Korean Job Discussion Forums

Otago · Joined: 15 Jun 2007

From what I have read on the forum there seems to be a mixture of opinions on what is a reasonable overtime rate. I wonder why the overtime rate is not the same as the hourly rate for normal teaching time? I am looking at a contract now which is based on 120 teaching hours per month with a salary of 2,600,000 won = 22,000 won per hour, with o/t at 17,000won per hour. I am a newbie at this so any thoughts from the seasoned players out there would be appreciated.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Otago · Joined: 15 Jun 2007

Thanks for the info, I guess you must get a bit tired of the new kids on the block asking the same old questions.

Soccerstar · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: Kyungsangnamdo

I agree with ttompatz on what the official overtime rates are.
However, keep in mind that working at a public school you can be frequently asked to teach an extra class above your contracted maximum and you will want to shoot high for some negotiation room.
When I was asked to do a teacher's training class twice/weekly I asked for $50/hour, they offered $30/hour, and we compromised at $40/hour. While we can be happy teaching for 25,000 won overtime, it never hurts to try for more. Very Happy

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Overtime rates have been a pet peeve of mine for more than 10 years. I was was shocked to find out what my 'overtime' rate is for my current job. I'm at a university, and for what they pay, it frankly isn't worth taking on an extra class. I'm avoiding 'overtime' and trying to stick to my required course load.

I had a visitorship for 3 years prior to this job (tenure track), and never worked an overtime class. Funny thing, though, is that that university paid more for overtime to MA holders than my current job pays for Ph.D. holders! It's just not worth it.

For hakwons, it is a joke. 120 contact hours a month is enough to fry anyone, no matter what you are teaching. They want to add on a class or two per person at cheap overtime rates, thus increasing their profits without shelling out the overhead for the housing, insurance, and severance associated with hiring on more (and usually needed) teachers. In many cases, universities do the same thing.

The only upside to my new job is that I can refuse overtime. Politically, though, we are still 'expected' to take on one 'sacrifice/duty' class every other semester. Irritating as fack.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

OP-120 CLASSROOM TEACHING hours is A LOT of time spent in front of students. You'll see. That doesn't take into account all of the prep time and other crap you'll be forced to deal with during your waking hours. If your hogwan is like all of the others, you'll have a lot of BS to deal with, and just getting paid for OT will be a major hassle.