Teach English in South Korea

Why Teach English in South Korea?

Travel Opportunities Teaching English in South Korea

South Korea is a small country with diverse landscapes and many beautiful and interesting places to visit. Between long weekends and paid leave, you’ll be able to explore the country and even pop over to nearby countries like Japan and the Phillipines. With your end of contract bonus and one way ticket airfare compensation, travelling at the end of your contract is also very affordable. For more ideas, read our resource on 10 Awesome Overseas Vacation Ideas for English Teachers in South Korea. We’d love to offer advice and suggestions for exciting travel experiences in and around South Korea.

Full-service Placement Process

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.

We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

That’s why we don’t just find you an oversees teaching placement, we support you throughout our entire teach abroad experience!

Do I Qualify To Teach English in South Korea?

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in South Korea. You do need:

How long is the teaching contract for?

In addition to the above requirements, the following is required to be eligible to teach English in South Korea as stipulated by local authorities:

What if I don’t have a TESOL certificate?

We offer both in-class and online TESOL courses to prepare you for your adventure abroad. Read about our TESOL courses below to learn more. If you’re unsure about any of your qualifications, chat to us! We’ll answer all your questions and do our best to accommodate you.

Teach English in South Korea TESOL Courses

Many TESOL courses are not accredited and do not provide adequate preparation for teaching. That’s why we highly recommend completing the 120-hour in-class TESOL in South Korea. It will give you the best possible preparation and ensure that your students get the best education. Located just a few stops away from the vibrant city of Seoul, the in-class TESOL in Incheon, South Korea offers incredible insights into a fascinating culture, as well as expert training in TESOL from experienced instructors. Cultural orientation highlights include a trip to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, authentic Tae Kwon Do instruction, and Korean language lessons.

The TESOL Course is a 4 week course which takes place in Incheon, South Korea and is tailored specifically for those preparing to teach English in South Korea. It consists of a 1 week cultural orientation program followed by 3 weeks of theory and practical learning. You’ll also get to meet fellow teachers and forge new friendships while participating in exciting cultural activities and excursions. If you want to teach and travel before this date, then our South Korea Online TESOL course will be perfectly suited and gives you the accreditation you’ll need for teaching English in South Korea. TravelBud’s South Korea online TESOL course is tailored specifically to teaching English in South Korea and includes the following: TravelBud provides all accepted applicants with a guaranteed job placement at a reputable school in South Korea. Once in South Korea, you have the option of choosing to do a cultural orientation in Seoul. This course takes place twice a year and classes and excursions will take place over four consecutive weekends. Classes will be held on Saturdays and Sundays in the capital city of Seoul. The course involves active-learning cultural excursions to various sites of cultural and historical significance including: The in-country excursions are punctuated by in-class language lessons, developed to establish a basic understanding of Korean language.

Costs

What Will I Earn?

As an English teacher in South Korea, you’ll earn $1600 to $1750 per month* (2.1 to 2.3 million Won). * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. This will comfortably cover your living expenses and also give you the opportunity to save money!

How much does it cost?

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in South Korea.

OPTION 1

In-class TEFL/TESOL Certification, Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)

The in-class TESOL courses is tailored specifically to teaching English in South Korea and will give you valuable insight into South Korean culture and the specifics of teaching in a Korean classroom.

OPTION 2

Online TEFL/TESOL Certification, Guaranteed Job Placement and Support

OPTION 3

Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?

Take our Guaranteed Job Placement and Support option

What is included in the TravelBud enrollment fee?

Pre-departure Support

As soon as you pay your deposit, your pre-departure support kicks off. From that moment on, TravelBud will be on call to answer all your questions and provide all the support and guidance you need.

24/7 Dedicated Ongoing In-country Support

Lifetime of job placement opportunities

Teaching Resources and Support from local teachers

 

What is included in the TravelBud Program fee?

Once you’ve paid your enrollment fee, you’ll unlock all the benefits of your pre-departure support and placement process. The last thing you’ll need to pay is your final fee, this is the remainder of the cost for the program you’re signed up for. Here’s what’s included in that:

Budgets

What are the other costs involved prior to departing?

The above tables detail costs you’ll need to pay TravelBud in order to join the program. You’ll also need to budget for various other expenses, not payable to TravelBud, which allow you to legally teach abroad plus the cost of travel to your destination and insurance for your trip. Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. The following is what you’ll need to budget for:

What do I need to budget for?

Bear in mind that you will be spending 1 to 2 months in South Korea before you receive your first paycheck. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through this period. Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits, but there will be some costs that come up which are unavoidable. ]In total, we recommend taking at least $1700 with you to start your teaching journey in South Korea. However, you might find that you need more money to suit your lifestyle or to buffer unexpected expenses. Depending on the school you’re placed at, you will receive a $600 to $1000 reimbursement for the cost of your flight to South Korea along with your first paycheck to recoup some of your early expenses. Depending on your school, you might receive this before or with your paycheck. Take a look through our budget guidelines to see what budget suits your spending habits:

Budget for 1 month during the in-class TESOL course in Incheon, South Korea

You will also need to take over enough spending money to cover living expenses during your South Korea TESOL course and first month of teaching english in South Korea.

Budget for first month of teaching

Budget Totals

Chat to us if you have questions about budget and spending. We realise that moving abroad to teach English in South Korea is expensive at first, but remember that with TravelBud your teaching job is guaranteed. Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered and you will be able to enjoy your time Teaching and Traveling in South Korea.

When can I start Teaching English in South Korea?

How long is the teaching contract for?

In-Class TESOL in Incheon, South Korea

TravelBud’s NEW in-class, in-country TESOL course and orientation which takes place over a month and provides the same great tailored experience as the online course with the added benefit of:

In-take Dates for online TESOL course participants:

Arrival & Orientation

Pre-departure Support

As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:

Arriving in South Korea

When you arrive in Seoul, you can count on: When you arrive in Seoul:

Teaching Environment

Your teaching job is guaranteed with TravelBud. You’ll head off to your new job as soon as you’ve completed your TESOL course.

Watch the video below of Marek from Massachusetts, USA, giving an insight into his teaching English experience in South Korea:

Where will I be teaching?

We can place teachers in:

You can teach:

Keep in mind that placements do depend on what jobs are available.

We will always to our best to accommodate your preferences.

Do schools provide lunches?

Schools sometimes provide lunch options for teachers. You will always have a lunch/dinner break scheduled into your daily routine.

Can I be placed with my friend or partner?

We can do our best to place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs. We unfortunately cannot guarantee that you will be able to be placed together due to a number of factors, but we have previously successfully placed many pairs together (couples, friends etc). 

What are the working hours?

Are there sports or activities after school which I will need to attend?

No, you generally won’t be required to do anything at school after teaching hours.

What type of school will I teach in?

Job placements are available predominantly at private schools. Learn about the difference between public and private schools in South Korea on our blog.

South Korean schools are extremely well-resourced and you will have a local teacher to assist you in the classroom.

Your books and teaching resources will be supplied, although you may want to get creative and supplement with your own.

What if I am unhappy with my job? Can I be placed somewhere else?

If you are unhappy and there are clear reasons why the job is not working out for you, TravelBud will place you in a different job.

We have strong relationships with our partner schools and our applicants are generally very happy with their placements.

We are also available 24/7 to chat about how things are going and will check in with you throughout your adventure.

How long is the teaching contract?

Your placement duration is for 12 months or more. Placements are renewable so you can choose to teach English in South Korea for several years if you’d like!

Do I get any bonuses?

Yes, you’ll receive an end-of-contract bonus pay (13th paycheck).

What is the dress code for teaching?

Dress code is smart-casual – collared shirts for men and conservative for women. Covering the shoulders is especially important for women but the length of skirts and dresses is less of a concern.

Living Environment

How does accommodation work?

Your accommodation will be booked before you head over to South Korea. Your school will organise your apartment on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation.

When you arrive in South Korea, you’ll be picked up from the airport by our in-country partners and they will arrange transport to your accommodation.

Accommodation in South Korea as well as the majority of Asian countries generally consists of a double bed, TV, bathroom with shower, kitchen, desk, and some living space.

Teachers in South Korea are provided with a 1-bedroom apartment which typically includes all of the aforementioned. It is important to note however that apartments in South Korea and most of Asia are very much open planned with one’s bed, TV and sofa often all belonging in one room while.

Here are 3 videos to give you an idea of our past teachers accommodation in South Korea:

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Where do I stay if I do the In-Class TESOL course in Incheon?

Your accommodation for your 4-week TESOL course is all pre-booked and sorted for you. Have a look at the photos below to get an idea of the accommodation.

How much will rent cost?

Rent will vary depending on where you are living, but is subsidised by your school so it is affordable. If you take the in-class TESOL course, the cost of accommodation is $350 payable on arrival.

Will I be living with someone?

If you are placed with a friend or partner, you will hopefully be able to live together. Otherwise, your school will organise a bachelor flat for you.

Let us know what your needs are in terms of accommodation and we’ll assist with finding the best living environment for you.

We’re available to talk you through the whole process!

Why Teach English in South Korea with TravelBud?

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing. We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

Safety

Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.

What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety in South Korea?

Our teachers in South Korea (both men and women) report feeling extremely safe in the country. Levels of crime are very low and public services such as transport are very efficient and very safe. Public transport is efficient and safe to use.

How are the authorities?

The police in South Korea will treat you as well as you treat the law. Petty crimes involving brazen debaucherous behaviour are not tolerated and can be dealt with severely. Make sure that you stick to the law and you will find the authorities very helpful.  

Safety Tips

Teach English in South Korea FAQ

How much does it pay to teach English in South Korea?

If you are in search of a 1 year vibrant experience teaching, traveling and earning great money abroad ($1600 USD to $1750 USD * – 2.1 to 2.3 million Won per month), this is the perfect program for you. In the local currency (paid into a local bank account you will set up in your first month), it is around 2.1 – 2.3 million Korean Won.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility

Is English spoken in South Korea?

Yes, English is spoken in Korea. There are different levels of English- in cities like Seoul you will encounter people with a high level of English, as opposed to smaller cities or towns. To work for bigger companies in Korea (which is a dream of many Koreans), you will need to have a good handle on English, but it isn’t as widely spoken as Thailand, as there isn’t such an enormous tourist sector. In South Korea, it is good to note that there are certain social restrictions to speaking English, especially to a foreigner. Korean people often believe that your level of English directly indicates your economic background, as having a high level of English will mean that you attended classes at a private academy, or that you have travelled or lived abroad. For this reason, many Koreans are often shy or reluctant to speak English, even if they can.

Are teachers in high demand in South Korea? Why?

Native English-speaking teachers are in high demand in South Korea, mainly because the population is in a tight competition with their peers for jobs and other opportunities. Many young students aspire to study/live abroad, so the parents are more than willing to invest in native speakers to teach their children. The overall hope for South Korea is to train Koreans to replace foreigners. They want the level of English to rise for Koreans, who could eventually become English teachers and eradicate the need for foreign teachers. The reasons for this are largely due to a patriotic outlook from Koreans, but also the fact that they do have a very high level of youth unemployment due to high competition for jobs based on the population size versus job availability.

Do students have to learn English in South Korea?

Yes, it is compulsory at their public schools. On top of their public schooling, many children attend private English academies after school to improve their English.

Do you need a degree to teach English in South Korea?

Yes, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in any field to teach English in South Korea. You may also be accepted if you have a diploma in education specifically.

What is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?

The basic structure of the school system differs between language centers/private schools and public schools. Language centers/private schools have a bit more flexibility in terms of the curriculum, use of textbooks, and so on. Teachers also generally teach smaller class sizes with students of similar English proficiency levels. Public schools will generally have a set curriculum and textbook work. Class sizes are generally bigger, and students will have varying English proficiencies. Work hours for language centers/private schools are in the afternoons on weekdays, and weekends. Public schools will generally be from around 7:30AM to 4:30PM on weekdays. Read our guide on the Difference between Public and Private schools in South Korea on our blog.

How much money can I save teaching English in South Korea?

It is generally up to your lifestyle (as Western foods, alcohols etc are far more expensive). However, because you rent is paid for entirely by the school, all you really have to pay for is food and transport- both of which can be done very inexpensively if you live like a local. You would probably spend about half your pay without creating any limitations for yourself, but can save more if you live frugally. On average, you can save about $800- $1000 per month. You will also get a severance package at the end of your contract which is one extra paycheck for the amount of years you have worked there, so even if you only stay for 1 year, you will always get $2000 at the end of your contract.

What are the expected tax deductions from your paycheck? Does is differ from school to school?

Tax deductions differs from school to school and it also depends on whether the institution is public or private. Expected deductions are only around 3%.

Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary? If so, Why?

No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salary.

Do schools in South Korea accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?

Yes they do. We recommend the CultureRoute Online TEFL/TESOL Course if you’re looking for an internationally accredited, interactive and highly rated online TEFL/TESOL course.

How long does it take to get a TEFL/TESOL in South Korea?

You have 2 options for South Korea in terms of a teaching certificate. You can do an online TEFL/TESOL course that has to be accredited and at least 120 hours in duration. For an in-class TESOL, you can view our South Korea TEFL course.

What is the main religion in South Korea?

The religion is predominantly Christian (which stems from the involvement of the Western world, particularly the US after the end of the Korean war in 1953. There are a number of Buddhists as well, but the majority is atheist.

Will I get picked up from the airport?

When you arrive in Seoul, you can count on airport pick-up and travel assistance to your accommodation.

Where will I be placed Teaching English in South Korea

We can place teachers in: Big or small cities, South Korea is highly urbanised so even towns with smaller populations will feel quite developed. You can teach: Kindergarten, Primary (elementary and middle) or High school. Read our guide to placements in South Korea on our blog.

Video FAQ

Watch the videos below answering all our frequently asked questions about Teaching English in South Korea. The videos below are in a playlist, so you can click on the playlist icon in the top left of the video player to scroll through all the questions and answers:

• What happens when I arrive?
• What is the airport like in South Korea?
• Can you get a job without a TEFL course?
• What did you most enjoy about the TEFL course?
• How many hours per week do you teach?
• How much vacation time do I get?
• What other financial benefits are there when Teaching English in South Korea?
• Can I travel while I’m teaching English in South Korea?
• What are the best places you can go to in Korea?
• Why go through TravelBud to Teach English in South Korea?
• How is the WiFi in South Korea?
• How do I know a school is reliable?
• What happens if something goes wrong once I’m in the country?
• What will my lifestyle be like? How is the foreign community?
• Is Korea safe?
• Is it safe for woman in Korea?
• Why would you recommend teaching English in South Korea?

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Reviews from our Teachers