SEC — Seongdong Global Experience Center
성동글로벌체험센터. Seoul's first American homestay simulation program — four immersive English centers in Seongdong-gu since 2013. Live and teach in the heart of Seoul.
Apply Now₩3.0M
Starting Salary
₩3.8M
Max (Renewal)
₩600K
Housing Allowance
Seoul
Seongdong-gu
20 Days
Paid Vacation
4 Centers
Across District
What Is the Seongdong Global Experience Center?
The Seongdong Global Experience Center (SEC) was established in 2013 as Seoul's first American homestay simulation program. Operated by Seongdong-gu District Office, it consists of four centers — Yongdap, Geumho, Seongsu, and Majang — providing local students with immersive English learning through real-life scenarios. Selected as a Seoul Innovation Education District in 2017, SEC aims to reduce private education costs while fostering global talent. The program serves elementary students (grades 3-6) with hands-on cultural and English experiences.
Four Centers Across Seongdong
Yongdap Global Experience Center
용답 글로벌 체험센터
Opened: Feb 2013
Staff: 2 native teachers + 1 admin
Rooms: 2 cultural experience rooms + open activity space
Size: 255㎡ (B1-2F)
Geumho Global Experience Center
금호 글로벌 체험센터
Opened: Jul 2017
Staff: 2 native teachers + 1 admin
Rooms: 2 experience rooms + open kitchen
Size: 101㎡
Seongsu Global Experience Center
성수 글로벌 체험센터
Opened: Apr 2019
Staff: 2 native teachers + 1 specialist
Rooms: Space Room (theater + LED) + Earth Room
Size: 144㎡
Majang Global Experience Center
마장 글로벌 체험센터
Opened: Apr 2023
Staff: 1 native teacher + 1 admin
Rooms: Compact experience space
Size: 29㎡
What You'll Teach
SEC runs a variety of English programs across all four centers. Here's what students experience.
1-Day English Experience
Grade 3"Hello, World" themed program — students explore global festivals through games, crafts, and interactive activities. ~1,000 students per year at Yongdap.
2-Day English Experience
Grade 4Intensive 2-day programs at Geumho ("World Explorer" theme) and Seongsu ("Discovery & Exploration" — ocean and space science). ~1,000+ students per year.
English Camps
Grades 1–6Summer and winter vacation camps (3-4 sessions/week). Themed around animals, cartoons, science, and seasonal topics. 10-15 students per group.
Short-Term Programs
Grades 1–6Creative fusion programs combining English with art, science, and other subjects. Builds global mindset through cross-curricular activities.
Global Meetings
High SchoolStudents present on Korean and foreign cultures in English, exchange perspectives, and practice public speaking with native teachers.
Cultural Events
All AgesEaster, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Children's Day festivals. Students experience foreign holidays with native English teachers.
Infant Programs
Ages 6-7Play-based English programs for preschoolers during peak language development. 10 children per session at Geumho center.
One-Day Experience Events
Grades 1–6Light, fun activities designed to break down barriers to English. Short-term motivation boost for ongoing language learning.
Salary & Benefits
Monthly Salary
₩3.0M
Starting
₩3.8M
Max (Renewal)
+₩100K annual increase based on performance evaluation
₩600,000/month
Housing Allowance
Arrange your own accommodation in Seoul
₩1,500,000
Entrance Allowance
For teachers arriving from overseas
₩1,500,000
Exit Allowance
Upon successful contract completion
₩300,000
Settlement
One-time payment for initial setup
20 days/year
Paid Vacation
Plus Korean national holidays
7 days/year
Sick Leave
Paid sick days
50% covered
Health Insurance
National Health Insurance
1 month salary
Severance Pay
Upon contract completion
₩26,000/hr
Overtime
For approved extra hours
+10 days leave
Renewal Bonus
Extra consecutive vacation days
E-2 Visa
Visa Sponsorship
Provided by employer
50% covered
Pension
National pension contribution
A Day at SEC
8:30
AM
Arrive
9:00
AM
Classes Begin
12:30
PM
Lunch Break
1:30
PM
Afternoon
5:30
PM
Finish
30
Teaching Hours/Week
Mon–Fri
5-Day Work Week
1 Year
Renewable Contract
What Makes SEC Special
Based in Central Seoul
Unlike most public English programs, SEC is in Seongdong-gu — one of Seoul's most vibrant districts. Full access to Seoul's urban lifestyle, subway, shopping, and nightlife.
Highest Starting Salary
₩3.0M starting with annual increases up to ₩3.8M for renewing teachers. One of the highest-paying public English teaching positions in Korea.
Homestay Simulation
Seoul's first American homestay simulation program. Students experience real-life English scenarios rather than textbook-based learning.
Seoul Innovation District
Selected as Seoul Innovation Education District in 2017. Part of the city's initiative to provide quality public English education and reduce private education costs.
Performance-Based Growth
Annual salary increases of ₩100K/month for teachers who demonstrate strong teaching ability and contribution. Clear growth path to ₩3.8M.
Seongsu-dong Lifestyle
Seongdong-gu includes Seongsu-dong — 'Seoul's Brooklyn.' Converted warehouses, trendy cafes, galleries, Han River access, and Lines 2/5/Bundang subway.
Your Duties
Prepare and produce teaching materials for English classes
Teach English classes at assigned Global Experience Centers
Assist in the development and execution of special programs and events
Participate in new program development and improvement
Enhance activities and community engagement
Participate in teacher workshops conducted by the employer
Support additional facility and program operation tasks as requested
Living in Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Seongdong-gu is one of Seoul's most exciting districts. Home to Seongsu-dong (often called "Seoul's Brooklyn"), it's a hub of creativity with converted warehouses turned into cafes, galleries, and concept stores. The district sits along the Han River with easy subway access (Lines 2, 5, Bundang Line) to Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon.
In 2025, Seongdong District hosted the Global Cultural Experience Festival— an event where English teachers from various countries ran cultural experience booths for children, showcasing the district's commitment to global education and cultural exchange.
Visit Seongdong-gu Official Site →How to Apply
Submit Online Application
Apply through Korvia at korvia.com/apply. Korvia is the exclusive recruitment agency for SEC positions.
Prepare Documents
- ✓Resume / CV
- ✓Professional photo
- ✓TEFL/TESOL certificate
- ✓Reference letters
- ✓Demo lesson video (may be requested)
Interview & Placement
Korvia coordinates the interview with Seongdong-gu District Office. Selected candidates are assigned to one of the four centers. E-2 visa sponsorship is provided by the employer.
Start Teaching in Seoul
Begin your contract at SEC. You'll receive the ₩1,500,000 entrance allowance (for overseas arrivals), ₩300,000 settlement allowance, and start teaching at your assigned center in Seongdong-gu.
SEC FAQ
Q.How much does SEC pay, and how does salary grow?
Starting salary is ₩3,000,000/month with annual performance-based increases of ₩100,000/month, up to ₩3,800,000/month for renewing teachers. On top of salary, you receive a ₩600,000 monthly housing allowance, ₩1,500,000 entrance allowance, ₩300,000 settlement allowance, 20 paid vacation days, and a full month of severance on contract completion.
Q.Where exactly will I be teaching in Seoul?
SEC operates 4 centers across Seongdong-gu, Seoul: Yongdap (opened 2013), Geumho (2017), Seongsu (2019), and Majang (2023). You'll be assigned to one of them. Seongdong-gu includes Seongsu-dong — known as 'Seoul's Brooklyn' — with easy access to Lines 2/5 and the Bundang Line, plus the Han River.
Q.Who are the students at SEC?
Primarily elementary students (Grades 3–6), with some programs for infants (ages 6–7) and high schoolers. SEC was Seoul's first American homestay simulation program, so the approach is scenario-based — students practice real-life English through themed programs, camps, cultural events, and Global Meetings.
Q.What are the work hours and teaching load?
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, with 30 teaching hours per week. Contracts are 1 year, renewable. The schedule includes 20 paid vacation days, 7 paid sick days, and renewing teachers get an additional 10 consecutive leave days as a renewal bonus.
Q.What are the eligibility requirements for SEC?
You must be a native English speaker from one of the 7 E-2 eligible countries with a bachelor's degree and TEFL/TESOL certification. A demo lesson video may be requested during the hiring process. SEC provides E-2 visa sponsorship through Seongdong-gu District Office.
Q.How do I apply to SEC?
Apply through Korvia at korvia.com/apply — Korvia is the exclusive recruitment agency for SEC positions. Korvia handles document screening, coordinates the interview with Seongdong-gu District Office, and manages placement at one of the four centers.
Teach in the Heart of Seoul
SEC offers ₩3.0M starting salary with growth to ₩3.8M — one of Korea's highest-paying public English teaching positions. Apply through Korvia.