Korean Job Discussion Forums

chnike112 · Joined: 05 Aug 2009

EDIT: hey I found the topic. This thread should answer any questions (it answered mine)...http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=3523&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 ...if anyone wants to PM me personally go right ahead Cool

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

I don't have the current uptodate experience to tell about the situation now, but I doubt it has changed much:

You can probably get a job in a hakwon at least, but I don't know if you would want to.

I've read black teachers say they have had a good experience in Korea, but the level of racism against blacks I heard from students as casual comments in classes and what I've heard from co-workers and others...

...I could not recommend a black person going to Korea to teach.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Hmm, whilst? Wink

Does that mean you are black one minute and then something else the next?

chnike112 · Joined: 05 Aug 2009

zc sd

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

I'm half black and love it here.....here's a tip...the best jobs are gotten through connections...ask some korean friends(preferably education or academic related) in the states...One professor hooked me up with a great gig....my friend threw me a 3.0 million a month job offer he got through connections becuase he doesn't want to stay another year....

If you really want to be safe, fly over here yourself and apply for jobs on the ground.

otherwise, I suggest going for a PS position...they're non-discrimitory and if you end up at a bad school, you'll still get your money at least(unlike a bad hagwon).

Yeah, some hagwons will hold it against you, but there are so many good gigs above mom and pop hagwons.

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Well, I know racism is going strong at my school. My co-teacher said the school is specifically looking for a white American. The principal wants a young look, but the head English teacher and co-teacher want a teacher with experience.

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

andrewchon · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:12 pm Post subject:

Korean's choice is whites before blacks. Not much you can do about it. It's their money after all. Once you have a job, you be alright. Yes, they will call you 껌둥이. Just as whites are called 흰둥이. It is not a racial put-down. There are plenty of african-americans and south-african zulus teaching in my area. They seem quite happy enough.

E_athlete · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Location: Korea sparkling

the OP is concerned with whether he can find a job more so than his day to day treatment. I think he can find a job here. Just apply to a few recruiters and worry about it later.

romano812 · Joined: 09 Dec 2008

I would say it would be more difficult for you to find a job, but not impossible. I'm sure I'm going to get hammered for this one but Koreans are very racist. That's not to say every Korean is, but there is a general dislike of black people in this country. To be honest, I don't think Koreans care for any foreigners. I think they tolerate caucasians because they need somebody to teach English. The trend I'm seeing now in the job postings and the schools is to hire Korean-Americans and F2 visa holders.
Maybe this dislike stems from being occupied by foreign nations throughout their history. However, to be honest, Koreans don't even care for mixed race Koreans. Which is funny because there aren't really many pure blood Koreans left. Just my opinion.

asylum seeker · Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Location: On your computer screen.

ytuque · Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Location: I drink therefore I am!

I know a number of black teachers working at various jobs across Korea. Most are at their 2nd or 3rd job here in Korea. They seem to have little trouble finding something.

The teachers that I know have problems finding work are those over 55, and those who are obese.

daddy daycare · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

Just a quick note..

A new African American lady joined our school the other day. She is from America.....

She told me the other day that the bus driver refused to open the front door of the bus to let her in.....

So while the passengers were getting of at the back door, she entered there.... She said that for the whole journey the driver was making comments.

Clearly racist comments.....

Even the teachers at the hagwon, where my wife and I have been teaching for nearly two years, have changed.....

We know some of them personally, and it was eye opening to see the change.......

No wonder we are leaving at the end of the year.....

Just me 100 won .....

andrewchon · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:41 pm Post subject:

Romano812
Yes, you'll be hammered with Maxwell's Silver Hammer to the tune of G.F. Handel's Harmonious Blacksmith while M.C. Hammer show some steps. No, I promised I'll give up my hammer-fisted approach. Christ's sakes what do they mean by racism? Are there lynching? Are there cross burning Korean sheet-heads? Do coloureds drink from different water tap? Are they refused service at restaurants and hotels? Do realtors lie and steer coloureds away from neighbourhood? Do they have to sit at the back of the bus? Is there a Korean Gentleman's Agreement? God it feels good to have a hissy fit. Now you gave a go.