Korean Job Discussion Forums

[miniD]

Here's the story: I was born in Korea and adopted at birth by a family in New York. Since my family has ignored my background entirely, now that I am an adult, I would love to visit the country and learn about its culture, history, language, etc. Teaching ESL sounded like a great way to do so, especially since I've been trying to figure out what I'd like to do with my life professionally and have been thinking a lot about teaching (I have a Bachelor's in Psychology and recently acquired a TEFL certificate). I say 'sounded' because that was before I did a lot of reading and research online and found out that gyopos have such a hard time finding work. Being that I have no teaching experience, speak no Korean and want to work in a smaller city than Seoul (I have asthma to boot), I am wondering if I've prepped for my trip (getting an F4 Visa, shots, TEFL, saving $, etc.) only to arrive in Korea to face a huge ordeal.

My question is whether or not it will be possible for me to get around Korea looking Korean and not speaking the language in search of work. Also, what about gyopos working in smaller cities: is it more or less difficult for them to find work and deal with the lack of foreigners? Any suggestions on location?

Since I have to make my way to Korea on my own, I was thinking about trying for camp jobs upon arrival for a quick intro to teaching and immersion, do they hire gyopos. Any suggestions for this as well?

Info or advice about any of these questions, and whatever else you think I'll need, would be greatly appreciated for the ability to live and work in Korea means a lot to me. I've learned a lot already from these forums so thanks a bunch!

[Real Reality]

Many Korean-Americans born and/or living abroad (and citizens of another country) do not realize that they may be considered a Korean national and will be subject to Korean military obligation under Korean law. For example, let's say you were born in the United States to Korean national parents and as a result, you automatically acquired U.S. citizenship. Unknown to you, your birth in the United States was recorded in your Family Register in Korea by your grandfather in Korea. This makes you a dual citizen and subject to Korean military obligation. There has been instances where a dual citizen born in the United States and have been residing in the United States has been drafted into Korean military!
http://www.korealaw.com/content/immigration/Immigration01_02.asp?cate=31

Korean-American Forced to Serve in Military
Kang came back to live in his motherland when he was 32 years old after both his parents passed away in the U.S. "I knew any male had to serve in the military (in Korea), but I thought the age limit was 32. My pastor also told me that I'd be exempt from the Korean military service because I served in the U.S. military," Kang said. However, when Kang tried to apply for his citizen's registration card, he found out that he was still required to serve out his mandatory two years as the Defense Ministry had changed their age limit to 35 a few years ago. The government pays him 26,000 won a month ($21) and some 110,000 won for lunch and transportation.
by Byun Duk-kun, Korea Times (December 12, 2003)
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200312/kt2003121218123212020.htm

The accidental citizen soldier: Young Jin Chun is an American by birth but he's been plucked by the South Korean army for a two-year stint
By JOHN IWASAKI, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER (April 8, 2004)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/168210_korean08.html

[miniD]

thanks real reality but i've got boobs

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Allright, more boobs!

[crazylemongirl]

Can't answer your question about gypos but as an asthmatic I didn't find seoul that bad. Infact my asthma cleared up! Make sure that you have a good supply of meds with you and check the faq forum.

[Ryst Helmut]

[Sleepy in Seoul]

I think you may find that many Koreans might find it difficult to undrstand that you don't understand Korean. As a foreigner and not knowing a whole lot of grammar, it can make for some pretty funny situations when shopping etc. But because I am obviously a foreigner, allowances are made for me. But if you look Korean, they may expect you to understand.

Good luck with it Korea is certainly an interesting place and I hope you'll like it

[the eye]

i have a canadian gyopo friend here, who is finding it extremely difficult to find a good job. most schools will not hire her because she is korean by birth. they want a white face.
other schools give her bum deals...no air, no vacation, low salary...

mind you, she has been looking for work in smaller cities, and therefore will face more resistance there, as compared to Seoul. she has an interview in Seoul this week, but she has been hunting for a month so far with nothing to show for it.

you can contact her via private message. her moniker is JennyC.

i also have a chinese american co-worker who is often mistaken for being korean BY KOREANS. she gets spoken to, in korean, all the time.

[Real Reality]

miniD,

You are welcome. I am sure you believe in equal rights, right? Perhaps, you should see if you can enlist. After all, men and women deserve equal and fair treatment. Don't you want to receive 26,000 won a month ($21) and some 110,000 won for lunch and transportation?

[mindmetoo]

[miniD]

Haha thanks mindmetoo. Realreality an idiot? Maybe. But he definately suffers from boob envy.
Totally understandable.

So do you think there is a good chance that I may not find a teaching job? With an F4 visa, I could work elsewhere but are there other good jobs for foreigners? Although teaching was the aim too... [/quote]

[mithridates]

I like Real Reality. He can be a bit much when new to the board but I like how he posts things that don't have any relevance to the subject at hand.
Being a gyopo is harder at first, and most people will have a hard time believing that your Korean isn't as good as they'd like it to be. On the other hand you shouldn't have the annoying experience of having everybody and their dog trying to practice English on you.
The site www.koreajoblink.com often has positions that specifically want gyopos though.

[ThisCharmingMan]

It's always going to be a little bit tougher for a gyopo, but learn to never compromise and feel a little blessed to have that "I can walk out anytime or maybe a little private on the side" F-4 Visa.

[yomuthabyotch]

Man... after reading some of the posts, I'm starting to get my own fears and doubts about being a gyopo teacher in Korea. I don't have boobs, but DO I have family in Gangnam, so maybe a little nepotism can be a good thing...?

[fidel]

Unless all these posters are gyopos then take their posts with a grain of salt. They don't have first hand knowledge and are relying on popular myths and third hand experiences.