There are though some downsides to teaching English in South Korea, which recruiters and under-the-radar affiliate promoters of TEFL/TESOL courses don’t seem to mention in their appraisals of teaching English in South Korea.
Over the years, we have helped a lot of our graduates find teaching work in South Korea, and we have also heard a lot of feedback on the virtual grapevine from various sources, and it’s pretty apparent that you are either going to love teaching here, or hate it. The feedback really has been as polarized as that.
The main issue teachers have of course is regarding (privately-run) hagwon schools, where you could find yourself at the mercy of a poorly-run school and an employer who will either underpay you or try not paying you at all. And this is predominantly why we only recommend that our graduates teach at public schools. Of course, it is completely up to you where you teach, but please bear in mind that while some hagwons are very professionally run a generous number of bad apples openly operate with impunity.
The most common complaint though is the work ethic. Teaching English in South Korea definitely offers up incredible financial benefits, but you seriously have to work for them. It’s hard work and while you will have time to go traveling around the region in your holidays, don’t necessarily assume that you will always have the freedom of weekend travel too. As a new teacher you should expect to be spending a substantial amount of your time at the beginning planning classes.
On the other hand though, there are not many teaching English destinations where you can simply opt to travel by taxi everywhere because you can afford it and don’t fancy hanging around for the next bus, or where you can pop to the ATM pretty much (within reason of course) whenever you need to and have enough money to go out for dinner multiple nights a week.
We just want you to be aware that yes, the benefits of teaching English in South Korea are excellent. And yes, you will definitely be working very hard for your money/lifestyle.