Korean Job Discussion Forums

[La Gringa]

I have finally made the decision to come to work in Korea.
I have seen the horror stories and the happy endings of working there.
I have contacted recruiters and schools directly.

I still don't know if it's wiser just to use a recruiter and come over with airfare and an apartment set up, or fly over and start shopping jobs/apartments.

Comments? Suggestions?

[laogaiguk]

[paintman321]

Both times I've come over to Korea and then found a job.

With the first I got a job at a hogwan, they didn't reimburse the airfare, but paid for a trip out of korea to get the visa.

The second was at a public school, they reimburse the airfare and give you a settlement allowance which pays pretty much for the trip to Japan for the visa. With a hogwon you can probably do the same, just be firm, there's a ton of jobs here.

I was happy both times that I was here and able to check out the apartment, city and schools before. I had a better idea of what I was getting into. Both times we took about a week or 2 weeks before settling on a job. If you come get a pre-paid cellphone so you can be contacted. The biggest expense will be hotel stays. We were able to find motels for about 20,000 won to 30,000 won a night.

Good luck

[pkang0202]

I got a job after coming here too. My airfare WASN'T reimbursed because I came here on my own. Getting a job while you are here will let you see and check out potential job sites firsthand.

The bad part is the money you will spend while you are waiting to get the job. If you have a good amount put away then come on over.

[gyopogirlfromtexas]

I want to work in June, so I think I may be flying myself in mid May sometime. I guess the visa takes 10 days, mine will be f-4. I think in some ways, it can be better for me to come early because I can stay with my brother, grandparents, or cousins. So I can party and relax for awhile.

Do you think if I apply before I arrive or as soon as I arrive, maybe the place I work for will reimburse my ticket? I've been looking onlin e and the cheapest I can find is $640-700 after tax, but it only costs around a grand for a roundtrip? Any special sites you guys are using for cheap flights?

[Bibbitybop]

I came here and still contacted recruiters for help (only the reliable ones like footprints, worknplay, etc.)

I could've secured my job from the states by contacting them a couple months of before I came. But it was an adventure showing up with no job, then landing a great one.

[djsmnc]

One pro of setting it up at home is that you'll have a job when you arrive.

One con of not setting it up at home will be that you won't have a job when you arrive.


Bet you didn't see that one coming!

[Novernae]