Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mike K · Joined: 18 Aug 2004

Perhaps this is a silly question, but:
When applying for jobs in Korea I initially used a picture of myself with a beard. My recruiter told me that if I had a picture of myself clean-shaven I should include that instead, since it would be easier to find a job that way. This was no problem, since I'd been planning on shaving anyway.

Now however I have my beard again, and since I start work at the beginning of September I was wondering if anyone has been treated badly on account of having facial hair, or has been asked to shave by their boss? I have a clause in my contract stating that I must maintain a neat appearance, and I was wondering if that could be used to try and force me to shave. Has anyone had problems because of having facial hair, or has anyone ever run into trouble while trying to grow facial hair while working in Korea?

I realize it's something of a trifling issue, but I just don't want to have to shave.

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Just like elsewhere in the world...use COMMON sense. Most places would not hire someone with a beard...especially a beard that is nasty looking or looks "funny."
People are funny that way...we form prejudices without giving it a second thought thinking why. And beards don't look professional to many. Especially on a teacher.
Usually people think that "he is trying to hide something" behind that beard. Maybe a ugly mug!
Anyway...in korea...most schools will NOT hire you. Especially after looking at the picture and comparing it to another applicants' picture who is beardless. Some teachers do get hired with beards and some grow them after being hired or try and grow them after being hired.
Send out resumes with and without and see the responses you get. I'll bet you get more offers beardless unless you're pretty "unhandsome!"

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:04 am Post subject:

I've rarely seen a Korean with facial hair (though I have seen a handful), so I tend to stay clean-shaven. I dabbled with some facial hair during my first contract, but I just figured that I'd rather dodge the bullet after a while.

If you're set to teach kids, you definitely want to consider shaving your beard off. I've heard some stories about the guy who took my place at my first job and was sporting a beard, and they weren't pretty.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

Depends on the beard. I maintain a some stubble but I never let it get to the grizzly bear stage. I have never had a problem from the boss over it. Then again some people can still look tidy with a neatly kept beard/stubble. I suppose it depends on how a beard looks on you, and how long you intend to grow the beard.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

I have a beard and have had no problem finding work. I am about to start my 3'rd year teaching in Korea and have had a beard everytime.

If you keep your beard clean and neat you should have no problem.

ALTHOUGH Exclamation

BE warned small children love to run their fingers through it Laughing

TJ · Joined: 10 Mar 2003

I have a beard and this is my 4th year in Korea. Never had a problem in that regard although I do keep it short and neat. Only had a couple of young kids want to touch it although an ajuma at a market was fascinated by the hair on my arm.

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

I have had a beard and never experienced any problems because of it. It can be a source of fascination for the kids. Smile

FUBAR · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: The Y.C.

I just returned from Vietnam to my middle school job sporting a beard. All the teachers like it. I told them, it is gone tomorrow, but they want me to keep it. The students are about 60/40 against it.

Like some of the other posters said, keep it clean and you will be ok.

madtinkerer · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Location: Gumi, South Korea

I've been teaching at a hagwon a little over a month now and I've had no complaints about my beard. I keep it trimmed, but it's still thick and very orange. The kids like it, the boss's wife thinks it makes me look "mysterious" and my boss himself said it's fine. I certainly do get stared at a lot, but that's only bothersome once and a while. While I do think it's important to respect the culture here, I'm not Korean so I don't consider things like facial hair rules to apply to me. If anyone gives me guff about it, I would just pull out my wallet and show them the bearded faces on all their money.