SOUTH KOREA @ A GLANCE
Total Area- 100,032 square kilometers Total Population- 51.5 million Capital City- Seoul Languages- Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese Religions- Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism Top teaching locations- Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gwangju Currency- Won (KRW)Interesting facts about South Korea
- World leader in internet connectivity at 92.4%
- Apple’s iPhone microchips are made by South Korean company ‘Samsung’
- South Koreans love veg dish kimchi, having 250 variables
- Crime rate is minimal here.
- Number 4 is considered bad omen.
- Red color is associated with death.
Of all the Asian countries that you would like to live and teach, South Korea most probably, will come out to be the winner. The very obvious reason is the forceful education system which has eventuated it in holding the highest level in education among OECD countries. Since 2010, the South Korean economy has rebound and the consecutive years have been very promising. Highly skilled, educated and aware Koreans take pride in numerous multinational g being home grown- LG, Samsung, Hyundai-Kia, to name a few! Thus, it is no surprise that competitive and ambitious parents, lay significant weightage to best of education, for their children; one that has international repute and standing.
Options for teaching in South Korea
With 98% Koreans completing secondary education and 65% going for college education, you can imagine the number of schools, colleges and institutes getting established every year! A highly dedicated bunch of people, the Koreans, value the education system as a stepping stone to success. The Korean Ministry of Education has a vision and a road map towards modernizing and maintaining the high standards. Hence, the Public Schools are an opportunity to work, with very lucrative salaries. The Private Schools and Language Schools are other big lures for certified ESL teachers with handsome rewards.
Opportunities in Public schools in South Korea
With a sound education system, the Public schools of South Korea are best way to attain an authentic Korean experience. The ESL teachers are hired by the Ministry of Education and the benefits are comparable to the best in the industry. The infrastructure and the structured teaching schedule permit the teachers to balance between work time ands leisure time. The exposure is a great learning experience that will enhance your capabilities as an ESL educator.
Opportunities in Private schools in South Korea
Hagwons, as the private schools in Korea are known, offer the most appealing jobs for ESL educators. They offer excellent working environment in addition to a pay package which generally includes accommodation, airfare, etc. Run as businesses the working hours may vary as well as the remuneration, but the exposure is immense.
Apart from this run of the mill jobs there are several administrative vacancies available in South Korea that can be taken up by certified TEFL candidates. In addition, the online teaching option can always be availed from the comfort of your home country.
Henry Harvin will extend assistance in fulfilling your dream to teach in South Korea!
Taking advantage of our long association with South Korean recruiters we have collated some principal factors to give a glimpse of what to expect there!
Please note that these are average standards and individual offers shall vary.
| TEACHING BENEFITS | DETAILS OF BENEFITS |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | Salaries are competitive with slight variation depending on years of experience. |
| Accommodation | Furnished single occupancy apartment |
| Airfare | Round trip fare covered |
| Working Hours | 26-30 hours per week |
| Vacation | 10-15 days’ vacation + all public holidays |
| Health Insurance | Mostly 50% covered |
| Additional Benefits | Bonus, incentives |
If you have made up your mind and feel the pull towards South Korea then its advantageous to get acquainted about the Visa requirements.
- E2 Visas are specifically issued for language teachers
- The application for the Visa should be from the candidates who are native speakers of the language of that particular country
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Relevant experience of at least one year
- Possess a valid passport
Cost of living in South Korea
Although highly urbanized & modern, the cost of living here is quite less when compared with developed nations. The generous salary will be more than sufficient to live as well as save handsomely. The night life is quite crazy in most of the cities and the mouth-watering cuisine is another high-point. Travelling is smooth and holidays can be well spent in exploring local tourist places