Embark Recruiting Blogs

Embark Recruiting Blogs

Embark Recruiting

As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools and improving Korea’s ESL teaching industry.

At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed. Our blogs offer guidance, tips, and insider knowledge for teaching in Korea.

Posts : Resources and Forms (28)

All Country-Specific Visa Information (14) About Embark (4) Embark Services (7) Teaching in Korea (7) Visa and Immigration Guide (22) Tax and Labor Rights (6) Life in Korea (20) Resources and Forms (28)
Auckland New Zealand Visa Guide: Korean Consulate E-2 Application Process
by Embark Recruiting
Resources and Forms (4/28)
Auckland New Zealand Visa Guide: Korean Consulate E-2 Application Process

E-2-1 Visa Application at the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Auckland   If you are planning to work or teach in Korea under the E-2-1 visa, the first step is obtaining your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) or VIN Number. Once you have this, you are ready to submit your visa application through the Korean consulate.   Note: We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, we strongly recommend directly contacting the consulate for the most current guidance, assistance, and any updates or changes.   If you live in the following province(s), you will use the Korean Consulate in Auckland to complete your visa process: Auckland, Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, or Gisborne   How to Submit Your Visa Application   In-person Appointment Visit the consulate within the operating hours along with your documents. You must schedule an online reservation in advance (within 30 days) Consular/Visa Service Hours:  Monday – Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.   How to Make an Online Reservation   Access the 365 Overseas Korean Portal or download the mobile app “365 Overseas Korean Portal.” Click non-member login (or sign up)  Click on Reservation to Diplomatic Mission, then click on [Make a Reservation] Select [South Asia and the Pacific] - [NEW ZEALAND] - [Auckland Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea], then click [Next] Select [VISA APPLICATION] / [Reservation date] / [Time] After completing the reservation details, print out the confirmation email.   Source: 365 Overseas Korean Portal     Required Documents   Below is a complete list of documents you will need when submitting your E-2-1 visa application.   1) Visa Application Form (Printed and Completed) ※ Form titled "Application for Visa (for those in possession of visa issuance confirmation)." ※ Please do not forget to put your signature on the bottom part of the first page of the visa application form. Please include your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) ※ Please write down your phone number and address to be used in Korea at the top of your application. This can be your school’s information. 1.1 Full name in English: Your name must be the same on your passport. 1.7 National Identity No.  2.5 Emergency Contact Information: a person in New Zealand 3.1  Visa Issuance Number (Confirmation No.) 3.6 Status of Stay: Visa type (e.g., E-2-1)    2) Original Passport Valid for at least 6 months after your travel date (preferably minim. 13 months) 3) 1 Passport-type Color Photo White background, 3.5cm X 4.5cm, taken with 6 months 4) Visa Fee: NZD 84 Bank transfer Payee: Korean Consulate | Account number:02-12410082021-00/ KOOKMIN BANK | Ref.: Please write your name on a reference Cash EFTPOS     Korean Consulate Contact Information Mailing Address: Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Auckland Level 12, Tower 1, 205 Queen Street, Auckland Central, New Zealand   Phone Number: +64-9-379-0818 Email for Visa: auckland@mofa.go.kr   Working Hours: Consular/Visa Service: Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. –  4:00 P.M.     Processing Time  The visa processing time is approximately 7 ~ 14 business days. All submitted documents with the visa application will not be returned to the applicant except the passport. E-2-1 is a single-entry visa and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. After 7 days, please check your application status online. If it has been approved, please print your Visa Grant Notice by visiting the Korea Visa Portal.   Related article: How to Navigate the Korea Visa Portal Site   Last Updated: 12/1/2025

Published Dec 4, 2025
Wellington New Zealand Visa Guide: Korean Embassy E-2 Application Process
by Embark Recruiting
Resources and Forms (3/28)
Wellington New Zealand Visa Guide: Korean Embassy E-2 Application Process

E-2-1 Visa Application at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Wellington   If you are planning to work or teach in Korea under the E-2-1 visa, the first step is obtaining your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) or VIN Number. Once you have this, you are ready to submit your visa application through the Korean consulate.   Note: We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, we strongly recommend directly contacting the consulate for the most current guidance, assistance, and any updates or changes.   If you live in the following province(s), you will use the Korean Embassy in Wellington to complete your visa process: Wellington, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, and the entire South Island in New Zealand Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Niue   How to Submit Your Visa Application   Option 1: In-person Appointment Visit the embassy within the operating hours along with your documents. No reservation is required. Work Hours:  Monday – Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. & 1:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.   Option 2: By Mail (Post) Alternatively, you can also mail your documents to the embassy. Post to the Korean Embassy in Wellington.     Required Documents   Below is a complete list of documents you will need when submitting your E-2-1 visa application.   1) Visa Application Form (Printed and Completed) ※ Form titled "Application for Visa (for those in possession of visa issuance confirmation)." ※ Please do not forget to put your signature on the bottom part of the first page of the visa application form. Please include your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) ※ Please write down your phone number and address to be used in Korea at the top of your application. This can be your school’s information. 1.1 Full name in English: Your name must be the same on your passport. 1.7 National Identity No.  2.5 Emergency Contact Information: a person in New Zealand 3.1  Visa Issuance Number (Confirmation No.) 3.6 Status of Stay: Visa type (e.g., E-2-1)    2) Original Passport Valid for at least 6 months after your travel date (preferably minim. 13 months) 3) 1 Passport-type Color Photo White background, 3.5cm X 4.5cm, taken within 6 months 4) Visa Fee: NZD 84 Bank transfer: ANZ | Account Number: 01-0505-0783135-06 | Account Name: The Republic of the Korean Embassy (Please write your name on a reference) Cash 5) Prepaid courier envelope with your return address ※ If you want to have your passport back to yourself by a courier, please provide 'postage included bag + Tracking & Signature option to us.   Korean Embassy Contact Information Mailing Address: Embassy of the Republic of Korea to New Zealand Level 20, ANZ Centre, 171 Featherston Street, Wellington, New Zealand 6011   Phone Number: +64-4-473-9073 Email for Visa: consular-nz@mofa.go.kr, consular2-nz@mofa.go.kr   Working Hours: Consular/Visa Service: Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. & 1:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.     Processing Time  The visa processing time is approximately 14 business days. All submitted documents with the visa application will not be returned to the applicant except the passport. E-2-1 is a single-entry visa and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. After 14 days, please check your application status online. If it has been approved, please print your Visa Grant Notice by visiting the Korea Visa Portal.   Related article: How to Navigate the Korea Visa Portal Site   Last Updated: 12/1/2025

Published Dec 4, 2025
How to Find Your Ministry of Education (MOE) Office in Korea
by Embark Recruiting
Resources and Forms (2/28)
How to Find Your Ministry of Education (MOE) Office in Korea

What is the Ministry of Education (MOE)?    The Ministry of Education (MOE) is the government body responsible for education in Korea. It oversees public schools, private education institutes such as language academies and private schools, cyber education, lifelong learning programs, universities, and educational districts. Understanding the MOE’s policies and services is important because it supervises all workplaces eligible to sponsor E-2 visas for native English teachers.    Teachers must complete registration with the local Office of Education within 15 days of their start date. You can check whether your job is registered with the Ministry of Education   Source: Ministry of Education   How to Find Your Local MOE Office   Your MOE office is determined by where you teach in Korea. For example, if your school is located in Yongin city, Gyeonggi-do, than your MOE would be the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education.    Korea’s education system is organized around 17 Metropolitan and Provincial Offices of Education, each aligned with one of the country’s 17 first-level administrative divisions. These divisions include: 1 Special City (Seoul) 6 Metropolitan Cities (Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan) 1 Special Self-Governing City (Sejong) 8 Provinces (Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam) 1 Special Self-Governing Province (Jeju) There are also 176 local (lower-level) Offices of Education operating under these, but for purposes of the E-2 visa, the primary authority you will interact with is your regional Metropolitan or Provincial Office of Education.   Source: Ministry of Education    Related Blog: How to Report Your Job to the Office of Education for Native English Teachers in Korea

Published Dec 4, 2025
How to Check if Your Job is Registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE)
by Embark Recruiting
Resources and Forms (1/28)
How to Check if Your Job is Registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE)

How to Check if Your Job is Registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE)   1. Go to the Hakgwon NEIS website operated by the Ministry of Education (https://hakwon.neis.go.kr/nxui/index.html).   2. Select the city or province in Korea your school is located (in Korean).   3. Select the municipality or district where your school is located. This should be the city, district, or county name following the province or metropolitan city, ending with Si (시), Gu (구), or Gun (군).   4.  Type your language academy by name (in Korean) and click the search icon.   3. Once you find your school, click the number under 설립 운영 ("Establishment, Operation"). The number should represent the number of staff in your school. Scroll to find your name. You should be listed as a 강사 ("instructor/teacher") If your name is not listed, it means you haven’t been registered with the MOE. Please check with your school to see if they have submitted your application. 

Published Oct 13, 2025