Teaching Jobs in Seoul, South Korea

The market for ESL teachers is big across South Korea, and the capital city is no exception. Applying for a position teaching English at one of the city’s hundreds of public schools, private schools, or language academies is typically the most accessible way to get your foot in the door to teach abroad in Seoul. You will typically be expected to be TEFL certified in order to teach English abroad in Seoul, a process which requires roughly a month’s training, and many schools may require additional training or a further education degree on top of this.

If you’re wanting to teach abroad in Seoul in a different subject area such as math or science, then you might also look into applying for a position in one of the city’s many international schools. Seoul has an expat population which is close to 1 million people, so there is a large market for international educators to teach at these academic institutions where English is the medium of education.

Whereas many positions teaching English are offered on a temporary basis, employment at an international school is usually long-term, and therefore can be more competitive. Most schools begin hiring a few months before the start of a new school year, making early spring the best time to go out looking for teaching jobs in Seoul.

Simply put, there’s a lot going on in Seoul. One of the world’s most progressive, futuristic, and dynamic cities, South Korea’s capital is home to a huge array of entertainment and culturally enriching opportunities. From ancient monuments such as the Changdeok Palace and Hwaseong Fortress to modern wonders such as the N Seoul Tower and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, you could spend many long weekends getting lost in dreamlike exploration while you teach abroad in Seoul.

Seoul is also famous for being the world’s most “wired” city, meaning that it is more technologically advanced than any other on the planet. The city is interconnected seamlessly by the KTX high-speed rail and Seoul subway, both offering Wi-Fi and other technical services. It is also connected by express train to the Incheon International Airport, which perennially ranks as the best in the world. So more good news: getting around town is a breeze.

All this fast-moving commotion might seem like a bit much when you first arrive to teach abroad in Seoul, and especially if you cannot speak Korean, then culture shock will undoubtedly require an adjustment period. Soon enough however, you will be fully immersed in the flow of the city, and likely wondering how you could have ever lived anywhere else!

History. Especially if travelling from the West, many English teachers may be entirely unfamiliar with Korean and regional history. Nowhere is a better place to learn than in the capital city, which has been an important hub of East Asia for literally thousands of years.

Present. Seoul is home to over a dozen Fortune 500 Global companies, has the fourth largest metropolitan GDP in the world, and is quickly climbing the ranks of leading global cities. While you teach abroad in Seoul, you will be part of something much larger.

Future. Seoul has a reputation in the international community as being a quasi-futuristic city, and rightfully so. With its high-tech integration, bright lighting, and advanced infrastructure, you’ll sometimes feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie while you teach abroad in Seoul.

Landing a teaching job in Seoul is a great way to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most impressive and important leading cities. Get ready for one great adventure.

Read our comprehensive guide on teaching abroad in South Korea.