Korean Job Discussion Forums

[april]

So I am leaving in a month for Korea(Masan specifically). I am wondering about acceptable things to wear for women during hot summer weather? Can you reveal your shoulders, are tank tops okay? What about shoes-flip flops and sandals? And is it okay to wear somewhat shorter dresses (right above the knee) to teach? Thanks!

[peppermint]

Sleeveless is probably pushing it for work, and personally, I'd avoid really strappy tank tops anywhere. Most people will be fine with it, but I've encountered some really aggressive older people who took offense at bare shoulders- it's just not worth the hassle to me. Sandals and flipflops will be fine, especially with a cute pedicure.

[pangaea]

I agree with peppermint. Also, avoid deep v-necks or anything that shows too much cleavage.

[Depths of My Soul]

From THE ROUGH GUIDE to KOREA (August 2008):

[peppermint]

skirts ought to be acceptable, no more than a couple of inches above the knee at work though. If you're teaching teenage boys you might want to consider capris or something instead- every one of my friends that teaches at a boys school has a story about students trying to peep up a teacher's skirt.

[Dr. Whom]

Just look around. Miniskirts, high heels and black stockings will get
my vote 100% of the time.

Conservative and frumpy need not apply.

[Illysook]

One can dress modestly without being frumpy. Just wear things that flatter the figure that you have, (not the one that you wish you had) without showing everyone all your business. People appreciate this no matter where you go.

Also, don't look like you are trying too hard, or sweat your fashion mishaps. You can't be a Glamour Do every day.

[kneezah~]

I would say tank tops are a definite no. I came here last winter... And one of the first things my VP said was not to wear tank tops in the summer. He said he heard that foreigners often wear tank tops... So don't do that. I don't recommend wearing tight tops or anything that show any chest. That seems to be pretty unacceptable here.

I often wear skirts... Most of which would be consider WAY to short in Canada, but no one bats an eyelash about it. Your school may be different... But generally showing some leg seems to be ok.

You might be able to get away with wearing flip flops in the summer... The general idea in my school is that they're "not good." If you work in a public school, you will probably wear slippers at work... So you can wear flip flops in and change into slippers.

I find the women here tend to be a lot more "dressed up" here than what I used to seeing back home. High heels are generally standard everyday wear from women on their 20s and 30s. You might want to make sure to bring lots of "nice" clothes with you.

Good luck^^

[skinsk05]

I sweat in the heat and hate sleeves. . . buy a few gauze or lace shirts to wear over your tanks and presto. . . A-OK.

[brier]

[DorkothyParker]

For teaching, it's business casual, same as anywhere else.

As my husband pointed out, chicks here let their labias hang out their skirts and shorts. Yet they are sooo conservative about showing shoulders. It makes no sense to me.

I came in August and I wore tank tops in public not really knowing it wasn't done here. Truthfully, it gets hot (not as hot as back home) but is crazy humid. I will probably wear tank tops in my free time. Mind you, not spaghetti straps, but fashion tops or racerbacks. I wear longer short pants and knee length skirts so I think it evens out.

[Weigookin74]

Mini skirts and bikinis.

[Weigookin74]

No seriously, don't show cleavage. I had an ex Korean girlfriend who told me showing chest was really slutty here. It's almost better to show leg if you have to show anything. Kind of the opposite of the west. Take that tip for whatever it's worth.

[jvalmer]

[Chucky]

Wear a dress with a huge bow on it.

An oversized yellow shirt with a huge smiley face on it.

A weird shirt that buttons up in the back.

And always wear high heels.