What Is a Hagwon?
A Hagwon is a specialized English Language school in South Korea. If Korean students want to improve their English skills, they go to a Hagwon.
Hagwon schools hire Korean and foreign teachers to deliver the best overall experience for Korean students.
This way, they can interact with Korean teachers for instructional knowledge of the English language.
If Korean students want to build their language skills, they can hold English conversational classes with a native speaker. Students range in age from 5 to 90 years old with different skill levels.
What are examples of Hagwons in South Korea?
Some of the largest Hagwon recruit foreign teachers year-round.
The hiring process for a Hagwon is not as rigorous as EPIK or TaLK program. Although it’s easier and faster to get a job in a Hagwon, it takes time to get a work visa and start teaching.
One of the best parts about working for a Hagwon is that you can decide which city you want placement in. Also, they cover your flights and accommodation too.
READ MORE: How to Teach English in Korea with EPIK or a Hagwon
What Is the Hagwons Blacklist?
Some of the largest Hagwon recruit foreign teachers year-round. You can apply to any of the schools below and get hired
The hiring process for a Hagwon is not as rigorous as EPIK or TaLK program. Although it’s easier and faster to get a job in a Hagwon, it takes time to get a work visa and start teaching.
One of the best parts about working for a Hagwon is that you can decide which city you want placement in. Also, they cover your flights and accommodation too.
READ MORE: How to Teach English in Korea with EPIK or a Hagwon
What is the role of foreign teachers in a Hagwon?
As a foreign teacher at a Hagwon, you often help put a face to the school. You will indeed assist in promotional activities such as handing out flyers.
Your coworkers will invite you to join in extra-curricular work activities. This includes spending extra time with students at dinners and after-school functions.
Work hours are often long and not your typical 9-5 schedule. Instead, you’ll likely work evening and weekend hours to accommodate students’ school hours.
There are lots of work opportunities in South Korea. But because of their rapid growth, one of the most popular is working on a Hagwon.
What qualifications do you need to work in a Hagwon?
To get a work visa in South Korea, you need to have a Bachelor’s Degree. Teaching experience is not necessary but it does help.
Because students pay a lot for English lessons, TEFL certification should be the bare minimum teaching qualification you should have.
When you sign up for a TEFL course, you should try to pick one that gives you classroom observation and teaching experience.
We recommend the following TEFL certification courses:
Hagwons in South Korea
Korea is a growing economy with modern technology and ancient historical wonders. This mix of both worlds makes it a fascinating country to teach in.
In general, South Korea is safe and has a lot of opportunities to advance if you can speak the language.
I’ve spent over a year working in a Korean Hagwon. Sure, it wasn’t without its challenges.
But the friends you make and the culture you experience were the most rewarding part of all.