Korea is a wonderful, welcoming country with a rich heritage. Becoming a teacher here offers you creative and financial freedom and the experience of a lifetime. If you’re interested in teaching English in Asia, give some serious thought to teaching in Korea.
Demand for English teachers in South Korea is extremely high. This gives you an excellent chance of securing a job, as well as a high salary. English teachers in Korea receive competitive salaries and a lot of money can be made teaching English here compared to other countries in Asia.
View our guide to teaching English in South Korea and apply today.
Teaching Jobs in South Korea
Teach English in South Korea
• 12 months
• Price from £1,245
TEFL Certification Course in Seoul
• 9 days
• Price from £2,300
How to Teach in South Korea
Students
You will be highly respected as a teacher in Korea as an ambassador of your language and culture. Students are ambitious and motivated to learn English. You will share with your students and in return will gain more than you can imagine.
The Work
The majority of ESL teachers in Korean find employment with Hagwons (private academies) or Public Schools. University positions are available for teachers with Masters degrees and teaching experience.
Teaching hours are typically between 22-30 with an additional 10 office hours. For the most part, those teaching English in Korea will work about 30 hours a week. The main thrust of your responsibility will be teaching conversational skills, with less emphasis placed on grammar and more on effective communication.
Korean students are taught English in the classroom from a very young age, they are required to attend after-school study programs with native English-speaking teachers as well. The level of students you teach is up to you; classes are generally available in beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Most educational jobs in Korea are in government run or privately run schools.
Working Conditions
Teachers start mostly every March and September. But we also have positions every month. Contracts tend to be for one year with options for renewal.
Housing is typically provided by your employer but utility fees are your own responsibility. Round trip airfare provided by your employer is a standard part of most contracts.
Vacation time is anywhere from one week to one month (public schools offer more vacation time than private academies). Health insurance and pension MUST be provided by your employer.
Salary
Around 1,800,000 to 3,000,000 Won per month = 1,600 to 2,600 USD (1 USD = 1,133 KRW)
Financially speaking you could do a lot worse than teaching in Korea. It is easy to save money and have a very good time. If you cut out the big nights in Seoul or pick up some private grinds, you could be looking at a lot more. Most schools pay around 2 million won per month (about 1,000-2,500 per month). Take into account the free accommodation, free flights, low tax rate, and low cost of living.
The ability to save money for travel (or anything else) is very high in Korea and is one of the main reasons it is the most popular ESL market today.
Visa and Educational Requirements
In order to teach English in Korea you need a three or four year degree and to be a citizen of an English speaking country (UK, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, America, Australia).
Foreign English Teachers are given what is called an E2 Visa. The Visa process to teach in Korea is more cumbersome than other Asian countries. You will need a Criminal Record Check (CRC), notarized degree, and sealed transcripts as part of the application for all teaching positions
You must complete the Visa application outside of Korea. A standard Visa is for one year. Your visa is only valid for the contract and school you signed on for. You cannot quit your job and transfer you visa.
Housing
• Temporary: During your orientation in Seoul, temporary housing will be provided. This will be a hotel or dormitory that may be shared with other program participants.
• Permanent: For the duration of the program, host schools will provide permanent housing in an apartment, studio, or private school dormitory. Accommodations may be shared with other program participants but will have private bedrooms and will be furnished. All accommodations will be near your school.
