Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A degree in any subject is sufficient as long as English is your native language.
However, it's a good idea to obtain some kind of English-teaching qualification before
you arrive, as this increases your options and you should be able to find (and do) a better
job.
Some
hagwon
owners are less than ideal employers and don't pay all that they promise,
so check out the warnings on the ATEK website at the end of this section before commit-
ting yourself. Ask any prospective employer for the email addresses of foreign English
teachers working at the
hagwon,
and contact them for their opinion and advice. One im-
portant point to keep in mind is that if you change employers, you will usually need to ob-
tain a new work visa, which requires you to leave the country to pick up your new visa.
Your new employer may pick up all or at least part of the tab for this.
The best starting point for finding out more about the English-teaching scene is the
As-
Doing Business
Seoul Global Centre has brochures and advice about doing business in Seoul, including
taxation. Immigration staff are on hand and can help with some issues and paperwork.