Keep these in mind when coming to teach English in Korea

With what is going on in the world with the CCP coronavirus, I wonder if I might be sharing this post a little too late. I'll share it anyway, as what is here can be used for any country, Western and non-Western.


You've probably come across a ton of websites, blogs, videos, articles, and other kinds of content (both on- and offline) offering advice when coming to teach in South Korea--or just in coming to South Korea in general. There are tons of material out there for all to see. Having said that, what can I contribute?

I was thinking recently about what I would have wanted someone to tell me before I came to Korea. Of course, being told something and experiencing it are two very different games. That being stated, it's still good to have a "head's up" about what could come your way.

1. Korea is not what you're used to.

Rule of thumb: Korea culture is the opposite of your culture (if you're from Western culture). The individual is supposed to serve (and sacrifice) for the group. Age, marital status, and income are among the first things you'll be asked about. You'll feel weird eating out alone (ok, I didn't, but this is just not done).

2. You'll be a co-teacher/teaching assistant

You're not here to run your own show. You're the back-up dancer who's supposed to make the Korean teacher's/s' classes more effective and overall better. Even if you are given free rein over your classes, you will be working with other Korean teachers. Be considerate. Be humble.

3. This is a last-minute culture.

You think you can plan out your time off months in advance? Oh, isn't that cute!

You can have ideas and basic outlines, but you can't set anything in stone until maybe the week before (I'm referring to Summer and Winter holidays). On the weekends, you should be able to plan out what you'll do and carry them out, for the most part. Even on school days, you'll find out about a class that may have been canceled or switched as you're on your way to said class.

4. Don't forget: if you came to teach in Korea, you're here to teach, not just to travel/explore/learn/cook/etc.

Don't get me wrong: you can do all that stuff, just not at the expense of your job. This is a job, not a glorified working holiday--although it does feel like the latter sometimes, not gonna lie.

5. You'll gain celebrity status--both good and bad parts.

This goes more to anyone who doesn't look East Asian: everyone will be watching you. You will stick out and won't be able to hide. Think about that whenever you're feeling somewhat mischievous. If you are of East Asian descent, you'll be able to blend in better, but Koreans will expect you to speak Korean.

6. The kids know more than you might think.

The kids can sense when you don't care about them. Remember feeling underestimated as a kid? Remember how much that sucked? Keep that in mind when around the kids.

7. You need to be accommodating.

You are a guest in Korea. I repeat: You are a guest in Korea. Don't come expecting to do things your way. Don't think you will change the way people do things in Korea. They've been doing what they do and how they do it for millennia. You will not change them--but you will change. If you can't deal with that, then you should really consider why you want to go to Korea. Maybe going as a tourist is enough for you.

8. Other Generals to Remember

Don't be a jerk.

No one likes to be talked down on.

No one likes to be yelled at or blamed for something.

Everyone likes "thank yous" and recognition.

Be polite.

Don't be rude.

Pick up social cues.

Observe your surroundings (I'm always shocked at the number of people who don't do this).

If you don't understand something, ASK! If people get ticked when you ask many questions (because they were too vague and you're not trying to frustrate them), then they probably want to screw you over.

Above all: BE HUMBLE!!!

You may attract a lot of attention because you're new and "exotic" to many Koreans (who are all used to homogeneity), but that doesn't mean you can get away with murder on your new celebrity status. In fact, just the fact that you're a foreigner will be enough to blame you for anything and everything that goes wrong where a Korean is involved. Everyone will be watching you constantly. Not to make you paranoid but aware.

Everyone knows someone who knows someone in your school. News about you gets around--the good as well as the bad.

You WILL be the representative of your country/family/ethnicity here in Korea, so don't screw it up for the rest of us.


Questions? Noticed something I forgot? Please share in the comments. Let's help each other out while it's still legal.