Private School Teaching Jobs in Korea
Hiring now for Private School teaching jobs in Korea - Nationwide Locations available.
Teach English at private schools across South Korea
Teach English at private schools from Seoul and Busan to Jeju. You'll get a monthly salary of up to 2.9 million KRW, a furnished apartment, flights to Korea and paid winter and summer holidays, on a secure 12-month contract.
- Free housing
- Flights included
- No experience needed
- Start any month
What private schools in Korea offer English teachers
With your accommodation provided, there's no rent to pay out of your salary, so most of what you earn is yours to save, travel with or enjoy.
Up to 2.9 million KRW a month
Approx. £1,600 a month, depending on your qualifications.
Free accommodation
A furnished apartment, or a housing allowance if you'd rather find your own.
One-way flight
Your airfare to Korea is covered, and you'll be met at the airport.
Severance bonus
An end-of-contract payment when you complete your 12 months.
Health insurance
Cover through Korea's national health plan.
National Pension
Enrolment in the Korean National Pension scheme.
Paid holidays
Paid leave over the winter and summer breaks.
Training and support
Guidance from local teachers to help you settle into the classroom.
Flexible shifts
Morning, afternoon and evening shift patterns available.
Teaching English at a private school in Korea
Private English schools, known in Korea as hagwons, are where most international teachers start. You'll help children and adults build their confidence in English, with the support of a local team around you.
What you'll do
- Teach English to kindergarten, primary and secondary pupils, and adults
- Plan and deliver engaging, interactive lessons
- Support your students' progress in speaking, reading and writing
- Work alongside local teachers and take part in school life
A typical teaching day
Schools usually run two shifts. Kindergarten and younger primary pupils are taught in the morning or early afternoon, while older pupils and adults come in the afternoon and evening.
Classes normally last 40 to 60 minutes, with shorter lessons for the youngest learners.
Requirements to teach English in Korea
You don't need previous teaching experience. Here's what you do need.
- A bachelor's degree in any subject, which you'll need for your Korean work visa
- Fluent English
- A TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate, which you can complete online before you go. See which course fits ↓
- A clean criminal record check, apostilled for your visa
- Enthusiasm for working with young learners
- Strong communication skills
- An adaptable, open-minded attitude to a new culture
- A willingness to commit to a full 12-month contract
Which TEFL do you need to teach in Korea?
Korean schools look for a TEFL of at least 120 hours. Both of our courses below meet that requirement and are studied fully online, and you can apply for this role while you're still studying.
120hr Professional TEFL
£99
Built for first-time teachers, it covers the essential skills for teaching every age group, from kindergarten right through to adults. Accredited, widely recognised and studied fully online.
- Complete in as little as 3 to 4 weeks
- Covers young learners through to adults
- FCDO-legalisable certificate
- Free job placement support
150hr Advanced TEFL
£179
Everything in the 120-hour course, plus advanced modules that help you stand out to schools and take on a wider range of classes.
- Teaching large classes and exam classes
- Lesson Planning Plus, and testing and assessment
- FCDO-legalisable certificate
- Free job placement support
Want classroom experience on your CV too? Add our 20-hour teaching practicum to either course, or compare every TEFL package side by side.
Teaching and living in South Korea
Korea mixes fast-paced cities with mountains, temples and coastline, and it's safe, modern and easy to get around. Expect a warm welcome, and plenty of new friends.
Where you could teach
- Seoul, Busan and Incheon
- Daejeon and Daegu
- Jeju and many regional towns
Weekends
- Explore Seoul's palaces and night markets
- Relax on Busan's beaches
- Hike Hallasan on Jeju
Getting around
- Fast trains link the major cities
- Buses and metros make local travel simple and cheap
- Paid winter and summer holidays to travel further
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | A furnished apartment or a housing allowance is included, so you won't pay rent from your salary |
| Language | You don't need Korean to get the job. Learning to read Hangul, the Korean alphabet, is quick and makes daily life easier |
| Colleagues | Larger city schools often have several international teachers, while smaller schools may have one or two |
| Arrival | You'll be met at the airport and taken to your new town or city |
How to get a teaching job in Korea
Get TEFL qualified
Complete your 120-hour TEFL online. You can apply while you study.
Apply to TEFL UK
Fill in the quick form below. Our placement team checks your eligibility and matches you with a school.
Interview
Meet your school, receive your job offer and choose your start month.
Documents and visa
Get your degree and criminal record check apostilled, and we'll guide you through your visa.
Fly to Korea
You'll be met at the airport and taken to your new home, ready to start.
Teaching English in Korea: your questions answered
How much do English teachers earn at private schools in Korea?
You can earn up to 2.9 million KRW a month (approx. £1,600), depending on your qualifications. Your accommodation is provided, and you'll also get a severance bonus when you complete your 12-month contract.
Can I teach English in Korea without experience?
Yes. You don't need previous teaching experience, but you will need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate. Our 120-hour TEFL is a great place to start.
What TEFL certificate do I need to teach in Korea?
Schools look for a TEFL of at least 120 hours. Our 120-Hour Professional TEFL meets this and can be completed online in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.
When can I start a private school teaching job in Korea?
Schools hire all year round, so you can start in any month, in towns and cities across the country.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes. You'll get a furnished apartment, or a housing allowance if you'd prefer to arrange your own.
Will I work with other foreign teachers?
Usually, yes. Larger schools in big cities often have several international teachers, while smaller or rural schools may have one or two.
Will I be met at the airport when I arrive?
Yes. You'll be met at the airport and taken to your new town or city.
How long are the classes, and what is the schedule like?
Classes usually last 40 to 60 minutes, with shorter lessons for younger children. Schools run morning or afternoon shifts for kindergarten and younger primary pupils, and afternoon or evening shifts for older pupils and adults.
What tips do you have for applying?
Start your visa paperwork early. Having your degree and criminal record check apostilled before you apply speeds things up, and our team will tell you exactly which documents you need.
Ready to teach English in Korea?
Private schools are hiring for start dates all year round. Apply below, and if you still need your TEFL, you can start the 120-hour course today. Looking for other roles? See all our teaching jobs in Korea.
Don't have TEFL?
Get qualified online from £99.
Find out which TEFL course is right for you.