http://worldoftefl.com/teaching-english-in-korea
Korea Overview
South Korea is the most popular country in the world for many TEFL teachers. High salaries and reasonably low living costs enable many teachers to save significant portions of their wages each month. The demand for English tuition far exceeds the supply of English teachers so many contracts offer excellent employment terms and conditions such as free housing, medical and paid airfares. Most teachers have a great time in South Korea but others complain of an unwelcoming host culture. One thing is for sure – with so many jobs out there it is fairly simple to meet a large group of other English teachers and have a great social life.
Main places for jobs
All major cities and towns.
Typical requirements
Degree, TEFL/CELTA (or equiv.).
Tips
1. Public schools hire staff at the beginning of March and September. However, you need to begin the job and visa application process up to six months prior to actually starting the position. These positions are filled in a first come, first served basis.
2. Private sector schools recruit all year round but you should ideally begin the application process 4-6 months before you hope to begin.
3. There are lots of websites where you can make contact with other teachers in Korea. It is a great idea to get involved in a leisure pursuit outside of work in order to socialise with other foreigners.
Red tape
Different visas are required depending on whether you are working in the public or private sector. This should all be arranged well in advance of arrival in Korea. You will also need a recent criminal records check, health check, original degree certificates and transcripts, plus a pile of passport photos for when you do arrive.
Cost of living
Many employment contracts include the provision of rent-free housing as part of the deal. This is because it can be quite difficult and costly for a foreigner to rent a private apartment without paying rent for a full year in advance. Transportation and local food is cheap but imported foreign food can be expensive.
Tax and salary information
Salaries are usually paid monthly and your employer is responsible for tax. Some institutions offer tax-free salaries.
Summary
Go to Asia jobs board
Korea Overview
South Korea is the most popular country in the world for many TEFL teachers. High salaries and reasonably low living costs enable many teachers to save significant portions of their wages each month. The demand for English tuition far exceeds the supply of English teachers so many contracts offer excellent employment terms and conditions such as free housing, medical and paid airfares. Most teachers have a great time in South Korea but others complain of an unwelcoming host culture. One thing is for sure – with so many jobs out there it is fairly simple to meet a large group of other English teachers and have a great social life.
| Type of Institution | Typical salary (USD/month) | Typical hours | Typical annual leave |
| Language centres / private academies (hagwons) | 1,800 – 2,500 (DOS) | Various but often evening and weekend shifts | 2 weeks plus national holidays |
| Public sector schools | 2,000 – 2,500 | 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday plus some weekend work | 3 weeks plus national holidays |
| International schools and universities | 3,000 upwards | 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday plus some weekend work | 10 weeks plus national holidays |
Main places for jobs
All major cities and towns.
Typical requirements
Degree, TEFL/CELTA (or equiv.).
Tips
1. Public schools hire staff at the beginning of March and September. However, you need to begin the job and visa application process up to six months prior to actually starting the position. These positions are filled in a first come, first served basis.
2. Private sector schools recruit all year round but you should ideally begin the application process 4-6 months before you hope to begin.
3. There are lots of websites where you can make contact with other teachers in Korea. It is a great idea to get involved in a leisure pursuit outside of work in order to socialise with other foreigners.
Red tape
Different visas are required depending on whether you are working in the public or private sector. This should all be arranged well in advance of arrival in Korea. You will also need a recent criminal records check, health check, original degree certificates and transcripts, plus a pile of passport photos for when you do arrive.
Cost of living
Many employment contracts include the provision of rent-free housing as part of the deal. This is because it can be quite difficult and costly for a foreigner to rent a private apartment without paying rent for a full year in advance. Transportation and local food is cheap but imported foreign food can be expensive.
Tax and salary information
Salaries are usually paid monthly and your employer is responsible for tax. Some institutions offer tax-free salaries.
Summary
 There is an insatiable demand for English tuition in South Korea |
 A substantial number of employers in Korea have poor reputations so thorough research is important before signing a contract |
 Good salaries and benefits are the norm |
 Employment
contracts are less important in Korea than in the West so you may be
unpleasantly surprised by the level of flexibility expected |
 Great social life with other English teachers |
 Some teachers find Korean culture unwelcoming towards foreigners |
Go to Asia jobs board
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