Teach English in South Korea (2023)

FAQs

How much do you get paid to teach English in South Korea? ›

First-time English teachers in South Korea working in public schools through programs like EPIK typically earn monthly salaries between 1.5 to 3 million won ($1,150 - $2,650 USD). English teachers at private schools (Hagwons) earn from 1.9 to 2.4 million won ($1,600 - $2,000 USD) monthly.

Teaching English in Korea has become increasingly popular over the years, and not only for fresh graduates looking to pay off student loans. It's an amazing way to experience a new country whilst still earning a great salary to support yourself.

To get hired to teach English in Korea, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree. You must acquire an E-2 teaching visa and be a native English speaker as well. Finally, you must have a clean national-level criminal record, and a clean health check and drug test.

South Korea is a much-loved destination for English teachers. Learn about the seven best cities to teach English to decide where you'll call home in this popular country. Went I first moved to Seoul to start my career teaching English abroad in South Korea, I was living in a small machinery district called Guro.

At times, it's challenging and depends on your co-teachers or boss. Get to know your kids and you'll eventually learn what they like, even if their English level is very low. There are going to be a lot of awkward moments when you're questioning whether or not the students will ever get what you're teaching.

Job Opportunities in South Korea for Foreigners

In addition to teaching English, other sectors where expats will find a lot of opportunities are in IT, general office administration jobs, manufacturing, and careers related to health, science, research, and technology.

So, do you have to speak Korean to teach in Korea? You don't have to be fluent in Korean to teach there, but you will definitely need it for a lot of aspects of daily life outside of the classroom.

Pros: If you choose to teach in South Korea, you'll likely be provided with free housing with furniture included. Cons: Age restrictions for teaching English overseas in South Korea begin at 65. Because this is the national retirement age, schools don't interview candidates after 65.

Can I teach English in Korea if I'm not a native speaker? ›

Indian citizens are also eligible to teach English in Korea with proof of high English ability and a teaching license. Some private academies may hire teachers who have a high TOEFL score if you're a non-native English speaker. But you will not be eligible for the standard E2 teaching visa.

Teaching Qualification: You must have one of the following: A 100-hour TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate from an accredited provider. A bachelor's or master's degree in education with a major in teaching, education, TESOL, or second language studies.

How to move to South Korea without a job? The best way is to get an F visa such as the F-4 (overseas Korean) Visa or the F-6 (marriage visa). Or you can try to get an investment visa if you have 100 million (90,000 USD) to 300 million KRW (270,000 USD) to invest.

The average cost of living in South Korea ($1062) is 41% less expensive than in the United Kingdom ($1804). South Korea ranked 53rd vs 16th for the United Kingdom in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.

The schools with the largest amount of teaching English in Korea hours are Hagwons, however hagwons also vary a lot from school to school. Generally, you'll be teaching around 30 hours or more depending on which Hagwon job you get. As you can imagine, this is quite a bit more than a public school job.

Primary School (Elementary School)

Students are taught basic skills and subjects (listed above) throughout all six years. In a government-sponsored effort to improve the country's foreign language proficiency, students start learning English in Grade 3.

Working in South Korea without a degree

It will be very difficult to find a job in South Korea without having a higher education qualification. It is necessary to have at least a bachelor with a few years of experience. However, you can try your luck with a working holiday visa (H-1).

2: Great Salary

Most Korean schools offer contracts in the range of 2.2-2.5 million KRW per month (depending on your experience), which works out to $1900-$2200 USD per month (and as much as $2900 CAD or $3,000 AUD).

Which foreign language is highly paid? ›

Of all the foreign lingos making headway in the industry, Chinese (Mandarin) is the highest-paid language. A person who speaks Chinese receives as much as an Rs. Million-plus yearly.

Low crime rates, gun violence is almost non-existent, job opportunities are plentiful, and the quality of life is on a very high level. If you're an American moving to South Korea, prepare for some cultural shock and social gaps you'll have to bridge.

In general, moving to South Korea is easy as long as you are prepared before your arrival. Although the country has a long history of not preferring foreign migration, those sentiments have changed as Korea has started to welcome more and more international companies through its borders.

Luxembourg. According to an OECD report, Luxembourg (a European country) has the highest-paid teachers in the world. Another source indicates that a bachelor's degree holder is entitled to an initial salary of €67,000 (US $70,323.20) per annum at the start of their teaching career.

Study in Korea

IELTS is accepted by more than 100 institutions in Korea. Your IELTS test score can help you to achieve your goals of getting a place at a college or university in Korea, participating in a student exchange programme, following continuing studies, or getting job.

Minimum monthly house rent in South Korea is around 300,000 KRW (250 USD) for a small officetel studio (5–8 pyeong). On average, however, expect to pay about 500,000 KRW (425 USD) per month for this type of accommodation in big cities.

A teacher is the most accessible and great job to land for a foreigner. In particular, if you are teaching English in South Korea as a second language (ESL). It is the most common way to start a career in Korea. South Korea has a lot of demand for English speakers.

Is 30 too old to teach English abroad? ›

Are there any age restrictions for teaching English overseas? In general, there isn't an age limit for teacher job opportunities abroad. Even if you've never been in a classroom since your college days, that doesn't mean you can't consider teaching English abroad in your thirties.

Yes, you can teach English abroad in your forties, fifties and beyond. Having a TEFL certification and years of career and life experience can be a major asset. You don't need a teaching qualification or even a degree to teach English abroad as an older adult.

TEFL is not just for gap years and young people, it can be a legitimate way to change your career at any point, learning a plethora of new skills while taking your life in a new direction. Teaching is a thoroughly rewarding career, offering ways to develop yourself professionally as you progress.

Teach English abroad as an NNEST in Latin America

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Bolivia, Uruguay, and El Salvador are just some of the countries that have their doors open to non-native speakers. Teacher Shella, from the Philippines, works with young learners in Taiwan.

Getting an entry-level job as a foreigner in Korea might not be impossible, but it is very difficult. It is far easier to enter the Korean jobs market after getting some experience under your belt. As a generalization, the higher up the corporate ladder you move, the more English is spoken.

Teachers are held in very high esteem in South Korea. They are generally treated with more respect than their American counterparts by their students and society and are addressed with the honorific term.

Korea is a popular destination for teachers due to its high salaries, great benefits, and fascinating culture.

When searching for a TEFL course, many students ask 'is a 120-hour TEFL certificate enough to teach in a classroom or online?' . It may not feel like enough time to become a qualified teacher, but we can assure you that it is. 120 hours is the bare minimum that most ESL employers will ask you to complete.

Foreigners are permitted to purchase real estate in South Korea. Foreign residents wishing to buy are subject to the Foreigner's Land Acquisition Act and the Registration of Real Estate Act.

Is South Korea good for foreigners to live in? ›

With an easy way of life, bustling city culture mixed with laidback countryside, and a reasonable cost of living, The Land of the Morning Calm is a popular destination for foreigners from across the globe. When moving to South Korea, there are many practicalities to consider.

The average cost of living in Canada ($1832) is 72% more expensive than in South Korea ($1062). Canada ranked 14th vs 53rd for South Korea in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.

The average cost of living in South Korea ($1062) is 50% less expensive than in the United States ($2112). South Korea ranked 53rd vs 6th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.

First-time English teachers in South Korea working in public schools through programs like EPIK typically earn monthly salaries between 1.5 to 3 million won ($1,150 - $2,650 USD). English teachers at private schools (Hagwons) earn from 1.9 to 2.4 million won ($1,600 - $2,000 USD) monthly.

Teach English in Korea with International TEFL Academy

International TEFL Academy can help, with teaching opportunities year round. A typical teach ESL Korea salary includes around $1800 to $2000 a month and the job includes benefits like free or subsidized housing, paid vacation time, free return flights, and bonuses.

Teaching English in Korea has become increasingly popular over the years, and not only for fresh graduates looking to pay off student loans. It's an amazing way to experience a new country whilst still earning a great salary to support yourself.

The average pay for a Translator is KRW 49,170,003 a year and KRW 23,639 an hour in South Korea. The average salary range for a Translator is between KRW 35,254,892 and KRW 59,200,684. On average, a Bachelor's Degree is the highest level of education for a Translator.

The highest-paid job in 2021 is a corporate leader (CEO) who will make an average of about 140 million won(110,000 USD) per year.

An entry level high school teacher (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of ₩34,920,699. On the other end, a senior level high school teacher (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of ₩59,463,557.

Which country pays highest salary to translator? ›

German tops our list of the highest paying translation languages. The language is closely associated with the business world, so German translators often make good money. The average annual income of a German translator in the US is $50,000.

A skilled translator is always in high demand. They earn well for their expertise, experience, and specialization. The average pay for translators is higher than for other language-related jobs. Also, job openings for translators are rising much faster than average.

The most popular and preferred type of teaching job in South Korea is in a public school. You'll have a regular 9-to-5 schedule where your actual teaching hours usually won't exceed 22 per week. Pay scales and qualifications do vary, however, depending on the local office of education.

Luxembourg. According to an OECD report, Luxembourg (a European country) has the highest-paid teachers in the world. Another source indicates that a bachelor's degree holder is entitled to an initial salary of €67,000 (US $70,323.20) per annum at the start of their teaching career.

No you don't need to speak Korean to teach English in South Korea. Most schools would prefer you only speak English in the classroom, and your co-workers will likely speak some English.

Teaching English in Korea is the most popular job for foreigners.

Typically hagwons run after public schools let out, so they will be open late into the evening with most teachers working from 2 P.M. to 10 P.M. You will work longer than those scheduled hours, and at least 30 of your weekly hours will be in-class teaching hours. At my hagwon, I typically worked 52 hours per week!

Income Tax (3% ~ 5%)

All teachers working in Korea on an E-2 Visa pays Korean taxes. It is your employer's responsibility to file your taxes on your behalf, and it will be automatically deducted from you monthly pay check.