ESL Jobs
South Korea

South Korea offers one of the most unique and fascinating experiences available to any ESL teacher, with vibrant cities and plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy in your spare time.

Add the low cost of living, high salaries and friendly people, and you have the perfect place for both newly-qualified teachers and ESL veterans.

All the Essentials:
Details about i-to-i ESL jobs in South Korea

Our overseas partners can arrange you a job with a respectable school who will throw in free accommodation and an excellent salary of up to 2,100,000 Won ($1680*) per month. On top of all that, they’ll pay for your flights and give you a bonus at the end of your 12 month contract.

Details

• Salary: Earn as much as 2,100,000 Won ($1680*) a month.
• Accommodation: Your own furnished room in a shared apartment or house, all paid for by the school.
• Flights: Once your 12-month contract ends, the school will reimburse the cost of your return flights.
• Arrival: You’ll be met at the airport, orientated around the city and taken to your school.
• Locations: Throughout South Korea.
• Contract length: 12 months.
• Departure dates: Throughout the year.
• Student age range: From 3 years old upwards.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

Requirements

i-to-i's Overseas Partner requires that all candidates meet the following criteria:

• Native English speaker – you must have a native English passport (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or South Africa).
• ESL-certified (100-hour or 120-hour ESL course required).
• Holder of a university degree.
• You must apply for the visa from your home country.

Please bear in mind that, although friendly, the relatively conservative people of the South Korea probably won’t appreciate a passport photo which showcases your frizzy green hair and facial piercings! Consider this when you send off your application!

Teaching and Employment

• What age and level will I be teaching?
  You should be able to teach a variety of age groups and levels, from 3 years old upwards.
• How many students are there in each class?
  Between 8 and 12.
• How long are the classes?
  Most classes last between 40 and 60 minutes, although this varies from school to school.
• Are there teaching resources available?
  All schools have plenty of resources available, but it’s always a good idea to bring some pictures of your home country, family and friends.
• Will I be teaching alone or in a team?
  You will be teaching independently, but outside of the classroom you will be supported by your colleagues and supervisor.
• What kind of school will I be teaching in?
  Either in a public or private language school (hagwan). If you have a preference, you can state it beforehand.
• How much will I be paid?
  You will earn up to 2,100,000 Won ($1680*) a month, which will be paid into your local bank account in Won. You will be helped to set up the bank account once you arrive. Tax is between 3.2 and 5.5%, depending on your salary. However, depending on your lifestyle, the cost of living should only be about 930,000 Won ($750*) per month.
• Do I receive a bonus or flight re-imbursement?
  The school will reimburse your flight up to the value of £650. You’ll collect 25% once you touch down in the country, a further 25% after three months and the rest at the end of your 1 year contract, when you’ll also receive an extra month’s salary as a bonus.
• How many days holiday will I receive per year?
  8-12 paid holidays over the 12 months.
• What are my teaching hours?
  They’re usually spread from Monday - Friday or Monday – Saturday.
• Can I renew my contract?
  Yes, but you’ll have to discuss this with your school.
• What happens if I need to break my contract?
  You’re encouraged to only do this when absolutely necessary, and ensure you give sufficient notice.
• When should I book my flights?
  You’ll have to purchase and book your own flights, but it’s best to wait until your teaching contract is signed.
• Who is my contract with?
  Your contract will be with your employer: the language school or institute. It will not be with i-to-i or with our overseas partner. If you have any problems while working, you’ll have to take them up with the employer themselves, rather than i-to-i.
• What visa do I need?
  You must apply for your visa from your home country, but our in-country partner will help you with the requirements and application. This is partly why the job requirements are so important: some are also essential requirements for the visa.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

Recommended Training

While you can find work with limited ESL skills, our in-country partners suggest taking our top courses, the 100-hour Online ESL Course or the 120-hour Weekend ESL Course to give you the best chance of finding a good job. This will qualify for more specialised and challenging ESL jobs with higher salaries.