Teaching jobs in Seoul

Explore teaching jobs in Seoul with ESLstarter

We have some excellent opportunities available to work at public schools throughout Korea's capital city starting February or August.

About teaching in Seoul

Teach Elementary, Middle or High school in Seoul metropolitan city
Start February or August. Apply now!
Every class has a Korean co-teacher to assist
Working days: Monday - Friday
Working hours: 9.00AM - 5.00PM
Total hours: 22 classes per week (so 3 or 4 classes per day)
Elementary school classes are 40 mins and this is counted as one hour
Middle school classes are 45 mins and this is counted as one hour
High school classes are 50 mins and this is counted as one hour
Full orientation and training to help you settle into your new life!

If you want the best information about the best jobs in Korea, this is the place to go. I am 7 months into my contract now with the public schools in Seoul and I'm having the time of my life! Thanks ESLstarter!

Jesse Germinario, SMOE, Seoul

Salary & benefits

KRW1.8 - 3.0 Million monthly (depending on experience)
KRW1,300,000 Entrance Allowance to cover flight cost into Korea
KRW1,300,000 Exit Allowance upon completion of contract
KRW300,000 Settlement Allowance (one time payment)
Free fully furnished housing or, where housing is not available, a rent subsidy of KRW500,000
21 Days PAID vacation + all Korean national holidays (approximately 12)
22 hours of class teaching required per week
Full completion bonus equivalent to one month's salary
Tax exemption for 2 years apart from Irish and Canadians due to lack of ROK Treaty
Compulsory medical insurance - 50% of premiums paid by employer
National Pension scheme - 50% of contributions paid by employer
One year contracts
Full orientation provided
Free Lonely Planet eBook guide to South Korea

Dates

Start February or August

Please note: positions tend to fill up extremely quickly so it is best to apply as early as possible. Deadlines are subject to change.

Ever wondered about what it's like to teach in Korea?

Watch Jessica's video about teaching in Korea:

Teach English in Seoul with EPIK

Teach in Korea on a government sponsored program
All positions are with elementary schools in Seoul
Experience Korea's vibrant capital city
Orientation provided
Earn a great local salary with free accommodation

The Seoul Ministry Of Education represents some 2,210 schools with 1,573,684 students and 72,711 teachers. Its aim is to improve the English speaking skills of students and teachers in Korea and promote cultural exchange and strong global ties between Korea and the wider world.

Requirements

Fluent English speaker
Bachelor's degree in any discipline
TESOL / TEFL or an English Teaching Certificate comprising a minimum of 100 course hours (can be applied for now as long as qualification will be received before arrival) - don't have TEFL yet? Learn more here

Destination Seoul

Seoul brims with energy from dusk till dawn and back to dusk again. It is a city of gleaming office blocks, ancient fortresses, resplendent palaces, jutting mountains and 10 million welcoming hand-shakes.

Life in the Korean capital really does offer an endless array of options. Dine on a mouthwatering BBQ in glitzy Gangnam. Pick up a bargain at one of the teeming local markets down the tangled side-streets of Dongdaemun. Soak up the bohemian atmosphere of Insadong and Hyewha districts or just relax in a soothing spa overlooking the city from Mount Namsan. The 'Soul of Asia' welcomes you!

Why apply through ESLstarter?

Successfully placed over 800 teachers onto the public school program
Reselected as an official public school recruiter for the previous 5 years
Provide full guidance & support throughout application process maximizing your chances of success
Expert feedback on initial documents to reduce the chance of unsuccessful application at the first screening stage
Interview tips and guidance
Full visa document checking service which will speed up your application and help you to save money on mailing costs
100s of testimonials from previous teachers who applied through ESLstarter
Extremely high application success rate
Greeting at Incheon airport upon arrival in Korea from an ESLstarter representative
Free Lonely Planet E-Guide to successful ESLstarter teachers
Access to Facebook group where you can meet and chat to other ESLstarter teachers
Speedy & completely FREE recruitment service!

The quick turnaround & full responses to enquiries is something I have never come across with any recruitment consultants. Claire's attitude and honesty is extremely refreshing and her helpfulness sets ESLstarter apart from all the rest.

Lisa Davies, EPIK, Seoul

FrFAQ - Teaching English at a Public School in Seoul

Why should I consider teaching English at a public school in Seoul?: Teaching at a public school in Seoul offers a stable and structured work environment with regular hours and competitive salaries. It provides a unique cultural experience, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to positively impact students' lives.
What are the qualifications required for teaching in Seoul's public schools?: Typically, you'll need a bachelor's degree, preferably in any field, and a TEFL/TESOL certification. Some schools may also require teaching experience or additional qualifications, depending on the specific position.
What is the application process like for teaching positions in Seoul?: The process usually involves submitting a resume and application form, attending an interview (in person or online), providing required documents, and obtaining a visa to work legally in South Korea.
What is the typical salary and benefits package for English teachers in Seoul's public schools?: Salary packages vary but often include competitive monthly pay, housing allowance or accommodation, airfare reimbursement, health insurance, and paid vacation. Some schools may offer additional benefits such as bonuses and professional development opportunities.
Will I receive support and orientation upon arrival in Seoul?: Yes, public schools in Seoul typically provide comprehensive orientation programs to help you adjust to your new environment, including cultural sensitivity training and guidance on teaching methods.
What is the typical work schedule for teachers in Seoul's public schools?: Teachers usually work Monday to Friday, with weekends and Korean national holidays off. Working hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can expect around 22 teaching hours per week.
Is it possible to save money while teaching in Seoul?: Yes, it's possible to save a portion of your salary while teaching in Seoul, as living expenses are generally manageable, and many schools offer benefits like housing allowances.
Can I teach in Seoul without prior teaching experience?: While teaching experience is often preferred, some public schools in Seoul hire first-time teachers. A TEFL/TESOL certification and a strong commitment to teaching are essential.
How can I make the most of my teaching experience in Seoul?: Embrace the local culture, participate in cultural events, and engage with your students and colleagues. Joining expat groups and exploring the city will enrich your experience.
What support is available for English teachers in case of issues or emergencies?: Public schools typically provide support and resources to assist teachers in case of any issues or emergencies, including language barriers, health concerns, or legal matters.
Is teaching at a public school in Seoul a long-term career option?: Yes, teaching in Seoul's public schools can be a long-term career choice with opportunities for advancement into leadership roles or other educational positions within the school system.