South Korea is globally recognized not only for K-pop, kimchi, and dramas but also for its fervor for education. English education, in particular, is a top priority. With this, many foreigners aspire to teach English in this dynamic country. So, what preparations are needed to start your journey as an English teacher in Korea?
Table of Contents
- Preparations Before Landing in Korea
- Application Methods and Useful Websites
- Necessary Qualifications for English Teachers
- Understanding Employment Contracts and Work Conditions
- Getting to Know Income Tax in Korea
1. Preparations Before Landing in Korea
- Certifications: Holding certifications like TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA can be advantageous. Most institutions generally prefer candidates who’ve completed over 100 hours of training.
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree is a basic requirement. However, having a background in Education or a related master’s degree can be a plus for some institutions.
- Visa & Documents: To work in Korea, you’ll need an E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor) visa. Preparing documents like a criminal background check, degree verification, and a health checkup are crucial for the visa application.
2. Application Methods and Useful Websites
- Public School Programs:
- EPIK (English Program in Korea) – Official Website
- GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea) – Official Website
- SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education) – Official Website
- Private Institutions & Job Portals:
- WorknPlay – Visit Website
- Dave’s ESL Cafe – Visit Website
- JobKorea – Visit Website
3. Necessary Qualifications for English Teachers
- The qualifications vary among institutions. However, internationally recognized certifications like TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA are often preferred.
4. Understanding Employment Contracts and Work Conditions
- Working Hours: Most institutions will expect you to work between 30-40 hours a week. Ensure you thoroughly review your contract to understand the specifics.
- Salary: The typical starting salary ranges from 2,500,000 KRW to 5,000,000 KRW per month, but this can vary based on experience, qualifications, and location.
- Vacation: You can generally expect around 10 paid vacation days annually.
- Accommodation: Many institutions provide housing or housing allowances for foreign instructors.
- Insurance: You’ll likely be enrolled in national insurance programs, including health insurance, pension, employment, and industrial accident compensation insurance.
5. Getting to Know Income Tax in Korea
- In Korea, your salary will have income tax and resident tax automatically deducted. While this is hassle-free, be aware that you might have additional taxes to settle during the year-end tax adjustments.