There are many great benefits in moving to South Korea to teach English or engage in some other type of work. Not only is the economy growing at a rapid pace, but South Korea is a fascinating country that blends modern technology advances with ancient Confucianism and other rich cultural traditions.
A rich heritage
Korea has existed for several thousand years, providing it with a robust history and rich cultural heritage, and South Korea has experienced rapid economic growth since splitting from its northern neighbor following the Korean War of the 1950s. A great number of expats are now being attracted to South Korea to work in numerous sectors of the burgeoning economy and experience all the country has to offer.
Teaching English
As South Korea has risen rapidly to become important both politically and technologically on a global scale, a massive demand has been created in the country for English teachers. This trend has been increasing steadily over the last several years, and with the entire infrastructure in place for taking on board foreign English teachers, South Korea has become an ideal country in which to live and work for many foreigners. Many South Korean schools offer excellent pay and benefit packages to teachers from outside the country, making the transition to this Asian environment very easy for fresh talent.
You will need an E-2 Work Visa to teach English in South Korea along with several other documents – including a competed FBI Criminal Background Check, which is necessary to get a preliminary interview at a Korean Consulate in the US.
Quality of life
The rate of pay for TEFL teachers in South Korea compares favorably with pay scales back home, but as the cost of living is relatively low – even in bigger cities like Busan and Seoul – foreign teachers can afford to live very well. The pay is usually good enough to have an excellent time on the entertainment front and still have cash left over to save. The tax rate hovers at around 5%, and many of the teaching packages will include subsidized – and often free – housing. Return flights and free meals are other common features of the packages offered by many South Korean schools. You can also check out services like Flights.com for low fares.
Getting around
Getting around in South Korea is relatively simple, with all the taxis color-coded according to the type of service they offer. Basic service is indicated by grey and white, while black cabs tell you that the comfort is greater and the drivers are more experienced. Bus service in the major cities is excellent.
In terms of communications, South Korea is the only country in the world to have WiBro, DMB, and 100Mbits broadband, so keeping in touch with friends and family via online services like Skype is cheap, simple, and very efficient.
Shopping
Some of the largest shopping malls in the world can be found In South Korea, several of them larger than anything to be found in the US or Europe, so you should feel right at home. After a while, however, you might find yourself more comfortable exploring the street markets, where the prices are usually much lower.
Living and working in South Korea can be the perfect option for those looking to embark on an international career. With a strong economy and a wide range of work opportunities, increasing numbers of individuals from the western world looking for a fresh start – or to experience the thrills of living in a vibrant Asian country – are finding success and fulfillment in South Korea.
