Is Speaking English Enough to Teach in Korea?
After leaving the U.S. Army and relocating to Korea, I thought, “I speak English. That should be enough.”
Wrong.
The truth is: being a native English speaker is just the starting line. This guide will walk you through everything I learned—the hard way.
Whether you’re a college grad, U.S. veteran, or cultural explorer, this post is packed with real-world tips, visa hacks, and classroom survival skills.
Why South Korea?
- Competitive salaries
- Free housing and flights (for many)
- Dynamic food, K-pop, and travel culture
- Demand for native English speakers
📋 Step 1: Speaking English Isn’t Enough
To teach legally in Korea, you need:
- Passport from U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa
- A Bachelor’s degree (any major)
- Clean national-level criminal background check (FBI check for Americans)
- Health check clearance
- Apostilled documents
🔎 What caught me off guard:
- Apostille services took longer than expected
- FBI background check required 2+ months
- Health check must be done after arriving in Korea
🏫 Step 2: Public School vs. Private Academy (Hagwon)
I initially applied through EPIK, Korea’s government-run public school program:
| Feature | Public School (EPIK) | Private Academy (Hagwon) |
|---|---|---|
| Vacation Time | 18–21 paid days | 7–10 paid days |
| Hours | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Afternoons to evenings |
| Students | Larger classes | Small groups or 1:1 |
| Job Security | Government-backed | Depends on hagwon reputation |
| Application Window | Once or twice a year | Year-round hiring |
⚠️ Tip: Read your hagwon contract line by line. I almost signed with one that had no pension or health insurance. That’s illegal.
👉 Related Read: Surviving Seoul’s English Teaching Jungle
🛂 Step 3: The E-2 Visa Process (and Hidden Pitfalls)
📑 Required Documents:
- Signed employment contract
- Valid passport
- Apostilled degree
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Sealed university transcripts (sometimes)
- Passport-sized photos
- Health Statement
- Visa Issuance Number (from your school)
After arrival: Apply for your ARC (Alien Registration Card) within 90 days.
📝 Pro tip: Keep digital copies of every document. Immigration may ask for reprints randomly.
📚 Step 4: My First Day Teaching in Korea
I walked in full of energy and... dead silence.
👨🏫 Survival Tips for New ESL Teachers:
- Use picture cards and visual aids
- Start with name games
- Give lots of praise
- Learn basic Korean phrases
- Keep lessons simple but engaging
🎯 What I Wish I Knew Before Teaching in Korea
✅ Must-Know Tips:
- Get a TEFL certificate
- Use only verified recruiters
- Learn Korean etiquette
- Be transparent in interviews
- Double-check your contract terms
👉 Also Read: Driving in Korea vs. the U.S.
📈 Is It Worth It?
Despite the red tape and culture shocks, I’d do it all again. Because every day, I see my students grow—and I grow with them.
📣 Ready to Teach in Korea?
- ✅ Get certified
- ✅ Do your research
- ✅ Respect the culture
- ✅ Be flexible
Teaching here can be life-changing—if you're willing to learn as much as you teach.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a teaching certificate to teach in Korea?
Not always, but TEFL/TESOL is highly recommended—especially for public school positions.
2. Can I teach in Korea without a degree?
No. A bachelor’s degree is required for visa eligibility.
3. Is housing really free?
Most employers offer free housing or a stipend. Check your contract carefully.
4. What’s the average salary?
₩2.1M–₩2.5M/month for first-year teachers.
5. How do I find a trustworthy recruiter?
Check Reddit, Waygook.org, or Dave’s ESL Café for reviews.
🔗 More Real Stories from a Veteran in Korea:
- From Soldier to Civilian: The Ultimate Guide
- Pros and Cons of Living in Korea as a Veteran
- Culture Shock in Korea
💬 What’s Your Teaching Story?
Are you considering teaching abroad? Or already taught in Korea or Japan? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your story.
🛫 And if this helped you, share it with someone looking for an adventure!