KNC Hyunjae Language School – Seocho: Banpo-dong, Seoul

The level of disrespect that this chain shows to its employees (Foreign and Korean) is shocking. There is a sense that the owner Mr.Kim, doesn’t like or respect foreigners. This was confirmed to the foreign teachers by the Korean staff on numerous occasions. Mr.Kim never once came to meet the foreign teachers the entire year I was there. The contract I signed was changed 3 times in a year! Each time the pay and working conditions were altered, never in favour of the teachers. Each time changes are made it is implied that teachers can accept the changes or be fired. Don’t believe any contract you sign because it can and will be changed!!!

The manager of the Seocho is very arrogant and completely ignores the foreign staff. It was said that he cannot speak English, however when I greeted him Korean he didn’t return the greeting and barely acknowledged that I even spoke to him.

The accommodations are awful. My furniture was old and broken and they do absolutely nothing to help you set up your internet/cable/phone. You will not be able to get a cell phone/cable/internet until you have your ARC which will take about a month. KNC knows this and they do not care.

You must bring your own laptop which the school does not insure for you. If it is broken while you are in the washroom they will not compensate you. Not to mention the additional wear and tear using your computer and all day and carrying it to and from work everyday causes.

The books are terrible and the material is either insufficient for the length of the class or completely inappropriate for the level of the students. You are monitored by camera and cannot play any kinds of games with the kids. They believe that the kids learn better when they are bored and tired opposed to being happy and interested.

Teachers must stand the entire day and 5 min breaks between classes is all you get. The amount of work you are given demands that you work basically 7 straight hours while at school. You will likely have to do more at home.

KNC is a very cold place to work. The teachers morale is always very low and this rubs off on the students. KNC never once took the teachers out for dinner or did anything to show appreciation. Apparently Mr.Kim can’t see the benefit in a happy staff.

KNC feels he pays very well. Considering the shabby apartment and the fact that you use your own computer I don’t feel the pay is anything special, especially for experienced teachers.

My advice: STAY AWAY FROM KNC!!!!!