FAQs

How does Ulsan compare to Seoul?

While Ulsan is ultimately smaller than Seoul, Ulsan is still a major city by North American AND Korean standards. It has more than a million people, after all. Also, the thing to know about Korea is that no matter where you go in Korea, it truly feels like much of the same. It is not at all like Canada or the U.S., which can vary remarkably from city to city, and region to region. Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries you will ever experience. I, and my colleagues here, have traveled throughout the world and have truly never seen a country as consistent throughout as Korea is. While Seoul is Korea’s largest city, you will not experience any less of Korea in Ulsan. Like everywhere in Korea, it is close to monuments and fascinating historical sites. It will honestly have exactly the same people, cultural elements and food for you to experience. Another advantage is that it is on the coast and only 40 minutes from Busan, Korea’s second largest city. In fact, many teachers actually prefer being in or near Busan over living in Seoul. Part of the appeal is the milder coastal climate. Seoul can be much colder and drier in the winter, which can be a bit of an adjustment for many. However, should you want to, it is incredibly easy to visit Seoul for the weekend, as the bullet train can get you there incredibly fast.

What about Ulsan's transportation? Is it convenient?

While it does not have the extensive subway system Seoul boasts, it is also not nearly as big. So, it really does not require one. It is easy to get around Ulsan by more basic transportation means. In general, the bus system throughout Korea is very efficient, and would shame even the most connected North American city. As well, taxis are truly the way of life anywhere in Korea, from Seoul to the smallest towns. Taxis are convenient, fast and, most importantly, cheap everywhere in Korea. While here in North America one often thinks twice about taking a taxi, due to cost considerations, in Korea it is quite the opposite. In fact, Koreans always TAKE taxis due to cost considerations -- they are so darn cheap!! The "start" cost for many taxis is only 500won (about 50 cents) and even if you are in the taxi for a half hour ride, costs rarely exceed $10. A taxi to the airport from the city centre costs about $7 (20 minutes). Short rides average only a couple dollars. I know this may seem a bit strange. It did to me at first too. However, it really is what differentiates life in North America from life in Korea. You will find almost everything to be substantially cheaper, and often more convenient, than the same things at home. So, the bottom line is that transportation should be the least of your worries about life in Ulsan! Actually, I miss how easy it was to get around in Korea. And I have visited many smaller places in Korea -- much smaller than Ulsan -- without ever having a transportation issue. Ulsan is also serviced by a train station from Seoul, Daegu, Kyongju, and Busan. Ulsan's airport has hourly flights to Seoul's Gimpo airport.

And your taxi drivers often have great personality! Like this one who serenaded one of our teachers!


Also, taxis are much more COMFORTABLE THAN subways and buses in Korea. The Korean subway is especially crazy and BUSY. Just check out this video to see for yourself. :)



What's the difference between working at a private school and a public one?

Working in a private school, there are a few major points one needs to consider. First of all, private schools (also known as “hagwons”) are after-school institutions. In Korea, parents are very serious about their children’s education. Thus, most students attend hagwons after school to work on their subjects further. English teachers at these English hagwons usually start work after 2pm and teach until as late as 10pm. Sometimes, hogwans require the teachers to have split shifts as well, meaning that you will work for a few hours in the morning (usually for a preschool aged class) and then again later in the day. Some weekend days may also be required of hagwon teachers. So, teachers considering hagwons often need to be comfortable working varied hours. While Pegasus selectively chooses hagwons that do not require split shifts or Saturdays, they are the standard at most other hagwons. Another consideration is that at hagwons, the teacher is usually on one’s own. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about full responsibility and independence in the classroom.

Another issue with hagwons is that there is less consistency from one hagwon to another as there are no set standards. As success with English is what can truly provide international opportunities for students, the parents are especially keen for their children to master English. Hence, the massive explosion of English “hagwons” throughout Korea. Basically, anyone can open up a hagwon in Korea. And it is big business. While Pegasus does its best to screen all schools to which it sends teachers, private schools are still overall much less predictable than schools within the public system.

Public schools, on the other hand, offer a few advantages. At public schools, your hours are set, and are very standard – 8 to 4, as is generally the standard internationally. There are no weekend or split shifts. You also have the advantage of a Korean co-teacher, with whom you can split the classroom responsibilities. The co-teacher may also serve to help you overcome any communication obstacles. Also, the curriculum is provided so there is much less effort required on your part. The conditions at these schools are great too, as it is basically a government job. So, public schools are generally the best overall conditions in Korea.

Finally, if you choose a public school with the PEGASUS PROGRAM, you will be a part of an instant community of other teachers. The Pegasus Program provides its teachers with a community environment of transitioning teachers, all of whom are simultaneously adjusting to work and life abroad with the help of the Program’s support structure and activities. After all, all Pegasus Program positions are in the same city.