Teach English in South Korea

Details

Summary

Very high demand for North American English speakers, but the demand for British teachers is on the rise as recruitment from the UK increases.

Main TEFL regions

Seoul & Busan; with other jobs available in smaller cities

Types of teaching

Private English language institutes (hagwans): General English, Business English University academic departments: General English, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Government & private research institutes: General English, ESP Corporate in-house language programs: General English, Business English State & private kindergartens: English for Younger Learners

Accommodation

Usually rent-free for TEFL teachers. Property prices are high in the big cities, so don’t expect to be in the lap of luxury!

Flight reimbursement

This varies, but usually upon completion of your TEFL course

Salary

$1600-$1800 per month. Pay is proportionate with your qualifications and experience. As an English teacher in South Korea, your salary will be among the best for your profession anywhere in the world.

Taxes

Taxes are very low in S. Korea: only 4-5% is taken out monthly and your employer will take care of this for you. So you get most of the money you make!

Cost of living

Low, but it’s slowly increasing as the economy strengthens. Expect about 20% – 30% of your salary to go towards the cost of living.

Potential to save money

Many people come to Korea to save money, but it obviously depends on your own spending habits. Most teachers are well paid and the cost of living is low; you can earn more if you live in a big city, but the cost of living will be higher and there are far more activities to tempt your wallet. So how much you save is up to you! While working, you can easily transfer some of your salary into your bank account at home.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

While the demand for Teachers is very high, you can increase your earning potential significantly by completing more training. You can do this inside South Korea by taking one of i-to-i’s online courses

Common teaching conditions

About 30 hours of teaching (5 days a week). Lessons start later in the day compared to most western schools. Saturday lessons are rare but well paid. Classes in hagwans can be overcrowded, but the students tend to be serious about their studies and expect good quality teaching.

Be aware…

You can avoid scams and faulty contracts by checking how long a recruitment agency or hagwan has been in business. If you choose to go through an agency, it’s best to use a well-known one that ensures good wages, accommodation, and in-country support. The wages for private tutors are very high, which can tempt those without visas. But Koreans are rewarded for reporting any illegal activity, so don’t risk being deported for the sake of some extra money.