Overview
Would you like to teach English in South Korea? Although it is renowned as the Land of Morning Calm, teaching English in South Korea will quickly show you that it is far from boring! With a population of over 50 million people and one of the world’s densest capitals, South Korea provides a fast-paced combination of modern cities, centuries-old traditions, enthralling culture, and gorgeous countryside.
There are numerous possibilities for TEFL in South Korea, whether you’re seeking your first teaching job or want to advance your teaching career. English teachers are in high demand across the country, from private schools and colleges to government-sponsored teaching programmes and language academies.
If you want to teach English in South Korea but don’t know where to begin, read on to learn everything you need to know with our comprehensive guide to teaching English in South Korea.
Types of teaching jobs
Private schools, also known as hagwons, are a fantastic alternative for people wishing to spend a year abroad while saving money. They are continuously hiring and tend to provide higher compensation and shorter working hours. In addition, many other foreigners work in hagwons, which provides a smoother adaptation to your new surroundings than public schools.
The fact that most hagwons have pre-prepared lesson plans may appeal to some new instructors, but it may limit their creativity and originality in the classroom for others. Despite the fact that working hours are shorter and start later in the day, often after 1 pm, you only get about ten days off.
If you want to sleep in and start later in the day, this may be the ideal option for you. Other advantages include higher income, a less time-consuming application process, and a faster arrival time. If you choose a hagwon, go with one that is larger and more widely recognised. If you select a smaller hagwon, keep in mind that some are better than others, and a little patience and study can go a long way toward improving the quality of your experience. With a workweek of roughly 35 hours, starting pay at hagwons is typically around €1,900–€2,200.
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree is typically hired by Hagwons. The minimum wage is usually higher, ranging between 2.1 and 2.5 million Korean Won.
Because these are after-school specialist English institutes, typical work hours begin in the afternoon. Depending on the school, work hours range from 1 pm to 9 pm, with a typical workday lasting 6 hours or more. Year-round hiring, usually through a recruiter
Working in a public school has advantages such as more job stability, shorter teaching hours, and more paid vacation time. While these opportunities are more competitive and pay significantly less, possessing a teaching qualification such as a TESOL or TEFL will strengthen your candidacy.
EPIK
EPIK covers most regions outside of Gyeonggi Province and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Start dates typically occur at the end of February and the end of March, and teachers are hired before arriving in the country. Participants are expected to work 22 hours of actual teaching per week, with a total workload of around 40 hours, and must have TEFL/TESOL certification along with a minimum of 100 hours of prior teaching experience. The program offers a starting monthly salary of approximately 2 million Korean Won.
GEPIK
GEPIK is specifically for schools in Gyeonggi Province, which encompasses the Seoul metropolitan area. Most locations in the province are accessible from Seoul within roughly 45 minutes by bus, taxi, or train. Start dates generally fall at the end of February and the end of August, and teachers are also hired before arrival. Work hours consist of 22 hours of teaching per week, and pay is determined based on qualifications, including TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA certification, as well as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education or a teaching certificate. Minimum monthly salary for GEPIK teachers starts at 2.1 million Korean Won.
It’s nearly impossible to acquire a job teaching English in South Korea without going through a recruiter. They will give you information about employment openings after registering on their website. In addition, they’re an excellent source of information for any queries you might have about the procedure. Footprints Recruiting, Reach To Teach, and Adventure Teaching are three firms that come highly recommended.
Living costs
Salaries in South Korea differ depending on the type of educational school. Hagwons, on average, pay the most for first-time English teachers in South Korea, around €1900. On the other hand, public schools pay a lesser starting wage of around €1,200-€1,900. When you consider the limited number of actual working hours, the remuneration in public schools tends to be higher. Public and private schools will provide housing for English teachers in South Korea. It’s usually a self-contained studio ranging in size from medium to tiny. Seoul flats are often the smallest; however, there is so much to do in Seoul that real time spent in the apartment is limited.
In general, South Korea’s cost of living is reasonable. Keep in mind that the cost may be more if you live in a larger city, the cost may be more. However, because most English teaching jobs cover your rent and all you have to pay is your utilities and mobile phone bill, it’s reasonable to suggest that you can spend up to 80% of your earnings on living or travelling expenses. The most appealing part of the deal is when you complete your English teaching contract, as most contracts include an extra month’s pay as an incentive.
Cost of living prices are taken from Numbeo.com, the world’s largest comparison website.
Key facts
The country’s two largest cities, Seoul and Busan, are the most popular locations for English teaching jobs in South Korea. However, for those seeking a more relaxed South Korean experience, TEFL jobs can be found in all cities and many rural areas.
English teachers in South Korea can anticipate a basic monthly income of 2 million to 2.5 million Won (£1,280 to £1,600/€1,470 to €1,800) for a full-time position. Those with prior expertise can earn up to 2.8 million Won per month (£1,800/€2,120).
English teachers typically receive a rewards package that includes round-trip travel, lodging, bonuses, and discounted medical care on top of the basic wage.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate, and a clean background check to teach English in South Korea. Employers also look for teachers who are native English speakers.
South Korea’s academic year goes from March to July and August to February.
Key Points
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In South Korea, an English teacher’s monthly compensation might range from €1,295 to €2,800. Depending on whether you teach at a public school, a private school, a university, or an international school, your wage range may vary.
In general, no. The majority of teaching English in South Korea positions require specific qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree. However, if you have an associate’s degree or are in your third year (or higher) of college, you may be able to teach through programmes like TaLK. If you don’t have a degree, you might be able to gain classroom experience through a volunteer programme instead.
You must be a fluent English speaker with a Bachelor’s degree and a clean criminal background to teach English in South Korea and hold a TEFL or TESOL certification.