Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xCustomx]

I lived in Korea for five years and left six months ago. My friend is thinking of going to Korea to teach, and while I recommend it, I don't know what the market is like right now. How hard is it for people 30+ year of age to get a job? Are schools hiring people with experience, or are they looking for newbies so they can pay less? Are schools still looking for Americans or Canadians only? Is it possible to get jobs in Seoul or within an hour of Seoul in Gyeinggido? Thanks

[onlyinkorea87]

[Saxiif]

From helping some newbies get jobs, Seoul seems pretty much sewn up but a bunch of pepople with no experience are getting jobs all over the place in Gyeonggido.

[caribmon]

There's lots of jobs, people leave every day because they get ill from the food and get homesick. Look at the pay on the job ads, it's up 10% from 6 months ago.

That's not to say a resume with a sad, complicated story, horrific picture and terrible accent won't hurt your chances.

[Hotpants]

I don't think the scene has changed much from 6 months ago. I just returned after an absence, and if anything, the only things I've noticed is that there is a slightly higher preference for F-visa holders, and that more people in uni gigs have MAs than before.

If your friend has at least a basic TEFL cert and a decent resume, he/she shouldn't have too much trouble finding something. The only thing they might wanna be prepared for are the new visa regs. I've got no idea of what is going on with the latest regs, but I don't plan on ever having to go through those hoops again!

[creeper1]

I have been on this site for close to 3 years. When I first joined all kinds of freaks would be able to waltz into a job. Alcoholics, social misfits, smelly people whatever. You name it, they were able to get a job.

There were threads entitled "what do you have to do to get fireD?" Everyone agreed on this thread it would be close to impossible to get fired with so much demand for teachers. We stated all you needed was a pulse.

Fast forward to 2010 and the tables have turned. I am reading much different threads now. Aparantly being old and unattractive disqualifies you from good jobs. Recruiters don't bother returning your calls.

Has the job market gone downhill? For sure. Can you still get a job?
Yes but at this time of year your friend will have to settle for a hagwon. I'd say a position in Gyeongi is very possible.

BUT conditions might not be that great. Late pay and poor housing are real possibilities. Also vacation of 1 week. Let him know he must be prepared to put up with some brown stuff.

Aw well.

[carleverson]

If you're white, you WILL get a job here.

[WadRUG'naDoo]

[tdv01]

I'm Asian. Will I be considered? I'm specifically Filipina-American. I was born in the US and my parents are Filipino. I have all my documents and have reached out to at least 20 recruiters and the replies I've gotten is that they'll get back to me with a match if they find one. I've specified a public school and within the Seoul area.

[DosEquisXX]

[tdv01]

I've lived in the USA my whole my life and do have a college degree. I might have a slight midwest accent but doubtful since my Voice and Articulation class in college probably fixed that.