What It's Like Teaching in South Korea
From the salary and benefits to differentiating public schools and private "Hagwons", check out our guide on what to expect while teaching in South Korea!
Whether you’re new to the world of TEFL or you’re a seasoned veteran, teaching English in South Korea offers a fantastic overseas experience. From the opportunity to boost your resume to experiencing cultural immersion and personal development, there are many reasons to work in the Land of Morning Calm.
But, what is it actually like teaching in South Korea? Read on to find out what teaching in South Korea is like, from the salary and benefits to the school culture and day to day schedule.
Is it worth teaching English in Korea?
Yes! With award-winning K-dramas, record-breaking K-pop groups, and trendsetting fashion, there’s plenty of reasons to consider teaching in South Korea. In addition to the high TEFL salary, perks and benefits, you’ll get to live in a country that boasts innovative cities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a renowned culinary scene.
Read more: What are the Requirements to Teach Abroad in South Korea?
How much can you make teaching English in Korea?
Generally, teachers can expect to earn around $1,500 - $2,400 USD per month depending on their experience, qualifications, school, and location. Although public schools and private schools - or Hagwons - pay entry-level and experienced teachers well, you’ll find the highest salary at an international school.
Read more: What Salary Will You Earn Teaching English in South Korea?
What benefits do you get teaching in Korea?
In addition to an excellent salary, teachers in Korea can typically expect free housing and airfare reimbursement. Although the cost of living is relatively high, this is offset by the free accommodation - or an accommodation stipend - that most TEFL jobs in Korea provide. Teachers may also receive health insurance. Although salaries are similar, teachers at public schools in Korea can expect more vacation days.
Read more: Can You Really Teach English Abroad and Get Free Housing & Airfare?
Korean school culture: What is it like?
In addition to teaching, you’ll need to consider how you’ll mesh with Korean school and work culture. Here’s what you can expect:
- Varying working hours: While public schools follow a traditional school schedule of 8:30am-4:30pm, Hagwons may follow a schedule of 9am-6pm or 2pm-10pm. Not every hour is spent teaching, as you’ll have “free” lessons where you can lesson plan and complete admin duties.
- Different school types: Most TEFL jobs in Korea are in K-12 education, but while public schools follow a national curriculum, hagwons are more business-driven with varied curricula. Hagwons operate year-round with more teaching hours, while public schools offer lighter schedules and summer vacations.
- Competitive academic environment: The Korean academic environment is very competitive, which can be stressful for students. They juggle multiple subjects and face pressure from their parents. You may even notice students feeling burnt out, especially at after-school Hagwons.
- Intense exam season: In South Korea, exam season is so important that businesses and even government offices close or delay opening on Suneung days to ease traffic for students.
- Close-knit relationships with co-workers: Get ready for direct personal questions and to spend time with co-workers outside of school. What is considered taboo at home, like midweek drinks with your co-workers and boss, is actually very common in Korea! Korea has the world’s highest consumers of alcohol per capita!
What’s it like teaching in South Korea?
From the work schedule to the curriculum, here's what you can expect teaching English in South Korea:
|
Public school |
Private School (Hagwon) |
International school |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Schedule |
8:30am to 4:30pm |
9am to 6pm or 2pm to 10pm |
8am to 4pm |
|
Class sizes |
20-40 students |
10-15 students |
5-15 students |
|
Curriculum |
National curriculum |
Varied curriculum |
International curriculum |
|
Teaching hours (per week) |
20-25 |
25-30 |
20-30 |
|
Work environment |
More relaxed |
More fast-paced |
Demanding |
|
Salary |
$1,500-$2,000 USD |
$1,500 to $2,000 USD |
$1,900 to $3,000 USD |
|
Vacation days |
3-4 weeks |
1-2 weeks |
3-4 weeks |
Ask a teacher: What’s a typical day in the life of a TEFL teacher in Korea?
Want to know what a typical day in the life of a TEFL teacher looks like? Find out from our alumni members!
My teaching day doesn’t begin until 12:30pm, so I’ve all morning to sleep, relax, and meet up with friends for coffee or lunch. I have also co-teachers in each class to translate the material or handle disciplinary problems. - Megan, Hagwon teacher with ITA
I teach from 9am to 12:30pm, and I usually spend all afternoon until 4:30 working on my lesson plans and other tasks that need to be done. On average most teachers will spend half of the day teaching and the other either ”desk warming” or planning for a lesson. - Karime, Public school teacher with CIEE
separator_solidI work from 10am to 6:30pm. In the mornings, I have kindergarten kids. We just play and basically have a great time while learning English. The afternoons are more of a language school setup. This means kids come in and they have books, and we go through it and help out where we can. - Eduard, Hagwon Teacher with Teach & Travel
Teach abroad in the land of morning calm!
From delivering engaging classes to indulging in Korean chicken and Soju, teaching English in Korea has so much to offer. Not only will your students benefit from your unwavering enthusiasm and mentorship, but you’ll establish yourself as a valuable member of a unique community.
Whether you work at a public school, Hagwon, or an international school, teaching in Korea offers an enriching experience on a personal, professional, and spiritual level.
Read more about teaching English in Korea:
