Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Lola723]

Hello, all.

After giving it much thought, I think I am ready to make the 12 month commitment to come to Seoul to teach for a Hagwon that I've been in touch with. I had originally come to Korea back in January of '08 for 7 days to check it out, and was sick as a dog for about 5 1/2 of those days (high fever, throat ache, etc.). As a result, I didn't really have the opportunity to leave my hostel and didn't really get to see the layout of the city, how to do simple things like going to a supermarket, etc.

I'm a little apprehensive about making such an important decision, because I know that if I come out there, I will have to stick it out for my 12 month contract for better or worse.

For those of you currently/previously teaching in Seoul (or Korea in general), is there anything that you wish you had known prior to coming that you know now? Is there any small thing (like a comfort food, etc.) that is not as readily available that I should bring with me if I go? How do you make friends (English speaking and/or Korean)? Do you regret coming to Korea? What are some of the greatest challenges? The best parts of being an ESL teacher out there? Advice in general?

I know, I know, I have a lot of questions, but any sort of feedback/advice that you could give would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks for reading!

[Bibbitybop]

If you've done your cultural research and can live in a crowded Asian city (with most western ammenities around if you look for them), you'll have fun.

If you've done your job research and have a good contract, you'll have fun.

And you do not have to stick it out for 12 months. You can leave Korea anytime if you are in a bad situation.

[moosehead]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

My biggest regret was not knowing what bullshit my first academy really was, and assuming that it was the norm. In the end, though, it was probably the best training I could have had a future of teaching in Korea.

You can get just about anything western you want in Itaewon (though a large supply of your favourite deoderant, and tampons, if applicable, might be space well spent in your luggage). Making friends and the types of challenges one faces all vary from person to person and job to job. The same goes for the best and worst parts of teaching. Just remember that it's common to find the first few months 'neat' and 'amazing' and the middle months of a contract 'crap'. My strongest advice would be to choose your battles carefully and try to get a handle on what is and isn't BS by Korean standards. Once you've done this be ready to show some spine at certain points.

[billybrobby]

Yeah, the reality is, you don't really have to stick it out if you don't want to. I think if you've got a good job and a good living situation, everything else is gravy. Unfortunately, those are the hardest things to pin down.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[michael5799042]

Having a laptop and a high speed internet connection has made all the difference for me.
Being so well connected means that when you go back to your apartment it really feels like you are home again.

[idiotinkorea]

[A2Steve]

I was in Seoul for a few months, and just the air quality and population density made me sick.

I'd also been in the south of the country, and the air was much better there, esp. in the less populated areas. though even areas around Seoul, like Ansan and cities that size seem pretty good. For seasonal allergies and the like, avoid the heavy population centers.

[R-Seoul]

[sojourner1]

I usually catch a sinus cold when visiting Seoul. Most newbies do having a problem with getting sick in the beginning as their bodies are not accustomed to Koreas cold and flu germs. This is not to say Korea is worse, it's just different so your body has to adjust. Of course, lots of Koreans have a sinus cold right now even though it's Summer so they suffer too. I went to Seoul exactly one year ago and last weekend too and caught the same sinus cold both years at the same time in July. The sun doesn't seem to shine in Seoul due to air pollution. I seen it hazy white in Seoul and when you leave, the sky gets bluer. You get great restaurants, western bars, and convenient access to almost anything you want to eat and drink if living in Seoul, but you pay for it big time and I'm not talking about the high prices.


During my 1st stay in Korea, I was in Changwon and was sick for the 1st 3 months straight. I had colds, flu, and tonsilitus one after another. Aftering those 1st 3 monhts, you typically get one Summer cold and one Winter cold. Of course, the germs are incubating big time in the Seoul subway, stores, bars, and schools. When grabbing subway handles and other public surfaces, don't touch your face and wash as soon as you can. Of course, the air will still give you colds if you're not immune to the variety of germs present.

It's really is a crush of people and anyone who is not comfortable with the stresses of living in a fast paced crush of people with many chemicals and germs present should consider going someplace outside the city to teach. I find Seoul to be stifling and very stressful on my health so I don't go much. It's exhausting to go there.

Ask yourself: Do you want the big city life, smaller city, or rural life style? Some people are happy to live amongst all the excitement Seoul is, while others avoid living in it, but visit on occasion. All that matters is how you fit in with the choice you make for yourself.