Korean Job Discussion Forums

wings · Joined: 09 Nov 2006

I have a university degree, TESOL certification and 4 years of ESL experience. I am wondering what I can expect salary wise in Korea for a first contract. It seems like most people who go to Korea have no experience when they arrive, so I would imagine that I can hope for a higher salary than a new teacher. Any thoughts?

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

My stupid hagwon paid me 2 mil a month in my SECOND year with them last year. They also didn't care that I had 2 years of previous exp. already in other schools. They then asked me to stay a third year and I left! Exp. doesn't always mean jack! This is 2006 not 1956, when exp. may have meant something.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

While some employers see the value of training and experience, most do not. "Anyone can teach" is the prevailing attitude. The minimum qualification is a 4 year degree in anything. That should tell you that offering more is not particularly valued.

Homer · Guest

With that package you can get 2.4 or perhaps a little more if you land a cherry job.

It all depends where you apply. Check what their pay scales are.

With this experience you can work for a good Public School and get decent coin. You could also apply for EPIK and get their top level salary...there are options out there.

Of course, you could settle for a lower wage with fewer hours as well....

It really depends on what you want.

Novernae · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Go for the public school or university jobs. Hagwans are always going to be cheap arses with salary, and even worse with things like vacation, resources. At the same time they will be expecting you to give more than you agreed to in the contract....for free.

I know there are those who say they like their hagwan job, but those are few and far between. I've had 4 so far and they've ranged from bearly tollerable to downright rotten.

My current situation for example: The year started out OK, as far as pay.
Always been paid on time, but the boss was always really cheap with school supplies while at the same time having totally unrealistic expectations. (demands)

Now that I'm in my final month, it's looking like he's going to screw me over for the flight and possibly my last month's salary/severance. I still hope I'm wrong on that, but that's the joy of hagwans....you just never know.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Homer · Guest

Good lord...this is a sad diplay of ineptness.

Get a grip and just organize yourself for Pete's sake.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

foystein · Joined: 02 Jun 2006

To me it is about the life style and the fun of the experience. From a disposable income standpoint teaching ESL is not horrible. Frankly, it is like a paid vacation albeit not a well paid one but still a vacation. If your motivation is money and career stay in the west.

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

da_moler · Joined: 11 Nov 2006

Foystein, where are the ESL jobs in the west that offer better pay and prospects?? It seems to me that Korea is a lot better than the west in both respects.