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FAQ
About Living in Korea
About Teaching in Korea
About Living in Korea
Will I be able to save money while working in South Korea?
Yes, definitely. South Korea is an affordable country and ESL teachers
will definitely be able earn and save more money than in any other Asian
country. However, a lot depends on the kind of lifestyle you have.
Nonetheless, we can assure you that the salary and perks you receive in
South Korea is more than enough to live a luxurious and comfortable
life.
What’s the climate like?
South Korea lies in the southern part of the Korean peninsula and has
four distinct seasons. The summers are generally hot and humid with
monsoons in July and August. There are occasional typhoons between June
and September. The average annual temperature varies from 10ºC to 16ºC
except in the hilly regions. The highest temperature ranges from 20ºC to
26ºC. Winters are usually cold and dry with temperatures dropping to as
low as 5°C to - 2.5° C.
What kind of clothing will I need to bring?
While Western clothes such as jeans and suits are the preferred clothing
in South Korea, the national costume, hanbok, is worn by many during
national holidays. People traditionally wore white clothes, reserving
colors for the upper class or during festive occasions. Rubber Designer
shoes and sneakers are favored over rubber sandals. Footwear is removed
when entering a house or areas where they are not permitted.
What if I get sick in South Korea?
If you are unwell and need to see the doctor, be rest assured that there
are very good clinics and hospitals meeting international standards.
They are well equipped with all the modern facilities and medical
centers with well-educated and helpful doctors.
Should there be serious medical issues, please inform the school
authority or one of the staff and transportation will be provided to the
hospital for treatment.
What’s the public transportation system like?
Public transportation is convenient, efficient and affordable in South
Korea.
There is an extensive domestic flight network operated by Korean Air and
other airlines with numerous flights between Gwangju, Seoul, Busan, Jeju,
Daegu and other major cities. Most towns in South Korea can be reached
by an adequate system of roads. Please carry your driving license and
vehicle documents at all times. You will also need the driving license
of your home country when driving in South Korea.
There are several car hire companies in South Korea. The major cities in
South Korea are well-connected by buses as well as privately run coach
services. Trains are operated by Korean National Railroads. They are
cheap, comfortable and also safe. You can obtain railway timetable and
tickets can be obtained at Korea Rail travel centers found in major
train stations in South Korea.
What kind of food is available?
Whether you are looking for contrasting flavors or exotic ingredients,
healthy and light meals or a full course meal, Korean food satisfies
all. A Korean meal typically consists of a big bowl of hot soup or stew,
and a variety of vegetables. As a result of South Korea’s geographical
location, there is a heavy influence from Japanese cuisine in Korean
cuisine. Kimchi, made of soybeans is Korea’s famous food product and
rice is the staple. There are some traditional alcoholic drinks such as
soju and makgeoli which are popular in the country.
Is it safe traveling around in South Korea?
South Korea is considered as one of the safest countries to live and
travel in the world. South Koreans are very law abiding citizens and
kind in nature. In fact, we can safely say that Western countries are
just as, if not more dangerous, than South Korea. It is a safe place for
women and men.
What about the night life in South Korea?
If you are one who enjoys nightlife, then Korea will spoil you further.
Although not extensive as some other countries, there are many
interesting night haunts in Korea. Some restaurants and bars open till
late into the night and attract a good crowd of people looking for a
night life scene. While there is a thriving daylight scene in South
Korea, there is sweet blend of excitement, magic and exuberance in the
air when dusk dawns.
Using credit cards in South Korea
ATMs are widely available. However, most of these ATMs do not accept
foreign cards. They are accepted only by special global ATMs which can
be found at airports, some subway stations in major cities and family
mart convenience stores. Do ensure you have enough cash in hand before
heading out to the country side. Credit cards are widely accepted in
major shops and restaurants. It is actually illegal for a merchant to
refuse credit cards unless the establishments are very small.
Net connectivity in South Korea
South Korea is the world's most wired country. Internet cafes, known as
PC bang are strewed all over the country. Many patrons use these cafes
for gaming. However, you can always go to an Internet café to surf or
email. Charges are about W1000 to W2000/hour. Internet cafes also
provide additional services like snacks and drinks.
Telephone connection in South Korea
South Korea's country code is 82.
South Korea does not have a GSM network. This means that roaming
connectivity is limited although now there are 3G networks, W-CDMA and
CDMA2000. Roaming using these networks is possible but limited. Do check
with your operators for detailed information.
LG TeleCom and SK Telecom offer prepaid mobile phone services in South
Korea. Incoming calls are free. Phones and prepaid services can be
acquired at any LG TeleCom and SK Telecom retail locations.
SK Telecom and KTF also offer mobile phone rental services, and some
handsets also support GSM SIM roaming. Both companies have outlets at
the airports in Seoul, Busan and Jeju. Charges start at W2000/day.
Reserve a handset for yourself on Tour2Korea (the official Korea Tourism
Organization site) and get a discount as well as guaranteed
availability.
About Teaching in Korea
When the teaching placement in South Korea is going to start? When
should I land in Korea?
For teachers whose teaching in the schools begins around 1st September
onwards, the teacher training program in South Korea would be around
25th August to 29th August. As such, please land in South Korea by 24th
August. (Please email us for clarification on landing date in Korea)
For some teachers whose teaching assignments start from the 1st week of
September, the landing date would be on 31st August (Depending on the
start date of the teaching assignment).
All necessary information will be emailed to the teachers in due time.
What about the airfare? When will it be reimbursed?
Up to $1000 of the purchase price of the air ticket to Korea shall be
reimbursed by the school within 30 days upon working at the school. This
reimbursement would be based on the economy class airfare of the most
direct flights available from the teacher’s residence to the Incheon
International Airport in Korea.
Teachers from outside of Korea: These teachers would be provided a
one-way ticket to Korea. This airfare would be will reimbursed within 30
days of working at the school. Upon the completion of the contract, a
one-way trip to the airport of return for either his/her home country or
another country of shorter distance will be provided if the trip occurs
within the first 10 days of termination of employment.
Teachers in Korea: If these teachers obtain their E2 visa from a
neighboring country, a round trip airfare shall be reimbursed by the
school within 30 days of teaching at the school. Upon the completion of
the contract, a one-way airfare is provided to the home city/country of
the teacher.
Do not forget to bring an official receipt from your travel agency or
the printout of the online receipt if you purchased your tickets online.
What is the advantage of working in a public school in South Korea?
Public schools are run by the South Korean government. Working in public
schools is always rewarding. Teachers get the best working opportunities
and benefits in these public schools. While working in public school
teachers will be entitled to the following:
Paid vacation of 14-20 days per year, Saturdays, Sundays and Korean
national holidays are non-working days.
Salary ranges between 2.0-2.3 million KRW ($1500-$1600)
Well furnished single occupancy accommodation
50% medical insurance
50% pension plan
100% severance pay after the completion of the contract
300,000 won ($299) relocation allowance upon arrival
Less than 22 working hours per week
Working hours: 8.30am-4.30pm or 9.00am-5.00pm
Class strength: 35 students
Working with Korean co-teachers
Only native English speaker in the school
Will be teaching elementary/middle/high school students
Will I receive pick up facility when I land in South Korea?
Yes. You will be picked up from Incheon International Airport. You are
requested to email us your flight itinerary in the following format when
you purchase the ticket so that we can arrange for your pick up:
Name of Airlines:
Flight Number:
Place of depature
Date and time of departure:
Any information on transit:
Do schools provide Visa and work permit?
No. The school will not provide the E2 visa and work permit. It will
solely be the teacher’s responsibility. The visa and work permit will
not cost them more than $40 each. Your school will however assist you in
every possible way to procure a work permit.
What are the documents that I need to send for my teaching placement
in a South Korean Government School?
You would be required to send us the following documents:
A formal resume
An original or notarized copy of your Degree. The Korean immigration
office or Korean Ministry of Education will take either the original or
notarized degree certificate. Canadian teachers are required to notarize
their degrees with the Korean Consulate or public notary “Apostille”.
Please bring along your original certificates as the authorities would
want to check them.
Three original copies of sealed and enveloped university transcripts
that are stamped or signed by the university. You will need to send us
two transcripts and keep one for the Korean consulate in your home
country.
A clear photocopy of your passport.
Original and notarized copy of your TEFL/TESOL/CELTA(100+Hours)
certificate.
A notarized criminal record check. Canadian teachers need to notarize
with the Korean consulate or Public notary” Apostille”. It is now
mandatory for your police criminal record check to be cleared by your
local police station or Ministry of Justice. As this may be a long drawn
process, you are advised for your PCR as soon as possible.
Self medical evaluation and an official medical certificate. You will be
provided with self medical evaluation form so that you can apply for
your visa with it. However, upon arriving in South Korea, you will need
to go through the official health check. Based on the outcome of the
check up, your visa may be subject to cancellation.
Two recent, colored passport sized photographs.
Two reference letters mentioning the referee’s phone numbers and
addresses.
Original Employment proof of your previous or current employer.
Three signed copies of your employment contract.
Where can I do the medical check up in South Korea?
There are high quality hospitals and clinics around in South Korea. We
will email you an extensive list of good medical institutions when you
arrive in South Korea.
When do I get my first salary? And what are the terms and conditions?
Salary shall be paid on the twenty fifth (25) of every month. Employee’s
salary shall be paid on the twenty fifth (25) of each month. If this day
is national holiday or a weekend, the salary shall be paid on the next
business day.
If the teacher has not worked for a full month, he/she shall be paid on
a pro-rated basis for that month.
If a teacher is absent from work without prior approval, his/her salary,
based on a pro rata daily basis and the number of unauthorised absent
days, will be deducted for that month.
In view of the teacher’s continuous employment for one year, he/she is
entitled to an additional 30 days’ average pay as termination salary for
the continuous employment of one year.
The teacher shall not claim any compensation not provided in the
contract from the employer.
Teachers employed under category 1 Teachers employed under category 1,
who have had their contracts renewed for a second term or subsequent
terms at the same school may be eligible for a salary increment up to
the maximum GEPIK limit of 2,500,000 won by 100,000 won per year
respectively. This is decided by the school and will depend on the
teachers’ performance.
If a teacher obtains higher qualifications such as a Masters degree or
TESOL certificate (with over 100 course-hours) during the period of the
contract, where applicable, he/she is eligible to be promoted to a
higher employment category (with corresponding increase in salary) the
month following the date of course completion. However, such promotions
shall be limited to one pay category increase per year. (i.e. Category 3
to 2, or Category 2 to 1; not Category 3 to 1).
Foreigners, except for Canadians are exempted from the income tax of 2
years, for the first 2 years of employment in Korea. The national
pension contribution which is about 9% (employer pays half) is
refundable at the end of the contract period for US and Canadian
citizens. The national health scheme, about 5% (employer pays half)
shall be deducted from the teacher’s monthly salary.
The pay scale is as follows; category one for 2.3 million KRW; category
two for 2.1 million. KRW; category three for 2 million KRW
Can I renew my contract with the school? What is the procedure and what
extra benefits do I get after the renewal?
The teaching contract may be renewed by coming up with a mutual written
agreement between the school and the teacher. The renewed employment has
to be for a term of one year. A written notification of renewal or
termination of employment shall be provided two months prior to the
expiration of contract.
In the event of a renewal of the contract, teachers shall be entitled to
an additional of fourteen days (weekend and national holidays inclusive)
leave, on top and above of the existing 14 days’ yearly paid leave. Such
leave should only be taken during the school vacations so that it does
not conflict with school schedules either before or after the contract
year is completed.
Teachers, whose contracts have been renewed, shall receive reimbursement
for a round trip airfare based on economy class rates and on the most
direct flights available from Incheon to the airport nearest to the
teachers’ residences. This shall be received within 2 weeks upon return
to Korea.
If a teacher does not travel to either his/her home country or another
country other than the home country, he/she shall be given the amount of
money equivalent to a round-trip ticket within 2 weeks of renewal of the
contract.
If a teacher completes the contract without renewal and leaves Korea
within 10 days from the expiration date, the school shall provide the
airfare for the teacher’s return flight to his/her home country either
in the form of reimbursement or direct purchase.
Do I get any additional benefits while working in South Korea?
The school shall provide the teacher with medical insurance according to
the National Health Insurance Act of Korea (The National Health
Insurance Act states all government employees will be liable for 50% of
costs). If the teacher has dependents living with him/her, they will be
covered by health insurance as well.
Teachers placed in schools in rural areas will be paid an allowance of
100,000 Korean won every month and will be given an additional of 5
working days’ paid leave during the term of employment.
Could you please explain about all kinds of leave I am entitled to
get?
Paid Leave
Teachers are entitled to paid leave for a total of fourteen (14)
working days during the term of the employment. Paid leave may be taken
during school holidays. This must be approved by school principal at
least 15 days in advance. Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and Korean
national holidays do not count as vacation days. If the teacher renews
the contract, up to 7 days of unused yearly paid leave may be rolled
over to the new contract period. This carried over paid leave may only
be used in the new contract period and not in subsequent ones. In case
of a maternity leave, the first 60 calendar days shall be taken as paid
leave.
Sick Leave
The teacher is entitled to paid sick leave if an illness or injury
prevents him/her from performing the duties prescribed in the contract,
provided, he/she obtains the school’s permission. If the teacher takes
sick leave for more than seven (7) consecutive days (inclusive of
national holidays, Saturday and Sunday), the teacher shall submit a
medical doctor’s report to the school.
Paid sick leave during the contract period shall not exceed fifteen (15)
calendar days. The teacher would have to take unpaid sick leave if
he/she requires sick leave for more than fifteen (15) calendar days. The
teacher is permitted to thirty (30) calendar days in total including
paid and unpaid leave.
Special Leave
The teacher may take special leave for a number of days under the
following circumstances.
Seven consecutive calendar days for teacher’s marriage (paid leave)
Seven consecutive calendar days for the death of teacher’s parents or
spouse
Five consecutive calendar days for the death of the teacher’s child.
(paid leave)
Ninety calendar days of maternity leave for a female. (paid leave for 60
days)
The school will decide based on degree of damage for leave required
because of damage to teacher’s residence as a result of natural
disasters. (paid leave for 60 days)
If a teacher is prosecuted for involvement in a criminal offence, the
school has the authority to put the teacher on prosecution leave.
(unpaid)
Rules regarding termination
The school has the authority to terminate or cancel the teacher’s
contract under the following circumstances.
Teacher violates the laws of the Republic of Korea.
Teacher fails to perform or underperforms with regard to the duties
stipulated in the contract.
Teacher fails to perform continuously his/her duties for more than a
week without valid reasons or prior approval.
Information provided in the teacher’s application is found to
intentionally false or inaccurate.
A medical reason, either physical or psychological, prevents the teacher
from performing his/her duties. The teacher should be available for a
medical examination if requested by the school.
Should the contract be terminated by the school, the school principal
shall give the teacher a written notice of dismissal 15 days prior to
the termination of the contract. The principal shall also pay the
teacher a pro-rated salary based on the number of days the teacher
worked. The teacher shall bear the return airfare to his/her home
country and his/her E2 visa will be cancelled.
If the school terminates the teacher’s contract within 6 months of the
contract, the teacher shall refund the onward airfare to the school.
This is not required if the termination takes place after the 6 months.
If a teacher is sentenced to a term of imprisonment (or any other more
severe penalty), he/she will be immediately dismissed. No financial
compensation will be provided by the school.
What If I do not want to continue with the teaching assignment?
If for any reason you do not wish to continue with the teaching
assignment with the school, you must give the school a sixty (60) days
prior written notice of resignation stating the date of resignation and
reasons for leaving. In the event of a resignation, the return airfare
which is usually borne by the employer at the end of the employment term
shall be borne by the teacher. His/her E2 visa shall also be cancelled.
For termination of the contract within six months, the teacher shall pay
back 100% of the one-way airfare and the settlement allowance of
300,000won to the school.
Testimonials
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choose this project because it offered two Countries; the cost was
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