The Teaching English In Korea Salary │ Hagwons, Universities, EPIK and more

Are you passionate about travel, education, and exploring different facets of the world? Then teaching English abroad presents a unique opportunity to merge these interests. In particular, teaching English in South Korea opens a new world of experiences—from the country’s rich history, vivacious culture, delectable cuisine, technological innovations, to their courteous society. Moreover, apart from these cultural experiences, it can also be a financially sound career choice, enabling you to not just cover your living expenses but also save money. This could, in turn, be used for various purposes including but not limited to repaying student loans. In this detailed guide, we delve deep into the specifics of salary for English teachers in Korea.

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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