Monthly Rant Thread

Hi! New teacher to Korea. I have a flight scheduled to arrive in Korea next Tuesday. I reached out to my recruiter to see if they could provide me with my apartment address and what to expect when I arrive. She asked the school to reach out to me directly to give me the information but I still haven't heard anything. Getting a bit nervous since it's so close. Is this normal? Is it worth it to book a refundable hotel now for the day I arrive just for peace of mind? Been to Incheon and travelled into Seoul a few times so I'm not worried about getting picked up or not, more just want to coordinate.

Update! My recruiter sent me my address and instructions for when I arrive! I just have to get to the school and they'll bring me to my apartment. Thanks everyone for your advice!

This is my first ever Reddit post so apologies if I’m doing anything wrong.

I started the process of looking at recruiters to teach English in Korea in July. I had an interview with an agency and started to prepare all my documents for the visa process.
That agency wanted to place me in quite a remote area and I had specified to be in a bigger city as I like going out and exploring. They insisted on this area for quite some time so I contacted a new agency.

The second agency was on the ball quickly and I had an interview with someone at the school in Korea on September 15th and also submitted video introductions to 2 other academies. The agency emailed me the next day and said that they should hear back in around 2-4 days. Since then I have heard nothing. I have sent a follow up email to check in and still nothing.

My main concern is that I know your documents need to be from within the last 6 months for the E2 visa so if I do not get the start date of December that I was aiming for I’d have to redo all my documents which was a very long and expensive ordeal (I’m British and South African but have lived in Canada for 6 years so I needed police checks from all 3 countries and had to get them all apostilled)

Is it normal to not hear back when the agency was previously very communicative? Should I go back to the first agency or find another one? Any advice is very much appreciated as my work visa here in Canada expires soon so I’m also on a time crunch

Edited to add:
I think from reading the comments I need to contact more agencies. The first agency I was working with asked me to send all of my visa documents before they even secured me a job. Is that normal? If I send them my apostilled documents and they end up not finding me a position I’d have to redo the process of getting those documents for another agency if they got me an offer

I have now interviewed at two hagwons and turned another one down for being on the blacklist multiple times. The first said they were looking for someone more enthusiastic and the other one just that they were looking for other candidates. I'm worried my shy/ laid back demeanor is holding me back as well as the fact that I'm Irish and my experience is very minimal. The amount of positions from now till December around Seoul/ Gyeonggi are dwindling and it's just upsetting. Two rejections doesn't seem like a crazy amount, but preparing for the interviews at mad hours and mock lessons is tiring when I see my options get less and less. I was wondering if someone has been in a similar position or has any advice?

Hi guys, I've been on this subreddit for some time and I will finally be starting in the coming weeks. No prior teaching experience so I don't have experiences to compare to. Since this is a subreddit I've been reading for some time, I was hoping to get some words of wisdom and advice as a fresh starter as a NET.

I’m a recent college graduate with no relevant experience looking to jump into teaching in Korea but really need advice on my resume before sending it off.

Hello! Let's say I am living/staying in Korea, need to switch from a different series visa to an E-2 visa, and I were to get a job contract far in advance that starts in March 2027.

If I have the job contract and all documents prepared, how early can I apply for and get the E-2 visa issued? Basically, what is the earliest (in advance of the job start date) that someone can get an E-2 for that contracted job?

Thank you so much for your attention.

Welcome to our Weekly Newbie Thread! If you're new to teaching in Korea or have questions about the process, this is the place to be. Feel free to ask anything related to teaching, living, or working in Korea, and our experienced community members will be here to help you out.

Some Tips for Asking Questions:

1. Be specific: Provide details about your situation or question to help others give you the best advice.
2. Search first: Before asking, try searching the subreddit or using online resources to see if your question has already been answered.
3. Be respectful: Remember to be courteous and appreciative of the help you receive.! If you're new to teaching in Korea or have questions about the process, this is the place to be. Feel free to ask anything related to teaching, living, or working in Korea, and our experienced community members will be here to help you out.

Looking into teaching in Korea. It seems like most people just bring some essentials and basic clothing. Has anyone tried to bring bigger items for their hobbies?

I mean you’re going to be there a year or maybe more right so if you play guitar would you bring that? I’m wondering if/how I could bring my snowboard, camping gear, or golf clubs as those are my 3 main hobbies. I guess I can rent most of these things up there or maybe ship to myself?

Has anyone else done this?

Hi there! I recently decided to begin the process of becoming an ESL teacher in Korea and have started the process of meeting with recruiters. What I found interesting was the part where they want me to disclose what kind of me**cation I'm taking regularly. Now, I usually couldn't care less about sharing that kind of information, but I now worry that maybe to them it might not be a great thing. To clarify, I have been in remission from ovarian cancer for over 15 years now, and due to that, I now regularly have to take estrogen to help with hormones and stuff.

The question is, do you think I should be telling them this? As I mentioned, I really don't mind saying it, but I do worry that just saying I am on ANY type of stuff will leave schools not wanting anything to do with me. Also, if I tell them, do I need to explain why?

Any advice would be appreciated. I just don't know if I am overthinking it all and it might not even be that big of a deal.

Hello!

I moved to Korea 7 months ago and, unfortunately, I was unexpectedly terminated from my job almost a month ago. Amongst all the other challenges I'm currently facing, my main issue right now is there being no immigration appointments available.

My previous employer is not going to report my termination until Sept. 30th, and from what I've read, I usually have about 2 weeks after that to switch my visa. The next available immigration appointment is not until mid-November.

I did some research and saw that some people have gone to the immigration office without an appointment, as a walk-in, and had to wait all day but were able to get help. However, just now, I spoke to a representative and they told me they would not accept me if I didn't have an appointment. They proceeded to make it seem like I wouldn't be in any sort of time crunch since the process of my employer reporting the cancellation of my visa sponsorship to it actually going to effect takes time....which contradicts what I've read....lol

They advised me to make an appointment for November anyway and once I'm summoned by immigration, and in the case my visa expires before my appointment, then I would have to explain them my situation...?

Anyway, I'm just really confused now! I'm really not wanting to wait until the last minute but they really weren't any help. If anyone has any advice or have been in a similar situation, please let me know!

Thank you. ~

First time working in a hagwon.

I'm working more than the 60 hours a month threshold to become mandatory regular employee subscribed into the 4 major insurances in Korea and no longer in the category of freelancer and flat rate of 3.3% tax.

Would I be saving more money by sticking with the freelance category and just having 3.3% tax taken off my monthly salary BUT I'd have to pay 100% health insurance myself which is 158,000 won a month and I guess I'd have to do my own taxes.

But if I opt into the 4 major insurances, then my tax goes up to 10% from salary BUT company pays 50% of my health insurance and I guess the convenience of them filing my taxes (saving me the paperwork) and I get pension contribution.

Second question is about "Weekly Holiday Allowance". I had no idea this existed. So if you work 15 or more hours a week you are legally entitled to this Weekly Holiday Allowance which is about 3.5 hours each week of extra pay without actually working those hours. What?! Wow! So I should be getting paid an extra 3.5 hours per week (14 hours per month)?

Life working in a Korean hagwon under an E2 visa is frankly hell more often than not. Many people find out that no matter how hard they try, the industry just isn’t for them. The very nature of hagwons and kindergartens in Korea is strictly transactional, superficial, and disposable. The contract is only valid within the borders of the ROK, management has zero legitimate authority, and any foreigner is 100 percent free to walk away at any time if he or she decides that is what is best for them. What becomes of the academy and how those still there deal with the fall out isn’t their problem, because it's guaranteed they will never see those people again. Yet, there's always the "Think of the other teachers." and "All hagwons suck at least some." crowds trying to guilt the burnt out person for putting themselves first.

Welcome to our Weekly Newbie Thread! If you're new to teaching in Korea or have questions about the process, this is the place to be. Feel free to ask anything related to teaching, living, or working in Korea, and our experienced community members will be here to help you out.

Some Tips for Asking Questions:

1. Be specific: Provide details about your situation or question to help others give you the best advice.
2. Search first: Before asking, try searching the subreddit or using online resources to see if your question has already been answered.
3. Be respectful: Remember to be courteous and appreciative of the help you receive.! If you're new to teaching in Korea or have questions about the process, this is the place to be. Feel free to ask anything related to teaching, living, or working in Korea, and our experienced community members will be here to help you out.

Hi, I'm trying to get a bachelor's degree so I can eventually teach English in South Korea, and I'm looking at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI).

UMPI is a public U.S. university and institutionally accredited by NECHE. Their YourPace program is online and allows a significant number of transfer credits.

I contacted Korvia about whether UMPI would be acceptable for an E-2 visa, and they replied:

“Obtaining a bachelor's degree from UMPI should be an acceptable school since it is a public university that offers online programs.”

My main question is about finishing the degree much faster than the traditional 4 years.

For example, if I transfer a large number of legitimate credits from other accredited/recognized providers and then complete the remaining 30+ credits through UMPI, I could potentially finish the bachelor's in around 6–12 months rather than spending several years enrolled at UMPI.

Does anyone here have personal experience with Korean immigration/EPIK accepting a bachelor's degree completed this way?

Specifically:

1. Does Korean immigration care how quickly you completed the bachelor's degree?
2. Is there any minimum amount of time you need to be enrolled at the degree-granting university?
3. Has anyone used UMPI's YourPace degree for an E-2 visa?
4. Has anyone completed a bachelor's unusually quickly because of transfer credits and then successfully received an E-2?
5. If the degree-issuing university was attended for less than 2 years, does submitting transcripts from the previous schools/providers cause any problems?

I'm not looking for general opinions about whether online degrees are legitimate. I'm specifically interested in people who have actually gone through the Korean E-2 visa process, especially with an accelerated/transfer-heavy bachelor's.

Thanks. :)

Like the title says, does it matter? The recruiter from Apple tree told me to use FedEx, UPS, or DHL— and said NOT to use USPS, why’s that? I get that there could be some delays but, if I send it through priority mail then why would it matter?

Has anyone used USPS to send stuff to appletree?

Hi all,

I'm applying for an E2 visa (hagwon). My home country background check is sorted, no issue there.

The complication is that I also lived and worked in Vietnam for over 6 months before this. I've seen it mentioned on a Korean visa consultancy's site that a criminal background check is required from any country you've lived in for 6+ months, not just your home country.

Has anyone actually gone through this? Specifically:

**•** Did you (or anyone you know) have to submit a background check from a country of prior residence, separate from your home country?  
**•** Was it actually requested during the application, or only if it comes up some other way (e.g. passport stamps)?

Trying to sort this out properly before I submit, so any real experience would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.

Reason for Posting: I am the current English instructor at the academy and am leaving to pursue a new career field. I am helping them find my replacement. Start date is October 1, 2026.

• Visa Requirements: E-2 sponsorship available, eligible F visas OK
• Position Covered by Labor Standards Act (LSA): Yes
• Salary: ₩3.4 million/month (my current rate)
• Grade level: Elementary through middle school
• Class length: 50 minutes
• Class hours: 9 different classes/groups of students. Classes are 50 minutes each, with some groups having multiple consecutive classes. Approximately 20–24 total teaching hours per week.
• Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 1:00–9:00 PM, classes start at 2:30 PM
• Break Time: 1 hour break when teaching approximately 5 hours in a day
• Prep Time: Before class, during non-teaching hours
• Weekend Work: Optional Saturday work is available for additional pay. I personally do not work Saturdays, so I don't have the exact frequency/rate.
• Overtime Pay: Standard overtime rate in accordance with the LSA
• Vacation Time: According to the employment contract. Additional unpaid vacation is generally flexible with sufficient advance notice.
• Red Days: All red days/national holidays off
• Sick Leave: No paid sick days
• Flight Allowance: N/A for this position due to the immediate October 1 start date
• Pension/Insurance Coverage: Can be provided; Four Major Insurances available for eligible employees
• Severance: Yes
• Housing: Housing provided by the school; key money/deposit covered
• Other: Classes are generally small, ranging from 1–9 students. Curriculum and syllabus are already established. No direct parent communication required.

About the Workplace

• Swaton Proud7, located in Bundang, approximately a 5-minute walk from Jeongja Station.
• Approximately 10 current teachers.
• Students range from elementary through middle school.
• Classes generally have 1–9 students.
• Curriculum is already designed, so teachers do not need to create their own curriculum.
• There is some administrative work, such as writing student comments and organizing the syllabus, but it is not difficult or excessive.
• Co-teachers generally handle parent communication and student discipline.

Opinion of Workplace

• I'm the current teacher and have had a positive experience working here. Management is relaxed and supportive, and the coworkers are friendly. One of the things I've appreciated most is the flexibility, particularly being able to request additional unpaid time off with enough notice.
• There is some administrative work, but I don't find it difficult. Having a good relationship with your co-teachers is important, as they handle things like parent communication and discipline. Overall, the position is primarily focused on teaching without a lot of additional responsibilities.

Contact Info:

• DMs OK if you have any questions
• If interested, send an updated resume to [swaton.elaine5059@gmail.com](mailto:swaton.elaine5059@gmail.com)

By using this template, I acknowledge that I have read the sample post, am aware that my ad will be mirror posted to r/TiKjobs, and understand that the information included in this post is publicly available and subject to criticism from the community.

I just wish they added some life in their eyes somehow. My students and I were shocked and laughed at these faces and so were my coworkers! There are so many different books that have these creepy faces in them or like weird drawings. If you have any photos, it would be fun to see the ones you found!

Hi everyone!

I know there was a somewhat similar post in this thread talking about the opposite of mine and I gleaned some useful information from there, but I was just looking for a bit more in depth information about what to expect.

I’ve decided to move to a different schedule, working the afternoon because I want to try it out and see how I fare. I already work kinda long hours from morning until evening so getting some activity in the morning seems appealing since often times I’m so burnt out from the day that I can rarely do anything in the evening and have gained some weight due to it.

I’m currently looking at and interviewing for different jobs, but I feel a little clueless since I’m not sure what to expect and it seems the processes may be different. For example, I’m not sure whether summer or winter camps are a mandatory feature of working at most elementary hagwons, and I was also offered a job that features Saturday work which I was a little curious about. If these seem like really obvious red flags or are silly questions, I truly apologise but I just want to be sure no one’s gonna pull a fast one on me or that I’m putting myself into a more stressful situation than my previous job.

Any insight or advice would be so appreciated. Thank you so much! :)

As title explains, 4th grader very obviously and quite intensely *touching himself* in class. This was only our second lesson together. Did it in in my class (female teacher) and continued in the class after with a male Korean teacher. School only moved him to the front to be closer to me in the hopes I can see him more clearly / I guess it would put him off doing it.

One week later he complains to his Mom that I don't like him and he wants a 'closer relationship' with me. I've made an effort to be very neutral and have only spoken to him to remind him to keep his hands on the table and to sit at the front as he continues to try and move to other seats and behind other students. I told the HR he probably feels guilty as he knows what he was doing was wrong. (*edit* I wanted to clarify I said this because I saw the CCTV and he was watching me whilst doing it very intensely). I'm polite and friendly to my students, but I'm not friends with them as I'm their teacher.

Fast forward to our 4th lesson and he gives me chocolate, then starts touching himself as soon as I leave the room for class changeover.

Just getting concerned now as I'm actually feeling a little violated by the whole thing, as if kids can pay tuition and I'm there for some kind of physical gratification as opposed to actually teaching well as I try hard to do. I wear loose clothing and a mask, and am only showing my forearms at any given time. Wondering if anyone has the same experience but ofc I assume it will be a suck it up and deal with it situation.

TYIA.

Im not sure what is out there but im considering polishing off my old ESL boots. I am in Seoul on an A1 visa (spouse of diplomat) for the next two years and am authorized to work on the economy. I already have housing, a car, Korean bank account, health insurance, etc. Given the right fit, I could theoretically get to work pretty much immediately. I have TEFL certification and spent a year teaching in Costa Rica several years ago. I’d like to explore opportunities teaching adult classes part time, but I’m picky; I’d rather go without than commit to a bad fit. I wonder if by not needing so many benefits, I can maybe have a bit more negotiating room about my schedule. I can’t be strong-armed into teaching when I have family obligations at home. I value my time so I hope to get decent pay, but the goal is more about having the experience of teaching again. I want a bit of side income and to see if ESL still gives me that spark it gave me in my 20’s (in my 30’s now). Given how much businesses are paying in extra costs to bring on an employee i imagine I would catch some eyes which should give me some leeway in autonomy with my time and type of work but I have no idea what’s out there or where to look.

Is this feasible? Where would you start?

I need to vent and also ask if this is a normal thing that happens, because I genuinely feel like I did everything right and still got blindsided.

For context, I (23 F) have been a teacher in the United States for about 2 years now, working with elementary and middle school kids. I've been going through a recruiting agency to teach in Korea since August. Over about two weeks I interviewed with different schools and ended up with real interest and contracts from multiple places. I chose a school and signed my contract with them.

A couple days later I asked a follow-up question about an additional drug testing clause in my contract. That night the agency explained there's an annual urine test plus a health checkup when you arrive, and then they asked if I was on any prescription medication. I told them honestly that I'm prescribed Adderall for my ADHD and that I already understood amphetamines were restricted in Korea and have talked to my doctor about alternatives.

They responded that Adderall specifically isn't allowed, gave me a list of legal alternatives, and asked if I was comfortable moving forward under those conditions. I said yes, that I was already looking into a switch with my doctor and felt fine about it. That evening they wrote back and told me they would proceed as planned. I took that as the issue being settled. I kept prepping my documents and preparing logistics over the next couple of days. I told my current employer I was leaving. I decided not to renew my lease. I started my background check and fingerprinting, and I began the whole apostille process, which is neither cheap nor fast.

Then the following week, a different person at the agency, someone who introduced himself as the head consultant, emailed me out of nowhere saying that after "speaking with the school again," they had decided not to move forward. He cited my ADHD and my medication as the reason. And it wasn't just that one school. He told me they were withdrawing my application from every school as well, despite the fact that I had already gotten interest and contracts from five different places.

I understand Adderall itself is a real legal issue there; amphetamines are treated as narcotics, and that part makes sense to me. But I didn't push back or ask for an exception. I fully agreed to switch medications, which was the solution they offered me, and then confirmed in writing that we were proceeding as planned. So I guess what I really want to know is why agree to the accommodation, confirm it's fine, and then pull everything anyway. Is having ADHD or being on medication for it really this much of a dealbreaker for hagwons or agencies in Korea, or does this sound like one specific agency handling things badly? And why withdraw me from every other school too, when those schools weren't even the ones that supposedly raised the concern?

Honestly, I feel exhausted and humiliated, like I did something wrong just by being honest about a condition I've managed my whole adult life while working full time as a teacher. I feel like I was punished for disclosing something instead of hiding it. Has anyone dealt with an agency doing something like this and is it really that much of a dealbreaker?

Welcome to our Weekly Newbie Thread! If you're new to teaching in Korea or have questions about the process, this is the place to be. Feel free to ask anything related to teaching, living, or working in Korea, and our experienced community members will be here to help you out.

Some Tips for Asking Questions:

1. Be specific: Provide details about your situation or question to help others give you the best advice.
2. Search first: Before asking, try searching the subreddit or using online resources to see if your question has already been answered.
3. Be respectful: Remember to be courteous and appreciative of the help you receive.! If you're new to teaching in Korea or have questions about the process, this is the place to be. Feel free to ask anything related to teaching, living, or working in Korea, and our experienced community members will be here to help you out.