Korean Job Discussion Forums

revelation2221 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Location: Gimhae, South Korea

What effect would a man having long hair (shoulder-length) have in applying for an ESL job in Korea? What are the general attitudes toward this, would it be considered acceptable, or is it view in the same way it is for me here in the US, where it makes it very difficult to get many jobs because of it (I've been a student, so it hasn't really been an issue).

Basically, would it be advisable for me to get my hair cut before I send in a picture with my application?

okayden223 · Joined: 05 Jun 2009 Location: Incheon

Yeah you should definitely get a haircut. You have almost zero chance of getting a job in a PS with long hair and very little chance of getting a job with a decent hagwon. Usually guys at some hagwons can get away with facial hair but long hair is considered very unprofessional in Korean society (unless you're a pop-star, in which case the more effeminate you look the better).

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 4:15 pm Post subject: Re: Men with Long Hair

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

revelation2221 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Location: Gimhae, South Korea

I know, I'm the 20-something guy working on his M.A. that still has long hair (clean and well-groomed) and frequents skate parks, I get a lot of comments about that.

I guess I'll be getting it cut then. It's not altogether unexpected anyway, though I figured it would be best to ask first. Besides, the prospect of a decent job means a whole lot more to me than an extra 8 inches of hair.

I guess it's a good thing I decided to wait to submit my picture and application until after I asked about this. Looks like it could have been rather detrimental to my chances...

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

revelation2221 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Location: Gimhae, South Korea

Ear-length, shirt and tie it is (believe it or not, I already have those!).

But leave the skate park days behind? Are you joking? Have you seen some of the skate parks in Korea? Some of them are pretty amazing.

Besides, skating isn't a way of life, it's a hobby. And I don't think there's anything wrong with a little exercise on the weekends.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v339/245/51/744615359/n744615359_4008626_6145.jpg

Anyway, I appreciate it guys. Thanks again.

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

I have had long hair all of my life. My hair is very well taken care of it is just long in the back.I am a man FYI and I have never had any real problems in Korea.

Students from time to time ask me if I am a girl. It is a little stupid, but deal with it. I often get compliments from parents and usually women. Men often criticize and say something about how Korean men have very short hair.

I say if you want a haircut, get a haircut. If you like having long hair, then keep it. If you find that you have problems getting a job, cut it and take another photo. Looking professional is important as long as your don't have dreadlocks and crazy wild hair, it won't be that big of a deal.

I actually think you will have more problems with a beard than long hair.

I have taught at every kind of institution in Korea and I have never had a problem. But I am not a new inexperienced teacher. I think because of my credentials I can get away with a little more.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

revelation2221 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Location: Gimhae, South Korea

What is this about long hair being scruffy? I make a point to keep it very well groomed! Wink

Maybe once I'm there, if everything is working out really well, I'll start growing it again, but for now I think I'll get it cut short to maximise my chances. I don't want to miss out on a good opportunity because of something as small as hair. Even if I send out another picture with my hair short I might have already lost a good chance.

Any other men out there who have taught in Korea with long hair, or know of anyone who has?

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject:

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

I agree that a clean cut appearance is better suited for teaching in Asia or any professional workforce anywhere in the world. However you still can look clean cut and have long hair.

Who said that I was scruffy. I am very professional in my appearance. I only have long hair in the back and it is well maintained. From the front you wouldn't even notice that I have long hair. Being judgemental saying that I don't want to leave behind a scruffy look. Is quite argumentative. Why engage in flaimbait while I was just offering a different perspective?

Short hair, clean shaven, professionally dressed makes a difference and does help get the foot in the door. However making a blanket statement that says he won't get a job is pretty narrow minded thinking and not accurate.

Beards are generally more criticized than long hair.

The main thing is to have a professional look in your photo and a gentle smile.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

revelation2221 · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Location: Gimhae, South Korea

Sweet, I started a flamewar, this is quite amusing.

Question, in regards to something mentioned by frankly speaking, what is this about a "gentle smile?"

Is there something culturally that I'm not aware of that would suggest a huge smile would be inappropriate for a picture in an application, or am I reading too much into this?

Thanks,
~OP

Kwangjuchicken · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:34 pm Post subject:

The Japanese occupation is over. Let's get back some traditional Korean Culture. Let not Kimchi be all that is left.

Crying or Very sad