Teaching English in Korea
The South Korean English teaching market is currently one of the largest and strongest in the world. ESL instructors can find teaching opportunities here year round, interviews are conducted in advance over the phone and via e-mail.
In most cases, airfare is reimbursed, and South Korean schools typically provide free housing. A typical contract offers a free return flight and 1 month salary bonus (around $ 2,000 USD after 12 months.)
A generous salary of $ 1,800 - 2,200 a month (depending on exchange rates) with only 5% taxes, enables English teachers in Korea to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, as well as an opportunity to save up to $ 1,000 USD per month after expenses. Language schools in Korea typically require 25 to 30 hours of teaching per week plus prep time, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. English teachers in Korea also receive 10-20 days of paid vacation per year in addition to 15-18 national holidays.
English teachers must have a bachelor’s degree to teach English in South Korea, and TEFL TESOL certification is required. Major cities for English teaching jobs include Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Ulsan, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Daegu. There are over 10 cities with a million people. Seoul is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world with approximately 25 million people and over 1,000 English language schools. There are an estimated 25,000 English teachers in South Korea working each year and demand shows no signs of slowing.
An estimated 2,000 - 3,000 new jobs are available each month due to Korea's national stress on education for children and adults. South Korea boasts one of the top ranked educational systems in the world. 
The country's massive educational investments have paid off as this relatively small nation has risen from the ranks of the Third World to become one of the largest and most technologically advanced economies in the world in just a matter of two generations.
Article: Top 10 Reasons to Teach English in Seoul, South Korea
CNN News Article: 50 reasons Why Seoul is the World's Greatest City
FAQs about Teaching English in Korea:
Requirements to teach English in Korea
- Education: BA/BS is required; TEFL TESOL Certification is required and students can obtain certification in any of our Worldwide TEFL locations or by taking the Online TEFL Class.
- Citizenship Requirements: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Austalia, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korean
Peak hiring months: year-round
- Types of jobs: English language schools, children and adults. Public school children.
- Typical hiring process: phone/e-mail in advance
- Average teaching hours per week: 25–30 hours of classroom plus extra prep time
- Types of students: business professionals, children
- Cost of living per month: 700–1,000 USD plus housing; 800,000–1.2 million KRW
Average monthly pay: 1,600–2,000 USD plus housing; 1.8–2.4 million KRW
- Start-up cost: 700–1,000 USD
- Potential to save: can save up to 1,000 USD/month
- Accommodation/housing benefits paid: yes, paid or subsidized. Typically 1 month bonus pay at end of 12 month contract
- Medical Insurance - co pay, national health insurance
- Vacation - paid 2 weeks & sick days
- Flight reimbursement: yes - departing, paid in advance for return flight at end of 12 month contract.
Interesting Facts About Life in South Korea
South Korea—along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan—is one of the Four Asia Tigers, known for their rapid economic growth over the past three decades.
- South Korea was the first country in the world to introduce high-speed fiber-optic broadband internet into every primary and secondary school.
- The martial art of Tae Kwon Do originated in South Korea.
- Baseball was introduced to South Korea more than 100 years ago, it has since become the country’s most popular sport.
