Korean Job Discussion Forums

fakeplastiktree · Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Location: Northeast Seoul

The SMOE application form asks if you have tattoos and body piercings. Thinking it could be a dealbreaker for them, I lied and said "no" to both questions. I have one tattoo on my arm close to my shoulder and one at the top of my back, both of which can be easily hidden but are visible with certain short-sleeved shirts. I'm just wondering if it will be a serious problem if my tattoos are at some point seen by someone at my school. Also of concern to me is if someone sees one or both of them during the orientation (during which we are allowed to dress casually and the weather will likely be quite hot). Does anyone have any insight on this?

I also have a small, almost unnoticeable nose piercing (just a stud). Are they likely to have a problem with that? Thanks!

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Funny how some folks choose to lie right off the bat, then expect different from the Korean bosses.

I suppose your tats will be a problem now that you have made it so; if they are where you say, then they should never be seen, right? Not often shirtless at school. Long sleeves, rolled-up a bit.

Hard to hide a hole in your ear. Just take out the earring at school?

Sorry if I offended, but...

romano812 · Joined: 09 Dec 2008

that's what I've learned in life. If you have to lie to get something then you probably shouldn't have it. I have tattoos and piercings and I work for a public school. I put it right on my application and there hasn't been a problem.

Oreovictim · Joined: 23 Aug 2006

Where exactly is the tattoo on the top of your back? Are you talking the back of your lower neck? If so, do you have long hair to cover it up? I know that you said that you can cover them, but you have to be sure. There's been times where I've known people who had tattoos, and they were surprised when they found out I knew. They thought that they were concealed.

I'd just ditch the nose ring. Even though it's small, it'll get you in trouble. Plus, why risk the chance of moving to a new country, starting a new job, and meeting new people just over a piece of jewelry? Most post-college jobs would shun it, anyway.

Mr. BlackCat · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Location: Insert witty remark HERE

I'd hardly compare someone lying about a tatoo to an employer who steals money, lies about work hours, vacation allowance, business location and housing. I'm not condoning lying, but there are degrees and exceptions. I lie about liking kimchi so I can get along with my co-teacher. Does that justify being paid late? Personally, I would be honest about it and make a note that it's easily covered. The nose ring is probably a problem. I doubt a school in the West would allow it.

Faunaki · Joined: 15 Jun 2007

iammac2002 · Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Location: 'n Beter plek.

I heard if a Korean walks around with a tat he's in the Korean mafia. You could just wear a black nose ring and say it's a mole. :--------------)

winterfall · Joined: 21 May 2009

nero · Joined: 11 Mar 2009

I have a sleeve and work in a rural area - very conservative - never been a problem, I just cover it for work as I would in the west. My own time is my own time, but for respects sake I always wear a t shirt never a singlet when i go into town. Small tattoos? they are almost expected from whitey, aren't they?
Nose stud should be fine. Just ask your co-teacher if it's okay, it's probably up to the principal. They are more worried about you being fat or ugly to be honest.

romano812 · Joined: 09 Dec 2008

you have me laughing here because you are so right. Korea is all about saving face and never being wrong. Lying and cheating are ingrained in this culture. I'm trying my best not to get sucked into it.

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

I'm no Picasso · Joined: 28 Oct 2008

MattAwesome · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

I have a tattoo, I told them I had a tattoo, they asked about the tattoo. I told them it is covered by my shirt. They said ok and moved on.

Im sure they are only worried about having a tattoo on your face or hands.

Scouse Mouse · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Location: Cloud #9

When I applied for GEPIK many moons ago they asked if I had a tattoo. I said "not that can be seen at work" and it wasn't mentioned again.

When summertime came along and I was still wearing long sleeves, my school asked why. I told them. They thanked me for being respectful and wearing long sleeves at school. A few weeks later some students mentioned seeing me out of school with a T-shirt and tattoos, so the teachers did a quick speech about cultural attitudes to tattoos and how they are not seen as a bad thing in the UK where people value individualism. It was a cool way to handle it, and the kids never mentioned it in school (though did ask to look if they saw me on the street).

The male teachers saw them at drinking sessions when the sleeves came up, and some of the more curious women asked to have a look on my last day. Other than that, it was never an issue for me.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I'd choose to lie about mine and keep them covered, even at orientation. Rumors are if they find out you lied, then get are apt to fire you, even for petty offenses.

If anything happens, quote them the date on your files. Explain that you got the tat or piercing right before you moved, to commemorate your journey.

But if you keep them covered, OP, it won't be a problem. It's BS for SMOE to ask about them in general and would be more professional to ask about visible modifications.