Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Katty89]

I'm a Canadian interested in going to Korea on a working holiday visa next year sometime.

I haven't finished my degree yet, so I know for sure I won't be allowed to teach English. But I'm wondering what kinds of jobs would be available then? I've asked around my friends and everyone seems to know a friend of a friend who has done a working holiday in Korea...but without being completely fluent in Korea, what other jobs are available?

I really want to do the working holiday before I finish my degree as it will influence what kinds of courses I will take. I can continue working on my degree while I'm in Korea. I've been in love with Korean culture for 10 years and I've tried teaching in China before, so I'm a little wary of waiting until I finish school and then maybe finding out I dislike Korea. I did enjoy aspects of living in China, but my only trip to Korea was for 3 days. I just really want to find out before I make a much longer commitment. I can always come home at any time on a working holiday visa but not so much after signing a contract.

Anyone ever actually DO a working holiday in Korea?? I've asked around but all I ever hear is "a friend of a friend did it....." and not really any more info on it.

[ttompatz]

If you have finished 2 or more years of your undergrad you can get onto the TaLK or Internship programs.

With a working holiday visa (limited hours of work) you can legally work in tourism (dancer/actor at places like Everland), hospitality (hotel and restaurant), or anything else you are actually qualified by experience or training to do (other than work in a bar or brothel).

In truth however, a large number of H1 holders end up working part-time in various hagwans (often kindy hagwans) and/or camps during the summer and winter breaks.

Camps are fine (and legal) as long as you are a "camp worker" and not an "English teacher".

Work in the shops of the "English villages" is also acceptable (they want English speakers but usually hire East Europeans for the white face and because of the low wages (usually about 5000 won per hour)).

.

[Katty89]

Thanks, that was really helpful!
I know I won't be able to make much, and I'm cool with that. I'm out for the experience mostly.
And sadly, I transferred to a university that was much more accommodating to working adults and a lot of my courses wouldn't transfer so I'm not exactly sure where I'll be standing in terms of actually finishing the 2nd year or not by the time I want to go...But I'm hoping TALK will be an option for me after the working holiday year if I do really enjoy Korea.