Why you should consider teaching English in Korea

29 March 2023 Korea

Exciting new experiences await in South Korea!

Teach English in Korea

Teaching in Korea is a popular choice for those looking to transition abroad. Korea offers a unique cultural experience, excellent salary and benefits, and a wide range of students from all walks of life. If you are interested in teaching in Korea, read on to learn more about what to expect!

Why teaching in Korea is a great thing to do

There is no doubt that South Korea is an exciting place to live and work. The country is a mix of modern and traditional cultures, and you can be sure of a warm and hospitable welcome from the locals. Teaching in Korea can be a great way to meet new people, and gain valuable teaching experience. Korea is also known for its delicious food, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful landscapes.

Expected Salary and Benefits

One of the biggest draws of teaching in Korea is undoubtedly the salary and benefits. This will vary depending on the school and type of teaching position. However, in general, teachers can expect to earn around 2.1-2.7 million KRW per month (approximately $1,800-$2,400 USD) for a full-time teaching position. Most teaching positions also come with additional benefits, such as airfare reimbursement, severance pay, health insurance, and housing.

Who you teach

Most teaching jobs in Korea are focused on teaching English as a Second Language (TESL for short!), and students range from young learners up to adults. Depending on your teaching experience and qualifications, you may have the opportunity to work with advanced or specialized students, for example, TOEFL or IELTS preparation, or Business English skills courses.

Locations for private school teaching jobs in Korea

There are teaching opportunities available throughout Korea, but most positions are located in the major cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. Each city has its own unique charm and attractions, so it's worth doing some research to find the best fit for you. Some teaching positions may also be available in more rural areas, which can offer a quieter and more relaxed pace of life.

What to Expect

Teaching in Korea can be a challenging but highly rewarding experience. As a teacher, you will be responsible for creating lesson plans, grading assignments, and managing a classroom of students. You may also be required to participate in extracurricular activities such as after-school clubs or events. Many teachers find that the opportunity to live and work in a new culture is priceless, with lifelong memories and friendships created as a result.

Resources for teaching English in Korea:

Dave's ESL Cafe - A popular website for ESL teachers, Dave's ESL Cafe has a job board where you can find teaching positions in Korea.
Waygook.org - Waygook.org is a community website for English teachers in Korea. It has forums, lesson plans, and resources for teaching in Korea.
EPIK - EPIK stands for English Program in Korea and is a program run by the Korean government that places English teachers in public schools throughout Korea.
GoeTeach - GoeTeach is a program similar to EPIK, but it places English teachers in public schools in the Gyeongsangnam-do province.
Hagwon Blacklist - The Hagwon Blacklist is a website that provides reviews and ratings of hagwons (private English schools) in Korea. It can be a useful resource for finding a reputable hagwon to work at.
Facebook Groups - There are several Facebook groups for English teachers in Korea, such as "English Teachers in Korea" and "Teaching English in Korea". These groups can be a good resource for finding information and connecting with other teachers in Korea.