How to Teach English in South Korea: Your Ultimate Guide

Breeze in Korea 2025. 6. 17. 18:00

Teaching a foreign language in Korea is a fantastic idea, allowing you to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture while sharing your linguistic skills. Even with the advancements in AI for language learning, there's simply no substitute for the direct communication and personal connection you get with a foreign teacher! I am teaching English to elememtary schoolers, and I love my job! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to secure your dream teaching job in Korea.

1. Essential Qualifications & Requirements

Before you pack your bags, it's crucial to understand the baseline requirements for teaching English in Korea.

Nationality: Most teaching positions, especially in public schools and reputable private academies (Hagwons), require you to be a citizen of a native English-speaking country. This typically includes the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in any field is almost always a mandatory requirement. Your degree must be from an accredited university.
Clean Criminal Background Check: You'll need to provide a federal-level criminal background check (apostilled) to prove you have no criminal record. This is a non-negotiable safety measure.
TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certification (Highly Recommended): While not always strictly required for every position, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) certificate significantly boosts your chances. It demonstrates your commitment and provides you with essential teaching methodologies. Aim for a course with at least 100 hours of study and a practical teaching component.
Age Limit: Most programs and schools prefer candidates under 62 years old.

2. Types of English Teaching Jobs in Korea

South Korea offers diverse teaching environments, each with its own advantages.

Public Schools (EPIK Program):
- EPIK (English Program in Korea) is a government-sponsored program placing foreign English teachers in public schools across the country.
- Pros: Stable salary, generous vacation time, often housing provided (or housing allowance), lower teaching hours, opportunities to teach various age groups.
- Cons: Application process can be lengthy and competitive, less control over location, often requires more lesson planning.
Private Language Academies (Hagwons):
- Hagwons are private after-school academies that are extremely popular in Korea.
- Pros: Abundant job opportunities, faster hiring process, often include housing, higher starting salaries for some roles, structured curriculum.
- Cons: Can have longer working hours (evenings and weekends), less vacation time, potential for high student numbers.
Universities:
- More competitive and typically require a Master's degree (often in English, Education, or TESOL) and prior teaching experience.
- Pros: Excellent pay, good benefits, significant vacation time, mature students, more academic environment.
- Cons: Fewer positions available, high qualifications needed.
Private Tutoring:
- Less common for first-time teachers due to visa restrictions (you typically need a specific visa that allows private lessons). Usually done on the side by teachers already working legally in Korea.

3. The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The application process can seem daunting, but breaking it down makes it manageable.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents: Start collecting all necessary documents early. This includes your degree, transcripts, passport, and criminal background check. Remember that some documents need to be apostilled.
Step 2: Get Certified (if you haven't): Enroll in a reputable TEFL/TESOL/CELTA course.
Step 3: Research & Apply:
- For EPIK: Apply directly through the EPIK website or through a recruiter partnered with EPIK. The application windows are usually in Spring (for Fall intake) and Fall (for Spring intake).
- For Hagwons: Use online job boards like ESL Cafe, Dave's ESL Cafe, Waygook.org, or work with a trusted recruiter specializing in Korean placements. Recruiters can simplify the process, but always do your own research on schools.
Step 4: Interview: Be prepared for online interviews. Research the school/program, dress professionally, and be enthusiastic.
Step 5: Visa Application (E-2 Visa): Once you receive a job offer, your employer will help you with the E-2 (Teaching) visa application. This involves submitting your apostilled documents, a health check, and other forms to the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 6: Book Your Flight & Prepare for Arrival!

4. Life as an English Teacher in Korea

Teaching English in Korea is more than just a job; it's an immersive cultural experience.

Salary & Living Costs: Salaries vary depending on the type of school and your experience, but most first-time teachers can expect to earn enough to live comfortably, save some money, and travel. Seoul is more expensive, while regional cities offer lower living costs.
Accommodation: Many Hagwons and EPIK provide single furnished apartments. If not, your salary will usually include a housing allowance.
Culture Shock & Adaptation: Be prepared for cultural differences. Koreans are generally very respectful and value education highly. Learning basic Korean phrases will significantly enhance your experience.
Community: There's a large and welcoming expat community in Korea. You'll find plenty of opportunities to connect with other foreign teachers.
Travel: South Korea boasts stunning natural landscapes, bustling cities, ancient temples, and delicious food. You'll have ample opportunities to explore!

5. Maximizing Your Success

Be Professional: Maintain professionalism in all your interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
Be Flexible & Adaptable: Teaching in a foreign country requires flexibility. Be open to new teaching methods and cultural norms.
Learn Korean: Even a basic understanding of Korean will make your daily life much easier and show respect for the local culture.
Embrace the Culture: Try new foods, visit historical sites, and participate in local festivals. The more you immerse yourself, the richer your experience will be.
Network: Connect with other foreign teachers. They can offer invaluable advice and support.

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