Teaching English in Goheung, South Korea
Report submitted on 13 May, 2016 by Angel.
Teaching English in Goheung, South Korea:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Goheung, South Korea?
I taught in this country before and each time I went through a recruiter. I work in public school. I have almost 2 month of vacation time to travel. I personally work in the country so I am paid more for the isolation.
I work for the Jellonamdo region. They do their own recruiting so not as much competition as the national EPIC program.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools.
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
4 Year university degree, and be a native speaker.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Take a TEFL course. It helps with some teaching strategies and add to credibility at schools.
What are the levels of payment?
A new teacher start at 2 million Won (roughly 2,000 USD) and housing and insurance.
The pay increases with experience, maxing out at 2.7 million won (roughly 2,400 USD).
How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
15-22 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
All public holidays plus 20 + winters day and 9 days summer.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Goheung, South Korea to teach English?
Have an open mind, learn to read the language and basic conversation. Make friends with other foreigners. Also make friends with the locals. Join a club, or church, or group of sorts to get a sense of community. Have fun, it supposed to be an adventure embrace it.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Goheung, South Korea?
I get to see real time impact on a community.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Goheung, South Korea?
Country still a bit racist/ xenophobic. The large problems dont happen as frequently though.
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
I don’t always have a local in the class, so communication can be tough. Also because I have not mastered the language I cannot really discipline effectively.
Living in Goheung, South Korea:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in South Korea?
Visa is issued by employer. No criminal record. Must be HIV/AIDS free.
What is the cost of living like in South Korea?
Low cost of living (compared to western countries) as the housing is provided. My winter bills amounted to roughly 200 USD and summer less than 100 USD. I bought a car for very cheap (under 1000USD) and a fill up is around 50 USD.
Grocery can get expensive for western food. Eating local is the best bet to save. A fun night out can be hard for around $50 including drinking.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Provided with the position. I have a 1 bedroom apartment. Appliances included. Basic furniture and a TV. The accommodation change for a married couple (if a couple accommodation is available), or family. Some accommodations are studios.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Goheung, South Korea?
I can travel for very cheaply. I also can save (well if student loans didn’t exist).
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Goheung, South Korea?
Never being able to blend. Loss of privacy.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Goheung, South Korea?
Try it out, it charms you after a while (it might just wear you down, but either way).
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
I live in the country so access to multicultural living (food, entertainment, people).
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave South Korea?
The people. Also the money does not hurt.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Specialty snacks, specific toiletries (deodorant).
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Angel
Nationality: American
Students I’ve taught in South Korea: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), adults
Where I teach:
Jellonamdo Office of Education, Goheung. Teaching here for 7 years.
My school facilities: Good – Some of the materials and tech are dated, but still very usable.
Do you teach English in South Korea?
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