Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Skyte]

Hello! So my subject heading may be ambiguous but its sure to get attention and then (hopefully) get my questions answered...

I am new the the ESL teaching world (i.e. applying for my first jobs at this moment), and like all newbies I am full of enthusiasm and have high hopes, in saying that, I like to think I am switched on enough to be realistic about what to expect...and I was not expecting to be told (requested) to not apply for work in South Korea.

I am a 24 year old Australian female, I have travelled a fair bit abroad alone and lived out of home since I was 17, I have all required qualifications to teach ESL - what I am trying to put across is I am for all intensive purposes an independent person who does quite well on my own. I had my heart set on teaching in South Korea and had interviews lined up at schools which looked to be just what I was after. However- here is my dilemma which I am putting forward to the forum - I was in contact with an old family friend who is very widely travelled in SE Asia, I would always trust him and his advice, until he told me that South Korea is probably one of the most dangerous places for me to go alone as a young western woman. He specifically requested that I withdraw any applications (it surprised me that he was so adamant about this) and that I think seriously about applying in other locations ie Thailand or China.

I would be interested in the experiences of other women who have taught in south korea and travelled there alone, as I am sure many have!
I can be rather stubborn at times (haha) and need broader insight into his opinion before I make up my mind to apply elsewhere.

Thank you in advance!

[Jane]

Having lived in Korea and travelled to both China and Thailand (both places as a single female traveller), I feel the most comfortable in Korea. Maybe it's because I've spend the most time here, but Korea in general has low crime, Koreans are a predictable bunch of people so there are few surprises when it comes to interactions, and the worst thing that happens to me here in terms of 'threatening behaviour' is unwanted touching on the subway and kamaze cars and buses plowing through red lights/pedestrian crossings.

I'd be curious to know what your old family friend is referring to when he calls Korea dangerous. The political situation with the North?

Sure, women--particularly Korean women who are bound to conform to the pseudo-Confucian attitude--have to live in a male-dominated society, but I wouldn't classify that as a threat. And as a non-Korean, you have leeway of what is expected from you as a woman/young person.

[highstreet]

[ulsanchris]

Korea is safer than most countries but that doesn't mean that it is safe. the same precautions that you take anywhere are still needed in Korea. In the town I teach in there has been about one rape per year on a foreign woman. Those are the ones I hear about. I guess that there might have been a few more.

[Skyte]

Thank you for your response!
Jane, where abouts in Korea do you live and work?
I just returned from a 2 month lone tour of Indonesia, came across nothing unexpectedly untoward, and from my research into living in Sth K, it did not seem like it was any more threatening. Basically, what I expect of Sth K is just what you described!

[kardisa]

I've been here for 8 months and have had absolutely no issues outside of getting stared at the one time I wore a tank top. I doubt you would even have that problem if you lived in Seoul (I'm in the boonies). Having previously lived in Taiwan and traveled extensively throughout Asia and South America (by myself), I can say that Korea is one of the safest countries I've ever visited. Of course, you still have to watch yourself, e.g. don't take taxis alone at 3am when you're hammered, but as long as you follow the basic safety rules you have nothing to worry about.

[ttompatz]

Having lived and worked in all 3 of the countries mentioned by your friend I can safely say that he is talking through the bottom of his hat and has NO IDEA what he is talking about.

Jump on in. The water is just fine.

.

[kingplaya4]

I would say if your dream is to teach in South Korea you're likely to be disappointed. Have a look at the job forum for a variety of reasons. Filter out the extreme negative and overly positive and you're likely to get a good picture.

Dangerous though? Use common sense- there is crime, but probably less than where you're from.

[Skyte]

Thank you everyone for your insight, it is not going astray!
The general feel of these comments is just as I had anticipated about South Korea before having spoken to my friend.
No where will ever be perfectly 'safe', I have come across problems even in my own country (of course statistically speaking this makes sense as it is where I have spent the most time) and cannot imagine I would throw my usual caution or common sense to the wind just because I move somewhere else!

I dont want to make the move with my eyes closed so of course I am seeking as much insight as possible!

[sesyeux]

[Skyte]

[busanliving]

Bad stuff can happen however it is much safer for me here than back home, I walk around at night as a girl on my own with no problems. The ratio of things happening to foreign women here is a lot less than most other countries. Verbally you may get comments, I am often asked if I am Russian and ie a prostitute, I just tell them no and sound offended.

[wonduhbread]

They're just pointing out your use of the phrase "all intensive purposes." As you're using it, you probably meant to say "all intents and purposes."

It's ok- there's a name for that:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggcorn

[ZIFA]

Rape is a low priority crime in Korea, very under-reported, and probably more common than most people would think... however..this:

[stevieg4ever]

Hi Skyte

The posters who quoted you below are trying to accentuate the irony of a prospective English teacher making mistakes in their posts. Pay no attention to them whatsoever.