Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Emeliu]

Hello, I was wondering whats the highest salary one can expect in south korea (With a Bachelors in TESOL, and a Masters in TESOL)? Also, how much to university english professors make?

I expect to make a career out of it, probably teach for 3 to 4 years, then get a masters degree in TESOL. My fiance (a beautiful Korean woman whom I met in my university here in the states) is moving to South Korea and i'm about to finish my bachelors in TESOL. I hope its at all possible to get as much as say 50~60 million won a year before I hit 35 haha.

[Mr. Pink]

[lifeinkorea]

Being overqualified comes easy and fast in Korea. Keeping the common "slave" people busy is more important than climbing up some corporate ladder.

[Juregen]

You can get to 50-60M doing illegal privates .....

[tob55]

Your expectations are way beyond reality here in Korea, but there are some things you must consider:

1. Your earnings here are going to look like crapola compared to what you "might" be able to earn in the States.

2. You are going to find that the range of salary is dependent on the type of position you are taking, i.e. some good, some bad, some really good, and some really bad.

3. You are in need of assistance from a service agency that is going to be honest with you. This is a hard one, because to most recruiting companies, you represent nothing more or less than cold, hard cash. I have been in Korea for going on 5 years now and heard more horror stories about slimy recruiting practices than I would like to think about.

4. You are going to find that the lifestyle here is much different than you are accustomed to in the States. This means that the money you earn could be more than enough, which in many cases it is, OR you will live from pay check to pay check like some people I have encountered in this country. It depends on your personal restraint in terms of money management and spending habits.

5. You will likely find that while the wages here pale in comparison to what you think you should be earning, however, you will be able to save money, and perhaps lots of money. I know some friends who put away the equivalent of $1,000 US dollars every month, and they still have enough money to do the things they want and have fun. On the other hand, I know some people who are broke consistently and always trying to borrow money. Again, that will depend on your personal money management.

Everything said, you have the wrong idea of coming if you think for more than a second that you would or even could expect to earn what you are thinking would be a good salary. Not trying to burst the balloon, but just giving you some facts as someone who knows from experience. Hope this helps.

[Robot_Teacher]

I calculate 28 million take home if tax exempt in PS which is $20,000 at 1400 to the U$. This is 24,000,000 won for take home salary, 2 million pension, and 2 million 13th month bonus. This figure doesn't include rent and flight.

Like in the 1980's, pay for a bachelor degreed young professional (<5 years post college experience) is about US $20,000 a year with $40,000 being that proverbial benchmark as a goal to hit within 5 years of graduation. Of course, many far exceeded this very modest goal. The only real difference for us today is the cost of living is much more, most job markets are not so robust, and then we have this economic crisis looming like a dark cloud. Only a few minted degrees will be paid $40,000 or more. Maybe achieve high paying career through smart saving and investing while living and working modestly?

I majored in business and I too had hoped to be in the money. This low paying ESL job still beats the pants off of what is available at home. You're most likely not getting in a high paying job unless you're daddy or grandpa brought you into a situation, nepotism. I have several friends at home that are doing really well in this fashion.

[Emeliu]

@tob55: That sounds reasonable, I'm just afraid my fiance's dad isn't going to like my salary and make my fiance feel guilty haha, but what about college professors? with a masters degree? Anyone have any knowledge on that? and I plan to get an F-5 visa so I can do privates legally (I hope)

[xCustomx]

[fishy]

There are a few good places still around. All the language instructors at the uni where I work make 47 M+ a year. My friend just got his distance M.A. in EFL and he walked right into his job with a little help from his friends already here. It's nice work too with lots of autonomy. It seems to me that you would need a Ph.D. in English or linguistics to crack 50 though.

[John Henry]

Yet to see an esl job in korea that is 5 mil a month. Can't even think of any that advertised at 4 really. If so, you are going to be a slave.

If you freelance privates you can do that tho.

Dude don't worry, I've yet to meet an esl guy here that was hurtin for money. Biggest problem is how to save enough while funding your vacation in Thailand and paying your stuff off back home at the same time.

[Mr. Pink]

[dean_burrito]

I think with SMOE you would qualify for 2.8 million or 3.3 if you don't take their housing. I'm pretty sure but you can do a search for their payscale to be certain.

[tob55]

Emeliu wrote:

[Emeliu]

Thanks for the advice, I'll do what I can haha! Thanks Tobu55

[KoreanAmbition]

I can't see how you can have an F-Visa here and NOT make 50 million per year.

Seriously, no clue.