Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DanseurVertical]

Hello all,

I'm about to submit my EPIK/ SMOE application. But I'm unsure of how to respond on just one question. That's the question about willingness to commute 'up to approximately 60 minutes' to your school. To spend two hours each day commuting for work is not terrible, but assuming I might also need to spend a fair amount of time commuting to a gym etc. I could imagine my daily routine becoming a real logistic headache.

Assuming a teacher lives and works in Seoul (with EPIK), how common is a 60-minute commute to one's school?

If I indicate that no, I'm not willing to accept such a long commute time, I might be placed in a school whose associated housing is closer. But if a 60-minute commute is common, then I could significantly harm my chances of placement in Seoul (or Busan or Incheon, for that matter).

Any good information is appreciated. Thank you in advance :)

[oldfatfarang]

Hint: Anytime you say "No" in any job application process - your chances of being accepted plummet. Korea, definitely so.

Just tick Yes and hope that you get close to your school. Most teachers are housed very close to their school - although some of us have nightmare commutes/waits/walks etc.

Do you feel lucky?

[machinoman]

i would say even if you end up with a one hour commute, it would be because the owner of the school chose a specific apartment for you to live in based on cheapness of rent. there would likely be a gym nearby the apartment, as gyms are everywhere here.

[Caffeinated]

The longest commute I'm aware of for a SMOE NSET is about 45 minutes. Most of the ones I know are a handful of subway stops away from their schools.

And I agree that there's gyms everywhere, especially close to subway stations. There's about 8 within 15 minute walk of my station alone.

[sulperman]

Yeah, 45 is the longest I have heard of too, with most people I know living from 5-20 minutes from their schools. A lot of times if you are further from your school it will be because they have put you in the nicer officetels where they house a ton of other teachers from all around, whereas if you are closer to the school the chance of living in just a standard one room (which isn't bad, just not as nice as the officetels) is much, much higher.

But then again, if you say no, then it is pretty much 99% guaranteed that the job will not be yours. I feel kind of sorry for anybody who goes through all the bother to apply then checks no on that question. Kind of.

[DanseurVertical]

Thanks guys, this is helpful for sure (especially sulperman).

Every answer to a neighbouring question was an obvious (compulsory) 'yes'. So I felt very uneasy checking 'no' for this one ;)

To clarify the part on gyms, I meant 'climbing gym' in particular. Of those there are lots in Seoul, but I'd prefer to train at whichever becomes my favourite.

[missjulia]

[Murakano]