Korea is one of the most popular destinations for ESL/TEFL teachers, with many thousands arriving each year to work. The salaries offered are fairly good and the benefits package is excellent. The abundance and constant demand for teachers also mean it is a popular destination for first time teachers looking to start a career in ESL/TEFL teaching, and for those who are just taking a year or two out after university. This is what I did myself, after graduation taking a job teaching in Korea where I spent over four years. During that period I learnt many things about the positive and negative aspects of teaching in Korea, from my own experiences and those of friends and colleagues around me. All in all I had a very positive and enjoyable experience and look back on those years fondly.
When looking back in hindsight most of the major problems that most teachers face can be eliminated before even leaving for Korea. The serious problems I found most people to encounter could be put into two categories work (school) and culture. Your time spent working at the school or "Hogwan" as it is known will play a huge role on how happy you are and where most people's problems occur. What must be understood is that these "hogwans" are businesses and like all businesses some are more reputable than others. Teachers would have problems with non-payment of wages, breaches of their contract in regards to hours, overtime payments, or living conditions. If the right steps where taken before accepting the position most of these issues could have been avoided.
Before accepting a position it is a good idea to speak with one of the current western teachers preferably by phone. If you are able to do this you should ask the following questions, What is it like to work at the school? What are the teaching shift patterns and the hours of work? (Many schools operate a split shift teaching schedule). Are you paid on time and how are you paid? Are contract terms and conditions honoured? This final question may sound rather redundant however in my experience many "hogwans" have English contracts only to let their teacher know what is expected of them and what they should expect. By all accounts contracts written in English seem to have dubious legal standing and act more as guides than required actions. It is a good idea to get the school to send you pictures of the accommodation as the apartments provided can sometimes be barely livable. Generally the apartment will be a lot smaller than you are used to but this is the case for the majority of living accommodations in Korea so should not come as a shock. It also advisable to find out if you will be sharing an apartment with anyone and who they are. Be prepared to teach as soon as you arrive. You will usually begin teaching classes a day or two after you arrive so it is advisable to have some activities and ideas for lessons prepared. Although not essential I also found it useful to have some form of teacher training. It gives you some knowledge of what to do and teaching that first class becomes less daunting.
When it comes to culture it is very important to do your research about Korea. Korea is vastly different to North America or Europe not only in the look of the country but how people act and behave. Many teachers will experience culture shock in Korea and some will not be able to deal with the differences. The differences are also more distinct dependant upon you location within Korea. If you intend on living in Seoul then the differences will not be so distinct due to the large foreign presence in the city. In smaller cities and towns there could be little western influence meaning these destinations may not be for everyone.
I would recommend going to teach in Korea to anyone however you must know what you are signing up for. Do your research and take your time in making a decision on your job and I am sure you will have a great time and avoid most of the problems you could encounter.
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