update
Seoul Hero and The Asia Pages also discuss this topic. The asia pages agrees with Jeffs article wholeheartedly and then provides personal anecdotal evidence well worth Reading. Seoul Hero writes alot and a little later when I have more time I’ll be leaving a comment there regarding one or two of his points.

There are two very long and interesting posts written by expat lawyers in Korea talking about why foreigners should not come to Korea to teach English. The authors, Brendan Carr and Jeff Harrison focus their attention on private institute teachers though some of what they say could easily be applied to university instructors as well. Brendan Carr, guest author at The Marmots Hole wrote initially due to outrage at an article written in The Korea Times titled Trafficking of English Teachers. I would never have seen this article if it weren’t for the Marmots Hole as I don’t read either the Korea Times nor the Herald; considering them worthy only of lining bird cages. Before I continue I suggest you read Another English Teacher Needs a cup of STFU the 57 commonts so far and The PLight of English Institute Teachers in Korea. Read the rest in the extended entry.

Brendan Carrs article has nothing for me to comment on as he primarily focuses on the article in the Korea Times. He has however generated tons of comments. This is due in part to the Marmot’s Hole being probably the most popular expat blog in Korea and many of the readers are English teachers. The comments are interesting, I in particular like the comment by The Big Hominid (who writes a hilarious blog by the way) where he shares his story and reflects on the naive. There are a number of commentors who critize Carr for wirting a piece that is nothing more than an “I am better than you” bunch of crap directed at teachers. I disagree with them.

Jeff Harrisons post is the far more interesting one and more useful to the Korean Newbie working at a Hagwon. Before we get to the helpful bits let’s focus on the amusing anecdotes. First an overheard conversation - I’ve only included the best part

Him: I’m sorry. I don’t understand. You have to calm down and stop crying so I can understand what you are saying.  Take a deep breath and tell me what the problem is.

Her: It’s terrible!!!  You have to make it stop!!! The embassy has to help me!!!

Him (getting a little irritated): I don’t know what to do, if you don’t tell me what happened.

Her (gaining a little composure): My institute director!  He is making me live in this appartment that is so far away from my school.  It takes me 30 minutes one way to get to and from work! (sobbing again) You have to make him move me closer to the school!!!!

Oh dear, life is so rough, how can you handle the hardship. I know, Grow the fuck up! and stop being a baby. The amazing thing is that this is not an uncommon complaint.

Both Jeff and Brendan strongly advise new teachers to not come to Korea. They both state that they fully expect most people to ignore their warnings and the warnings of the US embassy (I believe the Canadian embassy now carries similar warnings) Jeff goes on to say:

If you choose to ignore this clear and obvious warning, you likely are setting yourself up for problems later.  However, there is still hope for you to minimize your risks. I cannot say this emphatically enough: “KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO BEFORE YOU GET INTO IT!”

Knowing what you are getting into now is so much easier than when I first came. Can you say internet? do your research and you will significantly reduce your chances of getting burned.

My favorite part of Jeffs post is this excerpt:

Another part of foreign teachers bringing problems onto themselves is the inability/unwillingness to do what is expected and know their role in society and to conform with societal and cultural norms. One afternoon, I was waiting to have lunch with the high-ranking diplomat mentioned above.  As I sat outside his office door waiting for Mr. X to finish his appointment, a man walked out of Mr. X’s office.  He had long, curly, unwashed hair falling past his shoulders, full beard, an earing, knee-length denim cut-off shorts, flip-flops, and a bright-colored t-shirt.  I asked Mr. X who that guy was.  I was told that the meeting went something like this:

Him: How can I help you.
Guy: I don’t know what to do.  I show up on time. I do my work.  But, no one respects me at the institute.  I’m a professional, and they should treat me with respect.
Him: Have you looked in a mirror?
Guy: Huh?
Him: Have you noticed that almost all professionals in Korea wear a dress shirt and tie.  Have you noticed that bus drivers wear uniforms?  Have you noticed that even garbage men wear uniforms?  Look at the way you are dressed.  Look at your hair. A Korean would never be seen out in public looking like this and certainly never be allowed to work in a professional environment looking like that (which was true at that time).  If you want to be treated with respect you have to look, dress, and act respectfully.

It’s true, too many English teachers in this country do not know how to dress well. If you are teaching children I wouldn’t recommend wearing a suit, but do you really need to wear sandals, ripped pants and a t-shirt? Wear some pressed cotton pants, a polo shirt and shoes. Teaching adults were a shirt and a tie and ladies when teaching there is no need to show your belly button or ass crack with your hip huggers - a classroom is not a nightclub. I have seen appalling dress at universities and adult hagwons. I honestly do not know how these teachers can look themselves in the mirror and call themselves professionals.

Jeff continues How generous of them to state that “many” ESL instructors have not had any professional training… I would say VERY few have had any professional training. I disagree with the very few - it’s more than you think but far less than it should be. Even at the university level there are significant numbers of untrained teachers but there are more than Jeff believes.  Jeffs rant about Foreigners are not Koreans is very true and should be read twice by all teachers in country and those planning on coming.

In 18 years, I have NEVER been stopped, inspected, or taxed by Korea customs when entering the country, including the time I wheeled in 209 pounds of computer equipment.  Yet, I hear of people that are always stopped and searched by customs.  I walk slowly and quietly through the line, hand them my customs declaration form and answer every question they as quietly and politely.  On the other hand, I have seen countless foreigners react with the attitude of “Who do you think you are asking me to open my bags? See. There’s nothing in here you foreigner-hating loser.”  I know one person with that attitude that has be subjected to a full search of his bags on at least five occasions that I know about.

Theres more than this, but the above is the important part. I too have never had a problem with customs - though I’m always nervous every time.

Be sure to read Jeffs and Brendans posts.