Korean Job Discussion Forums

[broonie30]

Hi all,

Starting to look for a job in Korea and trying to decide which recruiter(s) to use. I've come up with a shortlist based on what I've heard & read on here & other sites. Just looking for any advice, experiences (good & bad) that anyone has had with the following to help me make up my mind. I'm from the UK and am looking to teach in Ulsan. Please let me know if there are any I should definitely stay away from! Thanks in advance guys!

The nominees are: Park English, ETJ Korea, Go East Recruiting, ESL Planet, Tiger English, Four Distinct Seasons, Kim & Joe.

[Toon Army]

ESL-Planet every time

Can`t comment too much about the other recruiters other than Tiger English . When I sent a speculative email for jobs with them the jobs I got offered were crap like Wonderland and Kids Herald.....the dodgiest ones around.

[bassexpander]

You don't have Korvia.com on that list.

Easily larger and more respected than most on your list.

[VanIslander]

- put no faith in any recruiter
- be quick to change recruiters if they're unwilling to provide info requested
- research the hell out of the job, demand phone contact info of present or past waygook teachers, pictures of accommodation, questions answered

i went through four recruiters in 2002 before getting one willing to provide what i requested: as a result i got a good job (took about two months of work to get)

good luck whatever

[Aussiekimchi]

You will have to use one of the recruiters who deal with private schools in Ulsan as there are no public school positions left there.
Unless of course you are able to contact Ulsan MOE directly for a job.
So ESL PLANET is out.
I heard Duff Recruiting, kimnjoe and RCI deal with hagwans down there
Duff is an Aussie so he would be more handsome than the others.

[trish91198]

I've been going through Park English. I leave for Korea in a couple weeks, and they've been nothing but awesome!

[trish91198]

I've been going through Park English. I leave for Korea in a couple weeks, and they've been nothing but awesome!

[wesharris]

Yeah. Park rocks.
_+_
Wes

[esetters21]

I had a pretty good experience dealing with Park English as well a few years ago when I was searching for my first job here.

Ultimately, I did not use any recruiter then and haven't since when changing employers.

I've heard good things about Korvia and ESL-Planet as well. Good luck!

[broonie30]

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I put together this shortlist based on positive things that others have said. I took a few off the list including Korvia, simply because I heard of 1 or 2 bad instances.

I was in Korea in 06-07 and went with the first recruiter I found, I was fortunate that things turned out the way they did but could have been much worse if the director wasn't as nice and generous. Basically told a string of lies about the job by the recruiter so hence why Im making sure I go with a reputable one this time!

Any more input gladly appreciated....

[mekku]

keep in mind that the recruiter only introduces you to a potential employer. no matter what they say, they won't have much to do with you after you start at your new job and really don't have any control over whether your employer holds to your contract.

that being said, i used etj korea a few months ago and had a really good experience with them. they spoke near perfect english, always called at hours convenient for me, were prompt in dealing with offers and always followed up on commitments made to me. they weren't very annoying and kept the whole "trust me, i am a recruiter and i know what is best" attitude to a minimum.

that's about all you can expect from a recruiter i guess.

good luck