Frame9

Teaching in Korea is a great way to make money and learn about a unique and interesting culture. Teaching English in Asia is normally just about the experience and being able to travel, but in Korea you can also make a good living and become part of Korean society and learn about the culture.

South Korea is not yet a popular tourist destination, and this makes it that much more appealing. Although there is a large group of expats in the major cities, if you choose to teach in rural areas, you may be the only westerner you see. This can be a negative factor, as you may feel isolated and lonely at times. The Korean people are incredibly kind, however, and will treat you like a kind of celebrity.

Your teaching experience can differ greatly depending on whether you teach in a public school or at a private institution. At a private “Hagwon” as they are called, you will be one of many EFL teachers, and will teach fairly small class sizes. This is a better option for those who have never lived in a foreign country before, as you will have other westerners teaching alongside you.

Teaching in a public school can be a bit of a culture shock, especially when teaching in a rural area. As I mentioned earlier, you will probably be the only westerner around, and the students will treat you like a celebrity. If you aren’t someone who can deal with all of this attention, this may not be for you. As you will be the only English teacher at the school, resources will be limited, and you will have to make your own lesson plans.
Teaching in Korea can be a very rewarding experience, and the benefits are large in terms of salary and accommodations.