Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ayxcho]

Hey all,

So, I've been applying to a lot of different recruiters about teaching positions they have in Seoul, or areas close to Seoul (Gyeongi-do). Most haven't even contacted me back (its been more than a week), however, the recruiters that have contacted me back (about 7- have all informed me that it is near impossible for a Gyopo (Korean-American) to get a job in Seoul because the hakwons/schools are looking for "Caucasians" only. I know how Korean people can be, and I guess it's not that surprising to me.

Anyways, I was wondering.. have any Gyopos RECENTLY (withing past year) been able to go through a recruiter and get a job in Seoul or near Seoul? Has your experience been similar to mine?

I am beginning to feel like I have to settle for other places far from Seoul, but friends teaching in Korea are telling me to be patient, and not to settle. Has times changed?

Any input/comments are welcome.

[jyoo24]

Yes, I'm a gyopo and I was able to find a job in Daechi-dong at a hagwon in September 2009. I used OK Recruiting and my recruiter was Bonnie. I initially interviewed with a few of the well-known hagwons: Topia, Poly, etc. But they tried to shaft me on the benefits/ teaching hours/ pay. I'm glad I waited for the job I have now because I love it.

Just wait it out. Something will come up.

[T-dot]

If you are female, attractive or from a top school then its much easier.

[pkang0202]

OP,

whoever told you that is a liar. You had better call them back and say, "Every single Hagwon in Gangnam, Daechi, Yeoksam, Dogok, and Apgujeong hire exclusively Gyopos for many positions".

Lots of hagwons in Gangnam hire gyopos. Of course, you will need a valid 4 year degree. Being bilingual is an even bigger plus.

[prodiGy]

[sketcha]

try to contact the schools directly

our hagwon hired a gyopo 4 months ago ~ no big deal, the guy in charge of hiring couldnt care less of you're white or asian

[ayxcho]

thanks for the responses all, i have some hope now haha... anyways Ill keep looking and be patient

[ThingsComeAround]

I know of four Gyopos from Ilsan's public schools. Gyopos CAN find good work. Some others work in hagwons. First time I met them at my first hagwon, the school tried to pull shady business and pay them at the same rate as local Korean teachers (they get paid half). Don't settle. Get a dozen recruiters and make them work Work WORK for you!

[ayxcho]

[jyoo24]

No, I had no prior experience.

By the way, I work for job #60 on this post.

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=40201

[winterfall]

[hoopslam]

I've actually just gone through my Seoul job search recently and I got a lot of responses from here. It probably helped that I am already in Korea though...My gyopo friend in San Francisco just got an offer to come over to Gangnam in January so whatever nonsense you may have heard about gyopos not being able to find jobs in Seoul is simply not true. In fact, it probably is easier to find jobs as a gyopo in many ways since you can most likely talk in Korean directly to the hiring manager or owner (as I did).

Gotta play the Korean work ethic card like winterfall's said lol

[KoreanAmbition]

Every job ad requests more experience and credentials than they are actually willing to hire for for.

That's just normal.

[Lemon84]

[andrewchon]

Well, Lemon, how much time have you spent in Korea or working with Koreans?
Korean and Western work culture can be painfully different.