Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Matt_22]

After dealing with a variety of unfortunate circumstances I've finally decided to come to Korea and look for a job in-person. I'm hoping to find one in Ilsan, but I'm worried that solely looking in Ilsan would be putting all my eggs in one basket. What if no decent jobs are available there now?

Also, I've heard that staying in a goshiwon is the thing to do, but should I go ahead and purchase a cell phone once I arrive in Korea as well? Just to stay in contact with the schools I apply to? And would it be smart to purchase a certain bus/subway pass once I arrive? It doesn't seem as easy like in Thailand where you can rent a motorbike for five bucks and cruise around to every prospective employer.

Anyway, if anyone has any advice, please let me know.

[spliff]

Yes and Yes..

[stevenisi]

Jobs are alway available just a matter of finding them. I would email some recruiters beforehand and tell them you are coming so they can line you up with some school visits.

A recruiter can't screw you if you're actually visiting the school.. or can they..

[ella]

I've been in Seoul a week and haven't had any luck. Make sure you bring plenty of money to support yourself indefinitely while you're looking. No one is negotiating at the moment, everyone I've met with has been take-it-or-leave-it, be prepared for that.

[waltjocketty]

I'm living in Ilsan and there are definitely schools that are hiring. That said, check out work n play if you have a minute, so you can see what's available.

[ella]

Places are always "hiring." That doesn't necessarily mean you want to work there. Big difference...

[wylies99]

A job in a hogwan? No problem
A good job in a hogwan? Well, I'll let the emoticon say it. Emoticon-

[Fresh Prince]

The best jobs in Korea go to those with teaching experience in Korea. Aside from that there are a lot of jobs out there. You may have to start out in a hogway like everyone else.

It's not hard to find a decent job. If your looking for the perfect job, that is a difficult task. We all put our hogwan time in.

[blahblah]

Ilsan has tons of hagwons looking for teachers. (not necessarily good ones.)
Pick the one that has a lot teachers and good salary. Ask the expats working there.
Have the hagwon director take care of housing, cell phone, anything else...

In terms of transportation, get a "T-Money" card.
I think it costs 1,500 won.
You can use it for the bus, subway, and trains.
If you use the card you get 100 won off your fare.
So it is well worth it.

There are lots of buses that go to Shinchon (Yonsei University).
Madu and Baek Sek stations are both in Ilsan. They are on subway line number 3.
Cab fare (not during rush hour) to Shinchon is about 13,000 won.

Cost of living is cheaper in Ilsan than Seoul.
But make sure Ilsan is the type of city you want to live.