Korean Job Discussion Forums

proudman · Joined: 24 Mar 2009

As is the case with many folks on this forum, I am thoroughly annoyed and frustrated with how the placement (or lack thereof) has gone for the upcoming semester with GEPIK schools. I'm sure a lot of us have the same recruiter because we are hearing the exact same BS in regards to the opportunities and placements that are still forthcoming.

All that said, I'm curious to hear what the masses that have ESL teaching experience in Korea would do. Would you take a public school job, which I'm guessing will more than likely be in an undesirable, rural location, or would you take your chances with a Hagwon somewhere in Seoul?

I understand that there will probably be more stability with the public school job. But if you're an hour or more from Seoul, is it really worth it? I've read countless posts by folks that have second guessed or resented their decisions because they are so far outside of Seoul.

I'm starting to feel that rolling the dice, and working for a Hagwon in Seoul might not be such a bad idea. If any of you veterans of the Korean ESL experience can shed some light, I would greatly appreciate it!

Also, I do have an F4 Visa. So taking that chance with a Hagwon probably isn't as stressful as it might be for someone applying for the E2 Visa. Then again the Hagwons probably do not really want the F4 Visa because of the flexibility that it gives me. At least I have not gotten any responses to the inquiries that I've made to the Hagwons in Seoul.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

andrewchon · Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 5:36 pm Post subject:

Do you want a job or do you want to teach?
If having a job is No 1 thing for you then get a job in Seoul and enjoy the good life.
If teaching is No 1 thing for you then you don't need a good life.
If you want to teach and sometimes have a good time then you're in the job bracket.

proudman · Joined: 24 Mar 2009

what do you mean by, "then you're in the job bracket?" ideally i'd like to have a good time while being in a comfortable teaching environment. but it seems like the overwhelming majority of hagwon info posted on here is negative. i'm assuming your second point was, if teaching is most important to me, then having any kind of a social/fun life is not necessary or at least not a priority.

andrewchon · Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 6:04 pm Post subject:

Yes, if teaching is No 1 then teaching is good time for you.
Hagwons are not as bad as one reads about on this site.

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

Andrewchon is right that Hagwons are not as bad as people make them out to be. If you do your research you shouldnt have a problem finding a good place of employment.

However, I disagree that you have to live in Seoul to "have the good life"

There are plenty of other enjoyable places to live in Korea (some rural) and even though Seoul is the most cosmopolitan city in Korea, its actually quite mediocre for the most part.

Where you should live really depends on what makes you happy....and how good your employer will be to you.

watergirl · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Location: Ansan, south korea

So I live about an hour and twenty mins from by subway from Seoul and i've found it pretty good. Really depends what direct area your're goin to be living in. Ilsan, bucheon, anyang, Ansan, and Suwon i've heard are pretty good. Esp. how far you are to a subway station. I actually only live across the street from one so this could be why I haven't minded. I go into Seoul on saturdays usually so the commute isn't bad. Make sure you're in a good area, with a local foreigner crowd, homwplus, etc. within one of these areas. these areas have the big city niceties of Seoul but minus the crowds of people, subway stations with 15 exits. Also, apts are nicerI've heard.