Anyone with Teaching Experience in South Korea?

Question

I am thinking of teaching English in Korea in a few months time, but still have my doubts because of the huge difference in culture and the horror stories that i have seen about teachers not being treated fairly. Anyone with tips, good stories and bad stories??

Answer 1

I'm a South African and have been teaching English in Korea for 5 years and it has been good and bad. I moved to Seoul 2 years ago and things changed for the better, but the work got even more. My answer to your question is simple...it's what you make of it. If you are willing to embrace the Korean culture, you'll be ok. And let me tell you it is difficult at some times. Most foreigners here talk bad about Korea and so have I on occasion, but the bottomline is that this land created a chance for my kids to study whatever they want. People come up to me and ask if they can teach my kids the violin and stuff for free.

Then again if you are here to have a good time only...it's a great place to be for a year or so. Not for long. I know lots of my co-workers got so frustrated after 4 years cause they just couldn't party that much anymore. Every year promises new things. I got from teaching at a hakwon or English Institute to a Private School in 3 years and am currently at an Elementary School. But you can easily get a job at a university with only 2 years experience.

Koreans will never accept foreigners into their circle of trust, so don't even go there. Just do your job and get out over the weekends is what I suggest.

The people are xenophobic which mean they are afraid of foreigners. Some can be really good friends though.

The food is horrible and spicy, but really inexpensive at some places and sometimes worth having a bite. Beware of some meats. Keep to bulgogi houses for the time being and then move on to other restaurants or do as I did...eat McDonald's all week.

The traffic is crazy in Seoul and you can spend up to 20 000 won for a taxi one day and 5000 won the next day for the same distance. In other parts you don't even have to worry about traffic...the smaller towns.

The cost of living is HIGH, fruit and veggies are expensive, but one can survive once you know what to buy, how much of it to buy and when to buy. You can bargain..that's nice about Koreans.

Night Clubs are great but expensive. The karaoke rooms are a favorite among Koreans, but I like it too. Relatively cheaper but you pay lots for drinks and food there.

Have a good time in Korea and keep saying: "Korea number one" and you'll be loved by Koreans. Don't know what it means, but just try it I guarantee you'll be ok..

Answer 2

My tip about teaching here is do a lot of research if you are going to be working for a private academy ( hagwon). I would ask to talk to the current teachers from (America, England, Canada ((oh so many Canadians)) and the others). Then do a search on google and other places check out www.pusanweb.com and it will give you links to other sites that teachers have blacklisted schools and white listed some.
I would say to work at a public school here. ( I am in S.Korea now) You get about the same pay or more ( in my case) and work a set number hours and home before 5 pm and get good vacation time too. I get over 3 months a year in total.
I worked in several hagwons and some are good and some are horrible. It is just how much research you put into it and always ask a million questions.

Oh if you work for a hagwon NEVER NEVER NEVER pay for your own ticket here and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS get them to buy a round trip ticket. An eticket is great cause some schools will ask that they keep the ticket until you finish your contract, but an eticket is not on paper and they can't keep anything so if you have to leave or feel like you are in jepordy you can leave any time.

Using a recruiter will help but they can be dodgy too. Some will lie and cheat and just don't care.
I found a really good agency here in Busan where I live and it is called job busan. here is the web page www.jobbusan.com.

I would say if you want to be around more western people go to Seoul but there is a lot of us in Busan as well. Seoul has more nightlife and culture things but it is more expensive. Way more expensive.

If you have any questions just try to message me and I will help. I have helped many people here in Busan and don't mind as long as you have an open mind.

Answer 3

If you do go, Seoul or Busan offers more of an international environment, but it's still a pale comparison to most other countries. The big cities are polluted, and the small towns are...quaint. Don't go to Daegu, as this city is the most conservative. I live here, and I've been spit on, stalked, grabbed, kissed by a taxi driver, etc. I am on the thinner side and have fair features, so people think I'm a Russian prostitute (there are lots of them in all the major cities). I'm asked how much I cost about every other day. Generally people in Korea are very xenophobic, sexist and judgemental, but less so in Seoul. *On another note, if you have allergies or chemical sensitivities, don't come here. The air is really polluted and the food sprays are kept kind of secret. Since living here I've had terrible eczema and acne. If you're one of those hardy types, go for it I guess...... Definitely easier for men than women in Korea!

Answer 4

Cant help you with the teaching side of things, but Korea isn't a terrible place to live... However if you are after a more western feel, western conveniences, I would recommend Japan.

There are people who have bad experiences, but there are thousands more who have great experiences. Just try your luck! Everything in life is a fun experience, enjoy it!

To give you a run down... this is going to sound odd, but many things that we dont see as offensive, is offensive to Koreans.
I will give you some examples.

Its impolite to blow your nose around others, especially at the table, yet to sniff and sniff for hours on end is acceptable.

To slurp your noodles is very normal, some say its a sign of appreciation towards the cook... others say its because it cools the noodles down. In general, its rather normal to talk with their mouths full. To put too much food in your mouth at one time, is never quite enough.

If you are drinking with a group, you should always pour for others, when their glass is empty, dont leave a glass empty.
You pour using two hands, and if there is an honorific person in the group you should drink turned away from them.

In a restaurant or in someones home, you should eat all the rice they put in your bowl. The main part of a meal is rice, and then Ban Chan which are side dishes, and everyone shares these dishes, and eats from their own individual rice bowl.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS take off your shoes when entering someones home. You should also wear socks, or stockings, instead of bare feet (personally, I dont adhere to that rule as much).

Umm I cant really think of too many at the moment, as I have been around Korean culture, and ways for years. Been living in Korea for just over a year, so everything is just natural for me.

Subway is really easy to use, and you can get transport cards, in almost every city.

Females shouldn't smoke in public places. Bars and clubs, are ok, but if you are with males, you should ask if you are allowed to smoke. It's not a rule, but its something they look down upon.

Always carry a pack of tissue paper in your purse. Some bathrooms dont have toilet paper.
Toilets are a luck of the draw, 50% squat toilets, 50% seat toilets, never really know what to expect.
When you are done with the toilet paper, dont flush it, usually there is a bin next to the toilet, and thats where you put your toilet paper. Most houses also use this method.

I could rattle on for hours, but maybe you can read some of the other answers I've given in this section.
Hopefully some teachers can enlighten you on the teaching side of things.

Answer 5

Go to Japan. I've taught in both Seoul and in Japan. Most people who have taught in both places think that Japan is the better place to teach and live.

Seoul is big crowded and not so clean. Tokyo is cleaner.
Both cultures are equally difficult when it comes to culture shock. Learn the language, get out and explore, work hard and have fun!

Teaching English has been a wonderful experience and I highly recomment it.

Answer 6

i saw many people worked in both korea
and japan.
they said they liked both .
but koreans are more respectful and smart.
students are mostly nice and humble
also they respect teachers.
i visit korea several times, and i thought
korea is a very interesting place to visit.
there are lots to do and foods are pretty good,
but some, crazy spicy.
just go for it .
you will love it

Answer 7

Hey, if ya don't mind people pointing, sneering, and whispering about ya...go for it. The teaching part is wonderful 'cuz the kids are easy to get along with. Oh yeah, watch your back!! Koreans are infamous for lying!!