Korean Job Discussion Forums

[joejohnson]

Hi all. I am a primary school teacher in my own country and want to teach in or around Seoul next September. I have to take a career break from my own job which can be extended again, so ideally I would love the option of 2 years in South Korea. I was gonna try my luck with the EPIK program but the more I think about it, the more I don't think it suits me. I want to be as near to Seoul as possible and the chances with EPIK are I could end up anywhere. I can go to Seoul in July/August but I'm wondering if there are hagwon positions for these times? And also, are all visas/jobs for 1 year only? As I'd love to do 1 year then return home for perhaps 2 months then try to go to Seoul again. Sorry about the rambling, but would love some advice.

*The reason I want to be near Seoul is that I have 2 friends that live near it.

[ttompatz]

Focus on he job and not so much the location.
Gyeonggi province (the circle shaped province surrounding Seoul) is sometimes closer to central Seoul by express buses than commuting within Seoul.

Hagwons are hiring year round.
With hagwons your options are:
1) kindy/elementary: 9am - 7pm with a couple hours off in the afternoon.
2) after school elementary/middle school ages: 3-10pm.
3) adults: ugly split shifts 6-9am, 5-10pm. You work when they aren't.
depending on the hagwon 30-45 classes (120 hours) per week.

It may or may not include 2-way airfare. Now, often "may not" if you want to work in Seoul. One way airfare is often offered.
Usually does NOT include NHIC medical (regardless of what your contract says).
Usually does not include NPS pension (refundable when you leave and matched by your employer). total will be 9% of your salary when you leave (another nice handshake that you won't get) in addition to your severance).
10-days annual vacation broken into 3 or 5 day breaks at the employers convenience.
Housing is usually minimal (225 sq.ft studio apartment).

Public school: 2 annual intakes (Feb and Aug starts).
work 8:30-4:30, M-F. 22 classes per week (40 minutes) for elementary school). Minimal extra curricular work. scheduled classes over 22 are paid extra.
More holiday time - 4 weeks (up to 6 weeks for teachers who renew).
Does include NHIC and NPS.
Airfare allowance both ways (inbound and outbound).
Usually better housing than a hagwon. (I personally never had PS housing of less than 650 sq.ft)

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