Teaching English in South Korea

South Korea is one of the few countries that offer such a rich and unique experience, as the country has managed to preserve its culture and traditions for years now. As a TEFL teacher your adventure will be even more unique, as you’ll work closely with locals who are considered to be some of the most hospitable and friendly in the world!

Recommended Training

While you can find a teaching job with basic TEFL skills, our in-country partners recommend our top-level courses in order to find you the best job abroad!

• 100-hour Online TEFL Course
• 120-hour Weekend TEFL Course

A top level course will increase your prospects, as you’ll qualify for more specialised and challenging TEFL jobs with higher salaries.

The Employment Basics

• Salary: Earn up to 2,000,000 Won ($1620*) a month
• Requirements: You must be a native English speaker and have a university degree
• Contract Lengths: 12 months

How to Apply

1. Get in touch with us

• If you don’t have a TEFL qualification, give us a call on 800-352-1793.
• If you’re already TEFL qualified, send us your details and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

2. We’ll provide you with all the details you need to start your application

3. Our in-country partners will then begin their search for your dream job!

Please note: The job placement service does not guarantee that an applicant will be offered a position. A job offer will be made providing you meet the initial requirements, successfully pass any interview process and that a suitable position is matched to your profile.
i-to-i UK Limited is acting as an employment agency for the purposes of the job placement service.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

What can you expect in South Korea

• Salary: Earn up to 2,000,000 Won ($1620*) a month.
• Accommodation: Private bedroom in rent-free fully furnished shared accommodation.
• Flights: You will be reimbursed by the school for your flights upon successful completion of your contract.
• Arrival: Meet and greet service at the airport plus orientation and transfer to school.
• Locations: Throughout South Korea.
• Contract length: 1 year.
• Departure dates: Departure dates are available throughout the year.
• Student age range: Age 3 - adult.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

Requirements in South Korea

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

• Native English speaker - Must be a holder of a native English passport e.g., UK, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Canadian or South African.
• TEFL qualification (100-hour or 120-hour TEFL course with young learners training required).
• University degree holder.
• Candidates must apply from their home country in order to obtain the necessary visa.

Despite its friendly and open people, South Korea is an essentially conservative country. As with all of South East Asia, appearance is very important. When submitting your passport photo as part of the application, please bear this in mind. Prominent tattoos, facial piercings and bright pink hair, probably wouldn't be a good idea!

Frequently asked questions about teaching in South Korea (Private Schools)

1. What age and level will I be teaching?

Students range from 3 to adults. Candidates can make preferences as to what age groups they would like to teach

2. How many students are there in each class?

The class size can range from 5-30 students, depending on the age and type of school.

3. How long are the classes?

Classes can be varied times depending on the school. Expect 40-60 minutes as a maximum.

4. Are there teaching resources available?

Yes. However, resources are school specific so it would be useful to take some of your own resources with you, such as photos of your family and home, newspapers, posters, leaflets and information on local places of interest which you can use in your lessons.

5. Will I be teaching alone or in a team?

Generally teaching on your own, but there is some team teaching

6. What kind of school will I be teaching in?

You will be teaching in either a public or private school. Candidates can make a preference.

Frequently asked questions about employment in South Korea (Private Schools)

1. How much will I be paid?

You will be paid up to 2,000,000 Won ($1620*) a month into your local bank account (you will be assisted in setting this up on arrival.) The tax rate is 3.2-5.5%.

The cost of living is approximately 930,000 Won ($750*) per month (please note that this is a guide only).

2. Do I receive a bonus or flight re-imbursement?

You will receive a flight reimbursement

3. How many days holiday will I receive per year?

Depending on the number of hours you work and the school, candidates can expect anything from 2 – 5 weeks holiday.

4. What are my working hours?

Various. Generally Monday – Friday or Monday – Saturday

5. Can I renew my contract?

Your contract can be extended

6. What happens if I need to break my contract?

This is a very serious decision. If the teacher needs to leave early, we hope they will handle professionally and give sufficient notice.

7. When should I book my flights?

It is your responsibility to book and pay for your flights, and to arrive in good time for your flight. We advise you refrain from booking your flights until you have signed your teaching contract.

8. Who is my contract with?

The contract you sign will be with the language school or institute that you will be teaching at, not with i-to-i or with our overseas partner.

9. What visa do I need?

You must apply for your visa from your home country. Our in-country partner will advise you on the visa process and requirements for this. It is important that you meet all the requirements outlined for the placement as some or all of these may be essential requirements to get the correct working visa.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

100 Hour Online and 120 Weekend TEFL course

i-to-i's overseas partner requires that all applicants have a TEFL qualification to apply for the positions. If you need to get TEFL qualified, i-to-i's 100 Hour Online and 120 Weekend TEFL courses are our most comprehensive TEFL courses, providing you with in-depth TEFL training. Not only will you receive in-depth theory training, but also specialist courses for every teaching situation. Increasing the number of hours of study will also give you more confidence, make your CV more attractive and maximize your earning potential.

Choosing the 120-Hour Weekend TEFL course also adds practical training your certification!

• Internationally Recognised Certificate
• 20 hour Weekend TEFL Course*
• 20 hour Specialist Certificate in Grammar
• 40 hour Online Course
• Video & audio tutorials
• Personal 1 to 1 tutor support
• Lifetime Access to Teaching Helpdesk
• 40 hours in 8 Specialist Certificates

*Not included in the 100-hour Online TEFL Course