FAQs - South Korea

How much does it pay to teach English in South Korea?

If you are in search of a 1 year vibrant experience teaching, traveling and earning great money abroad ($1600 USD to $1900 USD * – 2.1 to 2.3 million Won per month), this is the perfect program for you. In the local currency (paid into a local bank account you will set up in your first month), it is around 2.1 – 2.3 million Korean Won.

* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility

Safety in South Korea

Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realize that safety can be a concern.

What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety in South Korea?

Our teachers in South Korea (both men and women) report feeling extremely safe in the country. Levels of crime are very low and public services such as transport are very efficient and very safe.

Public transport is efficient and safe to use.

How are the authorities?

The police in South Korea will treat you as well as you treat the law. Petty crimes involving brazen debaucherous behavior are not tolerated and can be dealt with severely.

Make sure that you stick to the law and you will find the authorities very helpful.

Safety Tips

Yes, English is spoken in Korea. There are different levels of English- in cities like Seoul you will encounter people with a high level of English, as opposed to smaller cities or towns. To work for bigger companies in Korea (which is a dream of many Koreans), you will need to have a good handle on English, but it isn’t as widely spoken as Thailand, as there isn’t such an enormous tourist sector. In South Korea, it is good to note that there are certain social restrictions to speaking English, especially to a foreigner.

Korean people often believe that your level of English directly indicates your economic background, as having a high level of English will mean that you attended classes at a private academy, or that you have travelled or lived abroad. For this reason, many Koreans are often shy or reluctant to speak English, even if they can.

Are teachers in high demand in South Korea? Why?

Native English-speaking teachers are in high demand in South Korea, mainly because the population is in a tight competition with their peers for jobs and other opportunities. Many young students aspire to study/live abroad, so the parents are more than willing to invest in native speakers to teach their children.

The overall hope for South Korea is to train Koreans to replace foreigners. They want the level of English to rise for Koreans, who could eventually become English teachers and eradicate the need for foreign teachers. The reasons for this are largely due to a patriotic outlook from Koreans, but also the fact that they do have a very high level of youth unemployment due to high competition for jobs based on the population size versus job availability.

Do students have to learn English in South Korea?

Yes, it is compulsory at their public schools. On top of their public schooling, many children attend private English academies after school to improve their English.

Do you need a degree to teach English in South Korea?

Yes, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in any field to teach English in South Korea.

If you are a non-degree holder please see our Teach English in Cambodia, Teach English in Myanmar or Teach English in Japan (Non-Degree) programs.

What is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?

The basic structure of the school system differs between language centers/private schools and public schools.

Language centers/private schools have a bit more flexibility in terms of the curriculum, use of textbooks, and so on. Teachers also generally teach smaller class sizes with students of similar English proficiency levels.

Public schools will generally have a set curriculum and textbook work. Class sizes are generally bigger, and students will have varying English proficiencies. Work hours for language centers/private schools are in the afternoons on weekdays, and weekends.

Public schools will generally be from around 7:30AM to 4:30PM on weekdays.

Read our guide on the Difference between Public and Private schools in South Korea on our blog.

How much money can I save teaching English in South Korea?

It is generally up to your lifestyle (as Western foods, alcohols etc are far more expensive). However, because you rent is paid for entirely by the school, all you really have to pay for is food and transport- both of which can be done very inexpensively if you live like a local.

You would probably spend about half your pay without creating any limitations for yourself, but can save more if you live frugally.

On average, you can save about $500- $800+ per month.

You will also get a severance package at the end of your contract which is one extra pay check for the amount of years you have worked there, so even if you only stay for 1 year, you will always get an additional 13th paycheck at the end of your contract.

What are the expected tax deductions from your paycheck? Does is differ from school to school?

Tax deductions differs from school to school and it also depends on whether the institution is public or private. Expected deductions are only 4-7%.

Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary? If so, Why?

No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salary.

Do schools in South Korea accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?

Yes they do. Read more about our online TEFL/TESOL course options.

What is the main religion in South Korea?

The religion is predominantly Christian (which stems from the involvement of the Western world, particularly the US after the end of the Korean war in 1953. There are a number of Buddhists as well, but the majority is atheist.

Will I get picked up from the airport?

When you arrive in Seoul, you can count on airport pick-up and travel assistance to your accommodation.

Where will I be placed Teaching English in South Korea

We can place teachers in: Big or small cities, South Korea is highly urbanized so even towns with smaller populations will feel quite developed. You can teach: Kindergarten, Primary (elementary and middle) or High school. Read our guide to placements in South Korea on our blog.

Refer to the Teaching Placements section for more information.