Korean Job Discussion Forums

ABCDAVE · Joined: 14 Jan 2006

I'm currently in the process of applying for a public school position, and was wondering what the typical method of payment is for the first month. Should I basically just plan on living the first month with no other money than the money I bring with me? If work starts on the 1st of the month, and payday is also the 1st, then I could see not getting paid until the following month. But, if work starts on the 1st, and payday is the 15th, should I expect to get paid by that time, during the first month of employment? Though this will most likely be spelled out clearly in the contract, I just thought I could get a heads-up on it.

With that being said, if I were to live in Korea for 2 months before receiving a paycheck, how much money should I bring? (During this two month time, housing will be covered, and I will of course be living rather conservatively)

Thoughts?

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

You should probably ask your school about this, but it's pretty common to go as long as 5 weeks before your first payday.

In my opinion, it would be ideal to come here with at least $1000 to live on, plus enough money for a plane ticket home in case there are serious problems. If you can't afford that, you could probably get by on about $500, but it wouldn't be much fun.

Hogwons are often willing to give a small advance to a new teacher, but I have no idea in the case of public schools.

rickhorton44 · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Location: Korea

definately ask your school. they are all different. at my school we get paid on the 17th of the month for the month we are working. So I worked 2 weeks then got my first paycheck Very Happy

riley · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: where creditors can find me

My situation is the same as rickhorton44 and it was a full paycheck too. Very Happy

So definitely check with your school.

ABCDAVE · Joined: 14 Jan 2006

Thanks

I sort of figured this would be a gray topic, and of course situational. But it's good to hear your thoughts and personal experiences. I guess I'll just plan on taking at least $1,000, so I won't cut myself short. In terms of the plane ticket, if things get that bad, I'll just charge it if I have to. I take it ��Visa�� works there just as it does here? (credit, not debit)