Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eljuero]

The question is about suits. I've worn a tie and dress slacks of course but not a suit. Don't have one honestly. How important is this for the SMOE process and following that? It sounds like they make a big deal of your first day?

At any rate, I'm wondering if this can be postponed?Is it really a faux pas not to wear a suit (vs. a nice shirt and tie, nice sweater with button down and tie etc..?) on your first day or at SMOE?

Are they going to bounce my *ss back to the states for not having one?

By the way, if anyone's got a source link on this discussion I'd be grateful!
Eljuero

[bigtexas]

Man I work at a uni, and they require us to wear formal attire every day. Now that does not mean all out suits, but sometimes I wear close to the total suit. If we want the students to take us seriously, looking good is almost mandatory.

But, your situation is for the "first day". Man, if you are thinking about staying in Korea, or moving to a better job someday, like a uni job, I would advise you to get a suit, or at least a jacket. If you are somewhat new to korea, you got to know that appearance is REALLY important here. It is just as important as your resume. I would just break down and get one. But if you are leaving after this year, just put together the best clothes you have and borrow a jacket.

But I would choose the first option.

[bassexpander]

If you need a place to purchase a suit, I suggest any "Dainty" store. They usually have a 2 for 1 sale where you get 2 custom suits for 370,000 or thereabouts. They are a Korean chain, and can be found all over.

[ttompatz]

[Troglodyte]

Which is cheaper in Korea?
1. buying a ready made suit at a shop
2. having one made by a tailor

I've been in a lot of countries were it was significantly cheaper to have suits completely custom made by a tailor. You buy the materials, show the tailor a picture of a suit that you like (or choose from some examples that they have), the tailor/seamstress measures you and you come back in a week to pick up the suit (or have adjustments made). In some countries, it's also cheaper to have dress shirts and trousers made by a tailor than to buy them at a department store. How is it in Korea? I've never bought a suit here and the rest of my clothes always came from a department store but I'm curious now about whether tailors are cheaper.

[bassexpander]

You can find ready-made suits pretty cheap here. Problem is, they look cheap and also may not fit you (small shoulders, for example).

[wylies99]

Public school jobs will require a polo shirt and slacks.

[dunc180]

I second getting a suit custom made. I bought a couple while I was in Korea and they were the best things I brought back home. Friends that comment about them cannot believe getting a custom tailored suit could be so cheap (250-300,000 won from a place in Itaewon). The only thing, on one of the suits they spelt my name wrong on the inside pocket.

[Hightop]

Working for SMOE (elementary) you do not have to wear a suit. The only two days most of the male teachers at my school wore a suit was photo day and graduation day. I worked for SMOE for 2 years and the only day I wore a suit was the first day, it was inappropriate. My co-teachers wore jeans 90% of the time.

[eljuero]

Thanks for all of the great feedback and opinions. All worth considering.
I was able to pick up some new dress shirts on sale and a nice tweed jacket this morning.....already got some business type pants.
I'll give these a go and of course I've got my charming personality.
ElJuero

[kinerry]

[Mr. Pink]

I think it depends on the season. Suit jackets don't really go with winter coats unless you have a fancy coat to go over your suit jacket. Thus, I haven't worn a suit jacket in years. I did that once and froze my arse off, never again. When it gets too warm, are you kidding me? I'd rather not wear one and not sweat myself silly than wear one and look like Mr. Sweat.

Good luck with your suit.

[PatrickGHBusan]

[Cerberus]

I brought a suit that I have worn on one occassion, my HS graduation.

Every teacher was smiling then they saw me that day including females) and they kept telling me how "hansom" I looked.

my response was "only today"?

I like to have it for emergency purposes/special occasions.

anyways, bring one if you can but you'd be dumb to wear it with any regularity.

don't buy it in Korea. It won't fit and it will suck and be too expensive. Do you like shiny silver?

lots of Indian tailors on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok that will tailor make you a decent suit for 99 USD.

[Konglishman]