Korean Job Discussion Forums

[knj]

I wrote about possibly living in Korea for a few years with my family and teaching English during that time (by operating a one-instructor learning center).

Because I know Seoul VERY well, I am considering cities somewhere between Seoul and Busan.

I would have a car, so as long as I can get to Seoul within 1 or 2 hrs. (non-rush hrs.), I would be fine.

Fresh air would be good, and I think my child would absorb "authentic Korean culture" better there... if there were such a thing

I believe some of you are teaching in non-Seoul/Busan areas? What's the life like? Do you suggest it for someone like me who would

--need no night life (I had my fill during my single days in Seoul, more so than I care to think about)
--have a car that could get me around anywhere in S.K.
--have a flexible schedule (because I would have my own center)

Do you think I would regret it because of the "rough" provincial style of some local residents?

[andrewchon]

If you're gonna run a biz, you'll need a Korean partner. (maybe your wife is Korean?)

If you're thinking 'rednecks', no there's nothing to worry about that.

I'm not sure your business model would generate enough cash-flow to support a family of four,
especially if you're planning to be flexible about schedule.

However, wish you all the best.

[knj]

Thanks for the reply.

I am an F-4, so I woud not have difficulties establishing a center.

My objective is to not to "make money" but to give my child "culture education."

But I don't want to deplete my savings, so I want to work while there. I don't think I need to earn as much to support my expenses because I would more or less be a family man and would be placing a large keymoney deposit to minimize monthly rent.

I also thought that a city outside Seoul would allow me to attract more students (without overly expending marketing efforts) because I would stand out among instructors there.

Yes, I was concerned about the potentially "rough" attitude among locals, but because I speak Korean fluently as well, I think that might be ok...

Just a bit concerned because I have never lived outside Seoul before...

And I wanted some views from foreign teachers who had personally lived in such areas.

[jvalmer]

Just wondering how you're going to set up a one-instructor learning center? Just curious.

When you say rural, what size do consider rural. Most Koreans I've met consider anything under 1,000,000 rural. There are many towns within the 100k-500k populations zone, super easy living in those towns, if you like Korean food and am familiar with Korean customs.

Is your wife Korean? Maybe go to her hometown? If you have accommodation already setup, super easy getting a job at a hagwon.

Also, you mentioned you are fluent in Korean, wondering what your accent sounds like?

[knj]

I had a company in Korea under my name approx. 5 years ago (a consulting biz that was unrelated to English teaching). So establishing a legal entity is not a problem for me.

In terms of business, I would most likely find a small officetel. Then maket. Hopefully, some students would show up. I have pretty good credentials, so I am hoping that I would attract enough.

I suppose I mean satellite towns near larger cities like Taejon or Daegu, etc. I would consider Bundang as metro Seoul.

Yes, I am looking forward to the "super easy living" conditions in more rural areas.

I am a Korean-American (F-4). And in terms of living quarters, I would probably look for a Jeonsae situation to minimize monthly rental.

I don't want to work at a hogwon or a university because I want flexibility.

I a native English speaker (Midwestern accent), but my Korean is near-native as well (Seoul accent). Koreans cannot tell the difference...