Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Natebomb]

Alright, I've gotten my passport and now I'm wondering where to go from here. Well, I've got a decent idea, but I need a push in the right direction. I'd like to be in Korea with a job in a month's time. Is this do able? Should I go through a recruiter and let them do most the work or should I apply directly to the schools?? Do I need a visa before I leave? And what would be considered a decent starting salary, I'm seeing mainly around 2.0mil......

[SuperFly]

If you have access to about 3 grand (that's a highball-you don't actually need that much cabbage), you can go to Korea and seek out a good school (There are quite a few) then fly over to Osaka or Fukoka and do your work visa there.

Think about it. A lot of people do this.

Based on the sheer number of complaints I've seen/heard in the past ten years...why trust a school/recruiter in this business that you haven't even had a chance to check out yet?

All you need is a round trip ticket and a little walking around money.

[Natebomb]

Access to 3 grand is not an option. Do I need the visa before I get there? How long is that process?

[laogaiguk]

[alabamaman]

You could come over to Korea next week if you wanted to, but that's not the best idea. Take your time in finding the school right for you, signing a good contract, being placed in an area you want to be in, what hours you want to teach, and really thinking about what age group you want to teach. I would suggest getting your E2 Visa before you come over, but that's my take on the matter. You can avoid a few problems.

I'm glad you asked the question about a starting salary. Don't settle for a salary 2 million won!

Don't limit yourself to one recruiter if you so choose to use one. I usually lambast recruiters, but these folks are good.

A4 Education Inc. Korea
Duff Recruiting
Worknplay
Footprints

contract guidelines for hagwons {not for adults/universities/etc.}

(a) monthly wage / overtime
Don't settle for less than 2 million won per month
20,000 KRW per hour on 2 million won per month

(b) hours worked and when and what constitutes an 'hour'
Have your working hours defined in your contract!
Alot of teachers aim for the six hour shifts (2-8, 3-9, 4-10)

(c) holiday and annual leave provisions
Your entitled to all Korean National Holidays
Annual leave: 10 days of paid leave( Weekend days don't count)

(d) health insurance and deductions
Korean National Health Insurance Plan
Employer deducts 2.24% from your monthly salary and pays to NHIC
Employer pre-pays three month lump sum payments to NHIC
(2.24% x monthly salary x 3) = employer's lump sum payments
Payments pay insurance premiums
You are required as of January 2006 to be enrolled in National Healthcare Plan... If employers say otherwise (they are full of themselves)
http://www.nhic.or.kr/wbe/faq/faq.html

(e) accommodation
*furnished private apartment (Single - not shared!)
*They provide bed, desk, closet, table, TV, washing machine, clothes rack, pots, pans, dishes, phone, fridge, stove, airconditioner, fan and a heating system that are in good condition.
*Utilities are paid by the employee.

(f) contract length
One year unless you sign a 6 month contract elsewhere....

(g) salary deductions
Income taxes
http://nts.go.kr/front/service/refer_cal/gani/refer_gani_eng.asp
korean pension fund
http://www.nps4u.or.kr/eng/enpsk.html?code=./enpsk/a02.html

(h) pension contribution and return of said pension contribution at the end of contract
http://www.npc.or.kr/social/index_en.html
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=45302

(i)Airfare
Roundtrip airfare from and to the nearest international airport to your home, or cash equivalent

[Natebomb]

Ok, sounds good. So, how do I go about applying for an E2 visa from here, (Canada)?

[Yu_Bum_suk]

The next things you'll need are some notarised copies of your uni degree and a bunch of transcripts. Then you're set to work anywhere from kindergarten to university (though 95% of the offers you'll get will be from crap hogwans).

[Natebomb]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[ttompatz]

[Natebomb]

Alright, thanks guys! I will review the FAQ again. In terms of finding a job, what other sites do you guys recommend? I know Dave's job board is extensive, but there must be another gem or two out there?

[Homer]

I agree with alabamaman except on the salary issue.

Before you refuse to settle for 2.0 million won per month...make sure to know what you are worth on the market.

If you have no teaching experience and a B.A. in a non-education field then 2.0 million won is pretty much par for the course. What you do have to watch is the number of classes you have to teach for that 2.0 million won...this is where the negociation bit comes into play (to an extent of course).


If you want solid advice on a job you are considering, contact the current (and if possible former) foreign teachers there and ask them your questions. They can give you the lowdown on the conditions at the school.

Oh and I would suggest you get your work visa done before coming over to Korea. It is, in my opinion, the simplest way to do things. This is easy and it takes about 2-3 weeks after you accept a job.

To speed things up make sure you have the following docs ready:

Sealed Transcripts.

Notarized copy of your original diploma (you could get several done).

Passeport sized pictures.

Don't wait until you get a job offer to gather those..do it now it will save you time.

Also, locate the nearnest Korean embassy/consulate as they will process your visa application and notarize your degree.