Korean Job Discussion Forums

jrabernethy · Joined: 14 Jul 2010

There is a potential position in Gwacheon that I'm looking at, but while the school is in Gwacheon, the apartment is in Anyang.

Also, they want me to pay 80,000 won for the housing since its over their budget.

All of this sounds extremely sketchy, so I have to wonder, is this sort of thing typical, or is this kind of a bad deal? I thought I read somewhere that GEPIK teachers were supposed to get housing within walking distance.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

It depends on what kind of apartment it is and your overall contract agreement. Typically, no, they have to get you 100% an apartment, then you pay bills and apartment managing costs (between 30,000 to 100,000).

If they pay for transportation, take that into account. There are too many unknown variables.

If you can, you should visit Anyang. See if you like it. The good thing is it is outside of Seoul and very close. The first time, it was too crowded for me. After that, it wasn't too bad.

Unless you have a better offer, I would worry more about the job. What is the school like? Who do you teach? Look at all of it, not just this 80,000 per month aspect.

Let us know more.

jrabernethy · Joined: 14 Jul 2010

The job is at a public middle school. Are all public school positions typically the same?

They haven't mentioned anything about paying my transportation, so I don't think that's included. I definitely have no way of really visiting the place before I go.

I'm kind of leaning against taking it. They want me there in early June, and I was really hoping to use June/July to settle my affairs in the States first. I was just really hoping for a Gyeonggi position, but I'm trying to talk to other recruiters to see what they can do for me.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

nathanrutledge · Joined: 01 May 2008 Location: Marakesh

Well, it's possible that the school IS in walking distance of the apartment. Gwacheon and Anyang sit next to each other. Judging by your post, you aren't here in Korea? Cities in Korea are not like cities in the United States. Provinces are broken into cities OR counties (the difference is the population), so one side of the street could be Gwacheon and the other side could be Anyang. It's like major metropolitan areas back home.

Second, on GEPIK contracts, they usually ask do you want a place near a subway station or near the school. Many schools will just keep the same apartment that the old teacher was using, thus shafting people on that decision. But Anyang is a nice area, and you'd probably be in the north eastern side which is a bit less hectic.

Still, more information would be helpful. Personally, I'd turn down any GEPIK job that said I had to pay extra for the apartment. Or I'd take the 400 monthly allowance and get my own place (not really an option for you if you don't have a deposit and a place to stay when you get here.) I found out what my school pays for my shoebox and what deposit they put down... I'd be miles ahead if I'd taken allowance!

Evil or Very Mad

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

nathanrutledge · Joined: 01 May 2008 Location: Marakesh

jrabernethy · Joined: 14 Jul 2010

Yes, The apartment is in northeast Anyang. The school and apartment are about 4 stations away from each other, if I understand it correctly.

I'm trying to find out more about the position, but seriously speaking, I don't think I'll be ready to work in June. I just have too much to take care of here before I leave, and realistically speaking, I probably shouldn't be looking to leave until at least July. I won't even have my M.A. in my hands until August.

Somebody was telling me that with my qualifications and the fact that I'm trying to make this a career, I might do better finding a job at a respectable Hagwon (like in Gangnam) or university position. But the listings all seem to require professional teaching experience of which I have 0 years (all I have is volunteer and practicum experience).

I'm not familiar with the market, but I've read something that university positions start opening up in June. Anybody familiar with this?

I'm thinking I should bide my time, and make sure I'm positive about my leaving date before I make a decision. I was just thinking I might need to start looking now, since EPIK is starting in a few days.

If I apply to EPIK, do I have to sign a contract right away, or can I wait and see if I can get a better position first and have EPIK as a backup plan?