Korean Job Discussion Forums

oxfordstu · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Location: Bangkok

I did a search for this and it came back with over 2000 matches. So I'm asking here --- what is the dress code for teachers in public schools? I'll be teaching middle school. Suit? Tie and a shirt? Slacks? I have 'em all, but I'd rather not bring a slew of suits if I don't need them. Thanks.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Follow the male Korean teachers' lead. Have at least several suits on hand. A shirt / sweater and blazer is usually good for winter and a collared shirt usually good for summer. But have at least several dressy outfits on hand.

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

It depends on each principal.

I didn't wear a suit once though I did wear dress shirts almost every day.

Come summer, I could get away with a couple t-shirts a week (and STILL dress better than most of hte female teachers)

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

I've never worn a suit. Just isn't necessary. I wear slacks, dress shirt and a sweater. Everything clean and pressed, now that's important.

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

I have noticed the male Korean teachers dress to a pretty high standard. I think a sport coat / blazer is needed at a minimum. A nice sweater with a tie under and dress slacks works well this time of year.

jaderedux · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Lurking outside Seoul

I have been at a public school for 6 years. I suggest business casual. Polo type shirts are fine. Men seem to dress up a bit more than the women. I tend to wear skirts.

Jade

poet13 · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 4:22 am Post subject:

I dress to my colleagues. Suit and tie, or jacket and one of those half turtleneck thingies (don't know what it's called, but it looks kind of classy/artsy). The only person who gets away with less is the PE teacher.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

So I should own some sort of jacket at least then?

I never wear suits. Every time I buy one it ends up being thrown out a year or so later without being used.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 2:20 pm Post subject:

Yes, at least bring/buy a jacket and tie for ceremonial days. Depending on your school, most of the time 'smart casual' will suffice - especially in the summer when it's too hot for ties.

One of those weird, cultural things about Korea is that male public school teachers are expected to uphold a higher standard of dress than females.

VanIslander