Elementary & high school teaching in Korea is wide ranging from independent private to ESL jobs at public state run schools. Each year there are in excess of 10,000 job opportunities for international educators to teach in Korea.
The country is always looking for good teachers, making the location a viable option for teaching English in Korea or your subject with teaching jobs in Korea such as business/economics, mathematics, chemistry, ict/computing.
Teaching jobs in Korea
Math/Tech & ESL Teacher Job, International School, South Korea Grade 4-12 Mathematics Teacher Jobs, Seoul, Korea
Science Grade 4-12 Teaching Jobs, Seoul, South Korea Mathematics School Teacher Vacancy, Cheongjusi, Chungcheongbudo
Teach in Korea options
Private or public school for me?
As a qualified/certified teacher from your own country (3-18 years) you can choose. Hagwons (private schools) are for additional learning. Younger children around 5-12 out number older high school learners, so many jobs at private school are for young students.
A government public school is similar to western school and more formal in education.
Private independent and International school jobs in Korea are also for qualified teachers where you would teach a specific subject or grade. Yes, in English. There a a good few schools in south Korea offering boarding or an international school education.
Public school jobs in Korea
This type of school is for teachers that are looking for set hours, structure during the day with nights and weekends not teaching.
Korea public school’s offer ESL teacher jobs, and to teach elementary, middle, high school job in subjects.
You’ll be directly employed by the government, with a contract and salary from the Korean Ministry of Education.
A popular country to teach English abroad for native English speakers, as school’s offer good salaries and other employment benefits to teachers.
Private school in South Korea
Language schools (Hagwons) jobs are available in Korea and these employers recruit direct or through a recruitment company. Many of the jobs you will see advertised are in the private sector.
Salaries tend to be higher, although some organisations provide less structure for your working day.
Yes, you would be teaching English.
One advantage is materials, lesson plan and curriculum to follow is provided, less planning and grading than international or public schools.
Teaching schedules and lessons provided to learners are delivered morning, afternoon and evenings to accommodate students who pay for tuition.
- Elementary/kindergarten: Morning, afternoon, early evening
- Middle high school students: Afternoon and evenings
- Adult learners: Afternoons, although more at night
You’re teaching timetable may just be for young learners or a mix of age groups, depending on experience. Expect to be teaching for 5/6 days from 7 and different times of the day.
Teachers salary and benefits in Korea
Benefits Korea private school jobs Korea public school jobs
Class size 24-30 student in class 12-15 in class
Teaching hours 24-26 per week 30 per week
Holidays 18 days + 15 Up to 15 + 15
Overseas teacher One each school 1-15+ per school
Salary 1.8-2.7 million Krw 2-3 million Krw
Health insurance Provided Provided (Check)
Airfare Return Return
Accommodation Single apartment Single apartment
School location Cities, town, rural Cities, town, rural
Start dates August/September. February/March Anytime
Choosing to teach in Korea will enable you to save for the future for when you eventually return home. Taxes are deducted for most foreign teachers.
Korea teaching job requirements
– Appropriate bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
– Citizenship of an English speaking country
– Native/Fluent English speaker
– Obtain and meet the requirements for an E2 or F4 visa
– Appropriate teaching certificate for the age group and school
– Two or more signed and sealed university transcripts
– Criminal record check
– Medical check
People are employed with and without experience, all depends on the position and school.
Getting all the required paperwork together takes time, although could be a rewarding life experience. The visa and immigration requirements, such as the medical check are comprehensive and deciding to take up job should be well planned and researched.
School teaching year in South Korea
South Korea school teaching jobs start in March and later in the year, although you could also start when lessons have already started.