In recent years, Korea has become a lucrative teaching market for English and given most Korean’s desire to learn English or upgrade their existing language skills there is no dearth of teaching opportunities. Teaching positions vary, from small language institutes to large university language programs; in addition to teachers needed in Korea’s elementary, middle and high schools as part of the Korean government’s plan to improve English education.

If you are seriously thinking about teaching English in Korea, the first thing you would want to do is check with Dave’s ESL Café which has job listings for Korea as well as various forums on living and working in Korea. It is your first stop for what could be a very exciting and rewarding career as a language teacher in Korea and other countries.

Most universities in Korea start posting teaching vacancies in summer and late fall; however, schools that have their own language institutes generally post job vacancies throughout the year. There has been an increasing demand for more native English speakers to work in elementary schools and middle schools and such positions and vacancies are also posted in summer and late fall.

There is no shortage of language institutes (hagwons) in Korea and most institutes like YBM Sisa post job vacancies throughout the year. There tends to be more positions available in the summer and winter vacation months when a lot of students study. Additionally, there are often summer and winter English camps and immersions courses.

The forums at Dave’s ESL Café are also a good place to find out about unscrupulous hogwon owners and schools that teachers have had problems with in the past. The forums are also good to inquire about teaching and living conditions in Korea. Although that teaching position might look quite appealing when you are applying from overseas, it’s not a bad idea to check the forums first.

There are a lot more recruiters posting job positions and they can be quite helpful in sorting out all the confusion one might have with applying from overseas.

Requirements vary from institute to institute and university to university but a BA in almost any degree will guarantee some kind of employment though salaries tend to be a little lower. Most universities require prospective candidates to have an MA but in recent years schools have backed off and are accepting more BA holders (and thereby paying lower salaries). TEFL or TESOL certificates not required (unlike in some Southeast Asian countries); however having one is a definite advantage in securing more gainful teaching positions, as are the CELTA and DELTA diplomas.

Salaries are commensurate with one’s degree, qualifications, and teaching experience as well as the school where one is teaching. Individuals with a BA and little or no teaching experience might start off at around 1,800,000 Won ($1.00 = approximately 1400 Won) whereas someone with an MA and a couple years of experience can make anywhere from 2,700,000 – 3,200,000 Won a month.

Benefits, such as housing, airfare reimbursement, moving costs, and end-of-year bonus vary from school to school. Most schools provide some kind of housing, either single or shared apartments, or a housing allowance. Some schools will even pay the deposit known as chonse in Korea for apartments.

Airfare reimbursement is a given; however, some schools will pay half the airfare upon arrival (the amount varies, but it is usually around 1,000.00) and the other half upon completion of a year contract. The end-of-year bonus or severance pay amounts to one month’s salary upon completion of one’s contract. Not all schools pay this for the first year and you should check before signing a contract.

Sometimes what might seem like a great teaching position based on salary or benefits might not turn out that way once you get to Korea and start teaching and find out that you are putting in some very long weeks. The number of teaching hours also varies from school to school. In the case of a university position, the average is around 12-15 a week but can be as high as 20. Institutes on the other hand require more hours from teachers, anywhere from 20-30 hours a week depending on the school. In addition, some teachers are required to teach a split shift (morning classes/evening classes).

The teaching pool in Korea is much larger than it was in the past; therefore, most of the teachers needed for the higher paying university positions must be available for interviews in country. On the other hand, some of the smaller universities in Seoul and across the country still hire from overseas following telephone interviews. These positions at the smaller schools often pay less; however these positions are good for someone looking to get a year or two of teaching experience before trying to land one of the better paying teaching gigs.

Once you have been hired you will need plenty of time to get all your necessary documents in order including have original copies of your transcripts sent to the school (if you haven’t already been requested to do so when initially applying for the teaching positions) as well as those documents needed for your E-2 (teaching) visa. If you are applying from overseas you should allow yourself plenty of time to send in all the documents required by the school as well as take care of a criminal background check and health check that are now both required by law for an E-2 visa. In addition, you may also have to be interviewed at a Korean embassy before being issued your visa.

After you arrive in Korea you have 90 days to apply for a residence card (alien registration card) and complete the final visa formalities (health check up to check for HIV and drugs) before going to the immigration office. Although you have 90 days to apply for the residence card, this is usually done within the first week after you have arrived (you cannot open a bank account for example if you do not have a residence card).

Whether you are interested in only spending a year or two in Korea teaching before moving onto something else there are many exciting teaching opportunities available in Korea. On the other hand if you are looking for something more, teaching English in Korea can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice if you decide to stay in the EFL profession.