South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for ESL teaching. Here you’ll find delicious food, superb entertainment, incredible culture, K-Pop and high quality of life. There are so many things that will make the land of morning calm your dream teaching destination.
South Korea uses the Won as its currency. ($1 = 1,225 Won)
Requirements to Teach English in Korea
- Be an English native speaker and hold a passport from Australia, the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland or South Africa.
- Have a bachelor’s degree.
- Have a TESOL or TEFL certification (unless you have a degree in education)
- Criminal background check
- Health check
These are the requirements to obtain the E-2 teaching visa that you need to apply. Besides these basic requirements, certain employers or programs may ask for more, such as teaching experience.
Where to find a Teaching Job in Korea
These websites are always updated with openings in Korea.
You may also choose to use a private recruiter to help you find work in Korea. There are many benefits to hiring a recruiter, and they can make the application process more smooth.
Korvia is considered one of the most trustworthy recruiters online.
Ways to Become an English Teacher in Korea
EPIK (Public Schools)
English Program in Korea (EPIK) is a government-sponsored initiative to place ESL teachers in public schools around the country. EPIK aims to foster cross-cultural communication in Korea and to enhance English education within the public school system.
Class sizes are anywhere around 30 to 40 students, and work is from Monday to Friday, eight hours a day. Instruction hours that exceed 22 hours per week is considered overtime, and you will receive compensation.
It is usual for a school to have only one native English speaking ESL teacher, so your work colleagues will mainly be Korean people. EPIK hires teachers only twice a year, so be sure to check your application deadlines.
All contracts last for 365 days and can be renewed depending on your circumstances.
Hagwon (Cram Schools)
Hagwons are private for-profit supplementary schools where students go to improve their education. Majority of ESL teaching jobs are in Hagwons.
The requirements to apply for a Hagwon are the same as applying for a public school position; however, every Hagwon is different and may ask for something more.
Class sizes are around 5 to 15 students, and work hours are usually in the mornings and evenings. Unlike public schools, you’ll be working weekend shifts at a Hagwon.
Because Hagwons are everywhere, it’s easy to find a job, and they hire all year round.
Universities
Finding a position as an English language teacher in a university is difficult but rewarding. Universities have low hours, and your salary will be higher.
You’ll need to have completed a master’s degree and apply for an E-1 visa rather than the E-2.
University positions are usually advertised on their websites and the job listing sites mentioned before. Hiring season is in October, and you’ll start working in March.
EPIK vs Hagwon
Accountability
EPIK is sponsored by the Ministry of Education and therefore is a very reliable program for employment. You’ll be teaching English through the standard public school curriculum, and thus everything is regulated. Because there is a high amount of accountability, you’ll have access to a lot of help if you ever run into any trouble.
Hagwons, on the other hand, are private, and therefore the curriculum is not standard, and there is less accountability. Cases of teachers having their pay withheld and abrupt closures are not unheard. Indeed, this would never happen in a government school.
Benefits
Working in a public school through EPIK entitles you to the following benefits:
- Up to 26 paid vacation days per year including all Korean national holidays
- Round flight trips reimbursements
- FREE furnished housing with a settlement allowance of 300,000 won ($245)
- Health insurance
- Tax-free
- Bonus for completing a one-year contract
- Up to 11 sick days
Hagwons provide ten paid vacation days per year, excluding national holidays. Therefore, you will work when everyone else is on break.
Contracts vary between different Hagwons, so make sure that you check all your benefits when you apply.
Salary
The first-year salary with EPIK starts at 1.8 million won ($1470), which will increase every year.
Salaries are slightly higher in Hagwons, starting at around 1.9 million won ($1552).
Things to consider when applying to be an English Teacher in Korea
Like any country, there are many things that you should consider before coming to Korea to teach ESL.
You should always take into consideration as to why you want to teach in Korea. Do you have an interest in Korean culture? Do you like Korean cuisine? Make sure you research thoroughly about the country and culture and if possible, meet and talk to some Korean people.
You may be placed in a rural countryside town if you apply through EPIK. It might be difficult for you to adjust to if you’re from a city. Hagwons are practically everywhere with thousands of them in Seoul alone. If living in a city is an absolute must then perhaps working in a Hagwon would be your best bet.
You also need to consider how much everything will cost. Teaching through EPIK will save you a lot of money. However, Korea can be expensive, and you should prepare your savings in advance in case you ever run into a tricky financial situation when teaching abroad.
Do I need a University Degree to teach English in Korea?
Yes, you need at least a 3-4 year bachelor’s degree in any field to obtain the visa required to teach English in Korea.
Do I need to know Korean to teach English in Korea?
No, you do not need to know or speak Korean to teach English. Your job requires you to immerse your students in the English language. Therefore it is forbidden to use Korean or other languages in class.
In a public school, you’ll be working alongside a Korean co-teacher who will give instructions in Korean when need be.
What’s it like to teach English in Korea?
Teaching English in Korea is a fantastic experience! You will be immersed in the rich and vibrant culture of Korea and interact with many people.
Teaching in a rural area will be quite different than working in the city but committing yourself to your role will bring back the most reward. South Korea is very safe, and the people are polite and friendly.
Your classroom will be made up of different types of students. You will encounter those who can hold a strong conversation, those who barely understand a word of English and students whose level is in-between.
You will, therefore, have to find a way to cater to this. There is no simple way to help students of drastically different levels learn effectively at the same time. Using interactive tools like videos, games, sports and other activities are the best ways to involve everyone.
Respect is a sacred value in Korean society. Your students will be very polite and courteous towards you and develop a personal connection. This respect should be given to your co-workers and seniors. It is considered polite to give a small bow to those who are older or superior to you.
Korean students tend to have no filter, and there is a chance that they will poke fun at your weight and appearance. Try not to get too upset about this!
Living in Korea will be a huge step outside your comfort zone, but one that will be worthwhile. You may spend just a year teaching or the rest of your life in this spectacular country.
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