Korean Job Discussion Forums

Allen · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Gunpo

Any info on this Hakwon?

I searched but only got old job advertisements.

The literature they sent say the are located in Seoul and were "reopening in April 2008".

Thanks

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

From what I know, they have a branch in Nowon-gu, Mokdong, and in Gangnam.

The Nowon one is the first branch. The Mokdong is the newest branch and it opened very recently. It seems like your standard large chain hagwon. Pay is on par with everywhere else.

They already have the curriculum and books set. They are big schools though. I think the one in Nowon has over 30 native teachers.

Allen · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Gunpo

Thanks for the info.

Anyone have experience with one of these places?

The 2,500,000 pay interests me, but are the working conditions proper?

PGF · Joined: 27 Nov 2006

MollyBloom · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Location: James Joyce's pants

I worked for the TOPIA in Daechi-dong last year. PM me if you want details. Also, I might add that I worked in the middle school and only taught about 3 classes all year in the elementary school, so I know more about how the middle school is run.

MollyBloom · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Location: James Joyce's pants

Also, the Carlyle Group started investing in them last year, so you might want to do a little research on that. This is the investment company that puts money into Dunkin Donuts, Goodyear, Herzt, Hyundai, to name a few.

http://www.carlyle.com/

here is the link for Topia: http://www.carlyle.com/Portfolio/item9722.html

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

There used to be a TOPIA in Kwangjin-Ku, Seoul. It was 10 minutes walk from Gangbyeon station on the Green line in East Seoul. That was 5 years ago. I don't know if they are still there.

Allen · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Gunpo

Can't PM yet. Could you send me one?

I am interested in seeing what you have to say.

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

A related link about Topia-
http://www.carlyle.com/Media%20Room/News%20Archive/2007/item6997.html

MollyBloom · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Location: James Joyce's pants

I PMed you.

Allen · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Gunpo

Thanks Molly

abetterpitchfork · Joined: 06 Apr 2008

Molly, I have a standing offer from them, too. Would you mind sending me a pm?

MollyBloom · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Location: James Joyce's pants

okay. will do.

purple_octi · Joined: 10 Jun 2008

does anyone have any specific experience at the Mokdong location?

Nexus11 · Joined: 29 Nov 2006

Before you get excited about 2.5 million for 8 hours a day, do the math.

It is easy to get 2.2 for 6 hours a day.

6 hours a day=30 hours a week=130 hours a month
8 hours a day=40 hours a week=173 hours a month

You are working an additional 43 hours a month for 300,000 won, or 6976 an hour. If working your last two hours every day for $7 an hour sounds like a good deal to you, then Topia is your place.

If not, find a place that pays you 2.2 and offers lots of overtime. You'll get a lot more than 2.5 that way.