South Korea tends to be more strict than other countries in its requirements for TEFL courses. You will most likely not get an ESL position if you have a certification that is less than 100 training hours. Since gaining employment can be competitive in South Korea, especially in certain cities, you may want to consider adding a specialization to your English teaching certification, for example focusing on medical or business vocabulary or concentrating on teaching children.

Many TEFL programs in South Korea prefer citizens of countries whose main language is English, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. This is because earning a TEFL certification in South Korea requires you to be a native English speaker as well as have a bachelors degree, although no previous teaching experience is required. Most TEFL courses in South Korea are instructed over the course of one month, but some are spread out over a longer period of time to be part time for either six or eight weeks.

TEFL courses will train you on how to successfully instruct English grammar, writing, reading, and pronunciation. In addition, you will learn classroom management and lesson planning tips as well as guidance on communication styles that resonate with Korean learners. Comprehensive TEFL courses in South Korea also give an overview of historical teaching methods, demonstrate difference classroom techniques, and include training on how to market yourself as an English teacher. You will also learn how to navigate resources to find material that resonates with Korean students, as well as how to build relationships and help learners reach their goals.

Some courses offer a TEFL certification as well as a teaching placement in South Korea, and the organization will use connections with local schools to help you get a one-year contract once you’re certified. Teaching English at a language school in South Korea will typically mean working between 25 and 30 hours per week, while teaching in a private or public school will mean you’ll have much longer hours - working long days Mondays through Fridays.