Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CdnTeacher]

From the pictures I've seen it sure doesn't look like Hawaii

Has anyone here ever worked there? What's it like to live there?

[hellofaniceguy]

Being from Hawaii, Jeju is not like Hawaii in any way except it's an Island. However, it is one of the better parts of korea. Low traffic, smog, not much in the way of crowded streets, less pushy people here (I mean people bumping into you constantly).
The biggest complaint is just like the rest of the hokwons; bad owners. Low pay. (I might add though that anyone who signs a contract which states the pay rate and then complains about it later does not have a reason to grip. No one forces anyone to sign a B.S. contract, low pay, shared housing, etc.) You need to do a search on this site for more info on Jeju. Many letters posted.
Until "we" stop signing B.S. contracts, it won't change.
Western food is all over the Island, fast food restaurants, toiletries, book stores, coffee shops, etc.
Life is what you make it no matter where you go. Have no expectations of koreans and you won't be disappointed. It's not bad or good; just they way things are done throughout korea. A few foreigners in Jeju have managed to settle in and make it their home. It all depends on what you want and expect. Lot's of outdoor activities in Jeju; mountain climbing, SCUBA, jet skiing, hiking, etc. Cold in the winter though! Actually, freezing!
Just check out the place of employment and TALK to the current teachers! Although some may not be candid with you in fear of.....
You could be accepting a job at a place where the previous teachers had a nightmare of a boss and yet you find it great!

[kimcheeking]

one weekend was enough for me. It's overrated. goes back to nationalism and the fact that until 1988 Koreans were not permitted to travel outside of the country so this was there only vacation destination available.

If you live in Korea go visit it, but I wouldn't want to live there.

[The Bobster]

My buddy Zyzyfer recently took a vacation there. Click the link on his sig to hear about adventures in seafood and trees that small like jism ...

[mrroboto]

Korean's couldn't leave Korea until 1988? Really? Care to say a bit more on that for those such as myself who aren't aware of this craziness?

[kimcheeking]

[Bulsajo]

[steroidmaximus]

I've been there three times, twice with significant others once on a school sponsered trip. Cheju's not that bad, it has a cleaner slower way of life. You can buy a lot of imported goods there, and eating tangerines and other fruit right off the tree is always good. I can understand why some folks would want to make a home there. I'd say it's worth a trip, but all in all it ain't no shangrila

[Zyzyfer]

[captain kirk]

Jeju has good diving. Within sight of Sogwipo is 'Moon Island'. The cold Siberian waters and the warmer tropical waters MEET at Cheju. So there is a mix of drab, cold water and bright, warm water fish.
Jeju also has CAVES, which i love to visit. I can't recall the names of them, but there are two. Did you ever read Dune, the science fiction novel? Well, one of the caves is like the wormhole left behind by a gigantic 'spice worm'. But its passage 'was carved in stone'. So it's like walking down a subway tunnel. For about a kilometer. Dark, glistening, cool, wet, and silent except for the 'drip, drip..'.
The other cave, unlike the above mentioned cave, has mineral formations hanging from the roof and building from the floor and meeting in between.
They are both extremely cool.
Bring a mask, snorkel, and fins and just jump in where there are rocks. There is soft coral clinging to the rock. And some of the fish are really brightly coloured; bright yellow with blue neon for example.
Vendors selling pineapple on a stick that has been resting on ice, fresh, grown on Cheju.
Dragon Rock. This is a tortured, distorted natural stone rock shape which has the sea for a backdrop. With the sea moving behind, the 'dragon' seems to move, too.

[ReeseDog]

It sounds like Jeju is a laid-back place to live. Has it changed any since this thread was originally posted?

[TECO]

[jou ma se poes]