Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jdog2050]

So, I don't really mind my school. It's a middle school and the kids are O.K., some behavioral issues aside because it's basically the ghetto (Gwanak-gu). I'm doing well and have really upped my game this semester.

Thing is, I live in Itaewon and my school, again, is in the eastern Gwanak-gu area. I was really annoyed when I got my assignment from SMOE because I'd worked in this area before and knew that, because of Yongsan, any movement South isn't direct. It's always a 45 minute plus trip, regardless of traffic. This violates the fact that an SMOE position should never be more than 40 minutes of commute. They cheat by getting their numbers from the Seoul Transit Website. They don't count walking, heavy traffic, or transferring. Getting to work is basically NEVER less than 45 minutes. On average it's 50 minutes or more.

Because my school is fairly poor and already a hard place to work at, the 50 minute commutes are really killing my quality of life, especially knowing that people who DIDN'T have apartments when they signed are closer to their schools on average.

So, my question is, has anyone here ever gotten a simple school location change without too much drama from SMOE or their co-workers?

[bcjinseoul]

I'm looking to do the same thing. In fact, I live and work in Gwanak-gu as well...I have a co-teacher I can't stand and haven't clicked well with other people I work with, and plan on putting in notice of transfer Monday morning. They can give me all the drama they want. I'm on my 4th year and have an interview with Korea University in about ten days. If SMOE won't let me transfer and I can't get a uni gig in/near Seoul as well, I say it's time to look at other countries...but there are always public school jobs in the country with 8-12 weeks off as well as plenty of great looking after school programs and afternoon hogwons...

[jdog2050]

Well the thing is, I'm pretty established in Seoul. I have my own apartment, friends, etc.

[Seoulio]

Where is this 40 minute fact you speak of listed?

The application for SMOE even says "are you willing to commute up to an HOUR" to work for them.

[prideofidaho]

SMOE probably won't tell you where you've been placed until the weekend you begin your new contract. Schools don't find out information about their native teacher until this same time as well. It's a bit of a risk. If you like your school, I'd say just deal with the commute.

[reactionary]

I didn't even choose my apartment and my commute is about 40 minutes. I wouldn't expect them to place you any closer...Sounds like something they wouldn't fix.

[Fishead soup]

If you can get the POE behind your move you will leave on good terms.
Most POE have Kyopo's( Korean Americans who act as a go-between for the supervisors and Foreign teachers. They are ment to iron out these problems.Also Korean teachers circulate every three years.

[Ukon]

My commute is a 2 minute drive

You can always change to a closer apartment or get a car or motorcycle.

[reactionary]

[prideofidaho]

[Xuanzang]