Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Shredd]

I know that this is kind've a matter of opinion but I've recently been offered a public job in Gangwando and I'm wondering if I should take it. The experience sounds great as well as the vacation, but I really like living in the city and need some kind of nightlife too. I'm curious whether I should risk it with a Hagwon in the city or go with public in the hills. Opinions???

[passport220]

If you have good basic qulifications, it is easy to get a public school job in the city of your choice.

[Thunndarr]

[Dome Vans]

It comes down to a matter of opinion. I work out in the countryside at four schools. I have a sweet contract with 10 weeks paid vacation. Seoul, if needed is a 2 hour bus ride away. I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you're not fussed about seeing westerners then hit the countryside. I didn't come to Korea to see westerners, and having been out a couple of times in Hongdae and Itaewon, I've so pleased not to have that on my doorstep. Absolute holes, and the majority of native teachers there aren't worth the time either.

From experience the majority of Korean teachers who work out in the countryside are young and having just finished at uni are looking to gain some low pressure experience before eventually hitting the big cities after a couple of five year stints. I found the teachers I work with to be so nice, and mainly very accepting of me. Not like some of the stories you hear on these boards about Koreans with a "chip" on their shoulder about westerners.

But as said it's what you want. Hogwons should be avoided at all cost, couldn't imagine anything worse than slogging hard and then to be cheated out of pay, non payment of insurance or a 11 month firing. Don't see the point of putting yourself through that.