Working in China by September (from Korea) without flying back to Sydney

I'll be finishing a work contract in Korea by mid-August and would like to begin working as a teacher in China by early September. I'd prefer to not fly back to Australia if possible to apply for a Chinese work/tourist visa (my ARC also expires in September). Can I get a work or tourist visa from Hong Kong or a south-east Asian city such as Bangkok?Or can I apply for a Chinese visa on a Korean D10 or tourist visa(therefore changing my immigration status in Korea)?Any information would be appreciated.Thank you.