Temporarily or permanently, moving countries is one of the most daunting choices one can make. You have to consider and reconsider everything from food and accommodation to climate and culture. For sure, it’s stressful, even if you have got it all covered.
Teaching English in South Korea has been catching the attention of many. The experience is truly life-changing for most individuals who have decided to take this opportunity. However, like other professions, this can seem like a huge transformation.
Let’s go through some important things you need to know before you begin teaching in Korea.
Understanding the Difference Between Public and Hagwon Schools
The first thing you must know before teaching in Korea is the difference in school settings. As an English teacher in Korea, you’ll pick between a public and private (Hagwon) school.
Working hours at a private school are more than a public school. At the latter, a typical workday is much like an American workday. Also, a Hagwon school doesn’t have many off days, but their wages are higher.
So, you might want to consider all sorts of pros and cons before making your choice.
English Teaching Jobs in South Korea
Average Salary and the Costs of Living
Now, you might be wondering if teaching in Korea can earn you a good amount of money. Teaching English in South Korea will pay you an average salary of KRW 1.8 to 2.7 Million. This amounts to 1300 to 1992 USD. But before you sweat yourself, let us remind you that the cost of living in Korea is 8% lower than in the US.
How much do I need to live in Korea?
We all got bills to pay and a full stomach to live. So, it is understandable if you’re concerned about whether you can live conveniently in Korea for that much money. The good news is that you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Korea as a teacher compared to several Western countries.
Food is pretty affordable, with dining out billing between 5,000 and 10,000 KRW. You can even save some expenses if you know how to cook at home. For groceries, you’ll spend 30,000 KRW a month, roughly. But that’s not concrete; your bills can vary based on your dietary choices.
For water, electricity, gas, and internet, you’re most likely to spend about 100,000 to 200,000 KRW in South Korea.
We have some good news for you if you’re concerned about traveling costs. South Korea has convenient buses and subways. So, going to work or any other recreation won’t be a problem.
The overall cost of living will depend on where you live, but with some budget-savvy gimmicks, you can make the most out of your salary.
Indulging in Korean Culture
Teaching in Korea will introduce you to the richness and colour of Korean culture. You might find it very happening, especially if you come from a Western background.
Building a Social Network
Everyday interactions in Korea operate on collectivist values and Confucian principles. Understanding what matters will make the transformation easier for you. You’ll earn affection from the natives sooner than you know. Most of them will welcome you to participate in their traditions and customs. And almost everyone will encourage you to try Korean cuisine. We suggest you try indulging in both to build a social network and make memories.
Preparing for the Hustle Culture
Korean kids have a lot going on in their lives. In the initial days of schooling, these students are sent to ESL Kindergartens, and the pressure keeps building. By middle school, they barely have four to five hours of sleep because of all the quizzes, homework, sports, and whatnot. The natives might have gotten used to it, but the outsiders find it very hard to watch. As an English teacher in Korea, all you can do is make your lessons entertaining and stress-free.
Travelling Across the Country
For most of your routine travelling, you might rely on public transportation, especially buses. If you think that would be a short ride to your work, you’re mistaken. Check out the detailed map and routes of the buses, and then decide where you want to locate. Besides, knowing these things beforehand gives you enough time to manage your routine accordingly.
You can also do some online research before picking a work or residential place. If you’re a night owl and enjoy spending a night out every other weekend, ending up in a quiet neighbourhood would be the worst. Similarly, if you like shopping and sipping fancy coffee, you might want to stay within the vicinity of markets and cafes.
So, why teach English in Korea?
Lastly, let’s address the most important of all questions — why should you consider teaching in Korea at least once? The answer is quite straightforward: Korean students are eager for English education. They believe it’s a crucial linguistic skill to excel globally. So, multiple academies, institutions, and schools hire instructors that can deliver top-notch education.
To put it honestly, there’s more to this career than the job market. Teaching in South Korea is seen as an opportunity for personal growth by many. The valuable cross-cultural exposure, global network of friends and colleagues, and the chance to shape young minds are motivation in themselves.
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