South Korea’s Growing Demand for English Teachers

With South Korea’s global outreach and their focus on building a highly skilled workforce competent in the English language, the demand for English teachers in the country has significantly spiked. This global trend isn’t just confined to major cities like Seoul and Busan, but also extends to smaller towns and rural areas. The scope and demand are extensive, providing opportunities for English-speaking individuals globally to step in and fill this gap.

Teaching English in Korea Salary

The salary for an English teacher in Korea depends on many factors such as qualifications, experience, type of school (public or private), and its location. English teachers in Korea typically earn between $1,600 to $2,000 per month. Higher salaries can be expected when working at private schools or international schools, but these positions often require more advanced qualifications and experience.

Additional Benefits

In addition to competitive pay, English teachers in Korea often receive a range of benefits, including:

• Housing Allowance: A fully furnished apartment or a housing allowance is usually provided by the school as part of the employment contract.
• Health Insurance: Schools typically cover half of your insurance costs, providing equal employer and employee contributions.
• Pension Contributions: Teachers are generally enrolled in the National Pension scheme, with equal contributions from the employer and the employee.
• Contract Completion Bonus: At the end of a one-year contract, most teachers receive a month’s salary as a bonus.

Teaching English in Korea is more than just a job; it’s an experience that broadens your horizons, fosters understanding of different cultures, and equips you with a global perspective. It’s an opportunity to live and work in a vibrant country while earning a competitive salary and enjoying extensive benefits. Explore this rewarding career and immerse yourself in the charisma of Korea.

Teaching English in South Korea

Embarking on a journey to teach English in South Korea can be an enriching, yet daunting experience, due to differences in language, culture, and lifestyle. Being well-prepared and informed can alleviate potential culture shocks and smoothen your transition into South Korean society. Here are the essential factors to comprehend before your move:

• Korean Language Proficiency: Long-term residency in South Korea, such as a teaching tenure of more than a year, calls for a foundational understanding of Korean, particularly the alphabet and basic phrases. Enhanced communication skills often translate into an improved daily routine. Noteworthy resources for learning Korean include TTMIK, Sogang University books, and Rosetta Stone.

• Packing: Bear in mind that Korea has four seasons with typically extreme temperatures. Winters are arid and can plummet to -20°C, while summers are humid, reaching around 40°C. Comprehensive guidance on what to wear in Korea can be found here.

• Tipping: Tipping is not a customary practice in Korea and may even be deemed offensive. Tipping is only occasionally acceptable, such as for taxi drivers and tour guides who frequently interact with foreign visitors. You can learn more about tipping etiquette in Korea here.

• Greetings: Unlike Western cultures, in Korea, greetings don’t typically involve physical contact such as handshakes, hugs, or kisses. Instead, a respectful bow is an accepted norm. Here is a detailed guide on Korean customs.

• Footwear Etiquette: When visiting someone’s house, it is an etiquette to take off your shoes, and you will often find traditional Korean slippers to wear indoors. In the bathroom, there is usually a different pair of slippers, referred to as bathroom slippers.

A comprehensive understanding of these aspects can make your teaching experience in Korea more rewarding and less of a struggle, helping you assimilate seamlessly into the local lifestyle.

English Teaching Positions in Korea

There are a plethora of available options to choose from when considering a career as an English teacher in Korea. With a robust and ever-growing system of English education, both native and non-native English speakers can embark on a rewarding professional journey in Korea. Different teaching positions come with unique job roles, requirements, and salary range.

Public Schools: Public schools in Korea prop up the base of its educational system. Experienced trainers imparting English knowledge to students usually earn a salary between 1.8 million and 2.7 million KRW per month. These teachers not only facilitate a comprehensive learning environment but also aid in enhancing the overall competency levels of English amongst students.

Private Academies or Hagwons: With a focus on greater individual attention, many Koreans turn to Hagwons or private academies for English learning. In these institutes, the remuneration lies typically around 1.8 million and 3 million KRW per month. Hagwons may necessitate extra working hours compared to public schools but also offers competitive pay packages.

University English Teachers: University positions are prized amongst teachers due their respectability and lucrative pay scale. University English teachers’ income generally falls within the range of 2.3 million and 3.5 million KRW. This position involves teaching and mentoring university students, conducting research, and contributing to academic development.

International Schools: Teaching in an international school provides an opportunity to work in an environment ingrained with global standards of education. The salary for these positions typically ranges between 1.8 and 2.8 million KRW monthly. International schools uphold a global curriculum that provides diverse opportunities to teach students from various cultural backgrounds.

Private Tutors: If flexibility is a priority, private tutoring could be a perfect fit. Apart from setting their own schedules, private tutors can charge a minimum of 50 000 KRW per hour. This method of teaching offers one-on-one interaction, allowing for a personalized focus on each individual’s learning needs and progress. To learn more about private tutoring in Korea, visit this link.

In conclusion, teaching English in Korea is a varied and rewarding career path. Prospective teachers need to weigh in the various factors such as remuneration, working hours, and job roles while choosing the best fit for themselves.

Understanding Teaching English in Korea Salary

The salary for teaching English in Korea varies across various schools and largely depends on the region where you are working. This guide gives a comprehensive overview of the potential earnings, across different teaching forums in Korea.

1. Public School Salary

Working in a public school is a favorable option for those willing to teach English in Korea. As a government employee, you can expect stability and various employment advantages.

• The salary range for first-time teachers is usually between 1.8 – 2.1 million KRW ($1600 – $1900 per month) pre-tax.
• More seasoned teachers can earn between 2.0 and 2.7 million KRW ($1800 – $2500).
• Apart from the base salary, teachers often get the opportunity to work overtime or at English camps during the holidays for additional pay.
• Public schools also provide around 18 days of paid vacation alongside national holidays.
• Different programs like EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE offer various placement options with slightly different salary ranges.

How To Apply To Public Schools

Jobs in public schools can be curated through an application process that requires specific documents. These include a university diploma, sealed university transcripts, resume, valid passport, national criminal background check, letter of reference, application forms, and an optional TEFL certification.

Benefits Of Public Schools

Working at public schools comes with numerous benefits:

• Free housing
• Paid/reimbursed flights
• A severance bonus of an extra month at the end of the teaching contract
• Tax exemption for the first two years of teaching

2. Hagwon Or Private Academy

Hagwons or private academies present a plethora of opportunities. The starting salary generally begins at 1.8 million KRW per month, extending up to 3 million KRW.

The number of holidays, although fewer than public schools, depends on the school owner. Usually, you can expect around 7-10 holidays phased in between national holidays.

How to Apply for a Hagwon Position

To apply for a position at a hagwon, the required documents remain the same as those for public schools. TEFL certification is highly recommended. Good resources to look for these jobs include Dave’s ESL cafe and Facebook groups like Expat Women in Korea.

3. Teaching Online

Teaching online allows you to be location-independent. On average, full-time online teachers can earn between $1500 to $2500, depending on experience. To qualify, you would need a bachelor degree and need to be from a native English speaking country. Websites like HigherEdJobs, Inside Higher Ed, Indeed are great starting points to search for these jobs.

4. University-Level Teaching

Given the prospects of a higher salary, fewer teaching hours (as low as 8 hours a week), mature students, and 4 months paid vacation, university teaching jobs are highly coveted, yet rather competitive. These positions usually require a master’s degree and years of English teaching experience. The starting salary ranges from 2.3 million KRW to 3.5 million KRW.

5. Private Tutoring

While providing private English tuition while working on an E2 visa is illegal, those on an F visa can legally earn extra income from it. Private English teachers, tutoring kids and adults on a one-on-one basis, may charge starting from 40 000 KRW per hour. The rate can go up to 120 000 KRW per hour for teaching advanced English or business English.

Therefore, teaching English in Korea comes with a lot of possibilities in terms of employment, earnings, and growth. Adequate research and understanding of each option can greatly aid those looking to venture into this path.

How To Get A Higher-Paying Teaching Positions in Korea

To secure teaching roles that offer a higher salary, there are certain requirements to be fulfilled. Here is a comprehensive list of qualifications, skills, and other essential elements that are key in securing highly paying teaching positions:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Possessing a bachelor’s degree is the basic educational requirement within the teaching industry. This degree doesn’t have to be in the field of education; it can be in any subject. Having a bachelor’s degree alone, however, usually leads to a relatively low starting salary in teaching.

2. Native English Speaker

Being a native English speaker is another basic requirement for teaching jobs, especially for ESL (English as a Second Language) positions across the globe.

3. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification

Investing in a TEFL certification comes highly recommended for higher-paying positions. This certification not only helps increase your potential salary but might also offer better teaching hours.

The TEFL certification requires less than 60 hours to complete and is very affordable, with costs averaging around $200. Secure a 15% discount when signing up through this link.

4. Experience

While not strictly a requirement, having experience in teaching can drastically increase your job opportunities and potential salary. Experience can differentiate you from other candidates, especially for higher-paying or prestigious positions.

5. Further Education

Pursuing further education or advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Doctorate in Education can greatly improve your chance to land high-paying teaching jobs. Advanced learning allows specialization in specific areas of education, making you more desirable to potential employers.

In conclusion, to land high-paying teaching jobs, solid credentials including a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, experience, and possibly further education are crucial. While being a native English speaker is an asset in the teaching industry, enhancing your qualifications and experience is key to securing higher salaries and better opportunities.

Korean Teacher Salary

The salary of Korean teachers in South Korea varies significantly depending on several factors such as the type of teaching position, accumulated experience and the institution they work for.

Hagwon (Private School) Korean English Teachers:

The majority of Korean English teachers employed in hagwons (private schools) witness their monthly income starting around 1.5 million KRW and with several years of experience, this can potentially increase up to 2.5 million KRW. However, it is essential to note that unlike foreign teachers, Korean teaching staff in these institutions often do not receive additional benefits like free housing, severance pay and they are not tax-exempted.

Public School Korean Teachers:

Korean teachers engaged at public schools generally experience a more lucrative income scale, particularly when affiliated with national institutions like language schools.

• Their average monthly wage generally stands around 2.3 million KRW.
• For those teachers possessing extensive qualification and years of teaching experience, the pay can escalate, reaching as much as 4.5 million KRW.

Please note that the specific amount can change as per the cost of living index and government policies.

Factors Influencing Korean Teacher Salaries:

The fluctuation in Korean teacher salaries are influenced by a number of factors such as:

• Teaching qualification: Teachers holding a master’s degree or a teaching certification often attract a higher pay scale compared to those without.
• Experience: More years of teaching often translate to a higher salary. Long-term commitment and consistency in a particular institution could also be financially beneficial.
• Location: Major cities like Seoul often pay more than rural regions due to the higher cost of living.
• Type of school: National language schools and reputed public schools often pay more than private institutes (hagwons).

While the teaching profession in South Korea might not classify as the highest-earning occupation, it often comes with a respectable social status, job security and opportunities to positively impact young lives. It’s also worth noting that a teacher’s wage is just one aspect of their overall compensation package – other benefits including health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid vacations can be valuable too, further enhancing a teacher’s overall remuneration.

Potential Yearly Savings When Teaching English in Korea

Let’s delve into the possible savings when teaching English in Korea. Supposing your monthly salary for teaching English in the country stands at 2.2 million KRW, with provision for your accommodation and healthcare from the school you are teaching.

In areas such as the countryside and Seoul, the cost of living can potentially be as low as 1 million KRW monthly, depending on your daily lifestyle and other spending habits. This, therefore, means that you can conveniently save up to 1.2 million KRW in a month.

Given these figures, you’re looking at a significant amount of possible savings over a year, approximately 15 million KRW to be precise. However, these estimates are highly dependent on individual factors, like your propensity to go out or travel extensively around the country.

Are you contemplating the possibility of teaching English in South Korea? Do you have queries regarding the salary or living expenses? Or perhaps you’ve taught English before and want to share your experience with us. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

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What Is TEFL?

TEFL is an acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it is a fast growing educational field in the world. If you are looking to be teaching English abroad you’ll find lots of professional opportunities and especially for those with a teaching certificate or a TEFL certificate.

TEFL South Korea: Requirements

Even though it is possible to find an English teaching job in South Korea without a TEFL or teaching certificate, it is highly recommended to take the course and get the licence. Especially if you are looking for a better quality job.

For those who are just planning on having a one year experience teaching English in Korea before going back to university or getting a job back home, then this might not be necessary as you’ll probably find a basic hagwon job which only requires you to be from a native speaking country and have a bachelor degree.

If you are planning on teaching in Korea long term and want to climb up the ladder to get a good paying University job, then a TEFL certificate will definitely help you with this. The salary in Korea for English teachers starts around 1.8 – 2.1 million krw (first timers) and can go up to 3.5 million krw or more. Having experience or having a TEFL certificate will definitely put you at a higher salary level when starting out.

These courses can be quite pricey but are definitely worth the money as they but pay back instantly and are worth every cent.

Why Should You Get TEFL Certified?

There are many reasons to get certified, some to get a better job and others are to become a better teacher. Listed below are the main reasons.

• It helps you stand out, if you are applying for hagwon jobs, then with a teaching certificate you are a step ahead of those without this certificate.
• You are able to apply to EPIK, which is a program which places teachers in public schools. Most of the time this is higher paid and has better working conditions than a hagwon job.
• Most TEFL courses will help you to find a job when you finished the course.
• It is a good way to find out if teaching is really something you would like to do. Many of these courses are divided in different sections and include a section on methodology and make you practice teaching components. If you are not enjoying this, then maybe teaching is nothing for you.
• These courses help you become a better teacher and prepare you to go out in a classroom, be confident and keep your students in control.

Tefl.org Review

There are many companies out there that offer a TEFL course, which can be quite confusing when looking to get your certification. Pick a course that suits your needs and that comes from an accredited company. Here at bemariekorea.com, I (Marie) have gotten my TEFL certificate (120-Hour Premier Online TEFL Course) from Tefl.org and here is why we recommend it.

• Each class focuses on one aspect of the course and contains a video, a transcript of the video and at the end of the chapter a test.
• All classes were very well explained and were in depth.
• They offer a mix of purely online-based courses, classroom courses and combined course options . You can buy the full package which covers everything from grammar to teaching telephone English, TEFL methodology and teaching large classes. Alternatively you can get also just get a specialist course.
• We loved the online course as we could do it at our own space whenever we had the time. You have 6 months to finish the course, but that is definitely enough time to not feel pressured or stressed.
• After finishing the course you’ll get access to the TEFL Jobs Center. Here TEFL.org lists jobs on behalf of companies or employers.

This company is the most accredited TEFL provider in the UK. It is accredited by BAC (British Accreditation Council), ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council), TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) and is an approved center of the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority). The certificate is internationally recognized.

1.1 120-Hour Premier Online TEFL Course Review

Of all the courses, both of use did the 120-Hour Permier Online TEFL Course, which was perfect for us. We have already been teaching English for quite a few years in South Korea, but still learned from this course and improved as teachers.

In the premier course there are 5 modules to complete, namely grammar, TEFL methodology, an observation course, teaching large classes and a telephone teaching course. Every module is then subdivided into different units. Each unit has around 10 videos, 4 mini quizzes and a final test. In total, the 120-hour Premier Online TEFL course has 96 quizzes and 12 written assignments. To pass the test you need to get 8 questions out of 10 right, but the test can be taken as many times as necessary.

It is highly recommended to take a TEFL course with at least 120 hours as this tends to be the minimum amount of hours the majority of employers look for, making you eligible for the widest range of job opportunities and also preparing you well for your first TEFL lesson

Which TEFL Course To Get For Teaching In South Korea

Let’s assume you are applying for the most competitive program for teaching in South Korea: EPIK. Every teacher applying for this program needs a TEFL certificate. If you don’t have any preference where to get placed in the country, then it doesn’t really matter if you did the online or in-class but if you are hoping to get placed in competitive locations like Seoul or Busan then that’s a different story.

EPIK eaching positions in Seoul and Gyeognam require at least 20 in-class hours and positions in Busan require at least 50 in-class hours.

Those with in-class hours are considered to have stronger applications and are likely to have better chances at acceptance to the program.

Have any questions about TEFL South Korea? Have you thought English in Korea before? Is there anything missing in this article? Let me know in the comment section below.

What To Know Before Teaching In Korea

When moving to Korea, you’ll soon realize that things are quite different to back home. Korea has another culture, language and society. These will probably come as a culture shock to you. There is nothing better than being prepared for you move, this will help you settle in better and be prepared for what you might experience.

• Learn Korean – If you are moving to Korea, then learn some Korean before getting there. Learn how to read and the basics, so ordering food and going to the grocery store in Korea won’t be as challenging. Great resources to check out are TTMIK, Sogang University books and Rosetta Stone.
• Packing – When going to Korea for a full year, you’ll experience the 4 seasons. In winter, temperatures can reach -20°C and in summer it can be 40°C. Check what to wear in Korea here.
• Giving Tips – Tipping in Korea is a big no no. Some people might even be offended by the gesture. The only occasion where tipping is accepted is to taxi drivers or tour guides.
• Greetings – Greeting one another is also different from the rest world. No handshake, hug or kiss is given instead making a small bow with your head is the norm. More about Korean customs here.

Who Can Be An English Tutor In Korea?

For most professional English teachers in Korea, being a tutor is highly illegal and if discovered can lead to deportations or big fines. Only people on an F-visa are legally able to tutor and even then a special tutoring licence from the Ministry of Education office is required.

Even though tutoring is illegal for most teachers residing in South Korea, you will find that most teachers have thought additional private lessons in their spare time to supplement their teaching salary.

English Tutoring Fee In Korea

Tutoring pays way better that most full time teaching positions in a hagwon or public school, where the average English teaching salary in Korea lies between 2 and 3 million krw a month.

Private tutors normally charge per hour and fees for native speakers start around 50 000 krw an hour. The rate for non-native speakers starts around 25 000 krw per hour. These rates can go much higher depending on experience and qualifications. Rates also depend on the location, skills thought (reading, speaking, grammar, business, etc) and qualifications (TEFL certificate). Most of the time you get paid in cash after the lesson, or the student will transfer the lesson fee at the end of the month into your bank account.

Benefits Of English Tutoring In South Korea

When having the right visa, there are many benefits to tutoring English in Korea. The salary is generally higher, you have a flexible schedule and are free to choose who and what to teach.

1. Flexibility

You are in charge of your own timetable and can give as many or as little classes as you want. On top of that, you can easily arrange with your students when classes are cancelled or when you would like to catch up on missed lessons.

You can also pick who, where and what you want to teach. Only adults or kindergarten kids. Business English or conversation English. In your own home or in a coffee shop down the road?

2. There Is Lots Of Work Available

As it is very important for Korean kids and adults to become fluent in English, there is a high demand for English tutors, therefor tutoring jobs in Korea are widely available. Especially in big cities like Seoul, Busan and Incheon there are many Korean students looking for English tutors.

3. Non-Native Speakers Can Be Tutors

In contrast to full time visa sponsored teaching jobs in Korea that are only for native speaker, English tutors can be from anywhere as long as they are highly proficient in English. The same counts for locals, English tutor jobs for Koreans can also be found.

Down Side Of English Tutoring In Korea

South Korea is renowned for its rigorous education system and the high academic performance of its students. However, this success often comes at a price, as students and parents alike feel immense pressure to excel academically. As a result, tutoring has become an integral part of the education system, with a vast majority of students attending after-school classes and private tutoring sessions.

1. Staying Organized

When being a private tutor, you have to stay on top of your planning. This includes lesson plans, different meeting places, payment due dates and lesson times. When working with different students, you need a way to organize your schedule with a virtual or written calendar.

2. No Security

There is no guarantee when working a tutor. No set income as students can cancel anytime without notice, therefor it is highly recommended to let students pay in advance. At the start of the month or week.

If this is your sole income, make sure you have a solid student base and are not relying on one group or student. Before making this your full time job, start out by taking on a couple of students and grow it steadily.

3. No Visa Sponsorship

As mentioned before, being an English tutor in Korea is only for those with the right visa. There is no visa sponsorship available for people looking to move to Korea to become a tutor.

How To Find Students?

There are a couple of options when looking for private lesson students: going through a recruiter or advertising yourself. A good place to start is Facebook, search for Facebook groups that are specifically targeted to English teachings jobs. Some groups are listed below, note that these are for teaching jobs in general.

• Jobs in (and near) Seoul
• Non-native English Teachers
• English Teaching Jobs
• Teaching Jobs Seoul

Other websites that are a good place to find tutoring jobs are Craigslist, Preply and Prime Edu.

Tips And Resources

English language tutoring is an incredibly valuable service that can greatly benefit learners of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced tutor looking to improve your skills or a student seeking guidance on how to improve your English language abilities, there are a wealth of tips and resources available to help you achieve your goals. From online tools and resources to personalized tutoring sessions, there are many ways to get the support you need to succeed in your English language learning journey. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective tips and resources for tutoring English, so that you can enhance your teaching skills and help your students improve their language proficiency.

1. Lesson Plans

Most students will like you to follow some kind of structure when teaching. Preparing your lessons is key to make help your student improve and make sure the lesson goes as planned.

When teaching a new student, try to find out what exactly they would like to learn and what their goals are. Based on this you could prepare your lessons plans and pick the right study book. A list of suitable books are listed below.

• ESL Activities and Mini-Books for Every Classroom
• Children’s ESL Curriculum: Learning English with Laughter
• Assessment and ESL: An Alternative Approach
• ESL Teacher’s Activities Kit
• ESL Classroom Activities for Teens and Adults
• English Grammar In Use

Another great resource is waygook.org where many other English teachers in Korea have uploaded their lesson plans. You can find anything from PPTs to worksheets and English word games.

2. Get A TEFL Certificate

When certified it is easier to find students and you will be able to charge a higher hourly rate. The certificate is fairly easy and cheap to get. Find more info on TEFL here.

Risks Of Teaching Illegally

Most of the teachers that are tutoring English illegally never get caught, but it is important to know the consequences before starting. If you don’t brag about your extra teaching jobs, then the only places you can get caught is when working extra hours in a hagwon, going through an agent or in the entertainment sector.

Most of the time when teaching 1 on 1 or doing company classes, you should be safe, as long as you don’t cause any trouble.

In the case you are caught tutoring English in Korea illegally, you will be deported or fined heavily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you planning on becoming a private English tutor in Korea? Do you have any tips for other English tutors? Have any questions about tutoring? Let me know in the comment section below.