Korean Job Discussion Forums

[VS12]

I'm applying for jobs in Korea right now and I have no idea what I should be asking for money wise. I have a bachelor of arts majoring in Linguistics, TESL certification concurrent with my degree and two years ESL teaching experience here in Canada. One recruiter I have been talking to said that I can expect to make around 2.1 million won and most schools only pay 2.2 million if you have an education degree. This doesn't sound quite right to me! Can anyone tell me what I can expect to make my first time in Korea with the qualifications that I have? I have no idea what I should be asking for! It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[edwardcatflap]

Have a look at the job ads on this site to get an idea of what employers require and what they're prepared to pay. That's the best indication.

[northway]

The recruiter is full of it, everyone I know who has started at a hagwon has received at least 2.2. The offers for 2.1 are out there, but you don't have to take them. The market is depressed, but I don't believe that it's that bad.

[VS12]

thanks for the advice! I think I have a bit better idea of how much to expect!

[bobbybigfoot]

2.1 to 2.3 is the newbie range. Same as it was when I got here back in 2007. Except inflation has struck (I remember buying tuna gimbap for 1500 and now I pay 3500) and the won is worth about 30% less.

So basically, in 2007 dollars, the newbie salary has dropped to about 1.5 million a month, to be honest.

[The Sultan of Seoul]

[mohair_blues]

a word of advise as you go ahead with your job search: TALK TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES/TEACHERS of schools offering you a position ... it'll save you a lot of future problems

[VS12]

[mikeyvinkorea]

VS 12...if you dont care where you work, check out my post about Gangjin. The money will be more than anywhere else in Korea for a first timer. I currently teach there and I love it. The only draw back is the location. Small town but not far from big city (hour from Gwangju & 45 mins. from Mokpo) I believe they are starting at 2.5 with extra work available. On a full day (with my extra work I still work less than I did when I worked 40 hrs a week back home.

[Troglodyte]

Just ask the school to put you in touch with some current AND FORMER teachers. Email is best because then you can arrange to call them when they don't have the boss standing next to them.

Remember to ask for contacts for former teachers as well. Sometimes current teachers will say great things about the school because they are being coerced into saying something good and helping to get another sucker to accept work there. Former teachers (who have been gone at least a couple of months) will likely give you a more reliable opinion than a current teacher might.