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Teach English in South Korea
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Teaching Placements
Teaching Placement Overview
| Salary range in USD per month | $1600 - $1900 USD * * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. |
| Salary local currency per month | 2.1 – 2.5 million Won |
| Saving potential in USD per month | $400 - $1000+ |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Contract Length | 1 year |
| Placement Types | Private Language Schools ("Hagwons") |
| Classroom Audience | Kindergarten, Primary (elementary and middle), High school students rarely |
| Classroom Age | Between 4 - 18 |
| Classroom Size | 3 - 15 |
| Working Hours per week | 45 including lunch, 30 hours contact teaching |
| Days off | 2 days per week but may not be consecutive |
| Holidays / Paid Leave | 16 Public holidays at the discretion of the school (paid), Paid vacation usually between 10 – 15 days (Exact amount differs between schools). |
| Tax rate range for teachers | 4-7% |
| Visa | E2 Visa |
| Initial Enrollment to Arrival | 4 Month Minimum |
| Top Placement Locations | 1. Gyeonggi-do Province and Seoul 2. Gyeongsangnam-do Province (Inc. Daegu, Ulsan) 3. Chungcheongnam-do Province (Inc. Daejeon, Sejong) 4. Jeollanam-do Province (Inc Gwangju) 5. Gangwon-do Province |
Teaching Placements
There are two main types of schools in Korea: Public Schools and Private Language Centers.
Private Language Centers – “Hagwons”
Private language centers are where students go to learn English either as a supplement to their public school education or as a replacement for their public school education.
As a result, language center are generally open from 09h00 until 22h00. The shift you will work depends on the age group you are teaching. Generally, kindergarten and elementary teachers primarily work from 09h00 until 18h00. Elementary and middle school teachers usually start around 13h00 until 22h00.
Language centers typically offer high tech facilities and have lots of resources for teaching and lesson planning. They offer a well-supported working environment to new teachers. Most language centers we work with are large companies with many different branches all over South Korea.
- Class sizes tend to be around 8-15 students per class
- Teachers have access to internal systems where they can share lesson plans
- Minimal lesson planning is required
- There are many books and resources to help plan for classes
- Classrooms are well equipped
- Around 30-35 teaching hours per week
- Teaching in the afternoons and evenings
- There is generally more than 1 native English teacher at each school
Grace with her kids in South Korea.
Marek, an English teacher from the USA, in front of his class. Our placements offer both public and private school options.
Korean students are generally well behaved and eager to learn, at least compared with children in the West!
Your school will provide and train you on their specific curriculum. The schools have specific curriculums and curriculum support.
Grace with her kids in South Korea.
Marek, an English teacher from the USA, in front of his class. Our placements offer both public and private school options.
Korean students are generally well behaved and eager to learn, at least compared with children in the West!
Your school will provide and train you on their specific curriculum. The schools have specific curriculums and curriculum support.
What are the age groups I will be teaching?
Mixed ages but mainly children. Anywhere from 4 – 18 years old. The age group depends on the school you end up in.
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).
Holidays
As Language centers are open all year round, teachers will not share the usual school holidays. Instead, participants may take vacation leave and take some public holidays which will be at the discretion of the school. Paid holidays are usually between 10 – 15 days (Exact amount differs between schools).
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.
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.
Is transportation provided from accommodation to work?
Transportation is not provided by schools. This will be for the teacher’s own expense and is relatively inexpensive. In most cases, teachers either live within walking distance from the school or a short bus ride/train ride away costing anything from USD 2 – USD 5 return per day.
Medical services and insurance?
NHI (National Health Insurance) is provided by your school a couple of weeks after you begin teaching. It takes some time to process the documents and you will be required to pass an in-country medical examination in order to apply for your ARC (alien registration card) which is your identity in Korea. Once you have your ARC then you are able to see a local doctor. We recommend you have travel insurance for the first three months of being in Korea.
What are the chances of schools deducting money from my salary?
This depends on the school and details will be stipulated in the contract. Some schools deduct $250 USD per month for three months as a housing deposit and this will be paid back at the end of the contract minus the cleaning expenses, unpaid utility expenses or damage beyond general wear and tear.
Do you get paid overtime?
Yes, in most cases and this will be stipulated in their contract.
What are the chances of getting a salary increase?
Quite high for your second contract but your salary is typically fixed for your contract duration. But there might be opportunities for overtime work.
Visa Trip
Teachers who take the In-class TEFL/TESOL course may be required do a visa trip once they have completed the course and before (or soon after) they start teaching.
Visa trips are mandatory trips to countries bordering South Korea to acquire or renew visa statuses.
Popular destinations for the visa trip are Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand or Vietnam. The visa trip usually lasts for 5-7 business days depending on the destination.
The cost of the visa trip is fully funded by the participant (see our Budget section for estimates of a visa run trip) so it is essential to expedite all documents as soon as possible in order to avoid a visa run trip.
Note that this may not be required for those who do the Placement Only program, as they will likely have their placement before they arrive and thus will arrive on a business visa provided by their school.
Don’t worry, we’ll talk you through the whole process, explain all your options and guide you every step of the way!
Guaranteed Job Placement
We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.
You could spend your own time trying to find your own teaching position.
But this can be time-consuming and stressful because you’ll have to wade through a myriad of risk factors and paperwork when evaluating teaching positions.
These can include but are not limited to:
- Work visas, relevant permits and documentation
- The interview process
- The credibility of the school
- Your safety at the school
- Understanding contracts, contract length and hidden clauses
- Payment terms and what happens in the event of non-payment
- Taxes
- Teaching philosophy and environment
- Teaching materials
- School code of conduct
- Local staff support and English proficiency
- After school activities and requirements
- Disciplinary processes
- And many more considerations!
So you might find a job but you’ll be unprepared from a teaching, cultural, financial and emotional perspective.
We take the pressure and stress away from you by guaranteeing your job placement and providing peace of mind support
- We guarantee you a teaching job in carefully vetted and trusted schools where every effort is made to match placement preferences.
- You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your income of $1600 – $1900 USD is secured.
- We’ll explain all the paperwork, contracts, taxes, work hours, requirements and responsibilities.
- We guide you through everything you need to know before you depart to South Korea and from the moment you touch down, you’ll continue to receive peace of mind 24/7 support from our in-country team who will be on hand for you throughout your placement.
- We’ve all taught abroad before and, having placed over 2200+ participants around the world, know the key to success is well-trained, culturally-adjusted, and emotionally-supported teachers. Read more about our teaching placements.
Expert guidance and support
Our experts will explain the program and answer all your questions.
Awards & Nominations
We’re thrilled to be recognized as one of the best Teach Abroad organizations and these awards reflect our commitment to delivering an exceptional standard of professional support, training and experiences to our community of teacher travelers worldwide. Read more about our values and team.
Lifetime Placement Guarantee
Once you’ve taught in one of the TravelBud schools, we can guarantee you a position at another partner school in any of our destinations for which you are eligible on your program line, at no additional charge to you.
- Pay one fee and you’re able to teach in any partner school on your program line as long as you like.
- It’s a once-off fee for a lifetime of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students and travel the world in a sustainable way.
- For example, once you’re finished in South Korea you can travel over to Japan or Thaiand and experience a whole new cultural adventure.
Fees
The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in South Korea.
Currency Converter
Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.
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Option 1In-Class TEFL & Placement | Option 2Online TEFL & Placement | Option 3Placement Only | ||
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Enrollment Deposit | $599 | $599 | $599 |
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| Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance |
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| Personalised one-on-one Support |
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| Visa Guidance |
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| Your questions answered |
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Online TEFL Fee | Choose between: 120 Hour Online TEFL $499170 Hour Online TEFL$1299 | This fee is due 1 week prior to your selected course start date. | ||
Final Program Fee, Guaranteed Job Placement and 24/7 Support | Final Program Fee$2500 | $1300 | $1300 | For In-Class TEFL & Placement:Due 12 weeks prior to selected intake date.For Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only:The fee is due in two instalments. The first instalment is due 10 weeks after your enrollment fee payment date.The second instalment is due no later than 3 days after you have received confirmation of job placement. |
| Guaranteed Job Placement |
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| 24/7 In-country support |
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| Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee |
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| TEFL/TESOL Course | (4 weeks in-country) | (4 weeks online for 120h or 11 weeks online for 170h) |
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| Internationally Accreditated Certification |
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| Practical Teacher Training in-class |
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| Airport pickup and transfer Subject to correct arrival times |
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| Airport Assistance Info & guidance on trains/taxis/buses and routes |
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| SIM Card Included |
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| SIM Card guidance |
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| Local bank account guidance |
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| Shared Accommodation | (1st month in-country) |
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| Cultural Orientation including excursions | (1 week) | (weekend) | (weekend) | In-class TEFL participants experience:
Online TEFL & Placement Only participants experience:
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| Lesson Plan templates and resource directories |
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| Support Network |
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| Self-development and advantageous future employability |
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Total Fee | 120 Hour In-Class TEFL$3099 | 120 Hour Online TEFL$2398170 Hour Online TEFL$3198 | Placement Only$1899 | Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that currency converted pricing is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced. |
Expert guidance and support
Our experts will explain the program and answer all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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 $1900 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
Safety in South Korea
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
- Keep an eye on your belongings at the airport when arriving and leaving, as this is one place in the country where petty theft or pickpocketing is sometimes reported.
24/7 On-the-ground Support
Our on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as emergencies, travel options, translation help, culture shock, legalities, or school queries.
Someone is on hand.
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.
If you are a non-degree holder please see our Teach English in Cambodia and Teach English in Myanmar programs.
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 $500- $800+ per month.
You will also get a severance package at the end of your contract which is one extra pay check for the amount of years you have worked there, so even if you only stay for 1 year, you will always get an additional 13th cheque 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 4-7%.
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. Read more about our online TEFL/TESOL course options.
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.
Refer to the Teaching Placements section for more information.
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?
I felt a lot more safe and secure using this program
TravelBud were always there to answer my questions and listen to me when I had any concerns. The staff workers are so kind and they told me the truth of what I would face, both pretty and ugly truth. I felt a lot more safe and secure using this program.
Recommended for anyone thinking of teaching English abroad for their first time
Moving to a different country and learning a completely new culture can be very difficult but TravelBud helped me find a very comfortable job and put me in contact with all the right people so when I arrived here my transition has been very smooth and really enjoyable!
Very Dependable
I had no success with other agencies but TravelBud came through and found placement in South Korea. Their service has has been spectacular, they saw that I wanted to explore a different culture than my own and helped me throughout. They are very dependable!
We’re here to help
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way!