TEFL Locations in South Korea - Job Contracts
Job Prospect, Basic Contract, Deduction from Salary
ESL Jobs in South Korea, Teach English in South Korea
ESL Job Prospect in South Korea
Most teaching opportunities in Korea can be found in large cities, such as the capital, Seoul, in the north and the metropolis of Busan on the southern coast. Nonetheless, no matter where you teach, South Korea offers TEFL teachers plenty to rave about. Wages are high as compared to the cost of living, guaranteed housing, and additional benefits like airfare reimbursement. Teachers are hired through the year and contracts of about a year usually exist. English teachers are offered salaries between 1.8 to 2.2 million won, which is equivalent to around 1800-3000 USD per month. TEFL trained teachers will be able to find opportunities in regular government schools, or public schools, or even private language centres. In government schools, teachers will work on a 22 hour teaching and 18 office hour schedules. Other options include working in private language centres and teaching Business English in-house.
Private language academies called ‘hagwons’ are big in South Korea and this is where in fact, the majority of ESL jobs are. Students in these ‘hagwons’ typically fall in the 8-15 year old age range although there are some opportunities for jobs teaching at kindergarten as well. The average class size is approximately 10 students. The workweek generally consists of around 30-35 hours. Salaries, like teaching in regular schools, generally range from between 1.8- 2.3 million won per month. However, this really varies depending on location and experience. Full health insurance is provided with 50% covered by the school. The remainders of your health insurance costs are deducted from your salary and amount to approximately 15USD per month. You also get paid vacation and completion of contract bonuses are also part of your contract package. In accordance to Korean laws, schools must also offer a severance pay, which is equal to one month’s pay upon completion of your one year contract. This bonus money will provide you with an excellent opportunity to travel after you have completed your contract, or you may even decide to stay on in South Korea.
Basic contract
A standard contract for a teaching job in South Korea includes the following
although specifics may vary slightly in teaching jobs from school to school.
Salary range: 1,900,000 – 2,300,000 Korean Won (approx 2000-2300 USD) monthly
based on qualifications and experience.
• About 30 teaching hours per week
• Severance Pay - one month salary bonus upon completion of one year contract
• Roundtrip airfare provided
• Furnished apartment provided
• Full medical coverage, 50% paid by employer
• Taxes: 4-7% of salary
• Vacation: Usually one week in the summer and one week in the winter plus all
national holidays.
Canadians and Americans may be able to apply to have the Korean tax refunded.
Income Tax: Current rate is 4~7% of your salary depending on how much you
make each month.
National Pension Scheme: Current rate is 9% (4.5% will be deducted from
teacher’s salary and another 4.5% will be paid by employer. National Pension
Corporation (NPC).
National Health Insurance: Current rate is 4.48% (2.24% will be deducted
from teacher’s salary and another 2.24% will be paid by employer). National
Health Insurance Corporation.
Housing Deposit: Generally between 400,000 won~900,000 won depending on
schools policy (usually deducted from first three months salaries but may be
negotiable).
