Korean Job Discussion Forums

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

This upcoming holiday in Korea- are we supposed to get small gifts for friends/co-workers? I don't want to look like a moron at work when EVERYONE else has presents for EVERYONE else and I have nothing to share.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Wylies,

I had the same question. I'm at a public school and not sure if I should buy the principals (there are three of them at my school) something. I'm going to ask one of the Korean teachers because I don't want to look like I'm sucking up either. Most likely I'll buy them something small like a bottle of red plum wine. I saw some nice gift sets at Carrefour (Lotte Department Store or E-Mart would work too).

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

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

I've been here forever and have never given nor received any Chuseok presents from individuals. I have received boxes of soap or tuna or whatever from the employing schools.

I have also never received a bonus. Those are for full-time employees.

Gift-giving is not expected.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

My wife said that public school teachers get a bonus of about 300,000 won roughly. Now, I doubt native speakers would get anything. In fact, I'd be shocked if we did.

xox · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Location: Bundang

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Last year I didn't get cash, but I got a case of SPAM from my employer.

My coteacher at a public school told me it's a nice gesture to get something small. (No need to spend a lot of money, since they're getting gifts/bribes from tons of people.) She recommended for my principals a small tea gift set. They sell them at most stores, roughly 20,000 won, and it's a canister of tea leaves with either a set of cups or (i don't know what it's called) the part where you mix leaves and water.

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

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Yesanman · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Chungnam

Chuseok gifts are generally top down. So your boss will probably give you one but you wouldn't be expected to give them one.
If you have a good relationship with someone (landlord, neighbour) or wish to cultivate a relationship with them you could buy something.
But generally you don't have to.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

Sleepy in Seoul · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 3:01 am Post subject:

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Contractually, aren't we considered teaching assistants, regardless of the hours we work (at public schools)?

Well, we are entitled to severance pay after 12 months based on our status.

I'd like a bigger piece of the pie, too, but I don't want to get into that debate right now. Sooooooo much has to change---attitudes and perceptions of foreign teachers, hiring practices, screening proceseses, etc.---for any sort of large scale bonus system to happen.

I'm not saying my coworkers are workaholics, but they do have more classes and more paperwork. That in and of itself doesn't justify an extra 10 grand a year (not including other yearly gifts/bribes), but I can just imagine the looks I'd get at the office if I got a fat envelope from the boss.

500th post

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

I like money, but it's not everything. I'm thrilled that my boss chats with me and makes an effort to use English. I'm also really happy that I have a decent apartment, which adds up to a few thousand dollars a year. (Yeah, I know supply-and-demand dictates that, but I'm trying to not be cynical.) Also, they outfitted my place with brandnew furniture and appliances: another few thousand each year.

Things tend to even out, and my life becomes a lot easier if I don't count the ways I'm treated like a white person.