Living with an ESL teacher salary in Korea
With all the benefits awarded depending on the contract, teachers can save approx. $1,000 per month. Let’s do a little breakdown including expenditure. Keep in mind every country will be different due to differences in taxation.
Example: Jane/ American/ Single/ Entry level.
Salary and taxes: in Korean Won
| Category | Deductubles | Monthly | Annual |
| Income | 2.000.000 | 24.000.000 | |
| Tax | 200.000 | 2.400.000 | |
| National pension | 90.000 | 1.080.000 | |
| Health insurance | 69.000 | 838.800 | |
| Total | 359.000 | 4.318.800 | |
| Income after tax | 1.640.100 | 19.681.200 | |
| Severance pay | 2.000.000 | ||
| Return lump sum | 2.160.000 | ||
| Total | 23.841.200 |
Monthly expenditure: This might vary depending on your activities.
| Income after tax | 1.640.100 | 19.681.200 | |
| Utilities | 100.000 | 1.200.000 | |
| Movies | 10.000 | 120.000 | |
| Travel | 50.000 | 600.000 | |
| Take out/eating out | 200.000 | 100.000 | |
| Snacks/coffee | 100.000 | 1.200.000 | |
| Groceries | 200.000 | 2.400.000 | |
| Transportation | 50.000 | 600.000 | |
| Total | 660.000 | 7.920.000 | |
| Total savings | 980.000 | 11.071.200 |
How to become an ESL teacher in Korea.
Qualifications and requirements for ESL Instructors
There are basic qualifications for teaching English in Korea and specific qualifications depending on the institute. The basic qualifications align with Korean Government’s basic requirements to acquire an E-2 visa.
Qualifications:
- A citizen of the 7 English-speaking countries (U.S.A, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, and South Africa.
- Holds a Bachelors’ degree from an accredited university.
- Apostille national-level criminal record. (Issued within 6 months)
- Clean self-health check/drug test.
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ESL Teacher
Lynzie
Hi my name is Lynzie. I am an ESL teacher at an English Academy in Samseong area. Lets get to know and share what it is like teaching and living in Korea.