Some Important FAQs You Should Know before Teaching English in Korea

Teaching English in South Korea is one of the fascinating jobs to choose for someone’s career. Here are some Faqs on teaching English in Korea you should know…

How much do English teachers make in Korea?

Teaching English in Korea salary will vary according to your educational level, TEFL qualification, and amount of teaching experience. However, on average, if you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you can expect to earn a minimum teach ESL Korea salary of $21,600 per year (or $1800 a month). Other salary perks can include subsidized or free accommodation, bonuses, travel allowances, and flights to and from your home country.

Will teaching English in Korea make me rich?

Well, that depends. Because there is a high demand for English teachers in Korea, jobs are competitive and pay well. Many jobs also come with extra perks like free or subsidized accommodation, completion bonuses, free flights to/from Korea, and other allowances. Because of these extra benefits and high wages, you can tuck away a fair amount.

Student loans: Many teachers are attracted to Korea because its teaching salaries can help pay off crippling student loans in a year or more. That’s way better than slaving away at a minimum wage job and staying in your parents’ basement eating ramen noodles all day.

Savings: Because of the relatively low cost of living and solid exchange rate, many teachers save a lot of money during their time in Korea. This can help you pay off debts at home or invest in other ventures.

Trips to nearby countries: Seoul’s Incheon Airport is one of the busiest in the world and often offers really affordable international flights. Make the most of your Asian location and extra won to explore the rest of the region during your time off. Japan? China? NORTH KOREA?

Trips within Korea: Even if you don’t have enough time or dinero to travel abroad, why not see what Korea has to offer? Head to the Seoul of the country, hop to subtropical Jeju island, chill in beach town Busan, or trek Seoraksan national park. Bonus: politics/history fanboys and girls, there’s the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Nuff said.

Extra Bibimbap fund: If you’ve never had bibimbap, you’re missing out! This Korean rice concoction always hits the spot. With some of that extra won, why not sample local variations while you’re out and about in the country?

Sponsor a friend to come to visit: It can get lonely living abroad over time. Why not help a friend come over so you can demonstrate what it’s really like to live in South Korea?

What are the teaching English in Korea requirements?

Generally, you need to be a native English speaker. Most schools will specify that applicants only come from certain countries (Australia, Canada, US, New Zealand, UK, South Africa) but others are more flexible, provided that English is your first language.

As aforementioned, a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification are also recommended for better-paying jobs. Many schools will also check that your police record’s clean and whether you can pass a drugs test and medical exam.