Public Schools vs. Hagwons: Which One’s Right for You?
Well, well, fancy meeting you here! I’m guessing you’re trying to solve the age-old question: public school or hagwon? Ask ten teachers and you’ll get ten wildly different answers. One swears by public schools, another can’t imagine life without a hagwon. The truth? It’s not that simple.
It’s not just about your teaching style. Your coworkers, the students you get, from highly motivated to occasionally mischievous, the city or rice fields you end up in, and even how you handle being far from home can all influence whether a public school or hagwon is the right fit for you. A great school in a remote area might feel very different from a so-so school in a bustling city.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and challenges of public schools and hagwons. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which environment might suit your personality, lifestyle, and teaching goals so you can make the most of your adventure in Korea.
Public Schools (EPIK Program)
The EPIK (English Program in Korea) is a government-sponsored gig that places native English speakers in public schools across South Korea. Their goal is to give students real exposure to English and help them gain confidence in the language.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect from EPIK schools:
Hiring period: Fall and spring intakes. Apply as early as possible to snag your spot.
Location: Anywhere from a bustling city to the middle of…well, nowhere. You can request a location, but placement isn’t guaranteed. Submitting your application early can increase your chances of landing your ideal spot.
Age group: Elementary, middle, and high school students (sometimes adults too). You can state a preference, but flexibility is key.
Salary: 2.0–2.7 million won per month.
Benefits: Housing (varies by area), flight reimbursement, health insurance, severance, sick days, pension, and bonuses.
Working hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30–4:30, though some schools might start a bit earlier or end a little later. Teaching hours typically total to about 22 per week.
Training: One-week orientation before your first day to get you oriented and ready to teach.
Class size: Usually 20–30 students.
Coworkers: Often the only foreigner at the school. You’ll usually have a co-teacher, though sometimes you’ll be teaching solo.
Job security: High! Funded by the government, so no worries about late payments or school closures.
In short: If you love structure, stability, and a little adventure, a public school is a solid choice. You might not land exactly where you planned, but that’s half the fun of the journey!
Hagwons (Private English Academies)
Hagwons are private academies where kids, teens, and even adults come for extra lessons in subjects of their choosing outside regular school hours. They’re everywhere in Korea, and teaching at one can feel very different from a public school. You can apply directly through a job post or use a recruiter to connect with a hiring school.
Here’s the rundown:
Hiring period: Year-round, so you have flexibility when applying.
Location: Want the buzz of a big city, the calm of nature, or a seaside commute? You have more control over where you work compared to public schools.
Age group: You pick! Teach children as young as 4, teens, or even adults.
Salary: Usually 2.3–3 million won per month.
Benefits: Housing, flight reimbursement, health insurance, severance, sick days, pension, and renewal bonuses. (Pro tip: Check contracts carefully—some perks vary by school.)
Working hours: Varies, but expect up to 30 hours/week. Typical schedules:
Kindergarten: 9 AM–6 PM
Elementary & High School: 1–9 PM or 2–10 PM
Adults: May involve split shifts (morning and evening)
Training: Varies—some schools provide formal training, others let you learn on the job.
Class size: Usually smaller, around 12 students or fewer.
Coworkers: There are often other native English speakers at your workplace, but you’ll usually be teaching with a co-teacher.
Job security: Less predictable than public schools. Hagwons are privately owned, so changes in enrollment or finances can impact your job.
In short: If you want more control over choosing your neighborhood and age group, a hagwon might just be your dream gig.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Both public schools and hagwons provide unique experiences, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. If you prioritize stability and structured hours, a public school may be your best fit. However, if you prefer a flexible schedule, want to be based in urban areas, and enjoy more autonomy in your teaching style, a hagwon could be perfect.
And here’s the thing—you don’t have to commit forever. It’s totally okay to try one type of school, see how it feels, and then switch. I personally worked with EPIK in the countryside for two years, but eventually wanted to be closer to Seoul and gave a hagwon a shot. Each experience taught me something new and shaped my adventure in Korea.
Think about your personal goals, lifestyle preferences, and the kind of work-life balance you want. Whatever you choose, Korea has plenty of opportunities to make your teaching adventure unforgettable!
