Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

I recently got wind of a job which would perhaps be the 'ultimate' in terms of being in the country and most out of the way places. It involves teaching in islands off of the south coast of Korea. It is funded by some kind of charitable agency. The islands would up to 2 hours away by boat from mainland Korea. These would be real small fishing communities. Things like 7-11s, high-speed internet, supermarkets etc. would be totally off the menu. I believe that it is just teaching children but wouldn't be surprised if some adults came into the equation.

Would you be interested in a job like that? I'm considering applying, it sounds like a unique opportunity to see some really out of the way places in Korea. I imagine it'd be somewhat like what it must have been like to be a Peace Corps volunteer back in the 60s and 70s in some of the more provincial areas of the mainland.

The pay is pretty good (2.4), vacation is so-so (20 days). It seems like the experience would be something special though.

What would you think of a job like that?

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I'd rather shut a door on my *beep*.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Well, if you're a VERY independant person and don't need many "comforts of home" or regular English-speaking contacts, it might be good. You would sure get a taste of real Korean life. It wouldn't be for most people, but if you think you can handle it, go for it!

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Bring books, board shorts, a bathing suit and money for trips to civilization. If that sounds good for a year, then hit it up.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Man..

2.4 and no Internet acces, are you fuking kidding me?

Not a chance in fiery hell I'd do that. You're talking about nothing but Korean food, probably low quality at that, no opportunities for extra money, and absolutely nothing else aside from insanity and self-flagellation for a year lost. I mean let's get real here, it's not like some crap island on the south coast of Korea is the cultural experience of a lifetime. It is not some African Peace Corps mission. It is a bullsh*t island in Korea.

I don't know, maybe go check it out in person first. No no.. DEFINITELY go check it out in person first. I've been to some really unbeleivably awful "beaches" in Korea, and damn dude.. if you're betting on the beaches being sweet and they turn out to be knee-high grass up to the shoreline.. you're in for a rough year.

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

This will be your life:

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

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

I'd be interested. I spent all my summer vacations at our summer home on an island off the Maine coast. I kinda liked the isolation (great for readers like myself) and close friendships. Also, I really miss the fishing! How can I get some info on these sort of positions?

xtchr · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

It would probably be nice to live there, but the work might be awful. I'm guessing, but you'd probably end out farmed out to countless schools, with different kids on a daily basis. You might like that, but I did it last year in a very rural area, and it was terrible. It was like starting a new job each and every day, having to meet the principal/V.P and all the teachers, and not having a clue where anything was in each school. And I never knew whether I would face a class of 4, or 40 (or 52 on the absolute worst day).

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

I went to Goje do one summer and that was plenty country for me.

Getting turned away from restaurants,full on turn the body and keep staring staring,a stalker,shitty beaches.........

A full year of it?? Confused

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

A taste of 'real Korean life'? Please. Koreans are running from those places in droves. 'Gentrified Korean life', maybe. Well over half the population has gone urban.

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

VanIslander · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:42 am Post subject:

I am jealous.

I have a 14-22 hour a week, Monday to Thursday job on the mainland with a two-bedroom apartment overlooking a beautiful river valley for 2.2 mill a month with no hassles.

And this island hopping job sounds awesome to me. Simply special.

I'd do it from this coming April to October IN A HEARTBEAT if they'd let me do a six-month contract for that time period. Otherwise, I'm tempted to just re-sign where I am, 20-30 minutes from the southern coast.

But this thread will sit with me in my daydreams and I eagerly await updates.

Roch · Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

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