Koreans traditionally have based business relationships on a concept called 정 (jeong), which in English, would translate to virtues of 'trust, rapport, bonding, etc...'. The employer-employee relationship would usually be more based on this form of trust and less about a legally defined relationship. The merging of international business practices and Korea's traditional trust and value system has always been a culture clash and remains to be so. And yes, of course, the over-reliance on 정 has and continues to lead to problems with corruption in the society.
But to many Koreans, a contract is more for the symbolism of the relationship, or the first step in developing the more important 정, whereas foreigners treat the contract as being the definition of everything. This is a big reason of why you may see or hear of employment disputes between a Korean employer and a foreign teacher. The Korean places more value and interest on the relationship while the foreign employee is busy taking a magnifying glass to the contract. Or worse, the foreign employee uses brinkmanship tactics over the business relationship from the outset and then is confused over why the Korean employer is distant and put-off with him for the remainder of the work term. In Korea, the contract is as binding as the personal connection and both should be harmonized and respected from the very first moment that you talk to your Korean employer on email or on the phone.
Koreans are also not used to the same means of conflict resolution as foreigners are. Very seldom do Koreans bring lawyers or courts in to deal with disputes. Things are often dealt with between the two parties or intermediaries familiar with the situation. This cultural tendency is why Koreans often look at contract terms as being more flexible and possibly subject to further discussion later on in the relationship. This is not to suggest that you should give Korean employers the benefit of the doubt and accept a hoodwinking when it comes knocking, of course, as there are greedy people in every country. But a very important rule of thumb should be considered when it comes to your employer relationship in Korea:
Often, favorable flexibility can be had, if demonstrated that you can also show flexibility.
No one knows if your future employer will follow the contract to the letter or if they will lighten up and show some flexibility once the relationship develops further and 정 is cultivated. But once that contract is signed, if you show that you are a little flexible (some could call this being a 'team player'), you can win some brownie points which will develop the relationship and possibly win some flexibility on something that you need from him at a later time. Even some of the worst personality conflicts could be overcome, if this is still kept in mind.
However, if you prefer to be rigid and inflexible with your employer from the get-go, then don't be too surprised if favors from the school are hard to come by, such as if you ever hope to gain some flexibility on when you can take your vacation days, etc...
The business surrounding contracts and legalities is an important subject to be aware of. Our content is more of a 'primer', to give you a feel for what to expect. However, more in depth discussion and advice is strongly encouraged, whenever you feel unsure.
Our forums are visited daily by both Korean-speaking foreign teachers as well as English-speaking Koreans who can help relate the employment and cross-cultural implications of your situation and consult with you on what to watch out for. As contract terms can vary from one contract to the next, don't forget to post your important questions in the forums, before you sign anything.
