Korean Job Discussion Forums

[robyn1882]

Hi Guys,
I know dress codes are different depending on the school. However, my school has said there is absolutly no dress code. I can wear jeans and knee length skirts. However, my boyfriend is wondering if this means he can wear board shorts. You know, the ones with the big Hawian flowers. He has many pairs and thought with a solid color polo shirt that might be OK. OR should he buy like khaki shorts and things. Does no dress code really mean no dress code, or will we be suprised??

[BigBuds]

If that's the case, then i think G-strings and nipple tassels all the way.

[Natalia]

We have a dress code, but the director is the only one who follows it.

I think maybe the board shorts is pushing it a little.

[xCustomx]

usually in the summer i wear tshirts and khaki cargo shorts with white tennis shoes. i would just ask your director what is ok with her, specifically...im pretty happy my director does not make me wear khakis or dress shirts

[jacl]

If you're going to be a clown, you might as well play the part.

Maybe your boyfriend could ride into the classroom on his skateboard shouting, "Cowabunga, dude!"

[robyn1882]

You know we considered this but his skatebored wouldn't fit in his suitcase. Believe it or not his surfbored wouldn't either. Go figure!! Nice to know people with such stereotypical attitudes might be teaching small children. Hang ten dude!!

[bellum99]

Koreans respect people based on a class system. You will notice respect for you will decrease as you look less and less professional. I would not allow respect for me to fall too low or they feel free to do what they want (screw with vacations, not pay last month salary, etc).
If your boyfriend is a teacher and expects respect in Korea then he has to look the part. Many benefits including more money go with the respect...tell him to think about it.

[poet13]

For most of my first year, I wore long pants and button or polo shirts. Now that they know me, know that I am a good teacher, and a professional.....cargo shorts, running shoes, short sleeve button or polo shirts. No t-shirts though, and NEVER dirty or wrinkled. I shave and shower every day, no matter how hung over.

[PRagic]

"...if your boyfriend is a teacher and expects respect in Korea then he has to look the part."

Classic! Yeah, until they find out he is a hakwon instructor, at which point any respect will instantly vanish!

In the Korean respect chain, hakwon teachers are just right above shoe salesmen; both have their B.A.s, and neither could get a job doing anything else!

The key to respect in Korea is knowing where you fit in in the hierarchy and accepting it, a trait most westerners have a tough time accomodating.

[bellum99]

[Demophobe]

[plattwaz]

[PRagic]

I agree. Dressing for success and professionalism is better. By doing so, you will elevate yourself to equal respect status on par with the well dressed shoe salesman. This is, of course, far better than be placed in the same respect category as the poorly dressed, hung over shoe salesman.

Teaching at a hakwon is what it is. Not a bad thing to do for a year or two, but then get out. Don't go dropping a load on your wardrobe, especially if you'll be teaching kids, college students, or outside of Seoul.

[poet13]

For my first few days with the wee little ones I wore a dress shirt, slacks and a tie. Scared 'em so bad they couldnt use the little english they already knew. I think (when dealing with ids at that age), that your appearance gives the students a sense of more or less accessiblility. I also agree with the other posters that in a higher level environment that you are judged as a professional or not by your appearance...

[SuperHero]