Korean Job Discussion Forums

klyfusprufrock · Joined: 18 May 2007

Hello everybody,

Here in the States I am a person with a very modest wardrobe (3 pairs of crummy pants, and a bunch of old t-shirts). I wonder to what extent I should shop for new attire, and how dressed up I will be expected to look in class each day. If it were up to me I'd wear the same tattered clothes I wear now, but I have a hunch that Korean bosses will expect better. Also, I have a beard and a plain buzz cut. Should I shave the beard and have a more formal hairstyle? How important are looks in Korea?

Thanks again,
Kyle

davehere22 · Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Location: seoul

From what i have heard and read, a shirt and trousers is grand.

If they have already seen your photo already and want to hire you I'm sure your beard and the rest will be ok.

But I dont really know fully, I have never worked there before. Hopefully by the end of the summer though.

W.T.Carl · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Nice slacks, dress shirt and nice shoes. And if you really want to impress- wear a suit and tie. And I hate to say it, ditch the beard and any metal in your face. Korea is a very conservative country and also remember teachers are held in high regard in Korea. Dress the part, look professional, TEACH EFFECTIVELY and you will earn respect. I've seen far too many dirtballs "playing" at being a teacher. Could it be that is the reason so many "westerner" teachers are held in such low regard?

andrew · Joined: 30 Jan 2003

*****

Freaka · Joined: 05 Jun 2007

So denim jeans aren't acceptable? I'm a female, by the way.

Tjames426 · Joined: 06 Aug 2006

You are not a teeny bob with zits anymore. Learn to dress and look like an adult.

For the guy...

Buy some nice long sleeved and short sleeved white shirts and get some decent dress slacks.

And Foreigners in Korea wonder why we are not respected when ...
we look and dress like 12 year olds or homeless druggies.

bosintang · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 3:35 pm Post subject:

Ignore any advice someone gives you here, and talk to someone who works in your hagwon and decide what's most comfortable for you. I've worked in a hagwon where I was expected to come in dress clothes and even have a suit handy for special occasions. In other hagwons, even my bosses wore denim jeans.

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

When I worked in a hagwon my boss didn't care what I wore at all. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts and polos. I'm sure I could have worn flip flops in the summer, but even that was pushing the limit for me. He valued the quality of teaching more than what I looked like, even though I kept myself clean shaven. The clothes I wore weren't tattered, they were just really casual.

At my public school I only wear long or short sleeve dress shirts with slacks and a tie. On occasion I wear jeans, but only on the days that I don't teach, ie Sports Day, field trips, exams, etc..

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

You should ask your boss what her or she wants first. However;

Freaka · Joined: 05 Jun 2007

Freaka · Joined: 05 Jun 2007

hubba bubba · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

I can't believe nobody's done this yet...

Sorry, had to be done....

RedRob · Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Location: Narnia

Dress like a prof from a low- key community college. Jeans can be O.K., but brand new, match with dress shoes, not sneaks. Plain business shirt, ironed, no tie. Dressy belt and a sports jacket.

When you get here go to dongdaemun market, its an adventure and a good intro experience. Here's a sample of a shopping trip I did once for a new job: dress pantsx2 @$10 ea ( I think yanks call 'em dockers or chinos or something) Dress belt, plain black, $5, Fake Doc Mrten dress shoes, v. comfy, plain black $15. 10x business shirts, light summery, nt quality so will only last one summer $20 for ten! Big handfull of black dress sox, maybe 12 pair @ 50c-$1 ea . Light weight sports jacket, nice cut $30.

The market has an indoor and an out door area, I take a list of sizes with me and buy right off the street, don't try any thing on( eg pants!), its so cheap that if ya gets it wrong it doesn't matter.

There are also beer tents all over the place, so break out your phrase book, try some crazy food (cheap) knock over a few cold bottles and make a fun afternoon out of it.

P.S. I had a beard + #2 hair cut for years, kept the beard trimmed short to #2 as well, no worries, just be a bit tidy, again- think collegeprof, not mountain man. I had four earrings which I removed.

Hope this helps.

In winter, head back, pick up some heavier bus. shirts (more expensive...c.$10ea) Coupla thermals, and a nice wool blazer ($45-65).

Shopping here is cheap, chaotic and fun with a mild summer beer buzz going on.