood out of my suits was a pain in the ondongi. So now I am working on primary colours. What is taupe again?

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

[quote="sakamuras"]perhaps you might want to reread my initial post...

this question was for those who are in the teaching business purely for the money...nothing else (including the love of teaching).

jurassic5 · Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Location: PA

Morning Calm · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

Many of the people who I've met, including myself, came to travel for a long duration of time while paying for it with work. Many others, enjoy the mixture of traveling and teaching English. It's a lifestyle that we choose. If I was in it for the money I sure wouldn't be here, rather on wall street pushing stock, insurance, or real estate on people that really can't afford it nor understand it.

Any of you guys dive? Whenever I get a chance I take off to the Phil or Thai and get a few dives in. I remember going one time, I asked the dive master (who was also an instructor) if they made alot of cash.

She flat out told me, "It's a life style you choose because you love it."

LiquidSunshine · Joined: 31 Mar 2003

i seem to make more money here than i would teaching back in canada. it is true that i'm making less then i was in sales but, then again, i'm not working 80 hours a week. taxes in canada are hell. making 100 gross is truly not like making a 100 in the U.S. in canada you get a big fat chunk of that taken away. with a bit of help from some friends and a good housing set-up you can have a good life in korea....if you can deal with the fact that you're living in a homogenious society. oh, and you're the oil that sticks out like a sore thumb. Twisted Evil

gmat · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

It's not what you make, it's what you save. That is the key. Teachers can save nicely in Korea.