Embark MatchPlus (9/9)

Why Choose Embark?

  Job hunting alone can be overwhelming, stressful, and time-consuming, especially when you are on your own. Having been teachers ourselves, our team understands how challenging the process can be. That is why Embark is here to make the journey teaching in Korea easier.     Embark's Difference     Your Career, Our Mission At Embark, your success is our success. We are here to help you find the right job that fits your skills, personality, and we will not stop until you are hired.     Save Time and Reduce Stress Job hunting takes considerable time and effort. We pre-screen schools and jobs to provide positions worth your time.      Your Privacy is Our Priority Your privacy matters. If you are currently employed and prefer not to disclose your place of work, we have got you covered. We will keep everything confidential and, if needed, delay sharing references until you are ready.     Guidance You Can Count On Need help with your resume or interview? We are here with professional tips and guidance to help you shine and make a lasting impression.     Supporting Your Career Today and Tomorrow Finding the right position can take time. We will keep your information on file and continue working to connect you with the best teaching opportunities.     Embark's Mission   Our mission is to elevate the standards of the Korean native teacher industry by ensuring teachers are supported, informed, and empowered. We aim to close the information gap by providing teachers with the resources they need to succeed. In doing so, we believe we can connect passionate teachers with the right opportunities and help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom. For us, teaching is more than a job; it is a pathway to meaningful cultural exchange and personal growth.   Embark's Core Values   Embark Recruiting’s success is built on the established trust of teachers and schools, combined with the unwavering dedication and efforts of our team. We remain firmly committed to our core values and consistently deliver high-quality recruitment services.     Integrity Trust is at the heart of everything we do. We operate with transparency, integrity, and genuine care. You will never be pressured into a decision, and we will always provide the support to make the best decision.     Professionalism Experience where it counts. Our recruiting team is made up of former native English teachers in Korea. Together, we understand the real challenges and rewards of teaching abroad, and we use that insight to support you every step of the way.     Collaboration Our recruiting model is built on collaboration, so our recruiters focus on matching each teacher with the right role, not on earning commissions.  

Embark MatchPlus (8/9)

Embarks Assurances & Guidelines for Teachers

At Embark Recruiting, we are committed to providing transparent, ethical, and professional recruitment services for native English teachers looking to work in Korea. This guide outlines the rights and responsibilities of both teachers and our agency to ensure a smooth, safe, and legal recruitment process.   1. Compliance and Legal Assurance   At Embark Recruiting, we ensure that every placement complies with all relevant Korean laws and regulations, including employment, immigration, and labor standards. By following these legal requirements, you can be confident that your position will be fully legal, secure, and professionally supported.     2. Our Responsibilities and Commitment to Teachers   We are a legally registered native teacher recruitment agency based in Seoul, South Korea. Address: Suite #402, 92 Seocho-daero 42-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea   What We Promise: Placement with Legitimate Schools: We recommend teachers exclusively to schools and institutions legally operating in Korea. Unauthorized groups or illegal private tutors are never included. Privacy and Data Security: Your resume and personal information are shared only with your consent. We never sell or misuse your data. Accurate, Up-to-Date Information: We provide the latest details about schools, positions, and working conditions. If something seems inaccurate, email us at embark@theworknplay.com Guidance and Support: We advise and assist teachers in case of contract disputes or unfair treatment. Free Service:  We do not ask for financial compensation from Teachers for our recruitment services. Tailored Recommendations: We match teachers with schools that suit their experience, qualifications, and preferences.     3. Responsibilities of Teachers   To ensure a smooth process, teachers are expected to: Meet Legal Requirements: Hold a notarized and apostilled bachelor’s degree. Provide an apostilled criminal background check issued within six months of the visa application. Health and Safety Compliance: Complete a government-mandated physical medical examination, including a drug test, upon arrival in Korea. Provide Honest, Accurate Information: Keep your resume and application information up-to-date and accurate to your credentials Notify Embark Recruiting of interview outcomes. Share any contracts offered directly by a school for review. Act Professionally: Maintain honesty, integrity, and professionalism throughout the recruitment and employment process     Contact Us   Have questions or need additional support? Reach out anytime at embark@theworknplay.com

Embark MatchPlus (7/9)

Our School Verification System | Embark Match+

Embark Recruiting has always been committed to the safety, security, and satisfaction of our teachers.  Before partnering with any school or recommending institutions in Korea, we conduct thorough checks to ensure each placement is with a fully legal and reputable organization.   Our school verification system protects teachers from illegal placements, unsafe working conditions, and unreliable employers. By combining legal checks, reputation analysis, and ongoing monitoring, we provide peace of mind and professional support throughout the recruitment process.     1. Verification of Legal Status   We begin by confirming the school’s legal registration and operational status: Business Registration Number: We request the official business registration number of every school. This allows us to verify that the school is legally registered with the Korean authorities. Official Documentation: We review incorporation certificates and licenses to ensure the school is authorized to operate. Regulatory Compliance: We check that the school complies with local labor, employment, and educational regulations. By confirming these legal credentials, we ensure that our teachers are only placed in institutions that are fully compliant with national regulations     2. Reputation and Track Record   Legal compliance alone is not enough. We also assess school reputation and work practices.    Teacher References: We reach out to current and former teachers to gather firsthand feedback on working conditions and management practices. Community and Online Reviews: We monitor forums, social media, and teacher networks for red flags or repeated complaints. Longevity and Stability: We consider how long the school has been operating and its track record. We ensure that our partner schools provide a supportive and professional work environment for our teachers.     3. Ongoing Monitoring   School verification is not a one-time process. We maintain continuous oversight to ensure that our standards are upheld. Regular Check-Ins: We stay in touch with our teachers to ensure that working conditions remain consistent with contract expectations. Prompt Action on Concerns: If any issues arise, we investigate and work with the school to resolve problems promptly or dissolve our partnership. Through ongoing monitoring, teachers receive continuous support and reassurance that their work environment remains safe, fair, and professional.  

Embark MatchPlus (6/9)

Embarks Match+ Overview

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+

Embark MatchPlus (5/9)

Build a Professional Resume to Teach in Korea | Embark Match+

•Build a Professional Resume to Teach in Korea | Embark Match+

Embark MatchPlus (4/9)

Find the Right Teaching Jobs in Korea | Embark Match+

•Find the Right Teaching Jobs in Korea | Embark Match+

Embark MatchPlus (3/9)

Prepare for Your Teaching Interview in Korea | Embark Match+

•Prepare for Your Teaching Interview in Korea | Embark Match+

Embark MatchPlus (2/9)

Understand Teaching Contracts in Korea| Embark Match+

Contract Help that Protects Your Rights | Embark Match+

Embark MatchPlus (1/9)

Join Embark's Teacher Network in Korea | Embark Match+

Join a Supportive Teacher Network in Korea

Teaching in Korea (2/2)

Inside Korea's Native ESL Teacher Job Market

Why Teach in Korea?   There is a growing global demand for native English teachers, and securing the best positions can be highly competitive. South Korea stands out as one of the top destinations, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and a reputation as one of the safest countries to live and work.     Status of Native English Teachers in Korea (as of Dec. 31, 2023)   Current data shows over 13,000 native English teachers working across public schools, language academies, international schools, and other educational institutions.    Citizenship (English Native-speaking Country)  Gender (Male)  Gender (Female)  Total  USA 2,037 4,592 6,629 UK 804 2,345 3,149 South Africa 819 1,148 1,967 Canada 472 546 1,018 Australia 118 171 289 Ireland 103 134 237 New Zealand 63 85 148       Job Recruitment Periods   The academic year in Korea begins in March and ends in February of the following year. Accordingly, private schools and language academies generally prioritize hiring teachers who can begin in March (1st Semester). Considering the time required for visa processing (typically 2–4 months), most schools begin recruitment around October of the previous year. However, due to unpredictable factors like rising student enrollment and teacher turnover, schools often recruit teachers year-round. Still, a March start date provides the best opportunity for teachers to explore a wider range of positions.   International schools usually begin contracts in July or August. Tier 1 Foreign Educational Institutions in Free Economic Zones attract strong competition due to low turnover and high qualification requirements. Tier 2 to 3 smaller international schools or private academy-registered schools offer greater availability with broader eligibility criteria.     Preferred Qualifications for Native Teachers   While Korea’s Labor Standards Act prohibits discrimination based on nationality, religion, gender, or age, schools may have preferences based on their educational models. Many schools follow a North American-style curriculum, so teachers from the U.S. and Canada are often sought after, particularly due to the value placed on general American accents in Korea. Franchise academies prioritize consistency, so they often offer comprehensive training and may prefer newer teachers who are open to following a set curriculum. In contrast, independently run academies may seek experienced teachers who can manage classes with minimal supervision. Recruiters typically encourage new teachers to start in franchise academies, where they can build confidence and gain experience before transitioning to more advanced roles.      Work Conditions and Contract Terms   Salaries and working conditions vary by school, with specific details outlined in each teacher’s contract. Most positions are based on 12-month, one-year contracts, which is standard across the industry. This annual cycle isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In many cases, new teachers start in rural or less competitive areas to build their skills and gain teaching experience before applying for more sought-after positions in more competitive cities like Seoul. Moreover, some schools may not be the right fit, and the one-year structure gives teachers flexibility to grow and reassess.     Recruitment Process and Recruitment Fees Most schools use recruiters to hire native English teachers. Large franchises may have their own HR departments, but still often work alongside recruiters. According to Korea’s Labor Standard Act, recruiters cannot charge placement fees to the teacher. Be wary of recruiters who demand any form of payment for their services. Recruiters in Korea are compensated by the school once the placement is completed.     Legal Protections for Teachers   Korea’s Labor Standard Act offers strong protections for all workers, including foreign nationals. Korean employers are legally required to treat foreign employees equally, and most labor laws are interpreted in favor of workers. If a teacher feels they are being treated unfairly, they can file a complaint with the local office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) without any legal costs or paying for a lawyer. For instance, if a school closes unexpectedly and fails to pay wages, the government can compensate the teacher for up to three months’ salary and severance. If you’re unsure which local office to contact, you can call the official Ministry of Employment and Labor hotline, and they will direct you to the appropriate local office. Counseling: 1350 (English option: press 7) Tel: +82-2-1544-1350 Related Blog: Are Native English Teachers Granted the Same Labor Rights as Korean Workers?     Education Background and Teaching Experience   Many native English teachers in Korea are new to teaching abroad and can start without a master’s degree or teaching certification. That said, having a degree in education or English as well as a teaching license can improve job opportunities and working conditions. Additionally, while a TEFL certification is mandatory for public schools, it is generally not a key hiring factor for language academies. Regardless of initial qualifications, teachers often receive raises and promotions as they gain teaching experience.    For international schools, candidates are typically expected to have at least two years of teaching experience in Korea, along with a TEFL or TESOL certificate.     Age Factors   Although the official retirement age for public school teachers in Korea is 63, schools often prefer younger teachers, especially since many native teaching positions focus on younger children from kindergarten to elementary levels. However, older applicants with strong credentials and teaching experience can still find rewarding opportunities, particularly in less competitive or rural areas.  

Teaching in Korea (1/2)

Average ESL Teacher Salary in Korea & Income After Tax & Utilities

    Average Work Conditions    Work conditions vary between language academies, international schools, and other educational institutions in Korea. Generally, international schools offer more structured hours, fewer students per class, and better resources. Language academies often have longer working hours, with after-school classes and weekend sessions. Teachers can expect a typical school day of 25–30 teaching hours per week, but academies sometimes require more. Facilities in academies vary, so researching specific schools beforehand is essential for understanding your work environment.     Average Salary    Salaries for teaching jobs in Korea differ based on the institution type and location. International schools typically offer starting salaries ranging from approximately 2.4 million to 2.7 million KRW per month (about $1,800 to $2,000 USD). Language academies usually start at around 2.4 million KRW ($1,800 USD) per month, with experienced teachers able to negotiate salaries up to 3.0 million KRW (about $2,300 USD) or more.     Average Benefits & Insurances   These positions often come with housing or a housing allowance, health insurance, and paid vacation. often including benefits like housing, airfare reimbursement, and bonuses.   Related Blog Post: Tax and Insurance Guide for Native English Teachers in Korea  

How to Spot and Avoid Illegal ESL Recruiters in Korea

•How to Spot and Avoid Illegal ESL Recruiters in Korea