Founded in 2014, RISE Korea empowers young learners with a play-based American curriculum that makes English learning fun through hands-on activities. With over 30 campuses across Korea, our program bridges English learning with real-world applications, fostering creativity and critical thinking beyond traditional textbooks.
Our curriculum, recognized by a team of Harvard professors for its innovative content and approach, incorporates materials from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH).
At RISE Korea, we believe in nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence while supporting intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development in young minds.
Joshua Park,CEO of RISE Korea
RISE - Where Kids Can Be Kids
Global Education Brand
RISE Korea is part of RISE Global, founded by CEO and Chairman Barry O’Callaghan, who believes English education empowers children to navigate today's uncertain world and gain the necessary skills to become global leaders.
With operations in over 150 cities worldwide, including Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, RISE Global has grown into a global leader in English education.
Harvard Recognized American Curriculum
Based on HMH’s American curriculum, we offer a premium play-based educational program, which has been recognized by faculty for its excellence in the Education Department at Harvard University.
Immersive English Environment
We create immersive English environments through themed events and activities where young minds engage naturally in English through play.
CEO
Joshua Park
Established Year
2014
Business Registration No.
114-87-17325
School Type
Language Academy
(Large Franchise)
Operations
Private
Student Type
Kindergarten,
Elementary
Medium
of Instruction
English
Religious
Affiliation
None
Our Curriculum and Programs
Our programs at RISE for kindergarten (ages 5-7) and elementary students (ages 8-13) center around a play-based curriculum that combines language, cognitive, and social-emotional learning.
Through fun, hands-on activities and a mix of print and digital media, we create immersive English classrooms that foster a love of learning. This approach allows children to experience English not just as a language, but as a culture.
Throughout the year, we host fun events like Market Day and celebrate holidays through themed days, including Halloween, Christmas, and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
In RISE K, we promote language development, critical thinking, and creative expression by balancing academic lessons with playful, hands-on activities designed to enhance students’ speaking, reading, writing, listening, and leadership skills.
RISE Primus (Exclusive to RISE Gangnam Campus): Designed for high-achieving students and based on the Gifted & Talented programs in the U.S.
RISE Quest for Discovery / QSD (Ages 8–13)
In RISE Quest for Self-Discovery (QSD), we focus on developing the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative thinking) through engaging coursework and activities, such as storytelling, story writing, and group presentations.
Foundation Program (FP): For beginners learning the basics of English.
Exploration Program (EP): For RISE K graduates, following the American curriculum.
Values Program (VP): Focus on American literature and reading comprehension.
Our Teachers and Community
At RISE Korea, our teachers are the heart of our play-based, immersive English curriculum. They bring energy, passion, and creativity to every classroom. Our teachers work alongside Korean assistants who help manage the students and offer additional classroom support.
We prioritize the growth and well-being of our teachers. Our onboarding and ongoing training cover teaching methodologies, classroom management, and cultural sensitivity. Additionally, teachers are regularly encouraged to collaborate with colleagues and participate in R&D initiatives. See an interview with David Moon, the Head of R&D and Recruiting
Re-thinking English Education
RISE Korea is dedicated to transforming English education through a play-based learning approach and an age-appropriate curriculum designed to inspire confident thinkers.
Derek O'Grady manages recruitment for all RISE campuses in partnership with Embark Recruiting.
Originally from the U.S., Derek is the current President and CEO of Embark Recruiting. He taught for seven years at educational institutions across Korea, where he gained firsthand insight into Korea's ESL industry.
You will be a homeroom teacher for our Kindergarten students and teach a few elementary classes in the afternoon. Follow the premade curriculum, but also use your creativity and imagination to make the classes more fun and enjoyable for the students. Responsibilities Overview • Conduct classes as scheduled • Prepare materials for classes • Student assessment and reporting • Communicate and cooperate with classroom teacher, co-teacher, and administration • Attend meetings, workshops, and special events required by the institute. Requirements • Be citizens of the following countries: U.S.A, Canada, U.K, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa • Have all required documents (apostilled nationwide criminal background check and an apostilled diploma from a 4-year accredited university). • Have a clean self-medical health check.
Korea, Republic of > Seoul-si > Seocho-gu Start Date :
We are accepting applications year-round for passionate and energetic teachers to join our team. At RISE, we believe children learn English best through play. Our play-based American curriculum encourages young learners to explore the world in English while developing practical language skills. Since 2014, RISE Korea has grown to over 30 campuses nationwide, with materials recognized by Harvard professors for their innovative, hands-on approach. See more 1. Roles and Responsibilities You will be a kindergarten homeroom teacher and also teach elementary afternoon classes. At RISE, you'll work in a dynamic, well-resourced environment with a structured curriculum that encourages both teacher creativity and student growth. • Teach English immersion classes using RISE’s structured, subject-based curriculum (Language Arts, Reading, Critical Thinking, and Presentation). • Work collaboratively with a Korean co-teacher to support classroom management, student engagement, and parent communication • Guide students through project-based activities and presentations that promote real-world application of language skills • Track student performance through assessments, portfolios, and written progress reports • Communicate and cooperate with the classroom assistant, co-teacher, and administration • Attend regular team meetings, training sessions, and school events as required 2. Candidate Qualifications • Native English Speaker • Have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution • Holds or is eligible for the E-2 visa with USA, CAN, UK, AUS, NZ, IRE, or SA citizenship • F-visa holders • Apostilled Diploma and Criminal Background Check • Must be physically and mentally healthy. 3. Working Conditions • Student Type: Kindergarten & Elementary • Working Hours: Monday - Friday, Working hours vary by campus • Curriculum and lesson plans provided. • Teacher training provided. 4. Why Teach at RISE? • Innovative and modern curriculum based on U.S. standards • Structured materials. No lesson planning from scratch. Perfect for first-time teachers! • RISE campuses all across key areas of the Seoul Metropolitan Area 5. How to Apply Submit your resume to Derek O’Grady from Embark Recruiting, our trusted recruitment partner, at derek.embark@theworknplay.com. Please include your preferred location and desired start date.
