Teaching Jobs in South Korea

Interested in teaching in Korea. The Republic of Korea is among the countries with the lowest illiteracy rate, so you can see that Koreans attach great importance to education and it is almost a privilege to provide children with the best education possible. Due to this high pressure to perform well in school, private tutors are customary in every family.

Basic education begins at the age of six, which lasts for six years, followed by three years of middle school and three years of high school.

Having selected a corresponding subject, one can start working just after middle school, or, after having finished high school, go to university, which ends with a doctorate. High school and university demand successful qualifying entrance examinations. Furthermore, the achievement at high school is decisive for admission to a university. As the numbers of students admitted are limited, and every year more students apply than are accepted, there is strong competition. Some colleges and universities request an additional entrance examination besides the qualifying.

Credentials

Most opportunities require that teachers be of a legal age, normally 18, have completed a minimum of North American High School and be a native or near-native English speaker.

The best opportunities usually require that the teacher have further education in teacher training, i.e. TESOL, college diploma or a B.A. or B.Sc. Formal or informal teaching experience of English or other subjects is seen as an asset.

Although it is possible for a university graduate to get a job without TESOL training, most schools and potential ESL students would prefer their teachers have an internationally recognized accreditation.

Type of Teaching Jobs

English teaching jobs are available in over 80 countries in the non-English speaking world and several English speaking countries to accredited teachers.

Hagwan

Hagwan, academic institutes, focus on improving skills in certain subjects and serve students and business people. There are hundreds of hagwan throughout the country looking for native English speakers to teach conversation classes round the year. Instructors work 20 to 30 hours each week and generally have between 10 and 25 students in each class. The pay at these language schools is lower than the rate for private tutoring, but because you stay at one school during the day, you save money normally spent on daily transit costs. Split schedules are common, but you can fit in private tutoring sessions during the off-hours. Before accepting a position at one of these schools, investigate it thoroughly. Most are reliable, but some have taken advantage of unsuspecting foreign teachers. The average salary is about 1.5 million won (US$1,820) per month.

Private Businesses

Many corporations in Korea have their own English programs and hire instructors to teach about 30 hours each week. The majority of the programs require that students live on campus and are intensive three- to six-month sessions. Some programs provide housing for instructors as well, but require that the instructors live on campus. The average salary ranges from 1.5 to 2.1 million won (US$1,820 to US$2,600) per month.

Private Tutoring

Though it is illegal for teachers to take private students unless they acquire consent from their sponsoring institute and from the Korean immigration authorities, private jobs are the most rewarding so many people seek them out regardless of the potential for legal hassles. Private tutoring sessions cost W32, 200–W42, 900 (US$39–$52) per hour for teaching groups of three to six people. Owing to shifting schedules, it is best to be paid up front for each session. The fee charged is usually commensurate with the students' ability to pay. Small groups are ideal because conversation is inclusive and individual needs can be addressed.

Universities

Most universities in Korea hire full-time conversational English instructors, who have at least a master's degree. Most don't provide housing, and some don't provide the same benefits that are standard for English instructors. Instructors teach between 12 and 18 hours each week. The average salary is about W1.5 million (US$1,900) to W2.5 million ($3,100) per month. With a university job you are likely to have three to four months of paid vacation per year, which is an exciting bonus for those who like to travel.

Provincial universities may provide housing, better working conditions, and benefits, but they are in smaller areas. While some foreigners may have a difficult time adjusting to the isolation, others love being away from the hustle and confusion of the larger cities.

Jobs at junior colleges are slightly less lucrative and require more hours in the classroom, but the competition isn't quite as stiff as it is for jobs at the larger universities. Most teachers at junior colleges are TESOL or RSA certified, but don't necessarily have master's degrees.

Expectations of Teachers

Most teachers in Korea, including ESL teachers, are treated with great respect by their students. However, it is also important for teachers to exhibit the personal qualities and behaviour that help to maintain that respect. You should always act in a respectful manner and with discretion.

As a foreigner in Korea, you may find everyone showing a keen interest in you. Remember that Korean society is much more conservative in many ways and you should try to be sensitive to cultural norms and expectations.

Female Teachers in Korea

Female teachers particularly have experienced problems with directors of hakwons, who often sexually harass them shamelessly. In part, this behaviour has historical roots in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Korea, like Japan, relied on foreign women to work in bars and nightclubs. These women were not considered worthy of respect. Today, Korean men would view a single female travelling abroad and living alone as much freer in attitude than a Korean woman of a similar age; consequently, they may well think it is acceptable to make the approaches they do. Neither of these scenarios is the norm, but they do occur. A female teacher should be aware of these possibilities before accepting employment in Korea.

Salary & Benefits

A foreign language teacher with a starting salary in Korea can be looking at making $400 NT per hour which translates to approximately $12 U.S. The amount you get paid may increase depending on the agency, recruiter or school. You will find that you will be pocketing the most amount of money in private tutoring hours.