When I taught in Korea in 2015, I worked with elementary and middle school students. I figured out almost immediately that middle school was not an age range I enjoyed. So, when I decided to come back last year, I accepted a job teaching kindergarten and elementary.
I work at a private academy (or hagwon), which is different from government-run schools. My working hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM, with 10 days of paid vacation (determined by the school), national holidays off (there are quite a few), health insurance, and a rent-free apartment near school. I am currently the head foreign teacher and make 2,300,000 won/month before taxes. 2,100,000/month is an average starting salary.
My kindergarten classes are between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. After that, I teach elementary classes. At my school, I have one homeroom class that I spend the majority of my time with. They are seven years old. I teach them language arts, writing, and project where we do research on a specific topic for two week periods. Additionally, I teach art to my homeroom class as well as the four other kindergarten classes during the week. It completely worked out by accident that I ended up being the art teacher, but I’m really happy about it. It almost feels like I’m using my college degree.
Kindergarteners also get snacks and lunch provided by the school (teachers get lunch, too). It’s usually a well-rounded meal with rice, soup, a protein, and veggies. Most of the time it’s traditional Korean food, but we’ve had things like spaghetti and chicken tenders before, as well. Our cook is freakin’ awesome. I love being able to try different foods at school every day that I might not have been exposed to otherwise.
Fridays are usually special days at school. Sometimes we do cooking classes. Other days, we do field trips (we’ve gone to the whale museum in Ulsan) or have events (we recently did a huge water gun fight). We also have a big birthday party once a month.
After my regular kindergarten classes end, I teach an accelerated reading class to two students twice a week. I also teach two lower level reading classes and a more advanced reading/writing class. For the most part, curriculums and materials are provided. However, I like to supplement with materials I create or find on my own. I’m really grateful that there is a lot of room to do my own thing at work.
This job is so different from the one I held in Korea previously. I am so happy to work here and look forward to coming in every day.
Do you have any questions about teaching in Korea? What’s your job like? Feel free to leave me a comment!
Tia Ziagos 
HELLOOO TIA. It’s Laureen. I just read your email and was smiling throughout the whole description of what you are doing. This is fantastic experience and you seem to fit right in perfectly with all good benefits included. You are very lucky but am I sure you are working hard to justify that luck. Please send some pics of your students, I would love to see them.
I am currently doing Board meeting minutes in the den at home and preparing for Christina and kids visit to NJ in several days.
How is your fiance’? I hope all is going well with your relationship.
Have to work now, but thanks for sending your email out. We love to hear from you, and next time you are visiting home just call us as we welcome you anytime.
Love and miss your laughter….Miss Laureen…hahaha
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