If you are interested in teaching English overseas, you have probably searched numerous opportunities in different countries around Asia. Without a doubt, you will soon learn that Korea offers some of the best ESL teaching positions in Asia. All positions offer free accommodations, round-trip airfare, and an excellent salary.
Teach Away offers placements in public and private schools throughout South Korea. Because both sectors have a lot to offer, deciding which ESL teaching job is right for you can be a daunting task. Teach Away guides you through the application process to help you find the overseas English teaching job that is the best fit for you.
Public School Jobs in Korea
Public schools in Korea offer a great working environment and the opportunity to have an authentic Korean experience. Teachers who are hired to work at public schools work directly for the Korean Ministry of Education, teaching English to students and assisting their Korean co-teachers. The structured teaching schedule allows teachers to enjoy evenings and weekends off, giving teachers plenty of time to explore their surroundings. These jobs are ideal for people who are interested in teaching as a profession or those who want to gain international experience. The major intakes for public school jobs are in February/March and August/September. Learn more about public school jobs in Korea.
Private School Jobs in Korea
Private Schools in Korea, also known as Hagwons, offer some of the most attractive employment packages for English teachers who want to teach abroad. With flexible hours, competitive salaries, and benefits that include free flights and accommodations, hagwons are a popular option for teaching jobs in Korea. Private schools are businesses and as such, have longer working hours; for teachers, this means an opportunity for overtime. Hagwon ESL jobs are ideal for candidates who are looking to save money and work in a structured environment. Teach Away offers jobs at some of the best private schools in Korea every month of the year. Learn more about private school jobs in Korea…
TEFL Certification for Private School Teachers
Many private schools in Korea require applicants to possess a TEFL certificate. The University of Toronto’s TEFL Online Certificate can help you become a leading candidate for some of the top Korean private school positions.
Comparison of Private & Public School Jobs in Korea
| Basic Benefits | Public School Jobs in Korea | Private School Jobs in Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | 1.8-2.0 million KRW – first year teachers 2.0-2.7 million KRW – experienced teachers |
2.0-2.1 million KRW – first year teachers 2.1-3.0 million KRW – experienced teachers |
| Working Hours | 08:30-16:30 Monday-Friday | 09:00-18:00 – Kindergarten-Elementary 15:00-22:00 – Elementary-High School Evening & Weekend shifts |
| Teaching Hours | 22-24 hours/week | 30 hours/week |
| Vacation | 18 days and 13-15 national holidays **taken during school holidays |
7-10 days and 13-15 national holidays **taken when mandated by the school |
| Foreign Teachers | 1 foreign teacher/school | 2-15 foreign teachers/school |
| Class Size | 25-30 students/class | 10-15 students/class |
| Accommodation | Furnished single occupancy apartment | Furnished single occupancy apartment |
| Airfare | Round trip airfare provided | Round trip airfare provided |
| Bonuses | 50% Health Insurance 1 month severance pay Rural placement bonuses |
50% Health Insurance 1 month severance pay |
| Locations | Major cities & rural areas (Rural placements are easier to obtain) |
Major cities & rural areas |
| Start Dates | February/March August/September |
Monthly |
Additional Information
| Korea at a Glance | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Capital: Seoul (South Korea) | Fruit is a luxury. A watermelon costs about $25 USD. |
| Population: 50 million | Tipping is generally not required in Korea. |
| Language: Korean | Writing someone’s name in red ink is considered bad luck. |
| Currency: Won (KRW) | Taxis are color coded by quality. |
| Climate: Termperate, with cold winters and humid summers | The roof on a traditional Korean home curves up like a smile. |
| Government: Unitary Presidential Constitutional Republic | English is taught in elementary schools from the age of 10. |
