At a Glance: Teaching English in Korea
Korea is one of the best places to teach English. Its ESL market is one of the largest in the world, meaning that great positions are easier to find, and salaries and benefits are the most lucrative you’ll find anywhere. The country also boasts some of the most beautiful temples in the world, gorgeous lush landscapes, and villages that lack the traffic of other Asian countries, which sit alongside ultramodern cities that offer world-class cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.
Korea: At a Glance
Korea: Living in Korea
Korea: Teaching ESL in Korea
Korea: Financial Snapshot
| Monthly Salary*: | 1.8 - 2.5 million KRW |
| Accommodations: | Usually included or allowance given |
| Airfare: | Fully paid for or reimbursed |
| Health Care: | Included |
| Holidays: | Paid |
| Teaching Hours per Week: | 22 - 35 |
| Typical Contract Length: | One year |
| Typical Start Month(s): | August/September, February/March, or year round |
| Application Timeline: | 3 - 6 months (longer for EPIK) |
| Private Tutoring per Hour: | 20,000 - 70,000 KRW |
| Income Tax††: | 1.5 - 15% |
| Cost of Living**: | Cost of a Big Mac = 3,700 KRW |
| Exchange Rate†: |
As of 05-25-2013 1.00 CAD = 1089 KRW 1000 KRW = 0.92 CAD |
| Ability to Save: | Very high |
| Visa: | Employer sponsors |
| Minimum Requirements: | Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate and Bachelor's Degree |
| Additional Notes: | Very large ESL market; private tutoring is forbidden in most contracts; public schools strongly prefer 100-hour TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification |
Other East Asia / Southeast Asia Countries:
If you want to save money, enjoy delicious foods, and visit beautiful Buddhist temples, Korea is the place for you. There are many job opportunities throughout Korea, whether in big cities, small towns, or tropical islands surrounding the mainland. You may find yourself teaching kindergarten students, teenagers or business professionals. There are also plenty of opportunities for private tutoring.
The combination of Oxford Seminars' internationally recognized TESOL/TESL Certification and our Graduate Placement Service included with the course makes teaching English abroad a reality. Learn more about teaching English in Korea and other opportunities teaching English abroad by calling 1-800-269-6719, or by attending an upcoming free Information Session in your area.
* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
** The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of a Canadian Big Mac at $4.73.
† Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
†† Income tax rate is based on the amount of yearly income. Most TESOL/TESL instructors will be charged no more than the minimum percentage.
Oxford Seminars makes every effort to keep our information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, individual teaching positions and experiences may vary with job market conditions. Specific information listed cannot be guaranteed to be applicable when you are seeking employment teaching ESL in a specific country.
Note that certain positions require additional qualifications and credentials that are not negotiable due to specific country legislation.
