Korean Job Discussion Forums

billyg · Joined: 16 Feb 2005

I'm a elementary school substitute teacher here in the states and I have tattoos, three or four on each arm (below the sleeve). Obviously, I wear long-sleeve shirts to work and it's never been a problem. Occasionally, the ones visible on my wrist will be seen, at which time, I simply address that it's a tattoo and that I have a bunch and then we move on with the lesson. That's the extent of an interruption it creates, if that happens at all.
I was honest about this with the last hogwon I tried to negotiate a contract with and they said that as long as I covered them up, there would be no problem. I wonder if this had something to do with the job falling through though?

Should I remain honest with the schools beforehand or just show up and keep them covered?

Is being honest going to keep me from getting a job?

Thanks for the help.

GRich · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Location: your face

I too have run into this with the Tattoo issue.

I have one on the back of head (and I shave my head all the time), and one on my elbow. They are smaller tattoos for sure, and I had little to no trouble with having them in Korea. It is weird, I don't have forearm tattoos, but, I still wear long sleeve shirts all the time to due my (not that) hairy arms.

If I were you, I would just leave it be that you have tattoos. There is a chance they would decide not to hire you if you came out and told them, but assume that you will always cover them up while in class. I don't know if it would be the Hagwon owners that would care so much, or if it would be the parents calling in saying their kids were talking about tattoos.

But, on that note, i think most of my school has seen the I-Ching on the back of my head now, and not a single person has complained, and no parents have called in out of concern. *knock on wood.

Good luck.

-THGP

[www.thgp.net]

John Henry · Joined: 24 Sep 2004

Dude, you tattooed the I Ching on your head?

GRich · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Location: your face

*yeh

this one:

(...pic is a little messed up though...)

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Everyone probably just assumes that's a bar code.

OP, I don't think it's necessary to inform prospective employers that you have tattoos. As long as you keep your shirt on, it won't really become an issue.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Do tattoos affect your teaching? Hell no!

I have tattoos and most of the teachers and students know. On my days off I wear a muscle shirt(no sleeves) and they have seen them.

I dont think its an issue for foriegners.

harixseldon · Joined: 27 Nov 2004 Location: Anseong

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

I have a big Polynesian gecko tattooed all around my left arm; picked it one summer awhile back in Moorea when I was sailing through French Polynesia.

I'm always upfront with prospective employers (as well as gyms and jjinjilbangs, as some of them have a strict no tattoos policy). Actually I've found their initial reaction a good indicator of future trustworthiness. In my almost two years in Korea, I've only had two schools outright refuse to hire me because of having a tattoo. My current "private" high school said it was fine, as long as I wore a long sleeve shirt and kept it covered up while in school.

As far as teaching, having a tattoo is actually a plus, as it ups your coolness in some students' eyes. (and scares others)

wanderer · Joined: 25 May 2003

animalbirdfish · Joined: 04 Feb 2004

I don't see why you have to tell them about the tats. Say you've got one on your butt, they'd never know and your teaching wouldn't be affected. So long as you always cover them, it's not a problem. I have 'em on my shoulders - easily covered even by a simple t-shirt - but occasionally kids see them, want to look and then we move on. Never had a problem, but neither have I have told a prospective boss about them pre-hire.

billyg · Joined: 16 Feb 2005

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

It probably depends a lot on the director. If he's old school, you might find a frosty response. It is another culture. This culture still tends to view tats as gang symbols and reacts accordingly. This is a culture where everyone has to be the same and anyone being different is the nail sticking up out of the wood higher. It's begging to be hammered down.

Imagine a German exchange teacher showing up wearing a ball gag or something bondage related at your American public school. "Well, in Gemany, this is quite normal..."

Kids might complain a lot to their mothers. Or they might find it amusing. You never know. Some students are freaked out by my chest hair.

You made your choice. Don't be surpised if not everyone in the world is hip to your mode of free expression. You might find you'll be trying to bang a round peg into a square hole, trying to change Korean culture to suit your career ambition.

billyg · Joined: 16 Feb 2005

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Dont sweat it. I work in a public school and they know I have tattoo's and they dont have a problem with it. Be upfront with them and chances are it will never become an issue.

If you do want your tat's removed Korea is one of the leading countries for dealing with tattoo removal(its kind of an overlap of the mole/blemish/scar removal business) Many dermatologist advertise tattoo removal.