Building Your Teaching Journey in Korea with Embark Match+
Embark Match+ guides you through every stage of your career in Korea, combining expert guidance, personalized support, and a supportive teacher community.
STEP 1
Send Your Resume & Schedule a Call with Us
Everything starts with you! Please send us your resume, and one of our recruiters will reach out to schedule a quick phone or video call. Due to the high volume of emails, we recommend applying through TheWorknPlay site rather than by email.
Pre-interview Checklist
To help streamline the application process, we recommend that you provide the following information on your resume or have it ready prior to your call, as these are important factors for the visa and recruiting process.
1. Personal & Health Information
- Full legal name, date of birth, nationality
- Marital status (single, married, etc.), travelling with family dependents, pets, etc.
-
Health conditions and medications
-
Must be disclosed before the mandatory medical exam upon arrival in Korea
-
-
Tattoos or visible piercings
-
Most schools expect teachers to cover tattoos or remove piercings during work
-
2. Visa & Passport
- Visa status (E-2, D-10, F-4, etc.)
- Passport expiration date
- Status of apostilled documents for E-2 visa
- Bachelor’s degree, criminal background check
3. References
- Contact details or reference letters from your most recent employer (director/principal or senior-level employee) References are necessary for experienced teachers who previously worked in Korea or taught English abroad.
What to Expect During the Recruiter Call
To help us better understand your experience and goals, one of our recruiters will schedule a brief 5–10-minute call with you. Don’t worry, there is no need to dress up, but please make sure your audio and Wi-Fi are working properly beforehand. During the call, our recruiters will ask for your permission to record the conversation for transcription purposes when tailoring your resume. The recording itself will never be shared.
We will ask you questions about your work experience, skills, qualifications, as well as your preferences and requests, such as housing needs or pet accommodation.
Be clear about your priorities, whether that’s housing, location, or pet accommodation. The more honest you are about what you need (and what you don’t), the better we can match you with the right opportunities.
Related Blog: Build Your Professional Resume to Teach in Korea | Embark Match+
STEP 2
Find Jobs & Accept Interview Requests
After tailoring your resume, our recruiter reviews available positions that match your preferences. We provide full details on the school and the role, such as class size, prep time, and facilities, so you can make an informed decision.
When you decide to move forward with a school, we submit your application and coordinate with the school to schedule an interview (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.). You stay in full control, and there is NO pressure to accept interview offers. However, for first-time teachers, we strongly recommend taking as many interview opportunities as possible. Not only does this help you practice, it also gives you a better sense of what different schools are like.
Related Blog: Find the Right Teaching Jobs in Korea | Embark Match+
STEP 3
Interview with Schools
Once you are shortlisted for an interview by the school, we guide you through the interview process. We provide guidance on common interview questions and insights into the school's expectations, as well as logistics, such as scheduling and follow-ups.
Related Blog: Prepare for Your Teaching Interview in Korea | Embark Match+
STEP 4
Receive Your Contract & Sign with a School
If the interview goes well, the school will follow up with a contract offer. Some schools make a contract offer on the same day, but most Korean schools typically make an offer within a week.
At this stage, your recruiter carefully reviews the contract with you to ensure the terms are clear and fair. If you want to negotiate aspects such as salary, housing, or start date, we will work with you to see what is possible.
Related Blog: Understand Teaching Contracts in Korea | Embark Match+
STEP 5
Benefit from Visa Assistance & Join Embark's Teacher Community
After you sign with a school, we support you in your visa process. For an E-2-1 (Foreign Language Instructor) visa, please see the guide for your specific country. For overseas candidates, we help schedule your appointment with the immigration office for your Residence Card (RD) as well as assist with your mandatory medical health exam.
For teachers in Korea, please consult the D-10 to E-2 visa transfer guide or the E-2 to E-2 visa transfer guide.
Our support does not end once you arrive. We regularly check in to ensure your transition into your new school is going well. We also host teacher meet-ups and offer access to our supportive teacher community, so you will always have people to connect with during your time in Korea.
Related Blog: Join Embark's Teacher Network in Korea | Embark Match+
TAGS
Share
Embark Recruiting Blogs
Embark Recruiting
As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad—the excitement, the challenges, and everything in between. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools, protecting teachers’ rights, and helping improve Korea’s ESL teaching industry. At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed, whether it’s finding a reputable school, understanding your contract, or adjusting to life in Korea. Our blog is your go-to resource for guidance, tips, and insider knowledge every step of the way.