So you're thinking about teaching English in Korea? Smart move. But let's skip the brochure version. I spent three years teaching in Seoul and Busan, and this guide cuts through the fluff to give you what you actually need to know. Whether you're fresh out of college or looking for a career change, we'll cover qualifications, salaries, cultural headaches, and even how much a beer costs in Itaewon.
Real talk: My first hagwon job paid well but had me working Saturdays. Know what you're signing up for.
What You Absolutely Need Before Landing a Job
Forget vague requirements. Here's the non-negotiable checklist:
- Bachelor's degree in ANY field (Original diploma required for visa)
- Clean national-level criminal record (FBI check for Americans, ACRO for Brits)
- TEFL certificate (120-hour minimum with classroom component)
- Passport from an English-speaking country (USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ, South Africa)
Visa Types That Actually Matter
| Visa Type | Who Qualifies | Contract Length | Biggest Perk |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-2 (Standard) | Hagwon teachers | 1 year | Fast processing |
| E-2 (Public School) | EPIK/GEPIK teachers | 1-2 years | Guaranteed vacation days |
| F-series | Spouses of Koreans/Residents | Unlimited | No sponsor needed |
Pro tip: Start your background check 3 months early. My FBI check took 11 weeks in 2022 – almost cost me the job.
Salary Breakdown: What You'll Really Take Home
Let's talk numbers. Salaries range wildly based on experience and location:
- New teachers: 2.1-2.5 million KRW/month ($1,600-$1,900)
- 3+ years experience: 2.8-3.3 million KRW/month ($2,100-$2,500)
- International schools: 3.5-5 million KRW/month ($2,600-$3,800)
Monthly Budget in Seoul (Single Teacher)
| Expense | Cost Range (KRW) | USD Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 0-700,000 | $0-$530 | Usually covered by employer |
| Utilities | 150,000-300,000 | $110-$225 | Winter heating costs double |
| Groceries | 400,000-600,000 | $300-$450 | Cheap if you eat Korean |
| Transport | 60,000-120,000 | $45-$90 | Subway/bus fares add up |
| Socializing | 300,000-500,000 | $225-$375 | Soju is cheap, craft beer isn't |
The pension refund is golden - you get 100% back when you leave Korea. For a typical 2-year stint, that's around $10,000 extra.
Watch out: Some hagwons deduct "key money" from paychecks if housing isn't fully covered. Always read your contract's fine print.
Public vs Private Schools: The Real Differences
Public School Programs (EPIK/GEPIK)
- Pros: 18-22 teaching hours/week, paid vacation (11+ days), fewer weekends
- Cons: Bureaucracy, possible rural placements, lower starting pay
- Application Deadlines: Feb/Mar for August start, Aug/Sep for February start
Private Academies (Hagwons)
- Pros: Higher salaries, urban locations, flexible start dates
- Cons: 30+ teaching hours/week, vacation as low as 5 days, profit-driven
- Red Flags: No pension/healthcare stipulation, unpaid training days
I preferred hagwons for the pay but got burned by one that made us teach on holidays. Check reviews on Hagwon Blacklists before signing.
Where to Teach: Location Matters More Than You Think
City Comparison
| City | Salary Range | Housing Cost | Foreigner Scene | Biggest Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 2.3-3.0M KRW | High (if not provided) | Excellent | Competitive jobs, small apartments |
| Busan | 2.2-2.8M KRW | Moderate | Great beaches | Fewer international schools |
| Daegu | 2.1-2.6M KRW | Low | Growing community | Hot summers, conservative vibe |
Rural placements through EPIK pay 100,000-200,000 KRW extra monthly but require flexibility. I met teachers in Jeolla province who loved the slower pace but struggled with isolation.
The Application Timeline: Step-by-Step Reality
- 6-9 months before: Get TEFL certified (in-person components take time)
- 4-6 months before: Request background checks (FBI processing is SLOW)
- 3-4 months before: Apply to programs/schools
- 8 weeks before: Receive contract & visa documents
- 4 weeks before: Submit visa application
- 2 weeks before: Flight booking confirmation
Critical: Notarize and apostille ALL documents. I paid $50 extra for rushed apostille service when my state took too long.
Teaching Life: What They Don't Tell You
Beyond textbooks and whiteboards:
- Hagwon owners may pressure you to pass failing students
- Public schools expect involvement in after-school programs
- Korean co-teachers handle discipline - don't overstep
- Lesson planning takes 10-15 hours/week initially
My worst moment? A hagwon director told me to change grades. I refused and quit - know your ethical boundaries.
Culture Shock: Navigating Daily Life
Essential Korean Survival Phrases
- 얼마예요? (Eol-ma-ye-yo?) - How much is this? (Market bargaining)
- 더 주세요 (Deo ju-se-yo) - More please (BBQ heaven)
- 화장실 어디예요? (Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?) - Where's the bathroom? (Critical)
Download 카카오맵 (KakaoMap) immediately - Google Maps doesn't work properly here. And get a T-money card at any convenience store for trains/buses.
Cultural note: Refusing soju from your boss is tricky. I mastered the "one polite sip then nurse it" technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach with a DUI?
Almost certainly not. Korea rejects visa applicants for any criminal record. I know two teachers denied for decade-old misdemeanors.
How competitive is the job market?
Seoul positions get 50+ applicants per job. Rural public schools are easier. Specialized skills (STEM, special ed) increase chances.
Can I save money teaching in Korea?
Yes, if you budget. Typical savings: $8,000-$15,000/year plus $5,000 pension refund. Avoid expat bars charging ₩10,000 for beer!
What's COVID policy for teachers?
As of 2023: Vaccination proof no longer required. Quarantine lifted. Masks still common indoors.
Can I bring my pet?
Extremely difficult. Quarantine lasts 120 days. Most apartments forbid animals. I paid $2,000 to bring my cat - worth it, but stressful.
Final Checklist Before You Commit
- ✓ Calculate total setup costs ($1,500-$3,000 for flights/docs)
- ✓ Contact current teachers at your potential school
- ✓ Verify pension/healthcare in contract (Section 4 usually)
- ✓ Join Facebook groups like "ESL Teachers in Korea"
- ✓ Pack dehumidifiers - Korean summers are swampy
Teaching English in Korea changed my life, but not all experiences are equal. Do the homework, trust your gut about employers, and bring good walking shoes. 화이팅! (hwaiting - Korean for "you got this!")
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