Nearly all teaching positions in Busan offer foreign staff living arrangements, typically in the form of a small apartment or studio. For many, these are right on the school’s premises so that travel to work is not necessary. In most of scenarios, furniture and household needs are included too. Be sure to read the fine print in your teaching contract to understand what you’ll be getting before signing on.

If you are considering teaching in Busan, you are amongst the privileged few. The visa process in South Korea is considerably more straightforward than many of the surrounding countries. If you are pursuing a teaching job in Busan that lasts less than 90 days, a travel visa can be received upon arrival. However, if your teaching position in Busan will be longer than 90 days, a work visa will be necessary.

This longer term visa can be obtained through the Korean Consulate in your home country. Work visas are administered for a one year period and can easily be extended in South Korea if you decide to teach English in Busan for a longer time period. Upon submission, be prepared to show the original copies of education documentation (i.e., diplomas, transcripts), photo copies are not acceptable as a way to prevent fraud. Only a passport will be needed to make the initial transition. While the application process for teaching positions in Busan is not difficult, aspiring teachers should apply at least three months prior to departure to ensure a smooth transition.

For those teaching abroad in Busan for 90 days or longer a document called an alien registration card is needed. This process is also easy to navigate and the card can be processed at an immigration office once on the ground in South Korea.