Teach at a Hagwon in Korea
Unlike public school programs where placement is random, hagwon teaching lets you choose your city. Most academies are in urban centers like Seoul and Busan. Korvia screens every partner academy for contract compliance and working conditions — so you can teach with confidence.
Apply Now₩2.1–3.0M
Monthly Salary
Year-Round
Start Dates
Nationwide
Locations
Vetted
All Partners
Housing
Included
20 Years
Placement Data
Why Korvia-Vetted Hagwons Are Different
The most common concern about hagwon teaching in Korea is contract reliability. Korvia has maintained detailed records on partner academies since 2006. We track salary payment history, teacher turnover rates, contract dispute resolution, and working condition complaints. Academies with unresolved issues are removed from our network. 94% of Korvia-placed hagwon teachers complete their full contract.
Contract Compliance Check
We verify that the contract you sign matches the actual working conditions. No bait-and-switch.
Salary Payment History
We track whether academies pay on time, every month, for years. Late-payers are removed.
Teacher Feedback Database
20 years of placement data. We know which schools treat teachers well — and which don't.
Dispute Resolution
If issues arise during your contract, Korvia mediates between you and the school.
Hagwon vs Public School: How Do They Compare?
| Feature | Hagwon (Private) | EPIK (Public) |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | ₩2.1M – ₩3.0M+ | ₩1.8M – ₩2.8M |
| Working Hours | Usually 2PM – 9PM | 8:30AM – 4:30PM |
| Class Size | 5 – 15 students | 20 – 35 students |
| Location Choice | You choose your city | Random placement (rural priority) |
| Start Dates | Year-round | March / September |
| Housing | Usually provided | Always provided |
| Airfare | Often included | Not included |
| Vacation | 11 days + holidays | 26 days + holidays |
| Contract Length | 12 months | 12 months |
| Curriculum | School-provided | Co-teach with Korean teacher |
| Standardization | Varies by school | Nationally standardized |
Types of Private Schools in Korea
English Kindergarten
Full-day English immersion for young learners. Teachers lead classroom activities, songs, stories, and basic literacy. Often the most rewarding and highest-paying hagwon positions.
₩2.2M – ₩2.8M/month
After-School Academy
The most common hagwon type. Students attend after regular school. Classes focus on conversation, reading, writing, and test preparation. Small class sizes of 5-15.
₩2.1M – ₩2.5M/month
Adult Conversation School
Business English and general conversation for adults. Often located in office districts. Professional environment with motivated students.
₩2.3M – ₩3.0M/month
International School
Full curriculum in English following international standards (IB, American, British). Requires teaching license. Highest salary but most competitive.
₩2.5M – ₩3.5M+/month
What Hagwon Teachers Say
“Working at a private academy is great because every day is different. In the mornings I teach kindergarten and in the afternoon I teach primary and middle school students. The varying ages keeps me on my toes and allows me to implement a variety of teaching techniques.”
— Bryan
“Working at a private academy has allowed me to really make a connection with my students and cater to their specific needs. The small class sizes, my wonderful co-workers, and the later starting time have made my time working here nothing short of exceptional!”
— Kelly
“I enjoy working at a private academy because we can tailor our lessons to the students' needs since we do not have to follow the public school curriculum. I also enjoy the small class sizes, which lead to more personalized, comfortable interactions.”
— Michael
“I really enjoy working at my private academy because of the community it built around me as soon as I moved to Korea. There were many English speakers who helped me navigate living in a new country.”
— Natalie
Red Flags Korvia Screens For
Late or inconsistent salary payments
Excessive overtime demands beyond contract terms
Contract terms that differ from the posted job offer
High teacher turnover (more than 50% not renewing)
Unresponsive management during teacher disputes
Withholding pension contributions or insurance enrollment
Requiring teachers to work on vacation days
Schools with any of these issues are removed from Korvia's partner network.
Korvia works with new schools as well as long-term partners — and sometimes a new partnership doesn't work out as expected. That's why your feedback matters. When teachers actively share their experiences — both positive and negative — it helps us build a stronger network of quality schools for future teachers. Every review and report directly shapes which academies remain in our partner network and which are removed.
Typical Hagwon Benefits Package
Monthly Salary
₩2,100,000 – ₩3,000,000+ depending on school type, location, and experience.
Housing
Furnished single apartment near the school, or a housing allowance (typically ₩400,000-600,000/month).
Airfare
Many hagwons include round-trip airfare. Some reimburse upon arrival, others upon contract completion.
Health Insurance
National Health Insurance with 50% employer contribution, same as public school programs.
Severance Pay
One month's salary paid upon contract completion (Korean labor law requirement).
Vacation
Typically 11 paid vacation days plus Korean national holidays.
Who Can Apply?
Bachelor's degree
Any major accepted. Education-related degrees may qualify for higher salary.
Citizenship
From USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa (E-2 visa eligible countries).
TEFL Certificate
Recommended for most positions. Required for some schools. Minimum 100 hours from accredited program.
Background Check
Clean criminal background check from your home country, apostilled.
Teaching Experience
Preferred for higher-salary positions but not required for entry-level. ESL, tutoring, or classroom experience all count.
How Korvia's Hagwon Placement Works
From application to your first day in the classroom — a clear 5-step process.
Apply
Day 1Submit your application with preferences — city, school type, salary range.
Browse & Match
1-2 weeksBrowse the Korvia Job Board and express interest in positions. We also match you with vetted schools that fit your criteria.
Interview
1 weekWe coordinate with the school to arrange an interview. A resume, photo, and demo lesson video may be requested. Experienced teachers in Korea may be asked for references.
Contract & Visa
2-4 weeksSign your contract. Korvia assists with E-2 visa and pre-departure prep.
Teach
StartArrive in Korea, move into housing, and start. Korvia supports you throughout.
Apply Through Korvia
Day 1Submit your application with preferences — city, school type, salary range, and schedule.
Browse & Match
1-2 weeksBrowse the Korvia Job Board and express interest in positions you like. We also match you with vetted schools based on your preferences.
Interview with Schools
1 weekKorvia coordinates with the school to arrange an interview. To improve your chances, a resume, professional photo, and demo lesson video may be requested. Teachers with experience in Korea may be asked for references for a background check.
Contract & Visa
2-4 weeksReview and sign your contract. Korvia assists with E-2 visa processing and pre-departure preparation.
Start Teaching
StartArrive in Korea, move into housing, and begin your position. Korvia provides ongoing support throughout.
Hagwon Teaching FAQ
Is it safe to teach at a hagwon in Korea?
Most hagwons are reputable, but conditions vary. The key is working with a recruitment agency like Korvia that screens schools. We've been tracking academy data since 2006 and only partner with schools that have clean records.
Can I choose which city to teach in?
Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages of hagwon teaching. You choose your city and school. Most hagwons are in urban areas (Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon) where demand for English education is highest. In contrast, EPIK prioritizes placing teachers in educationally underserved rural areas, so public school placement is largely random and you may end up in a small town far from major cities.
Do I need a TEFL certificate for a hagwon?
It's not legally required for the E-2 visa, but most quality hagwons prefer or require TEFL-certified teachers. Having a TEFL also qualifies you for higher-paying positions.
What's the typical schedule at a hagwon?
Most after-school academies run 2PM-9PM. English kindergartens run 9AM-2PM or 9AM-6PM. Adult conversation schools vary. You'll typically teach 25-30 hours per week.
How much can I save teaching at a hagwon?
With housing provided and a salary of ₩2.3M+, teachers typically save ₩800,000-₩1,500,000 per month depending on lifestyle and location. Seoul costs more but offers higher salaries.
Do good teachers get more opportunities at hagwons?
Whether you work at a public school or a hagwon, it's an employment contract — and employers want teachers who do a great job. High-performing teachers are valued everywhere, but hagwons offer more room for growth. A great teacher at a hagwon can negotiate higher salary renewals, get promoted to head teacher, or receive offers from competing schools. The private sector rewards performance more directly than the standardized public system.
Can I switch from a hagwon to EPIK or vice versa?
Yes. Many teachers do one year at a hagwon and switch to EPIK, or vice versa. Your teaching experience counts toward higher salary levels in EPIK. Korvia can help with the transition.
Find a Vetted Hagwon Position
Korvia has 20 years of data on which Korean academies treat their teachers well. Apply today to get matched with positions you can trust.