Teaching English in Korea: what you need to know

Looking for a chance to make a real difference while having unforgettable experiences abroad? Consider teaching English in Korea, where a rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and warm locals await.

South Korea has emerged as a top destination for English teachers globally. But what does it really take to teach English in Korea? Is it as simple as packing your bags and hopping on a plane? Not quite.

While the rewards of teaching in Korea are numerous, there are a few things you should know before embarking on this life-changing journey.

Let's pull back the curtain on teaching English in South Korea – from the requirements and qualifications to the different types of teaching jobs available. We'll also delve into the advantages of immersing yourself in Korean culture and the opportunities that come with exploring a new country. So, grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable – we're about to dive in!

You may also be interested about Teaching English in Vietnam and Teaching English in Thailand.

Why you should teach English in Korea?

So, why consider teaching English in Korea? The answer is simple: the demand for English education is incredibly high. Korean students and their parents are eager to learn English, as they believe it's essential for academic and professional success. As a result, there are numerous teaching opportunities available in public schools, academies, private lessons, and more informal settings such as volunteer teaching where you don't need diplomas or a teaching certificate.

But it's not just about the job market. Teaching English in Korea comes with a host of personal and professional benefits too. You'll gain valuable teaching experience, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and build a global network of friends and colleagues.

Benefits of teaching English in Korea

Let's talk perks. Most teaching contracts in South Korea come with a competitive salary, free housing, and sometimes even airfare reimbursement. This means you can save a good chunk of your paycheck while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. And with the cost of living in Korea, your money goes a long way. 

There's more to teaching English in Korea than just financial gain. You'll have the opportunity to inspire and empower your students, helping them discover a newfound confidence in their language abilities. 

Immersing yourself in Korean culture

Teaching English in Korea offers a fantastic opportunity to surround yourself with the local way of life, combining meaningful work with cultural immersion.

You can sample authentic Korean dishes, attend vibrant festivals, and soak up the lively atmosphere - every day is a new adventure.

In Korea, the past and present collide in fascinating ways. You might find yourself spellbound by the intricate carvings of an ancient temple one moment, and awestruck by the latest smartphone innovations the next.

Koreans are very curious about foreigners and love to interact with them, so you'll have no trouble engaging with the locals—they'll seek you out!

Opportunities to travel within South Korea

And let's not forget about the travel opportunities. South Korea may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty and cultural attractions. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the beaches of Busan, there's so much to explore.

With a reliable and affordable public transportation system, it's easy to take weekend trips or longer vacations to different parts of the country. And with the generous vacation time that most teaching contracts offer, you'll have plenty of chances to travel and soak up all that South Korea has to offer.

Requirements for teaching English in Korea

Alright, so you're sold on the idea of teaching English in Korea. But what exactly do you need to make it happen? As someone who's been through the process, let me break it down for you.

• TEFL Certification

First and foremost, you'll need a TEFL certification. This is basically your ticket to teaching English abroad. Most schools and programs in Korea require a 120-hour TEFL course, which you can complete online or in-person.

• Education requirements

In addition to TEFL certification, you'll also need a bachelor's degree to teach English in Korea. This can be in any field - it doesn't necessarily have to be in education or English. As long as you have a four-year degree from an accredited university, you're good to go.

If you're still in college or haven't quite finished your degree, don't worry. Some programs in Korea, like the TaLK program, accept applicants who are in their final semester of university. Just be sure to check the specific requirements of the program or school you're interested in.

• Visa requirements 

To legally teach English in Korea, you'll need to obtain an E-2 teaching visa. This process can seem daunting at first, but your institution or recruiting agency will typically guide you through it step-by-step.

To apply for an E-2 visa, you'll need to submit documents like your passport, bachelor's degree, TEFL certificate, and a clean criminal background check. You'll also need a signed contract from your employer in Korea.

• Background Check and Health Check requirements

Speaking of background checks - this is a crucial step in the visa process. You'll need to provide an FBI criminal background check (for U.S. citizens) or a national-level check from your home country. This check needs to be apostilled, which is a fancy way of saying it needs to be authenticated by the government.

In addition to the background check, you'll also need to pass a health check once you arrive in South Korea. This is to ensure that you're in good physical condition and don't have any communicable diseases. Don't worry - it's a pretty standard procedure and nothing to stress about.

The easiest way to teach English in Korea

Consider which type of experience you would like to have. You can work as an English teacher in Korea either by finding a paid job or through volunteering.

If you want a paid job, you can find opportunities through any reputable agency that specializes in teaching English as a foreign language, such as International TEFL Academy, Go Overseas, Glass Door or the government-based Epik Program.

But if you're looking for an easier way to teach English in South Korea in order to gain teaching experience, without all the red tape and visa hassles, I've got great news for you:

Worldpackers volunteering programs

Volunteer teaching gigs can be a fantastic stepping stone to teaching English abroad, and the best part? You don't necessarily need prior teaching experience or a TEFL certification to get started. It's a great way to dip your toes in the water and see if this career path is right for you.

Through Worldpackers, you can snag volunteering opportunities in Korea where instead of being paid, your teaching hours will earn you free accommodation and usually some meals. So it’s a work exchange through which your living costs will be significantly lower.

It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Korean culture while making a difference in students' lives. And the best part? You don't need to jump through all the visa process hoops as these are not proper paid jobs.

Most volunteering jobs don't exceed 20 hours per week, giving you lot of time to explore around in your free time.

Volunteering is not only a great way to save money while traveling, but also an excellent opportunity to meet a lot of people -both local hosts and international volunteers- and acquire teaching skills while making a difference through your help.

Just be sure to understand the specific requirements and limitations of the volunteering position you're considering. For example, in some cases they may ask you for a Working Holiday Visa, which is a lot easier to obtain than a E-2 teaching visa.

To participate, you just need to subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified. 

These volunteer's experiences around the world will give you an insight into how this program works: "My experience teaching English in Argentina for 2 months", "Volunteer teaching in Nicaragua with a Worldpackers social impact program" and "Teaching English and becoming part of an Italian family in Genoa".

Teaching opportunities in Korea

These are just some examples of volunteering positions where you can teach English in Korea:

• Help with English through teaching, talking or playing and enjoy real Korean culture in Gwangju.
• Participate in language and culture exchange in a cafe in the beautiful city of Busan.
• Interact with families and their children through programs that combine agriculture and education in Gimhae. You'll have the opportunity to experience real Korean countryside!
• Join the conversation on this coliving based in Seoul. The aim of the program is to practice speaking English and exchanging culture among local Koreans and international volunteers.

Check out all the teaching opportunities in Korea through Worldpackers.

But teaching English isn't the only option—if you're interested in other areas, there are plenty of other volunteering opportunities in South Korea.

Living and traveling in Korea

Now let's dive into some tips for planning and making the most out of your teaching experience in South Korea…

Average salary for English teachers in Korea

Teaching English in South Korea can be a lucrative career move, with average monthly salaries ranging from 1.8 to 2.7 million Korean won (that's around $1,500 to $2,250 USD). The actual amount you take home will depend on factors like the type of school, its location, and your qualifications and experience.

And here's the cherry on top: many teaching contracts come with a triple treat - free housing, airfare reimbursement, and health insurance. That means you get to save a nice chunk of your salary each month, essentially giving you a pay raise without lifting a finger.

Cost of living in South Korea

Now, let's talk about the cost of living in South Korea. While as cheap as other countries in Asia like Thailand, Indonesia or Vietnam, it's still relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. You can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on an English teacher's salary, especially with the added benefits.

Food costs are quite manageable, with dining out being affordable; a typical meal costs between 5,000 to 10,000 KRW, but you'll save tons of money by cooking at home. Monthly grocery expenses generally run around 200,000 to 300,000 KRW, depending on your dietary preferences. 

Utility bills, including electricity, water, gas, and internet, usually total about 100,000 to 200,000 KRW per month.

Living in a major city like Seoul can come with a higher price tag, but with some savvy budgeting, you can make the most of your hard-earned cash.

Traveling around Korea

South Korea boasts an excellent public transportation system. The T-money card is a convenient option for accessing buses and subways, and it can be easily recharged at convenience stores throughout the country.

There are numerous places worth visiting during your time in Korea. In Seoul, you can explore historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and modern attractions such as N Seoul Tower.

Busan offers beautiful beaches like Haeundae and the vibrant Jagalchi Fish Market.

Jeju Island is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with its hiking trails, beaches, and unique volcanic landscapes.

And Gyeongju, known as "the museum without walls," is rich in historical sites, providing a deep dive into Korea's cultural heritage.

Check out this South Korea itinerary to plan your trip!

Safety tips

South Korea is known for its low crime rates, making it a very safe place to live and travel. However, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. 

Being culturally aware and respectful of local customs and traditions is crucial. Learning basic Korean phrases can not only enhance your experience but also show respect to the locals and help you in everyday situations.

Expat community in Seoul

Seoul's expat community is one of the city's hidden gems, especially for English teachers. With so many international educators calling Seoul home, it's a breeze to forge lasting connections and build a sense of community.

Want to connect with fellow expats and teachers in Seoul? Joining Facebook groups or attending events organized by organizations like Seoul Expat Global Mind is a fantastic way to meet new people and get plugged into the community. You'll quickly discover that teachers are more than happy to lend a helping hand, share valuable resources, and explore the city with you.

If you like these tips, follow Worldpackers social media to keep up with the news: we are on Instagram and Tiktok!