South Korea - TEFL in South Korea

Seoul

Note, for information on North Korea, see here.

South Korea is in constant demand for English teachers. Qualified English native speakers are required not only for ESL classes but also to teach subjects like Maths, Science, English literature, etc. in English. Work can be found in both private and public schools, from kindergarten to university level.

Private schools in Korea offer English language courses to a great number of students, from primary to university level. They are open every day. Lessons start after compulsory school hours and last till late in the evening.

Typically, English language schools offer one year contracts. Average work load is between 25 and 30 hours, with the option to each extra hours, if you wish to increase your salary. Many employers include a paid roundtrip airfare and free housing in their job offer.

Average salary is around 2,200,000 KRW (2,000 USD, 1,450 EUR, 1,350 GBP) per month, plus benefits. A teacher can typically save about half this amount.

Visa Regulations

According to Korean law in order to receive the E-2 visa required to legally work as a language instructor, you must have a degree.

The degree must be from one of the seven major English speaking countries: Australia, USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom. However, new regulations brought in have also allowed Indian teachers to work in state schools teaching English.

As of December 2007 the Ministry of Justice has strengthened its policies on checking the qualifications of E-2 visa holders by requiring the criminal record certificate, the medical record certificate and the interview with Korean consular officer(s).

Only people with a university degree, a clear criminal record, a valid passport and a clean bill of health will be considered for a E-2 Teacher’s Visa.

For those E-2 visa applicants who got the criminal record certificate issued from their home country while staying in Korea or came to Korea imminently without proper Apostille certification, the verification of the consul in Korea on the criminal record certificate will be regarded as valid.

E-2 Teacher’s Visa can be renewed yearly, but in the teacher's home country. Visa runs to Japan every 3 months are no longer an option, if you want to stay in the country legally.

Starting from March 15 2008, the Ministry of Justice decided to leave out the cannabinoid check on a medical record certificate and exceptionally accept the criminal record certificate verified by the teacher's consular officer(s) in Korea.

Besides, the valid period of the criminal record certificate will be extended from existing three months to six months.

In addition, those with the E-2 visa issued after Dec 15 2007 no longer need to submit the criminal record certificate to reissue the same type of visa while staying in Korea.

Aside from a degree, your chances of getting work are greatly increased if you have a TEFL Certificate which is pretty well needed for all jobs.

Many teachers will obtain their visa outside the country and then come to Korea. However, a significant number will come to Korea on a tourist visa, find work and then organise with the school to get the correct visa.

Health Checks

Foreign teachers are required to have regular health checks including a drug test (which does not include hair testing but does include a urine test which checks for THC, cocaine, heroin and ampheatamines). The health check is fairly standard and checks chest, ECG, heart, weight, eyes, blood, etc.

Types of Schools

There are several types of positions where English teaching is carried out.

Private Language Institutes or Hakwons

Some are chains and well known, others are small, one-man concerns. They often employ native English speakers for conversation and occasionally writing classes in the morning and evening for perhaps about 20 hours per week. Generally classes are quite large - 15 to 25 students - and may be either teenagers, college-age or businessmen. The average salary here is about 1,900 USD (1,400 EUR, 1,250 GBP) per month.

Public Schools

These jobs tend to be harder to find and usually only if you go through a program like EPIK or are already in the country. Teaching at a Hakwon is regarded as more stressful but much freer than in a public school where you will often be required to act as an assistant to a Korean teacher. It can thus be slightly restrictive and/or boring.

In-house Business Programmes

Many large businesses offer their employees in-house English training. These generally pay more than the Hakwons although instruction is more intensive with 30 hours per week teaching from morning to late night. Some will provide housing and good benefits. Salaries here can range between 1,900 USD (1,400 EUR, 1,250 GBP) to 2,500 USD (1,850 EUR, 1,600 GBP) per month.

Universities

Many universities offer English courses; these are not only for university students but also local business people. Classes here tend to be large and more formal "lecture" type instruction. Generally you will require a Masters and experience to teach here. Pay is good but jobs are harder to come by.

Alternatively there are sometimes more conversational classes offered by University departments. Here the teaching is conversation only and between 10 - 15 hours per week with low pay and poor benefits (often not in compliance with the law) and often uninterested or politicised students. Pay here is about 1,300 USD (960 EUR, 850 GBP) per month but this includes 3 months paid holiday per year. Provincial universities offer slightly better conditions in general including accommodation.

KORETTA/EPIK Government Programme

This program puts native English speakers in schools throughout the country, often in more remote places. It is a good way to get away from the usual cities and tourist areas. Experiences here vary wildly and for the slightly more adventurous can be a marvellous way to see the country.

Alternative Employment

There is also work available with private lessons, proof reading and so on. These jobs are usually found in-country and by word of mouth.

Salaries and Tickets

A number of schools in Korea will reimburse your air ticket. Some will do it one way only, others the full round trip. Some will pay a set amount and others will pay it all.

Sometimes this reimbursement comes at the end of a set period (e.g. after you've been working there two or three months) whilst it could happen at the end of your contract.

Some schools do not reimburse a penny.

However, if this aspect has been mentioned, make sure that you read through your contract and see exactly what you are getting (if anything) and when. This is the only way you can be sure of the situation and have any type of comeback should it not happen.

Life in Korea

The cost of living is low. This means that you can actually save some money on your teacher’s wages. Travelling around the country is also inexpensive and many teachers hit the road at weekends to venture out to less known areas.

Culture

Be prepared to be treated with anything between curiosity to indifference. If you become good friends with a Korean then this will turn into friendship, but since most Koreans have had little if any contact with foreigners then you will subjected to basic stereotypes. Mixed with this is the fact that generally speaking teachers are treated with respect. However, you need to keep this respect deserved and behave accordingly.

Being Female

If you are female then you're likely to experience what in the West would be called mild sexual harassment. A single woman travelling alone in the country is considered fair game and of slightly questionable morals.

Being Gay

Korea is a conservative country and can be quite homophobic. It is probably best not to mention to your school that you are gay as it may well lead to you being dismissed either by the school owner or irate parents.

There are 2 major gay hangouts in Seoul, Jong-ro and Itaewon; the former is Korean through and through whilst the latter is more cosmopolitan and English can be heard. They are mainly for men; lesbian teachers will find it much harder to meet other women.

Internet

Internet connectivity in Korea is fast and good; perhaps one of the best in the world. Some schools offer their teachers accommodation while they are in Korea. Some have free wifi but often they don't come with internet included; however, it is relatively easy to get an internet connection in Korea. It takes a few weeks and you will need an Alien Registration Card (which you can get a couple of weeks after arriving in Korea).

English Language Newspapers

There are two EL Newspapers in Korea, the Korean Herald and the Korean Times. They are published six days a week and in Seoul available at news stands. If you live outside the capital then you can also get the paper through subscription.

External Links

Teaching English in Korea, Opportunities and Pitfalls from the US Embassy in Seoul.

Teaching English in Korea: Available Employment Options.