Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SoCalRich]

Hey everybody,

My name is Rich, I'm Korean American and I'm looking for a teaching position in Seoul. I was wondering if it would be too risky these days to come here first to look for jobs, considering the large amount of applicants these days (correct me if I'm wrong). If you have done this before, how long has it taken you to land a job?

I would especially like to hear from people who have recently done this (successful or not) and from Kyopos as well. Even if you are not any of those, just try to imagine yourself in my Nikes.

Other relevant things about me:

I have a conversational level of speaking Korean.

I'll be getting a F-4 visa.

I do have family there in Bundang who would have my back and guide me around but I prefer to do it on my own two, if you know what I mean.

I don't think I'm that bad looking (well for American standards anyway). I played LB in HS/part of College, so I am kind of muscular (not ultimate warrior status or anything), is that seen as a bad thing in Korean standards? The K.A. and Korean natives I know in the U.S. have complimented my appearance but what about those IN Korea?

So looking at all of those factors, I would appreciate any and all genuine advice. If you have done something like this and can tell me how long it took you to find a job, then that would be greatly appreciate as well. Thanks everybody.

- Rich

[sulperman]

I say go for it. As long as you are presentable you shouldn't have a big problem finding a job. Despite what people say on this board, it is not impossible to get a job these days, or even difficult. It just went from way way too easy to slightly competitive. Very slightly.


That said, I am not gyopo and therefore have never applied for a job as a gyopo, but the jobs do exist, and with your f-4 visa you would be free to do whatever you feel like, including short-term part-time jobs.

Sounds like you are in a pretty good position, especially with the fallback family option, even if you don't wanna use it, which is understandable.

But, like I said, I'm no gyopo, so take my advice very lightly, as I don't know much about hiring for gyopos. But it all sounds good to me.

[SoCalRich]

[arice05]

just a bit of warning, i had a job lined up before i came, but i hadn't signed the contract or anything because i had to come to korea and THEN apply for my f4 visa. i got the visa and then signed the contract. BUT it was understood to me that before i came to korea, that because i was to be signed through GEPIK, that getting paid the airfare reimbursement was up in the air. i had a chance at it, and it was not guaranteed at all. (however, my recruiter was a big fat liar about other subjects, so he may have been lying here as well) so just saying...it's possible that you may not be reimbursed for airfare since you came over before being contracted. luckily, my principal really likes me, and has already reimbursed me for my airfare ^^

best of luck to you!

[SoCalRich]