Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Faron]

Seems like a good read for new people interested in teaching and might answer some basic questions they might have. I believe the income tax percentage is wrong and it takes a while to load if your connection is crap.

http://www.englishteachingkorea.com/EnglishTeachingKorea.pdf

[Hotpants]

...written by a recruiter.

A basic primer, but rather distant and sanitized 'no kids are bad' (pg 22) from the actuality of many of the teaching jobs. I think it could be a chapter from 'Dummies Guide to Korea'. Certainly the writer has no idea of Korean martial arts: 'Hapkido (the art of sword fighting)' (pg 22). Also, the 'Lonely Plant' reference (pg 24) as well as other typos.

[stevemcgarrett]

Dear OP,

Thanks for the laugh. I mean, did you really expect us to swallow this horse manure?

Quote 1: "Korean people are amongst the friendliest and good natured people in Asia."
Response: Really? Guess you haven't spent much time in Thailand or China, or even Japan, for that matter. I have heard more complaints
about the aloofness, xenophobia, and racism of Koreans than any other Asians, and I have taught in three Asian countries and traveled extensively. I've even heard this acknowledged from gyopos and Western men married to Koreans. Give us a break.

Quote 2: "They are nearly always there to help a foreigner who is lost or in difficulty."
Response: I won't challenge this statement other than to say it's hard for most to do that since they either don't know or won't use English.

Quote 3: "Koreans are the tallest of the Asian races and are known throughout Asia for their good looks..."
Response: Uh, sorry, but northern Chinese are at least as tall on average if not moreso. Ever heard of Yao Ming? As for 'good looks,' I suppose that's a matter of personal taste. Some Korean women are stunningly beautiful, to be sure, but I've seen more bow-wows here than anywhere else in Asia. And how would we know anyhow considering the goop they plaster on their faces, even shaving off eyebrows. Spare us the exotic touch.

Quote 4: "... and the wave of Korean pop culture that has seen Korean actors, singers and soaps make it big in countries like Japan and China."
Response: While true that they've gained popularity in East Asia, they have hardly replaced local talent. The Chinese in particular would rather set their gaze on Taiwanese and Hong Kong--even Malaysians artists. And have a very robust mainland artist community, thank you very much. The Chinese film industry is light years ahead and more avant garde in Europe. As for shows, a few good historical soaps but the game shows are the dumbest I've ever seen anywhere. Can you say inane kitsch?

Quote 5: "Unlike most other Asian countries, there are no sellers or hawks in Korea. Traders in general are honest and friendly."
Response: Yeah, and I'm purple. I've been quoted higher prices in small shops just because I am a foreigner, including the supposedly more cosmopolitan cities. I get unsolicted mail on my door every day, unsolicited calls and little trucks coming by at all hours blaring their megaphones to announce their fruits and vegetables, which you seldom get in China and Japan. Maybe they can't hawk on the street because they have to step over all the drunks. Corruption in Korea is rampant and makes that in the West look like child's play.

Quote 6: "Korea is the only country that I know of in Asia where it's usual to get 'special treatment' because you are a foreigner..."
Response: Uh, guess you haven't been to China or the Philippines, or Thailand for that matter. Nice try. In fact, all East Asian peoples give foreigners special treatment, but it's a double-edged sword for most and comes with double standards in certain situations. Don't be duped.

Quote 7: "Because of the lack of a tourist industry in Korea, foreigners are still somewhat of a rarity."
Response: I'm in Daejeon and we're not a rarity here and most are very aloof, as I've already mentioned. And, no, it's not just me. I've heard this from veteran teachers in Korea, too. There is a strong sense of class hierarchy, of looking down on non-Koreans too. But there is indeed respect for teachers in the classroom, although it doesn't always extend to study habits."

And then there is the matter of recruiters air brushing the situation and, lest we forget, the grossly inadequate variety of dishes in the local cuisine. I like kimchi but not every day. Bulgogi has nothing on Peking duck and the seasoning comes in about ten kinds only. Insipid and boring, or hot and similar.

[Faron]

Yes I know it is very positive about Korea(saying this in a nice way), but it gives people interested in teaching some basic things such as difference in schools, pension, contracts, etc.

[that guy]

That was, well interesting.

This might be a bit more realistic.

http://outsideinkorea.com/inside/2006/06/teaching_in_korea_the_skinny.php

(not my blog)

[chronicpride]

We added some new articles to our ESL in Korea guide, today.

I overhauled the Contracts overview to give some more cross-cultural reference about 정 and how it still often resonates throughout Korean business mindsets.

After the big first chapter, we've also finally cut our teeth on Chapter 2.

[jajdude]

[BigBuds]

[Alias77]

On the more realistic representation page, the writer mentions a book about cultural differences called "Ugly Americans, Ugly Koreans". I tried to search for it on Amazon and my local bookseller had no listing either - anyone know if the name is incorrect? The uthor's name was not given.

[Zark]

Personally, I found the Middle East a far more difficult place to live. For my last cash infusion I returned to Korea, rather than to the ME.

Koreans are enigmatic, idiosyncratic, nutty, weird - but also quite special in their own way.

Certainly Thailand is an easier place to live - but no money here!

[dbee]

[BigBuds]