For three exciting, kimchi-filled years of my ‘TEFL traveling’ life, I found myself living and teaching in South Korea. I’ll be honest – back then, South Korea wasn’t really on my radar. (This was pre-K-Pop world domination and before Squid Game had us all rethinking playground games.) But life has a funny way of throwing surprises your way. I stumbled across a teaching position, applied, and just weeks later, I was on a plane, wondering what exactly I was getting myself into.
Having spent years basking in the tropical sunshine of Thailand and leisurely backpacking around Southeast Asia, South Korea hit me like a whirlwind. The colder weather? A shock to my flip-flopped soul. The more regimented work schedule? Let’s just say my snooze button got more attention than ever. But as the weeks turned into months, and the months into years, I found myself falling head over heels for this dynamic country.
South Korea didn’t just make me a better teacher – it helped me grow as a person. I miss it so much that I’ve marked 2025 on my calendar as my ‘Return to Kimchi Land’ year.
If you’re teetering on the edge of making that leap to teach English in South Korea, let me nudge you over with 10 great reasons why you should just go for it:
- Make Money: South Korea doesn’t just pay; it pays well. Plus, many schools cover housing, leaving you with more cash for adventures, food, and, well, more food.
- Travel Cheaply: From the neon lights of Tokyo to the beaches of the Philippines, South Korea is perfectly positioned for budget-friendly travel around East Asia. Weekend in Japan, anyone?
- Eat Like Royalty: Forget basic BBQ – Korean barbecue will change your life. Meat sizzling on a grill at your table, endless side dishes (hello, free refills), and the occasional shot of soju? Yes, please.
- Live the Seoul Life: Seoul is the city that truly never sleeps. By day, it’s all business and high-speed Wi-Fi; by night, it’s karaoke rooms, late-night eats, and neon lights galore.
- Dance Like No One’s Watching (but they definitely are): Whether you’re a natural or have two left feet, learning a few K-Pop dance moves is practically a rite of passage. At the very least, you’ll burn off that barbecue.
- Experience Tech Meets Tradition: South Korea is a country where ancient palaces sit alongside futuristic skyscrapers, and monks scroll through Instagram on their way to temple. The blend of old and new is mesmerizing.
- Master the Kimchi Life: Love it or hate it, kimchi is everywhere – and making it yourself is a true badge of honor. Bonus: it’s rumored to ward off colds and vampires.
- Glow Like the Locals: South Korea’s skincare game is next-level. Get ready to stock up on sheet masks, snail creams, and mysterious serums that promise eternal youth.
- Dive into the Culture: From learning to read Hangul (the surprisingly easy Korean alphabet) to navigating Korean social etiquette, living here is an immersion like no other.
- Meet Incredible People: Whether it’s your fellow expats, your students, or friendly locals, you’ll form friendships that last a lifetime (and make for great excuses to travel later).
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your suitcase, perfect your “annyeonghaseyo,” and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Who knows? You might not just teach in South Korea – you might leave a piece of your heart there too. 🇰🇷✈️
If you’re thinking of teaching English abroad, check out my eBook on Amazon:
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