Thinking of teaching English abroad? Look no further than South Korea. This hotspot for English teaching jobs blends its unique modern cityscapes with gorgeous green landscapes, and thousands of years of history with a dynamic culture that suits all types of travelers. It’s also one of the top destinations in the world for teaching English abroad.
Why teach English in Korea? Besides the endless opportunities for personal and professional growth, South Korea offers some of the most competitive salaries and benefits for English teachers, along with nearly-endless teaching opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to Seoul’s bustling city life or the rolling hills of Korea’s countryside, this dynamic country is full of compelling reasons to pack your bags and jet off on the adventure of a lifetime.
Why teach English in Korea? 11 convincing reasons
Get ready to fall for this amazing country.
With English teaching jobs available worldwide, it can be difficult to narrow down your search when choosing a destination. So why teach English in South Korea when the world is your oyster?
South Korea prioritizes English learning throughout the country, meaning not only are there endless job opportunities, but also that the country takes care of their English teachers, offering an experience you can’t refuse. Here are 11 convincing reasons to teach English in South Korea (if you haven’t made your mind up already!):
1. Teachers receive excellent salaries and benefits.
Some of the top reasons to teach English in South Korea are the salaries and the benefits. South Korea offers one of the highest English teaching salaries in the world, averaging around $2,000 per month. And because of the high demand for English teachers, schools typically arrange and pay for their teachers’ fully furnished accommodation with western comforts, airfare, visa assistance, and health insurance, meaning all you have to cover for living expenses is your bills and food.
2. It’s easy to save money.
One of the perks of living in South Korea is the low cost of living and low tax rate. English teachers who are already bringing in a high wage with most of their expenses covered are easily able to save money, even while exploring the country.
On average, most teachers save up to 75% of their wages, and if they fulfill their 12-month contract, they’ll also go home with a bonus equal to one month’s salary. You’ll have plenty of money to travel, both in Korea and beyond—or you can go home with a hefty savings account.
3. There’s an abundance and variety of teaching jobs.
South Korea places a huge importance on learning English, as it’s common to need a high score on an English proficiency test to land a good job post-studies. It’s mandatory for children to learn English in public schools. Most children also attend after-school English programs, too.
One of the top reasons to teach in South Korea is because of how easy it is to land a job—there are typically between 2,000 and 3,000 new teaching positions available each month in Seoul alone. On top of that, there are many different kinds of jobs to choose from, whether you’d like to teach in a public school, private school, or a language school specifically for English learners.
4. Traveling’s made easy.
You’ll have fun exploring thanks to the efficient public transportation.
With one of the most efficient and cleanest modern subway systems in the world, South Korea’s public transport puts the NYC subway to shame. Train lines and bus lines are available to even the smallest parts of the cities, taxis are cheap, and the bullet train makes it easy to get across the country, meaning it’s easy to see everything you want to see in this small country during just one year.
Not only that, but Korean Airlines has direct flights all over Asia and even to Europe and North and South America, allowing you to explore across borders during school holidays each year.
5. The expat communities are tight-knit.
Why teach English in South Korea? You certainly will not be alone as you settle into life in a new country. Although there is not a huge multicultural presence in South Korea, there’s a massive community of foreign English teachers from around the world.
Many stay for multiple contracts and welcome newbies into the community with ease. The expat English-teacher community means you’ll have family, even when you’re far from home.
6. The scenery and greenery is to die for.
Many people immediately think of the bustling streets of Seoul when they think of South Korea, but the beauty of the landscapes here is quite diverse. It’s easy to escape the cities and feel the tranquility of nature, even when you’re close to city life.
Venture outside of city walls to find rolling green hills dotted with lily ponds, dense woods, and beaches down the peninsula. South Korea experiences all four seasons, too, so if you’re teaching over the course of the year, you can hit the beaches in summer, ski in the winter, and hike through beautiful woodsy trails in between.
7. The lifestyle is relaxed.
Why teach English in Korea? Because you’ll enjoy a great work-life balance as a teacher here.
Let us break it down for you—high wages plus affordable living equals a pretty amazing lifestyle. Not only will you be able to save quite a bit of money while living in South Korea, but you’ll also have time off to relax and explore.
Private schools give you two weeks off per year, while public schools get three to four weeks off. Throw in public holidays—another two weeks—and you have time to see all of the country, spend time with friends, and soak in South Korean culture in your down time. Most teachers end up staying more than one year because of how easy it is to live a “cushy” lifestyle while also saving most of their money.
8. The food will leave your mouth watering.
When choosing a destination to travel and teach, food should always be a factor. South Korea offers teachers a culinary adventure, from savory classics like kimchi and bulgogi to mouthwatering street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with sugar syrup). Korean cuisine not only tastes delicious but is also quite healthy, using mostly fresh vegetables, lean means, and fermented foods, leaving your gut as happy as your taste buds.
9. The indulgence of spa culture.
Why teach English in Korea? The luxurious spa culture will melt your troubles away. Korean spas, or jjimjilbangs, are a prevalent part of South Korean culture and offer a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation after a long day in the classroom.
From hot springs and saunas to body scrubs and massages, it’s easy to unwind at the end of the day and make your physical wellness a priority. Not only does spa culture offer a deeper connection to local culture, but it also allows teachers to prioritize self-care during their time abroad.
10. The nightlife and social scene.
You can’t beat South Korea if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife to fill your downtime from teaching.
One of the top reasons to teach English in South Korea is the healthy work-life balance. Yes, you’ll take home a competitive salary, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to unwind outside the classroom.
During the day, you can find endless clubs in the expat community, making it easy to bond with people who have similar interests to you—join a club for soccer, cooking, or even Latin dance. Meanwhile, at night you can unwind with everything from clubs pumping K-pop hits to cozy bars in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
11. You’ll go home with a shining resume.
Teaching English in South Korea is different from anywhere else in the world due to the country’s high demand for teachers. Because English teaching is such a competitive field in South Korea, you’ll hone your teaching skills while also immersing yourself in a rich culture and placing yourself in a strategic location in East Asia that opens doors to surrounding countries. The international work experience you gain in South Korea will shine on your resume and open doors to future career prospects both at home and all over the world.
Explore ALL teach abroad programs in South Korea on GoAbroad.com
3 teach abroad programs in Korea to get you started
The beauty of Korean English teaching programs is that most will support you through the entire process, from getting TEFL certified to finding you a job placement, supporting you through travel arrangements, and more. Are you ready for K-pop, bibimbap, and English teaching in South Korea? Here are some of GoAbroad’s top programs:
1. Paid Teaching Program in South Korea with TravelBud
- Why? TravelBud is one of the best programs out there for paid English-teaching jobs in South Korea. This program offers placements throughout the year at both public and private language schools and includes perks such as a cultural orientation, lessons in Korean language and culture, and excursions to immerse you in the country when you arrive.
- The best part is you don’t need experience prior to joining TravelBud. All you need is a four-year degree, and TravelBud will provide your TEFL certification via in-person or online classes, followed by a guaranteed teaching position. And if you decide to make English teaching your career, they also guarantee positions at another partner school in any of their destinations at no extra cost.
- Where? Various locations, including Seoul, Daegu, Ulsan, Daejeon, and Gwangju
- Read TravelBud reviews
2. Guaranteed Job Placement for Teaching English in South Korea
- Why? International TEFL Academy tends to make the list for top English teaching programs, and for good reason. If traveling to South Korea, ITA can offer you $400 off your TEFL course if you’re not yet certified, plus you’ll receive a guaranteed job placement that matches you with your preferences for location and school type.
- You’ll also get a 40-hour cultural orientation, Korean language lessons, and excursions to immerse you in local life. Similar to TravelBud, ITA will also provide job search guidance for English teaching jobs in over 80 countries for the rest of your life.
- Where? Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Incheon, Seoul
- Read International TEFL Academy reviews
3. Paid TEFL Internship in South Korea
- Why? Premier TEFL takes you to Seoul to get lost in the ancient history and modern futuristic cityscape of South Korea’s capital city. Before arrival, Premier TEFL offers a 120-hour TEFL certification training, online Korean language classes, and the ultimate pre-departure culture course so you feel fully ready to immerse yourself in the South Korean lifestyle when you arrive.
- Upon arrival, Premier TEFL is known for its excursions—they’ll pick you up from the airport and take you on an epic adventure through volcanic caves, beautiful parks, ski slopes, and surrounding cities near Seoul. They’ll even load you up with Korean barbecue before you even start your English teaching position.
- Where? Seoul, then various locations throughout Korea
- Read Premier TEFL reviews
Compare these programs side-by-side on MyGoAbroad
Make money and immerse in a new culture when you teach English in Korea!
You’re ready for adventure when you decide to teach English in South Korea!
Teaching English in South Korea is an experience unlike any other. Not only does it offer a blend of beautiful city scenery with tranquil nature and a thriving culture, but its competitive English teaching scene ensures both personal and professional growth.
English teachers in South Korea will enjoy the perfect balance of a fulfilling career path and a leisurely lifestyle, meaning you’ll go home with a full bank account and a full cup. If you’re ready to make money and immerse yourself in a new culture, teaching English in South Korea promises you an unforgettable experience you won’t regret.
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