Choosing Your Teaching Path: Public Schools vs. Hagwons
A public school (left image) consist of large classrooms with up to 30 students while an English hagwon (right image) are smaller with fewer students.
Public School
The EPIK (English Program in Korea) is a government-sponsored program designed to place native English speakers in public schools across South Korea to teach English. Its goal is to improve English language skills among South Korean students by providing high-quality, interactive English instruction in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Hiring period: There's a fall and spring intake each year. You'll need to apply months in advance in order to be considered a teaching position.
Location: EPIK positions are available throughout South Korea. While applicants can specify preferences for a particular city or province, placement in that area is not guaranteed. You may be placed in a city, small town or the middle of no-where. The sooner you submit your application, the higher your chances of being placed in your desired location.
Age group: EPIK teachers may be assigned to work with students at the elementary, middle, or high school level. While applicants can indicate their preference for a specific age group, there is no guarantee they will be placed in that category. The flexibility to work with different age groups is an important part of the EPIK experience.
Salary: It usually ranges from 2.0 to 2.7 million won
Benefits: Housing, flight reimbursement, health insurance, severance, sick days, pension, and various bonuses
Working Hours: Teachers typically work Monday to Friday from 8:40-4:40 and only teach 22 hours a week.
Training: Before your first day of school, EPIK will provide a week long orientation where you'll be given a crash course about Korea and teaching tips to help ease you in.
Class size: Classes are typically large and can range from 20-30 students per class.
Vacation days: 26 days plus any additional Korean holidays.
Coworkers: In most cases you'll be the only foreigner at your school. Usually, you will be assigned a co-teacher(or 2) and they will assist you during lessons. Typically you will work closely with your co-teacher and plan lessons, but there are cases where you may have to do most of the lessons on your own.
Job security: Publics schools are funded by the Korean government, so you'll be protected. You don't have to worry about your school shutting down or late payments.
English Hagwon
A Korean English hagwon is a private language academy that offers English lessons outside of regular school hours. These academies cater to students of all ages, but they primarily focus on helping children and teenagers improve their English skills through extra lessons after school. Hagwons are especially popular in South Korea due to the country's strong emphasis on education and competitive academic environment.
Hiring period: The hiring process is year round.
Location: Hagwon positions are available throughout South Korea, and teachers have more control over their location preference. Unlike public schools, where placement is based on need, hagwon applicants can choose their preferred city or region, giving them more flexibility in where they work.
Age group: You can freely search and apply to the age range of your choosing. You can teach children as young as 4 years old and even adults.
Salary: It usually ranges from 2.3 to 3 million won
Benefits: Housing, flight reimbursement, health insurance, severance, sick days, pension, and renewal bonuses (benefits vary by school, BUT you are required by law to receive to all insurances and severance, so please review your contract carefully).
Working Hours: Work hours may vary depending on the age group and the specific academy, but teachers typically teach up to 30 hours a week. Here’s a general breakdown:
Kindergarten: 9 AM to 6 PM.
Elementary and High School: 1 PM to 9 PM or 2 PM to 10 PM.
Adults: Hours can vary, and you may work a split shift, teaching in the morning and then again in the evening.
Training: Varies. Some teachers may have time to train, while other schools let you learn along the way.
Class size: Classes are typically smaller with usually 12 students or less per class.
Vacation days: 10 days plus any additional Korean holidays.
Coworkers: Chances are that you will not the only native English speaker at your school. The number of other native English teachers will depend on the size of the academy. You're expected to teach classes on your own, but if you teach Kindergarten you may have a co-teacher to assist you.
Job security: Job security at hagwons is typically less stable than in public schools. Public schools are government-run and heavily regulated, while hagwons are privately owned and have more flexibility when it comes to hiring and firing. As a result, job security at a hagwon can be more unpredictable, influenced by factors such as changes in student enrollment or the academy’s financial situation.
Both public schools and hagwons provide unique experiences, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. If you prioritize stability, structured hours, and working within a larger team of teachers, a public school may be the ideal fit. However, if you prefer a flexible schedule, want to be based in urban areas, and enjoy having more autonomy in your teaching style, a hagwon could be the better option. Consider your personal goals, preferences, and the work-life balance you're seeking to help you make the best choice.
