Want to Teach English in Seoul? Here’s the 411

If you want to teach English in Seoul, we’re here to help. Seoul has become one of the top destinations for foreign teachers, and it’s not hard to see why. Any country that can spawn BTS, Bang Bang, and Girls’ Generation must be worth a visit, right? Well, why not make it an extended trip? You’ll have the chance to see it all, live in the capital city, and work with adorable kids to fund your adventures. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you teach in Seoul. 

Living and teaching in Seoul? Sounds like a dream come true!

Before you get your TEFL certificate, pack your suitcase, and say, “Annyeonghi gyeseyo” to your friends and family, you probably have a few questions that you want answered. That’s where we come in. We’re about to give you the 411, the inside scoop, the tea, or whatever else you’re looking for on teaching in Seoul. From the best programs to the possible frustrations of the job, we’ll lay it all down for you. That way, you’ll be able to put your focus on more important topics: lesson planning and figuring out when you’re going to visit Lotte World.

Read on get an overview of English teaching jobs in Korea’s bustling capital, Seoul!

FAQs for teaching abroad in Seoul

Why should I become an ESL teacher in Seoul?

First and foremost, the students. English skills are essential for most people in Korea, so you’re serving an important purpose. Students, especially younger ones, are excited to meet foreigners and learn your language and many kids will start learning English in infancy, so you may be surprised by how much they already know! This can make your job a bit easier. There are also a ton of ESL teachers in Seoul, so anytime you’re feeling confused or homesick or lonely, it’ll be easy to find friends that can offer some advice.

You shouldn’t have a problem meeting other ESL teachers in Seoul who can help you when you’re starting out!

Teaching abroad, especially in a booming city like Seoul, also looks FAB on a resume and will give you a leg up with whatever job you go for after your placement. Teaching skills, foreign language ability, and international experience are a bonus in nearly any field, so even if teaching isn’t your “forever job,” it’ll definitely help you get to it!

What are the teaching English in Korea requirements?

There are five basic requirements for teaching English in Korea:

1. English fluency. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that in order to teach a language, fluency is pivotal. So, first and foremost, you have to know the English language backwards and forwards. Native English speakers rejoice!
2. TEFL certification. This isn’t 100% required, but most Korean schools won’t hire you if you don’t have a TEFL certificate. Occasionally, you can get away with just having a degree in education, but TEFL qualifications will give you more options and show you how to teach English in a foreign country.
3. Bachelor’s degree. Your degree doesn’t need to be in teaching, but you will need a Bachelor’s for most placements. If you don’t have one, but you do have an Associate’s degree or you’re in university now, you still might be able to do some teaching in South Korea, like working for an after school program.
4. E2 teaching visa. Getting a visa is one of the most important teaching English in Korea requirements. You can’t teach without it! Thankfully, most providers will help you obtain your work visa, so you don’t have to worry too much.
5. Some Korean language ability. Although you may be able to get by in the beginning without knowing a word of Korean, it’s extremely helpful, both in and out of the classroom, to try and learn some. The locals will appreciate it as well!

Trying to learn some Korean phrases before you go will help you transition smoothly.

What will my salary look like?

In general, English teachers in Seoul get paid better than ESL teachers in other countries. It’s a hard job, so they want to make sure you’re compensated for your hard work. But, at the end of the day, salaries for teaching jobs in Seoul vary depending on your experience level, qualifications, job placement, and provider.

For example, newbie teachers in Seoul with XploreAsia’s program can expect to earn about $1,600 a month (~1,800,000 won) and veteran teachers with GeoVision’s program can expect to earn about $3,000 a month (~3,400,000 won). This is a pretty big range, but definitely more than enough to keep you going, which is a pretty good deal considering many programs cover your rent, travel, and lots of other expenses. You can spend all your money on yummy street food and 5-star travel spots if your heart desires!

What’s it like to be a teacher in Seoul?

Teaching in South Korea, like teaching anywhere, can be described as challenging but rewarding. We’ll go over the more “blah” stuff in the next section, but, all in all, you should have an overwhelmingly positive experience. Students are eager to meet foreigners and ask you a million questions. You’ll probably feel like a celebrity on your first day in the classroom! 

You can also make your lessons fun and interesting for your students and yourself (Such as playing a games, like this teacher did!), so don’t worry about having to stick strictly to the books. You’re job as an ESL teacher is what you make of it. If you go into it with a positive mindset, you’re sure to have an amazing time.

Have some fun with your English teaching job in Korea! Teach your students what you think will interest them.

What are the potential downsides of English teaching jobs in Korea?

Don’t get us wrong, teaching in South Korea is an amazing experience and many people stay on to work well after the program ends. There are some potentially frustrating elements to think about before you take the leap though.

Unfortunately, the education culture in Korea can be really intense. Many students are in school all day, then go to after school programs, sports practices, or other lessons all evening, leaving little time for socializing and rest. So, sometimes, your role will be to give the students a break. That may not sound so bad, but it can be difficult to teach students a foreign language if they keep drifting off to sleep.

Also, depending on whether your placement is public, private, international, adult education, or after school, your hours and workload can vary significantly. Some schools will have you teaching early in the morning, taking the afternoon off, and then teaching again in the evening, until nearly 10 p.m. Others may have you planning 100% of your class curriculum without having any previous teaching experience. Even if this all sounds perfect to you, it’s important to read your contract thoroughly before signing!

At the end of the day, your students will make it all worth it.

Ok, but how easy is it to travel around South Korea?

Once you’re in Korea, traveling around the country is super easy. Subways, trains, and buses are very convenient, affordable ways to get around both Seoul and the rest of the country. If you’re looking for something quicker for your weekend getaway, there’s also an extensive domestic air network, taking you to every corner of South Korea, big or small. Places like China, Japan, Russia, Thailand, and Australia are also just a plane or ferry ride away if you’re down for the ride!

How can I find the perfect program for me?

Have you been sold on English teaching jobs in Korea? There are so many great programs to choose from that’ll help you get there… But, finding the one that’ll put you in a school down the street from the best kimbap joint in the city and pay you enough that you can shop at Dongjin Market every weekend can be a daunting task. 

Thankfully, here at GoAbroad, we’ve got your back! Use our program board to find all of the programs that’ll let you teach English in Seoul. Or, better yet, set up a FREE MyGoAbroad account to find and compare all of the programs that stick out to you. You’ll be teaching abroad in no time!

The perfect program? Nah, we’re more interested in the perfect lunch spot. <3

What are the best programs to teach English in Seoul?

Like we said before, there are TONS of phenomenal programs out there, so, to help you narrow down your search, here’s a list of five of our faves. All of them have excellent customer reviews (8/10 stars or higher!), supportive and knowledgeable staff, connections to a diverse range of schools across Seoul, and lots of extra benefits. You can’t go wrong by choosing to work with any of these providers!

1. Paid Teaching Jobs in Seoul with the GeoVisions Foundation

You’ll be as zen as a Buddhist monk in this GeoVisions Foundation program. In between trips to local temples and museums, you’ll be making a comfortable salary of up to $3,000 per month, living in free housing, and working in a role you love. Students are eager to learn in these English-only classrooms, so you’ll really be able to make a difference in their education. Teaching in South Korea and receiving awesome perks? It doesn’t get much better than that!

• More info: Read GeoVisions Foundation reviews

2. Teach in Seoul with TravelBud

TravelBud understands that many teachers (and wannabe teachers) choose to teach English in Seoul to experience the vibrant city life and rich culture of the capital. That’s why they give you as much freedom as possible while still assisting you throughout your journey. They offer 24/7 support, flight reimbursement, and lots of other killer benefits to make it worth your while. Don’t be afraid to take the next step—TravelBud is here to walk you through it!

• More info: Read TravelBud reviews

3. Get Paid to Teach English in South Korea with CIEE

Ok, so you’re interested in English teaching jobs in South Korea, but you don’t have your TEFL certificate yet. Well, this program includes your 150-hour teaching course, so you’ll be strolling around Myeongdong, munching on Korean barbecue with your teacher friends in no time. Daebak! Once you’re certified, you’ll be placed in a reputable primary school where you’ll earn a comfortable salary and immerse yourself in Korean culture. Sounds pretty good to us!

• More info: Read CIEE reviews

4. Public School Teaching in Seoul with Korean Horizons

Teaching in Seoul can be pretty daunting before you get started. New city, new language, new job; it may seem impossible to do on your own. Thankfully, Korean Horizons ensures that you’ll have a Korean co-teacher to help you out on your teaching journey. Along with program staff, your co-teacher will be able to answer your questions, offer advice, and allow you to have an amazing time abroad! You’ll never have to feel alone with this awesome program.

• More info: Read Korean Horizon reviews

5. Journey to Seoul with Adventure Teaching

If you want some real talk about all the pros and cons of teaching in Seoul, look no further than the staff at Adventure Teaching. Everyone on their team has lived and taught in Asia, so they’re the best place to go to get the inside scoop before you even set foot in South Korea! They’ll dish about anything from the workload to the best animal-themed cafes in the city. On top of all that, they also offer free consultations and job placement!

• More info: Read Adventure Teaching reviews

[View ALL English Teaching Programs in Seoul]

You’re well on your way to teach in Seoul, South Korea!

Seoul will feel like your home away from home in no time.

It’s not all just K-Pop and kimbap! Teaching in Seoul, through all of its ups and downs, can give you important, transferable skills that will stay with you long after your placement ends… But, the K-Pop and kimbap will be pretty nice too! 

From the ancient temples, like Gyeongbokgung, to the clubbing scene in Gangnam, to the incredibly kind locals, there’s so much to love about Seoul. As a teacher in Korea, you’ll be right in the heart of it all, working with passionate and playful students and teachers, and experiencing a new culture, career, and language. It’s sure to be eye-opening from start to finish, so, why not take the leap? Who knows—maybe you’ll find your dream job and stay in Seoul forever. Nothing is too far-fetched in this unconventional city!

With all of your burning questions answered, it’s time to pack up your suitcase and fill it with everything you need to teach abroad. You’re finally on your way. Say “Annyeong” to your new life as you teach in Seoul!

Get Matched with 5 Teaching Abroad Programs in Seoul for FREE