**Are you looking for a public teaching job in Korea starting early next year? Send me your resume and photo (aslavinsky [at] gmail [dot] com) ASAP and I can help you secure a position with EPIK, GEPIK, or SMOE!**
Are you interested in teaching in Korea but don’t know where to start? Look no further! I have put together a bunch of resources, from this blog and others, to help you navigate your way through the sometimes confusing waters of getting a job teaching English in Korea.
The Basic Requirements to Teach English in Korea
First and foremost, to be an English teacher in Korea you must be a native English speaker and hold a passport from one of the following countries: United States, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. In addition, you need a Bachelor’s degree (in any subject) and a clean background check. Some public school jobs are now requiring some sort of TEFL certificate, but it varies by position.
Documents Needed for an E-2 Teaching Visa (as of December 2012)
If you want to teach English in Korea, the first thing you need to do is start gathering the documents necessary to get the visa. It can take up to 3 months to get some of these documents, namely the criminal background check, and most recruiters won’t work with you until you have everything ready. The requirements change sometimes, but as of December 2012 these are necessary documents for an E-2 visa in Korea:
- A hard copy of your degree/diploma and a copy of which has been notarized
- 2 sets of sealed transcripts
- A nationwide criminal background check that has been authenticated with an apostille. State and local background checks are NOT accepted.
- Several full color passport photos (at least 6)
- An updated resume
- A copy of your TEFL certification (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation with ink signatures (if applying for public school jobs)
If you’ve done any research on teaching English in Korea, you’ve probably seen the terms hagwon and public school floating around and may be confused. There are many different types of jobs out there, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a basic list of the different types of schools offering jobs as English teachers:
- Public school: These are teaching positions through the government at public elementary, middle, or high schools. Foreign teachers work with a Korean co-teacher. Public schools are known for having good hours and a decent amount of vacation.
- Hagwon: This is a language academy, and may refer to a kindergarten program during the day (ages 3-6), after school language classes (elementary- high school), or teaching adults. Hagwons usually pay higher than public schools, but have less vacation and a reputation for being less reliable.
- After school: Some public schools use a third party to find teachers to conduct classes after school hours. You work at a public school, but not for the government. Often, the hours are short, but housing is not always included and vacation time is more similar to that of a hagwon.
- Private school: Hagwons are sometimes incorrectly referred to as private schools. There are actually many private schools in the country who hire native teachers. These schools offer similar benefits to a public school, but often pay more. Teachers are also usually given more freedom in the classroom.
- University: The holy grail of teaching jobs in Korea is a university gig. These jobs are getting harder and harder to come by, and most require a few years of teaching experience and a Master’s degree. If you can secure one, the hours and vacation are phenomenal.
How to Get a Job Teaching English in Korea
Now that you know the basics of teaching in Korea, here are some practical tips on getting a job here that will make you happy.
How to Get a Public School Job
What It’s Like to Teach English in Korea
What is it actually like to work at a school in Korea? Check out some posts I’ve written or featured on the subject. The links will be updated as posts go live!
What It’s Like to Work at a Hagwon
What It’s Like to Work at Public School
What It’s Like to Work at an Adult Hagwon
What It’s Like to Work at an After School Job
What It’s Like to Work at a Private Elementary School
What Other Bloggers Say About Teaching English in Korea
There are a lot of expat bloggers in Korea who have written about their own experiences teaching English in Korea, chock full of advice and stories from the classroom!
Curiosity Travels Teaching in Korea In Depth: Pros, Cons, and What You Need to Know
Waegook Tom Six Ways to Survive Your English Teaching Job in Korea
Nomadic Samuel 4 Tips Before Signing the Contract
The Wanderlust Project The Awesome Time I Taught My Students What a ‘Hot Mess’ Means
Mapping Words $#!*my students say…and write…and wear
That Backpacker Conversations In A Classroom Of Boys
Resources
Job listings, lesson plans, or helpful hints about life in Korea, these sites may help.
Still have questions about teaching English in Korea? Contact me and I’ll be happy to help you out!
Nice tips, Amanda, and thanks for the link! I’m excited to meet you all on Saturday. ^^
Sarah @ Mapping Words recently posted..Gyotaku: printmaking with dead fish at Jankura Artspace
Future applicants are gonna have it easy now with all the information we have made for them
Great info and thanks for the link! See you Saturday too 
Jessica Wray recently posted..Homage to Korean Fall
I’m looking to start making applications and the after school positions seem the most attractive to me. I’m looking on Dave’s and I’m not seeing them. I’m not sure if it’s a matter of there not being any available or I don’t know how to spot them.
do the recruiters refer to them specifically as ‘after school’?
They usually are called after school positions. They aren’t as common as hagwons, though, so you might have to dig a little. Good luck!
Yeah these are kind of a gem in Korea. As mentioned they aren’t very common so you will have to dig. They do tend to have the shortest working hours. I knew a guy working in one and he only taught a couple of hours a day! But usually they are 12-5 or so.
Ian recently posted..Why teaching English in a private school is best
Yeah these are kind of a gem in Korea. As mentioned they aren’t very common so you will have to dig. They do tend to have the shortest working hours. I knew a guy working in one and he only taught a couple of hours a day! But usually they are 12-5 or so.
What’s the going rate for a private class in Korea these days?
I’m not sure, Ellen. I apologize but I’ve never taught privates.
Hi! I’m a sophomore in high school and I’ve been deciding to either become a kindergarten teacher or pharmacist…
These days I’ve been leaning towards becoming a teacher because of many reasons. Now, I want to teach English in Korea! *Also, I’m Chinese, would that affect anything at all?
Teaching English is definitely a good way to see the world and gain some experience and teaching can be a very rewarding career. I have heard of some schools who don’t want to hire Asian Americans, but I wouldn’t worry, you will find one who will!
Hey Amanda,
I appreciate your useful info! Once you are hired by a school and are being processed by immigration, do you think an unflattering grade on your transcript on a non-English course can impact you? I’m a little nervous about the Visa process, thanks again!
I can safely say from experience, that no, your grades have no impact on your visa being approved. As long as you’ve actually graduated you will be fine. Good luck with everything!
Hi Amanda. Lots of great info about Korea…thanks! I’m a bit older (mid-50s). I’m in the US now but returned in April 2013 after three years teaching English in India, China, and Bangkok (2.5 years in Bangkok). The job market in the US is AWFUL. Finding it nearly impossible to get full time or part time permanent work, I’m thinking of going back to Asia. Returning to Thailand is a possibility, of course, but it’s so hot there all the time that I’m considering Korea.
I’ve got a BA from years ago, a CELTA certificate (2010) and lots of professional work experience as a legal assistant in San Francisco, and three years recent English teaching experience.
My questions concern the transcripts, which was loooong ago. Will that still be a requirement for me, as with the criminal background check? Btw, I am not a ‘horndog’ and happy to report that I made my way through 2.5 years in Bangkok without a single trip for a massage, “soapy”, or visiting a single go-go bar. Your thoughts, please.
Hi Bobbie, there is no way around the transcript or background check requirements as it is part of the visa application process. Transcripts are usually easily ordered from your university (I can order mine online). The background check takes a while, but is also pretty easy. Maybe also check out teaching in Taiwan as I think they are a little more lax with their requirements. Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
do you think there are any teaching opportunities for non natives in Korea?
I’m not sure. There may be, but to get an E2 visa you have to have a passport from one of the above listed countries. Good luck with your search!
Hi Amanda,
I am interested to teach in South Korea. I do hold a degree and a TESOL Cert. Previously teaching abroad.
My main question is do you know anyone from Special Ed, as I have some questions?
thanks
Jonty
Hi Jonty. I’m sorry I don’t know anyone from Special Ed. Good luck with your job hunt.
Hi! I’m a former ESL-teacher expat, current US public school English teacher looking to return to Korea to have an experience at an all-girl’s boarding school over summer break to bring back to my students. I’m looking for a contact at such an organization but alas, all sites are in Korean and my Korean language skills suck! Any email addresses, names of current teachers or the like to share?
Hi Stephanie, Unfortunately I don’t know of any organizations like that. Good luck with your search!
Hi Amanda,
Lots of really helpful info there! I want to teach English in Korea next year in March. However, my brother is getting married in the summer, 3 or 4 months after I’d leave. If I was working at a public school, would I be able to get 4 or 5 workings days in a row off to go home for that? From what I’ve read it wouldn’t be possible at a hagwon.
Thanks for you help,
Ted
Hi Ted,
I never worked at a public school, so I’m not quite sure how their vacation works. There’s a slight chance you would be able to if your school is really nice and flexible, but if it is term teaching time they probably want you to stick around. Jessica from CuriosityTravels.org taught at a public school and she might be able to give you a better answer. Good luck!
Hi!
I am not a native English speaker and I moved to Canada fairly recently (I’m in my teens). If for some miracle, I manage to get a degree in a Canadian university and get my Canadian citizenship approved, would this improve my chances of being accepted?
You need a passport from an English speaking country to get an E2 visa. So yes, if you get your citizenship and have a degree from a Canadian university you should be able to get a job (I might change the truth a little and say you’re a native English speaker, though). Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
Me and my girlfriend are looking to travel in September through Southeast Asia and then find teaching jobs in Korea in the new year. What can you recommend regarding this? Do you think we should find a job before we leave (is this possible that early?) or apply whilst travelling (will this make getting a visa harder?).
Sorry there’s so many questions, but its all quite confusing!
Thanks,
Josh
Hi Josh,
I’m fairly certain you have to apply for the visa in your home country (and most jobs will only pay for flights originating from your home country) which would make job hunting while traveling impossible, unless you were to fly home to take care of that before going to Korea. And unfortunately, many jobs don’t hire 4 months in advance. Definitely take a look before you go and maybe you’ll get lucky, but you’ll probably have to return home beforehand (or wait and travel after your contract). Good luck!
Hello,
I’ve only lived in the U.S. for 5 years but just became an american citizen and will be obtaining a bachelor’s degree in microbiology next year. Do you think applicants NEED to be native speakers (my native language is Spanish) in order to obtain a job at teaching English in Korean??? I’ have perfect domain of the language and can prove it through my school records and achievements. I also have more than a year of tutoring experience.
Hi! I would just not mention that you aren’t a native speaker. If you have a US passport and a degree from an American university then they will assume you are a native speaker. Just don’t say otherwise and you should be fine!
Hi Amanda!
I’ve heard great things about teaching English in Korea! Unfortunately, I do not have any legitimate teaching experience. However, I do have an extensive background in graphic design. Do you think that would be a benefit or a deterrent?
On a different note, what are some gift that you could bring to your school for the directors/teachers?
Can you tell me how long the entire process of finding a school and arriving in Korea is? Is there any time to “settle in” before you start teaching?
Thanks for your insight!
Pamela
Pamela recently posted..Test
Hi Pamela! It is fine if you do not have any teaching experience. I didn’t have any when I first got there. I’m not sure about gifts as I didn’t bring any. Maybe something that is unique about your hometown? Timing really depends on how picky you are looking for a job (and being picky isn’t a bad thing!). Once you have your paperwork gathered, you could be leaving in a few weeks. I found my job and left 3 weeks later. It all depends on when the school news you, really! Usually the school brings you over right before you need to start teaching so there really isn’t time to settle in, but it all works out. Good luck!
Hi, I am an English teacher.I am Viet namese.I really like Korea and I want to look for a teaching job in there. Can you give me some advices?
Unfortunately it is only possible to be an English teacher in Korea if you have a passport from an English speaking country.
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your very informative website! I as well do not have any previous teaching experience… Going to Seoul in October for my husbands work so figured I want to make use out of my time while there. Can you tell me what I need to be able to find a good job. What certificates exactly? And what agency do you recommend working with? Also, I will only be there for 4-5 months… do you see that being a problem in the process of getting hired? I’d like to work only 3 days a week.
Thanks,
Layla
Contracts for schools are full time and 12 months. You might be able to find something part time but they won’t sponsor your visa (doesn’t sound like this will be a problem for you). If your visa doesn’t allow you to work, it is technically illegal so you might want to look into that. Check out Korea English Network (KEN) on Facebook, they advertise a lot of part time jobs.
Hi Amanda,
I have recently decided to realize my lifelong dream of travelling the world. I originally planned to leave next September so i can save and plan. From my research i saw teaching english as a way to earn money while travelling, however, i am finding that it may be more benficial for me to spend the next year teaching abroad and save that way as i may be able to save more and get some overseas experience. I am a black plus size woman and for lack of content on the web, i am asking you, how do you think i will be received, based on your experience?
Hi Teresa! Teaching English abroad is a great way to get some international experience and make money. Unfortunately, as someone who is not black or plus size I don’t feel qualified to comment on how you would be treated. I can say that Koreans are brutally honest and will make comments about your weight regardless of whether you are skinny or overweight. Take a look at my friend Sheryll’s blog, called The Wanderlust Project. She is an African American woman who taught for two years in Korea and can probably shed some more light on her experiences as a woman of color.
Hello Amanda,
So I am at the process of applying for my E2 Visa. I have two questions and would really appreciate any feedback.
1- I am British, have UK passport. However, my Bachelor degree is from Saudi Arabia. on the other hand, my Masters degree is from USA. and it is an MEd in TESOL. Can I apply using only my Master degree?
2- Do I need a criminal record check from the USA as well?
Thank you so much
Hi Amanda,
So I’m currently in grade 12, and unfortunately I’m going to be going off to College next year. I’m from Canada and I realized a little to late that my dream is to live in Korea and teach English. I was originally hoping that I would be able to finish College and go teach English in Korea but in your blog it says I would need a Bachelors Degree. Is it possible to still be able to teach in a Korean Public School even though I would only have a diploma?
Hi Bridget,
Unfortunately you need a Bachelors degree for the visa so public schools have no choice otherwise. I’m not sure how high education works in Canada, but maybe you can go to university after college and get the degree? Or possibly study abroad. I hope you make it to Korea in the future!
Hello! I would love to teach English in Korea. If I want to bring my boyfriend [will be husband by then] with me, and I want him to live with me, does he also have to teach English? Or can he find his own job and still live in my apartment? Thank you.
I’m not sure. Some schools don’t allow other people to live in their apartments, but it might be different if you are married and it’s not a friend/boyfriend/girlfriend. I would definitely make sure you ask any schools during the interview process. Good luck!
I’ve been thinking of teaching lately and this website has helped a ton for getting me started. Thanks so much!!! I’ve been doing so much research lately, im exhausted lol
Glad I could help!
Hi Amanda,
My boyfriend and I are looking to move to South Korea in August this year, would you suggest we start applying now, it’s just that most jobs online are for a lot sooner?
Thank you
Hi Melissa,
If you want to teach for a public school (GEPIK or EPIK programs) you would need to apply ASAP, but if you are going the private school route (hagwons) you probably won’t start seeing job postings until about June or July. Good luck!
hello Amanda! I found this to be really helpful as I am hoping to teach abroad in South Korea next year. However, I have questions about the housing. How do I go about that? Is it free housing, and what is it like? Or do I have to rent my own apartment?? Thanks!
The vast majority of schools will offer a free apartment (you have to pay utilities). Some offer a housing stipend where they will give you a certain amount of money a month for you to rent your own apartment.
Hi Amanda!
I was born in Sweden but I am an Irish citizen with an Irish passport (through neutralization). I got my degree in Sweden though, do you think that would be a problem?
Thanks so much for answering all these questions
I think since you have a passport from an English speaking country (don’t even mention being born in Sweden to avoid confusion) you should be fine, but I would definitely double check with your recruiter. Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
I have very similar question with the last question you got there from a Swedish Irish citizen. I was born and raise in India, educated in india but immigrated to USA 15 years ago, now I am USA citizen. I have my Bachelor degree from India, will this be problem for Korean E-2 visa?
Hi Rob,
I’m not sure. I think you should be fine because you are a US citizen but you might want to ask a recruiter for a more definite answer!