Teaching Jobs in South Korea

Set goals

To ensure a successful teaching experience in South Korea, establish clear goals to further your career. Some basic goals that most teachers can benefit from are:

• Figure out why and what you want to achieve while teaching in South Korea whether it's for soft skills, public speaking, leadership, etc.
• Find and connect with professionals and people in the community to build relationships and expand both your perspective and professional network.
• Explore what excites you about the opportunities in South Korea beyond the classroom! Whether it’s social, cultural, leisure, or any other hobby or pastime to connect on a deeper level.

Understand the benefits

Teaching in South Korea comes with plenty of advantages! A handful of benefits for any teacher teaching any age level are:

• Competitive salary options. Enjoy a high salary with additional benefits such as housing and flight reimbursements (depending on programs and experience).
• Experience the culture of South Korea. Immerse yourself in Korean culture, language, and traditions to grow professionally and personally.
• International professional development. Gain a broad perspective while teaching and gain more classroom experience.
• Traveling possibilities. Explore South Korea and nearby countries during your breaks and weekends.

Things to know

No matter where you are in South Korea, there are a few basics to know about the country and how you’ll live.

• Visa and paperwork requirements - Make sure to understand the visa regulations for your teaching program and gather all necessary documents, such as background checks and certificates, to meet the requirements in time.
• Housing and money - Many teaching jobs offer free or subsidized housing options, which may include apartments, dormitories, or row houses. Living costs in South Korea are generally more affordable compared to Western countries, though this varies by location.
• Cultural sensitivity - Respect for age and rank is significant in South Korea, so formal language is often expected in interactions. Even if you become familiar with someone of a higher rank, it's important to maintain respectful conversation topics.
• Health insurance - Most teaching roles include health insurance coverage, where the cost is usually shared between you and the employer, with each party paying half.