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The salaries depend on the job and the field. I think that all jobs would require that you speak Korean, unless you're planning to be an English teacher or have a job where the company's headquarters are based in another country.
You cited a waiter as a job. Korea has a different dynamic when it comes to waitressing. In the U.S., you make most of your money with tips, and it's considered to be a respectible job. However, things are different in Korea. You do not get any tips, unless it's an Americanized high-end restaurant. Moreover, a waitressing job is looked down upon in Korean society.
On face value, you will get paid significantly less in Korea for "normal" jobs, but this is to be expected as their cost of living is also less (for certain things at least). If you want to make good money, your best bet is being an English teacher/tutor, or working for an international company (however, these corporation jobs are very hard to get and usually long-term).
I think the average workweek is longer in Korea than it is in the states for white-collared jobs. I've also heard that if you're a private school English teacher (hagwons), your schedule is very booked.
As far as acceptable norms in applying for a job, it depends on the job. If you're expecting to get a "normal" job in Korea, the hiring process is difficult as it's hard to find a decent-paying job there even if you're a native. They are also very strict on where you graduated from in college, and yes, looks matter - way more than the U.S.E 05 May 2008, 09:49 - Report