How much do TESOL teachers make in Korea?
TESOL teachers in South Korea typically earn between $1,500 to $2,300 per month, making it one of the most attractive destinations for teaching English overseas. The country's strong economy ensures excellent infrastructure and comfortable working conditions for teachers. Additionally, South Korea is known for its low crime rates and rich cultural landscape, offering teachers ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. This combination of competitive salaries, favorable working conditions, and high quality of life contributes to South Korea's popularity among thousands of newly qualified and experienced English teachers each year.
Table of Contents
What are TESOL salaries in South Korea?
What other benefits can I expect when teaching English in South Korea?
How much can I save while teaching English in South Korea?
What are TESOL salaries in South Korea?
How much you can realistically earn when teaching English in South Korea will vary depending on several factors such as the employer you work for, your teaching qualifications, and your level of previous classroom experience. The typical average monthly salaries are as follows:
Public schools
- First time teachers = 1.8 to 2.0 million KRW ($1,400 to $1,500 USD)
- Experienced teachers = 2.0 to 2.7 million KRW ($1,500 to $2,000 USD)
Private schools
- First time teachers = 2.0 to 2.1 million KRW ($1,500 to $1,600 USD)
- Experienced teachers = 2.1 to 3.0 million KRW ($1,600 to $2,300 USD)
What other benefits can I expect when teaching English in South Korea?
When teaching English in South Korea, ESL teachers can typically expect the following benefits in addition to their salary:
- Airfare Coverage: Many employers cover the cost of airfare, either upfront or reimbursed upon arrival in South Korea.
- Accommodation: Most teaching positions include furnished apartment accommodation, usually located in desirable neighborhoods.
- Healthcare Access: Teachers have access to the national healthcare system, with a small contribution deducted from their salary for this coverage.
- End-of-Contract Bonus: A common benefit is an end-of-contract bonus, often equivalent to an extra month's salary.
- Paid Holidays: The average teaching job includes three weeks of paid vacation plus around 18 national holidays each year. In the private sector, holidays typically amount to two weeks annually plus national holidays.
These benefits, combined with competitive salaries, make South Korea an appealing destination for ESL teachers looking for a comprehensive employment package.
How much can I save while teaching English in South Korea?
Teaching English in South Korea allows foreign teachers to potentially save a significant portion of their income, often up to 50% of their monthly salary. This saving potential is largely due to South Korea's relatively low cost of living in comparison to many Western and other Asian countries, coupled with higher than average earnings for teachers. On average, an English language teacher in South Korea can expect to save about $800 to $1,200 per month, depending on their lifestyle and spending habits. This blend of a favorable salary-to-expense ratio makes South Korea an attractive destination for teachers looking to save money while working abroad.
