Currently in Korea there are many teachers working in private language schools (hagwons) and at public schools. However there are also several other types of organizations that Native English speakers can find work at:

A. Public Schools
B. Corporate in-house language programs;
C. University foreign-language institutes;
D. University departments;
E. Government/private research institutes; and
F. Public relations, advertising, publishing companies.
G. English villages
H. Part-time Teaching

Private Language Schools "Hagwons"
Due to a huge boom in the learning of English as a 2nd Language in the 21st century, private language institutes are found all over Korea. Majority are located in the metropolitan cities of Korea. Some are well known and have many branches or franchised, while others are small-scale. The ESL (English as a Second Language) market in Korea is extremely competitive and it is common for institutes to fail if they do not meet the expectations of the parents of the students.

Most hagwons employ expatriate (American, British, Canadian, New Zealander, Australian, Irish and South Africans) instructors for conversation classes. Almost all institutes will provide housing for instructors. The typical full-time employee can be expected to teach 30~40 hours a week. The majority of hagwons that have kindergarten will have classes conducted in the morning and to early evening. Hagwons that have students aged between 7~18 will have classes from afternoon to late evening. Hagwons that have classes for adults (usually university students, or business people who are contemplating overseas assignments or trying to improve their English skills) will conduct classes very early in the morning and late in the evening. Most classes have from 10 to 15 students.
All institutes are required by law to provide health insurance during the period of employment and severance pay on completion of a one-year contract, but some institutes fail to honour these provisions. The average monthly salary is currently about 2.0 to 2.3 million a month

A. Public Schools
More and more federal, municipal and some provincial governments have begun hiring Native English teachers to teach English in the public school system. The Korean government sponsors the English Program in Korea (EPIK), or other equivalent Assistant English Teachers program is operates exclusively to find more Native English speakers to teach at their schools. The conditions and hours of work are comparable in many ways to teaching in the public systems in Canada. Housing and basic furniture are provided, and base salary ranges from 1.8 million to 2.3 million won per month. There is a set pay scale for these programs, and each pay scale may be different according to the government body is sponsoring the program. Also there could be an additional rural allowance for some areas ranging between 100,000~200,000won.

A candidate having a master's degree with more than 2 years of teaching experience or a teaching certificate would be on the high end of the pay scale (LEVEL 3), while one with a non-education-based bachelor's degree would be on the lower end (LEVEL 1). The Korean government has stated that more Native English teachers for the public schools will be hired so that the goal of having 1 foreign teacher per school could be achieved.

B. Corporate In-House Language Programs
Nowadays large corporate have their own in-house language programs. An instructor can typically be expected to teach more than 30 hours a week, working irregular hours all day from early in the morning to late at night. Most of these programs are intensive residential programs that require the company's staff to study for three to six months. Some of the programs provide instructors with full benefits, but instructors may be required either to live on-site or only offer housing allowance so that the instructors may have to commute from their house. However, there are also some companies that give assistance to the instructors on key money. The average monthly salary in such programs is currently about 2.0 to 2.5 million won.

C. University Foreign-Language Institutes
Most universities in metropolitan cities, as well as some universities in other provinces, operate language institutes. Many of the students in these institutes are students that have enrolled in university but there are also students who work. The courses offered by these foreign language institutes run throughout the university break.

The hiring standards of these institutes tend to be the highest in Korea: most instructors have master's degrees in Linguistics or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and some teaching experience. The pay, status and benefits offered by these institutes also are among the best in ESL jobs in Korea.  There are many advantages when working in a provincial universities: such as bigger housing (as housing is cheaper in those areas than metropolitan cities), better working conditions and salaries, and treatment of foreign instructors as part of the faculty.

D. University Departments
Universities in Korea employ full-time English conversation instructors for the General Education subjects or the English Language Departments. University classes tend to be larger, sometimes up to over 100 students and there is less personal contact with the students. Most instructors at universities teach between 10 and 15 hours a week. English language standards in Korean universities differ greatly according to each universities and students, so you will be expected to teach classes from beginning level to advanced level, and even TOEFL or TOEIC classes. Many universities in Seoul do not provide housing, and the benefits provided by each university are different. Monthly salaries currently average about 2.2 to 2.5 million won, with three to four months of paid vacation a year.

E. Government/Private Research & Development Institutes
Many government agencies and private companies operate research institutes. Most of the institutes hire foreigners with degrees in the humanities, economics, linguistics or business administration to work as full-time researchers or editors. The editors proofread correspondence and research publications, write speeches, and occasionally teach as well. Most of the institutes pay quite well and the other benefits package differ according to the institute. Because the research institutes are usually government-run or closely associated with powerful corporate groups, instructors who work in them will be sponsored a different type of work visa.

F. Public Relations and Advertising Companies
There are several public relations and advertising companies in Korea that hire foreigners to work as copy editors and occasionally as instructors for the English radio programs or English broadcasting shows as well. These positions are difficult to obtain as they are quite popular with the resident English-teaching community and would require someone who has experience in these field back home. There are also opportunities to appear on television and radio programs, commercials, drama and in movies. Most of these companies pay quite well but may not offer the full benefits package such as airfare, housing, national pension etc.

G. English Village
Many English Villages have been created in Korea so that the students can experience living in a  foreign country without leaving the country and huge financial burden. The English Villages are built to offer similar environment, and experience services and facilities of an English speaking country. There are English Villages in Jeju, Paju, Ansan, Suyu (Seoul), Seongnam, Gangwon, etc. Usually the English Villages need creative, artistic and enthusiastic people to meet new batch of students every week or every day, depending on its program. Most English Villages hire many English Native Teachers to work in different fields, and offer onsite accommodations, about 30 hours of teaching per week and salary range of 2.0 to 2.6 mil won.

H. English Part-Time Teaching 
Many full-time English instructors teach part-time as well. Private instruction is illegal if you have ESL teaching work visa(E2). If you get caught and fined, you cannot leave Korea until you have paid the required amount. The immigration authorities will insist that you arrange for money to be sent, if necessary even from your home country if you do not have sufficient funds. When considering private teaching, you should be aware that you are taking a serious risk if you teach private lessons. Most schools would not allow you to take on second job or part-time job and it would be stated in the contract. If you are found to be violating this condition, you may risk losing your job.

Here are some interview tips for your final interview with schools. It would be a good idea to read over them and think of appropriate answers to these questions before the interview.

• What are your plans for continuing your professional growth?
• Tell me about an interesting article you have read recently in a professional journal.
• What contributions can you make to our school?
• What current trends in public education please you? Displease you?
• Tell me about three people who have most influenced your own education and educational career.
• What kind of students do you like to work with? What type of students could you teach most
  effectively?
• You gave an assignment. A student ridicules the assignment, saying it doesn't make sense.
  What would you do?
• How do you help students experience success?
• How would you individualize instruction for students?
• What procedures do you use to evaluate students progress besides using tests?
• How would you challenge the slow learner and the advanced learner within the same class?
• What kind of teachers would you prefer to work with? Why?
• What activities would you like to work with in our school?
• What quality or qualities do you have that would enhance our teaching staff?
• What are some personality characteristics you find undesirable in people?
• Who should be responsible for discipline in a school? Why?
• What needs and/or expectations do you have of the school administration?
• Describe any school experience you have had, particularly in student teaching (or in another
  teaching position) that has prepared you for a full-time position at our school.
• How would you integrate technology into the curriculum you would teach?
• Describe any innovative projects you have been involved in developing.
• Give an example of how you have used cooperative learning in your classroom.
• What four words would students use to describe your teaching strategies?
• What rules do you have for your classroom?
• Describe your teaching style and how you accommodate the different learning styles of the
  students in you classes.
• What do you consider to be your strengths and how will you use them in your teaching?

1. Application Form and personal essay (will be provided)
   
2. Your formal resume (Must not include part time positions in Korea)
   
3. Your Original Degree (bachelors or masters degree) or Notarized copy of your degree (Any notarization must be done only by a Korean consulate near you. Notarized copy from the bank or lawyer is not accepted by Korean Immigration)
   
4. 2 original copies of sealed and enveloped university transcripts that are stamped or signed by university. (Please send just one copy to us and keep the 2nd copy with you, as some consulates require another transcript when applying for visa)
   
   

   Sample of sealed transcript above. It must be stamped and signed by the university when issued (must not be opened)

5. A clear copy of the information page of your passport
   
6. Any original or notarized copies of relevant certificates (TEFL,TESL,TESOL,CELTA)
   
   Eg. if you have a TESOL certificate, the training hours have to be stated on the certificate, otherwise a letter to proof that you did more than 100 hours of training must be submitted)
   
7. An official and original criminal record check (from the Department of Justice or from Police Station)
   
   - All Public Schools require a criminal record check and most take 2~3 weeks so please apply for it ASAP. Please call your local police station to find out how to apply. Even if you are not currently in your home country, the best way is to make a call to the local police station to see if you can apply for it through e-mail, fax or phone call.
   
8. Self medical evaluation and an official medical certificate (You have to get a doctor’s signature and hospital’s stamp on the medical form after the physical checkup)
   
9. Two passport sized photos
   
10. Two reference letters
    
11. Original Employment proof of previous or current employment with official letterhead and signature of employer
    
    - The Exact dates of start and end of your contract with the previous or current employment must be mentioned on the letter. Ex) from September 1st, 2006 to August 31st, 2007
    
    - It should be more than 2 years experience if a teacher is level 1, if a teacher is level 2, one year experience employment proof would be fine.
    
12. Three signed copies of your employment contract (will be provided, one is for you, one is for school and one is for immigration office)
    * You must sign on every single page of 3 contracts.

WorknPlay Consulting Inc
Namkyeong Sulleung Building 2F 202,
Yeoksamdong 704-50, Gangnamgu,
Seoul, South Korea, 135-080
Tel: +82-2-568-7536

1. Your formal resume (Must not include part time positions in Korea)
   
2. Your Original Degree (bachelors or masters degree) or Notarized copy of your degree (Any notarization must be done only by a Korean consulate near you. Notarized copy from the bank or lawyer is not accepted by Korean Immigration)
   
3. 2 original copies of sealed and enveloped university transcripts that are stamped or signed by university. (Please send just one copy to us and keep the 2nd copy with you, as some consulates require another transcript when applying for visa)
   
   

   Sample of sealed transcript above. It must be stamped and signed by the university when issued (must not be opened)

   
   
4. A clear copy of the information page of your passport
   
5. Two signed copies of your employment contract (will be provided, one is for you, one is for school)

WorknPlay Consulting Inc
Namkyeong Sulleung Building 2F 202,
Yeoksamdong 704-50, Gangnamgu,
Seoul, South Korea, 135-080
Tel: +82-2-568-7536

Step 1: You send us the documents required for your application to our office.

Step 2: We submit your application documents and you get either "Visa Issuance Number (Individual public & private schools)" or the "Notice of Employment Appointment (Education Board)"

Step 3: "Visa Issuance Number" will be given to you or a "Notice of Employment Appointment" + two copies of signed contract will be forwarded to you by Fedex or DHL.

Step 4: After receiving "Visa Issuance Number" or "Notice of Employment Appointment" + one signed contract, you need to go to the nearest Korean embassy or consulate to have E2 visa stamped into your passport.

Step 5: You pick up your passport from the Korean embassy or consulate and make travel arrangements.


List of Documents for Visa Process at Korean Consulate
A. Individual Public & Private School:

1. "Visa Issuance Number"
   - Once your documents for visa are processed at the Korean Immigration Office, Visa Issuance Number will be given to you by your recruiter through e-mail or phone call.
2. Visa application form
   - Teachers need to fill in school address, director's / employer's name, tel number on the form
3. Valid passport
4. 2 passport sized photos
5. Visa charge

B. Public Education Board:

1. "Notice of Employment Appointment" with signed contract

1. After your application is approved, a "Notice of Employment Appointment" and two copies of signed contract will be forwarded to you by courier by the Education Board.

2. Visa application form
   - teacher need to fill in school address, principal's name, tel number on the form
3. Valid passport
4. 2 passport sized photos
5. Visa charge

You are usually required to buy a one-way ticket to be reimbursed, so you need to keep a receipt, invoice of airfare. At the end of contract, the school will purchase a return ticket for you.

• Arrival Airport: Incheon International Airport, Busan Kimhae Airport etc.
  -We will let you know which airport you need to arrive to.

For those coming to Korea from USA or Canada:

We are under contract with an efficient travel agency in Korea so for those departing from North America, your seat can be reserved without too much hassle on your behalf.

We will need to know the name of your departure airport in your country so that your flight can be arranged. Once we have all that information, we will search the appropriate flight with our travel agency. You will then be e-mailed the flight itinerary based on an economy-class air ticket at a reasonable price. After we agree on the flight schedule and price, you will just have to pay for it when the tour agency gives you a call for the settlement of the airfare. You will get reimbursed from the school for the airfare during your first month after you start working.

For those coming from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, Ireland or other countries:

We can provide you with good websites that provide air tickets at reasonable prices. If you want, you can also call your local agencies for information on air tickets (The ticket should be an economy-class, one way into the designated airport, which you will be informed of)

When you get the detailed information from the local travel agencies, let us know the price and schedule of the flight you found. It is very important that you do not purchase the air ticket without us knowing.
We can then compare prices and flight schedule and make a reservation for the best option with the agreement from your school.

2. Pickup at Airport in Korea:

1. Call Van
- WorknPlay Consulting will arrange a van to pick you up at the airport to your school and home.
- Before you leave for Korea, please send us your flight itinerary through e-mail.
- A call van driver or our staff will hold a placard with your name on it to greet you at the arrivals gate

2. Bus
- Candidates can choose between limousine buses or regular inter-city buses. The inter-city buses stop at the major districts and hotels around Seoul. Information of limousine and buses and bus tickets are available at the Transportation Information Counter (near the exit No. 2, 4, 9, 13) on the arrival floor (1st floor) of the Incheon Airport

An immigration officer will determine if you satisfy the following entry requirements.
You are required to submit an E/D card, along with your passport to an immigration officer at the immigration counter.

- Passport
- Visa, if applicable
- E/D (Entry and Departure) card: E/D cards are usually distributed to every passenger on board. Otherwise, you can get an E/D card in immigration clearance areas. You are required to fill out an E/D card in your own handwriting.

Once you come to Korea on E2 visa, you must apply for alien registration (ARC) within 90 days of arriving at the nearest Immigration Office.

(Sample of Alien Registration Card)

Required Documents or alien registration:

• Application form
• Passport
• 2 passport sized photos
• the original and a copy of your invitation letter from the school to say that you are an employee.
• Copy of School Registration
• Fees (10,000 won for registration)

- For single entry: additional 30,000won
- For multiple entry: additional 50,000won
It would be best to complete the Application for Multiple Entry Permission at this time. This allows you to depart and reenter Korea several times during one year. So for Multiple Entry, total cost is 60,000 Won.
Finally you will need to return to pick up your Alien Registration Card. This can take 7~14 days. Alternatively, you can have a courier deliver it for between 5,000 and 7,000 Won.

Currently all schools in Korea offer round trip airfare to and from Korea as part of the standard 1 year contracts. There are some schools that offer a short term contract and airfare is most likely not offered if the term is less than 1 year. You will be required to buy a one-way airfare into Korea from the nearest Intl. Airport to the nearest airport of your school. You will then be reimbursed during your first month after the start of contract. It is important to keep the payment receipt and invoice to get the reimbursement.

For those who reside in Korea and hired while in Korea- If you are hired while in Korea, perhaps moving from one contract to another without leaving the country, you won't be provided a money equivalent to the one-way airfare into Korea. However if you need to get a new work visa, and a visa run is required, the school will provide you with the airfare. At the end of the contract, you will be provided with the remaining one-way airfare back to your home country.

Round-tip tickets are only valid for one year so if a teacher extends (renew) his/her contract for another year, the school will buy another round trip ticket. If you plan to depart from an airport that is not more expensive than your home country this is usually fine, unless the airfare is significantly expensive then it needs to be discussed with the school. Sometimes, there are schools that offer a flight ticket up front. This is possible only with private schools.

In cases of contract termination-If you leave the school without fulfilling the contract, especially within the first six months, you will be asked to pay the school back the one-way airfare which they reimbursed you during the first month.