Korean Job Discussion Forums

bafw26 · Joined: 01 Jan 2007

I realize that there must be some good reputable employers there, but it seems like a real crap shoot finding one. I traveled to Korea to have a look around and I personally found the people there to be kind of abrasive and overall the place seemed kind of depressing. It's sad how they want and need to learn English, but so often treat their foreign teaching staff like dirt. I am 34 and not very patient when it comes being played or taken advantage of. Am I way off base in my observations??

Satin · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Location: Texas

For the most part, Koreans are kind. What did you find depressing? Probably not the place you want to call home for a year.

Yeah, there are some awful teaching jobs, but there are many more good places. Positions in Korea are no different than elsewhere. You have the good, bad and ugly!

Not much patience? Korea is definitely not for you! What you may think of as being taken advantage of, could be normal employer/employee relations. Different culture; different rules.

Homer · Guest

Seems more a case of you not liking the place then the place being inherently bad.....

It may just not match your preferences. Are you "way of base" well you are for some and not for yourself. I mean, you came here and spent a short time (I assume) and made up your mind without having worked or tried living in the country....

It also depends who you interacted with, how you interacted, where you were, what you did...there are many things to consider.

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

I've found the Koreans to be quite the opposite. They have for the most part been the kindest people I have ever met. I've met a rude and racist people, but then again I've experienced that in my native country too.

ChopChaeJoe · Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Location: Seoul

Korean school directors are scum.

For the most part, the people are extremely friendly. they are a proud people (like Texans) and can sense if you are seizing them up negatively. if you do judge them harshly, they will take a well-then-piss-on-you attitude.

If you have respect for them, they will try to accomodate you.

Just today I went to a place to get fried chicken. I wanted to eat at home, but I didn't know my address, so the owner of the restaurant walked back with me to my place, about a third of a mile. He delivered the food himself. That's dedication to the customer.

jay-shi · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: On tour

It's your first post here, and since you're 34 and all I'll play nice. I smell a trollin'...

Korea isn't for everyone, if you're going to get your panties (yes the boys wear panties here too) up in a bunch over some first impressions, then this place might be too much for you.

The Koreans I have met have been for the most part 99% super kind.

I am not sure what you are talking about with the abrasive nature of the people, at work or in public? If it's the latter then you better get used to living in Asia, lots of people here fighting for a finite amount of space.

Anyways good luck ... If you find it too abrasive then stay away.... seems logical...

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

This may not be a popular answer but I will say it anyway. Korea is not an easy place to live and work. Many people have problems and leave. For those people who can handle it, opportunities arise and the income possibilities are quite good. There are real reasons why teaching English in Korea is not in the top 10 or top 100 hottest jobs out there. It is probably why there are real opportunites here as well. If you are an Asia-phile and you love beaches, Thailand is better. Japan is modern and clean. If these are things, you just can't live without, please go there. For those people who have it takes (and I don't want to argue what that is -- it is different for different people) the rewards of Korea can be much better than Thailand, Japan and home (wherever you call it). If you think life in Korea will be all peaches and cream, you are in for big surprise. Like all things in life, good things come for those who work for it and have the skills to overcome the competition. Hard work alone will not get you anywhere. If it were easy and simple, everyone would have it, and it would not be worth anything. Simple economics: value is in proportion to having something others don't have. If Korea were that simple, its value would be less. Now, many people don't want to make the efforts to make it here. I don't blame them. Some luck out in their first dive in Korea. Life is unfair. Once again, Korea is not for all. But, I also think that is why it can be quite a rewarding place.

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

chopchejoe is right. We deal with the lowest form of life- hogwan owners and directors.

pest2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

1) We all like to complain. It gives us something to do.

2) It ain't all that bad.

3) You only hear one side of the story. Remember, the cream of society isn't coming to Korea to teach. You're going to get a lot of social misfits in their own culture suddenly being dumped into a rigid hierarchical society. Much merriment ensues.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:28 pm Post subject:

Abrasive? Depressing? Try Japan, that sounds like a better match for ya. (Try'n damn hard to keep a straight face!)

You'd be surprised how your experiences are only a reflection of yourself. You sure you're not the one who's abrasive and depressed? Do some inward soul-searching.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Koreans are as kind as they are clueless about English education.

Kurtz · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: ples bilong me

Arriving from Australia, I found Korea to be quite a head**** but I drew on my 33 years of life and adjusted. My main goal is financial, so I'm commited to saving and use that to help with the culture shock and things I don't like about the country. On the other hand, there are many expat ESL teachers over here in SK so you can always hang out with like minded people. If you want to save some serious $$ then come here, if you want a beautiful country and open people, don't come here,
As for being "social misfits" well that's debateable. Just because we are not content to be utter consumers, purchasing the latest and greatest in the world of electronics and fashion, SMSing our vote on Big Brother,or watching some soul destroying reality TV shows but rather enjoying a sense of freedom and having the opportunity to live and save good money in another country...well that makes us the select few in the world taking advantage of our education, enriching our lives and bank balance.