Comments on: Teaching English in Korea: How to Get a Good Hagwon Job

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 12:40:52 +0000

I never taught in Busan, so I’m not sure. I knew a couple who taught public schools in Busan and while it wasn’t hard to get jobs, you might not be placed in the city, but anywhere in the province. You shouldn’t have a problem getting a teaching job at a private school in Busan, though.

By: Luke

Luke — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 03:13:49 +0000

Hi Anne, i think your information is very useful coming from the other side of the fence. I have some questions I believe you may have an answer for. From what I’ve researched it seems to be that people think Busan is the most difficult city to be placed in? Just wondering if that seems to be true from your side of things? My girlfriend and I are planning on teaching there next year, and are firm on living in Busan, we have no problem waiting until the perfect opportunity, I guess what i am asking is – would it be too difficult for my girlfriend and i to both be placed in a single apartment each working in Busan?,

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 03:40:41 +0000

I’d say point 5 is the best, but I would add an “s” to that. I would say talk to teachers who work there. And even better talk to a teacher who used to work there.

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:49:56 +0000

I know that it is a lot harder for just about anyone to get a job in Korea than it was a few years ago. There are so many more teachers trying to go over that competition is fierce. I would try to work at a public school (hard because a lot of the positions have been cut) or a private elementary/middle/high school (not hagwon). A lot of hagwons have discriminatory hiring practices, unfortunately. Good luck with your search!

By: Derek

Derek — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 15:16:43 +0000

I guess this is a question of age. I’m 47.
I worked a few years ago in sk. Mostly a great 2 year experience. I really miss the country now and want to return. Previously, i received tons of job offers almost immediately, but not this time. At my age, is sk gonna be an impossibility?
Am fully qualified teacher, British, 14 year’s experience teaching mostly adults. BA hons degree in Business Administration.
One recruiter told me i was too old, and could achieve a max of 2 million krw through him.

Best wishes to all who get a job in sk. It is a truly great and dynamic adventure.

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 14:42:47 +0000

Thanks Carly! Hagwons are kind of a mixed bag as a lot of them do a lot of things differently. A few years ago all hagwons offered airfare, but it seems this isn’t a for sure anymore. Personally, I would only accept a job that offered a round trip ticket because it shows they care about investing in people. The hagwon I worked for did give us a curriculum to follow. I would say this is pretty standard among the chain hagwons, but maybe not so much for smaller ones. That is something good to ask in the interview process. I don’t think hagwons usually ask for a lesson plan or mock lesson. All the interviews I had were like 10 minutes long and very informal. But, again, things seem to be tightening up as more and more people want to to teach in Korea so they may be more strict now. Good luck!

By: Carly

Carly — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 14:08:06 +0000

Hi Amanda! I love your writing! I am planning on applying to teach in Korea in a few months so I can start in August 2015! I know that public school jobs are hard to get so I am mentally preparing myself for Hagwon life. Can you tell me if Hagwons usually cover your airfare or is that just a public school perk? Also do Hagwons usually give you a curriculum to follow? And lastly during the interview process for a Hagwon do they ask you to perform a mock lesson for them or ask you to submit a lesson plan?

Thank you so much! Love your site!

Carly

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:46:11 +0000

Sorry for the delay in response! I do know a lot of hagwons do discriminate against non-North American accents. An Australian friend of mine had to go the EPIK route because of this. I don’t think age is as much of a factor, especially if you are still in your early 30s. Your best bet is to work with a lot of recruiters. You will find a job that will hire you, you just have to cast a really wide net. Good luck!

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 00:15:48 +0000

Many recruiters don’t give the names until you interview. If they still won’t give you the name at that point I wouldn’t bother.

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 00:14:49 +0000

Hi Ashley, Sorry for the late response. I hope you enjoyed Korea. Unfortunately, without a bachelors degree you will not qualify for the visa. This is a government rule.