Teaching English In Korea: Real Stories from American Teachers Living Abroad
Aclipse – Your Path to Teaching English Abroad and Living Overseas
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RECRUITER EXPERIENCE
REVIEWS FROM OUR TEACHERS IN KOREA
Teaching & Living in Korea: A Real Teacher’s Experience
Thinking about teaching English abroad? Your adventure starts here. Let our American educators show you what it’s really like to live, work, and thrive in South Korea. From bustling high-tech cities to tranquil mountain temples, discover the rich culture and community that makes Korea so special. These real stories from U.S. teachers will inspire you to imagine your own journey beyond the classroom.
Nico moved to Korea on a whim—and ended up staying five years. For her, the transition wasn’t just smooth—it was transformational. Overnight, she went from Hollywood streets to Seoul subway stations, finding new friendships and adventures around every corner. She loved that midnight walks in the city felt as safe and energizing as a morning stroll in L.A. Everywhere she looked there were fun surprises: Hello Kitty cafés, spicy kimchi on every table, and the skyline sliced by ancient temple rooftops. “Korea struck a balance between the unfamiliar and the exciting,” she says. By the end of her first month, the country felt less like a foreign land and more like a second home.
Alecia arrived expecting the usual classroom challenges. Instead, she found students who dazzled her with motivation. In her Korean middle school, children were eager to learn English – volunteering for extra tasks, staying late to practice, and greeting her with genuine respect each morning. This deep passion in students was new to Alecia. “Unlike back home, where sometimes kids drag their feet, here they go above and beyond,” she recalls. Seeing their dedication made Alecia feel empowered as an educator. She adapted her teaching style to be more interactive and creative, and in return the students responded with curiosity and enthusiasm. Each day felt like a partnership in learning, and Alecia discovered new strengths in herself as she helped these bright young minds grow.
The moment Julianna stepped off the plane in Busan, her heart raced. Everything was unfamiliar: the sounds of the language, the street signs, even which side of the road to look at when crossing. But it didn’t take long for fear to melt away. On day two, she was offered a comforting smile from a coworker who showed her how to get to school. Within a week, she’d made friends at a local language-exchange meetup, learning Korean and making Korean friends. Weekends turned into beach trips and hiking adventures with fellow expats and new Korean friends. “Thanks to the warm welcome from everyone I met, my fear turned into excitement,” she reflects. By the end of her first two weeks, April felt confident navigating Seoul’s subway, ordering her favorite mandu (dumplings) at a neighborhood restaurant, and even teaching her first full lesson. She realized she had taken the first steps in an unforgettable journey.
Life In Korea
Living in Korea As An American Teacher
Culture, Customs & Connection
Hospitality That Feels Like Family
From your first day in a new city, you’ll notice Koreans go out of their way to help. Coworkers might invite you to dinner or share tips on the best local spots. Even strangers in a store or subway can give friendly directions or help with Korean to English translations. Many American teachers describe Korea as having a warm, community-driven culture. You’re likely to find neighbors who become friends, students who become adopted “disciples” cheering for you, and gatherings that turn into celebrations.
Delicious Diversity
Be ready to fall in love with Korean cuisine. Every meal is a feast: grills sizzle with barbecue, spicy soups warm your soul, and endless side dishes (banchan) keep meals interesting. Vegetarians and picky eaters can find options too, as global foods and vegetarian dishes are increasingly common in cities. Food markets, street stalls, and cozy family restaurants make daily dining an adventure.
Aesthetic Living – Modern Meets Traditional
Imagine living where every block has a photo-worthy scene. Korea blends cutting-edge modern life with beautiful traditions. Sleek skyscrapers and hi-tech cafés stand next to centuries-old temples. Streets are spotless, the Wi-Fi is lightning fast, and urban parks are everywhere you look. Yet within a short drive you’ll find quiet mountains, cherry blossom-lined rivers, and ancient palaces. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a trendy Seoul cafe or hiking a misty trail outside Busan, the beauty is everywhere.
Curiosity Meets Convenience
Korea is built for exploration. Want to try something adventurous? Order live octopus in a seaside village or pick up kimchi-making kits at the market. Need something practical? Opening a bank account or sending a package is straightforward with English-friendly systems. Public transportation is clean and punctual, making weekend trips to Jeju Island or Tokyo (just a two-hour flight) easy. Every new experience feels exciting rather than stressful, because Korea’s infrastructure and friendly locals make even the smallest tasks hassle-free.
Respect is Cultural Currency
In Korea, respect flows from teachers to students and back. You can expect students who listen attentively, greet you each day, and truly care about learning. In return, Koreans show deep respect for teachers, greeting them formally and following classroom rules. This mutual respect creates a positive, focused learning environment that teachers often find rewarding.
A Safe, Modern Society
South Korea consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest countries. You can walk city streets at midnight without worry, and crime is very low. Nightlife is energetic but secure, and city services (like hospitals and police) are professional. For U.S. teachers used to urban hustle, Korea offers peace of mind along with convenience.
What Our Teachers Have To Say
Words From Our Teachers
The process can be as quick as you want it to be. I left my corporate job in Chicago and was teaching in Korea after three weeks. After speaking with other English teachers in Korea, I realized that Aclipse goes beyond what most recruiters do. You can trust the people at Aclipse; they tell it how it is. They work with you at your pace, and get as much information to you as possible. Their public-school contacts in Korea are actually the safest and most helpful of all organizations. I would strongly recommend using this recruiting agency for anyone thinking about teaching English abroad."
"It is amazing being an American in Korea. You are an instant celebrity. Three of the kids wrote me a note saying how happy they are I am their teacher, that they have learned so much, and apparently I look like David Beckham. You only teach 22 hours a week, and any extra time you work, you earn overtime. The 22 hours is really 22 periods at 40 minutes a period. Lesson plans for most programs are provided. You pretty much teach the same lesson to 6 or 7 groups of kids a week. My boss is very helpful and really lets all the teachers have a lot of input into the lesson. The Korean teachers are also very nice, taking us out for dinner a few times a month and showing us around.
Everything is going really great over here! I have adapted quite well and even had a family member out to visit last week. My branch is wonderful. I feel very good about where I'm at. Everyone was very welcoming and has taken care of everything that I might need. I work with 8 or 9 other instructors, and they are very friendly. The work schedule is great. I work Mon.–Thurs. 4–10:30 p.m., and Saturday 3–6 p.m. There is a lot of prep time outside of work, but I think prep time depends on your own personal work ethic, and how confident you feel in the classroom."
"All in all, Korea suits me and my lifestyle very well. I've seen some magnificent palaces, many different markets, and have experienced much of the nightlife. On the weekends, my coworkers and I travel abroad mainly to the greater Seoul area because there is more nightlife there
I'm here in South Korea and had a wonderful first week. The kids treat us like rock stars. They are so cute! I went on a field trip Friday to the zoo. The zoo is also an amusement park. I took lots of pictures. The classrooms all have large screen TVs, and the libraries would put our public schools to shame.
I left Texas in late February, and I have been teaching in Gwangju, South Korea for about two months now. The experience is great: the people, the friends I am making here, the students!"
"Aclipse was excellent at finding a job for me. They found a position for me with ChungDahm. They continued to check up on my status, both before and after my departure. It is an adventure I am fortunate to experience.
The staff is amazing and will do anything they can to help. Korean food, for the most part is pretty good, but I'm not sold on kimchi. I was exceptionally lucky to meet two Korean girls on the subway. They are part of a ‘cultural group.’ Through these two, I have met up with a soccer group and started Tae Kwon Do. Also, they are teaching me Korean. Incheon is a good location for travel, too. I have seen a good deal of Korea and took a weekend trip to Tokyo.
I’ve been having an amazing time here in Korea. 
I’ve traveled a lot throughout the country! For a while, I was in a different part of the country every weekend. and right now, I’m on a bus ride to Gwangju while all of the leaves are changing around me it’s awesome! Teaching is going well too the kids are great and I have a really good relationship with them. life is good! Thanks for checking in Brendan Burns
It's so nice to hear from you. I absolutely love teaching! The kids are a handful but I absolutely love them. I haven't had much of a chance to travel, although I have been to a few places. I saw Seoul a few times, went camping somewhere north, and went to the sea. I'm really just enjoying learning my way around my city and exploring new restaurants. Thank you so much for checking in on me! I hope you're doing well. O! I finally got my vaccine a month or so ago. Please keep in touch and stay safe! Cheers! Sincerely, Andrew J Baumann"
I’ve been having a wonderful time so far in Korea. Cheonan is a growing city with a lot of history. It’s an interesting blend of both old and new. Plus, it’s not too far from Seoul whenever I’m looking for something more fast paced. I’ve had the chance to explore some popular places in Cheonan such as Gakwonsa Temple and the Independence Hall of Korea. It’s been a bit difficult traveling due to Covid-19 restrictions, but starting this month, Korea is moving towards its “Living with Covid” phase so many of the restrictions have eased back for those of us who are vaccinated. Hopefully this autumn I can do a little more exploring. Thank you for checking in. All the best, Chrissy
I have been having a wonderful time!! I absolutely love teaching and where I have been living. I’ve gotten to go hiking, celebrate Chuseok with my friend’s family, and do a bunch of other things I’ve wanted to do! The biggest thing is that I have finally been able to get back to a dance studio, and so I have been taking dance classes twice a week after work. I can send you the link to a couple of videos if you want to see them!
I can’t believe that I’ve already been here for 8 months. Teaching has been fun. I really enjoy the students! I’ve also been able to explore a lot of Korea on the weekends and my off days! I started to learn to surf this summer and I’ve gotten to do a lot of hiking. The scenery is so beautiful! I have vacation in a few weeks, so I will hike Mt Hallasan. Overall, it’s been so fun and I love SK more than I expected to haha. Thanks for helping me along the way and getting me here!
I am currently prepping for my lessons for the day. But I love it here so far. It's a lot of work, as I am at a bigger branch with a lot of students, but so far I am definitely enjoying the work. Also, my coworkers and bosses are lovely people, so I definitely lucked out with the branch that picked me. Korea is wonderful. The language barrier is a bit tough, but working on that and taking the free Korean classes my city offers has really helped! There is so much to explore and do here, it can be a bit overwhelming, but all in all, it's pretty wonderful here so far. Hard work, but it pays off. Thank you for checking in! Hope all is well with you! Best, Dani
My first term has come to a close, and as such, I thought I would give you a brief update. Overall, it was great. My branch went offline about halfway through the term, which made teaching and student interaction much more fun. My classes all went very well, and I was quite surprised how many cultural similarities there are between the students here and my experience as a student back home. My coworkers are all very friendly, and the branch is extremely supportive. We have done two official events this term: Trivia Night and a Thanksgiving Potluck, at which we also did a Secret Santa draw. Life outside of work has also been very good, and I have had a lot of time to explore, hike, and go out. I also joined a Sunday soccer team. Although we will likely move back to Zoom soon as cases are rising again, I am looking forward to next term and the new challenges it will bring, such as moving into Masters classes where I'll be teaching Lit and potentially debate. Also, I know my friend Daequan has been working with you and was successful in getting a position with Chungdahm, so I wanted to inquire about the referral program, and how that works exactly. Thanks! David
Explore Your Living Options in South Korea
Life Beyond the Classroom
In Korea, the journey doesn’t end when you close your classroom door. Weekends and evenings bring endless opportunities for adventure and personal growth
Travel and Adventure
Located at the heart of Asia, Korea itself is a playground. A short KTX high-speed train ride can take you from Seoul’s skyscrapers to the UNESCO-listed city of Gyeongju. A weekend flight can send you snorkeling in Okinawa or shopping in Singapore. Even within Korea, you’ll find gorgeous national parks, vibrant festivals (like cherry blossom season in spring or lantern festivals in the fall), and hidden gems like tea fields and volcanic landscapes. Many teachers spend free time exploring
Community and Connection
You’ll never feel alone here. Cities have lively expat communities: language meetups, hiking clubs, and weekend trips organized by teachers. Churches and social groups welcome foreigners. Fellow foreign teachers become fast friends, sharing tips and turning classmates into lifelong friends. Beyond expats, your Korean neighbors, coworkers, and even your students’ families invite you into their lives. Birthdays, holiday parties, school events—American teachers often describe feeling like they’ve gained a second family in Korea.
Professional Growth
Teaching in Korea isn’t just a job – it’s a chance to grow personally and professionally. You’ll develop new teaching skills in a different education system, gain confidence managing a classroom with diverse learners, and often learn Korean (even basic phrases help make connections). Employers notice this experience on your resume: alumni often advance into roles like curriculum coordinator, university professor, or international business professional upon return. Working in a place where education is highly valued can reignite your passion for teaching and open unexpected career doors.
Personal Transformation
Maybe you never thought you could live 8,000 miles from home. In Korea, many teachers discover resilience and a sense of adventure they didn’t know they had. As Nico put it, “I moved back to New York, but Korea’s still in my bones. I think I left a part of myself there.” The challenges of a new culture turn into stories of confidence and independence. By the end of the year, you might find that you didn’t just teach – you grew in ways you never imagined.
Ready to Write Your Own Chapter?
South Korea can be more than just a teaching destination – it can be your story of growth, adventure, and lifelong connection. Whether you crave bustling city life or serene nature, spicy street food or quiet temple mornings, Korea offers an experience that stays with you forever.
Join a community of passionate educators who wake up every day excited to teach, explore, and learn. Your future in Korea starts now.
What is daily life really like for an American teacher in Korea?
You’ll teach in modern schools with supportive staff and motivated students. Outside school, you can live in safe, clean cities with easy access to nature. Expect a fast internet connection, cheap public transit, and friendly neighbors. Korean nightlife is vibrant but orderly, and you can explore cultural sites, cafes, and festivals almost every weekend.
How do teachers adjust to the language barrier?
Many Koreans speak basic English, and your coworkers often know helpful phrases. Schools may offer Korean language classes for teachers, and language exchange meetups are common. Learning a few Korean words goes a long way in daily life and shows respect, and you’ll see many of your students excited to practice English with you. Over time, you’ll pick up Korean naturally through experience and classes.
Will I be homesick or feel isolated?
It’s natural to miss home at first, but our teachers find Korea’s warm communities quickly fill that gap. Fellow expat teachers often become close friends, and many schools organize activities for international staff. Koreans are generally welcoming, so you’ll likely make local friends too. From potlucks to hiking clubs, there are endless ways to stay connected and engaged.
Is teaching in Korea good for my future career?
Absolutely. Teaching English in Korea is a respected international experience. You’ll develop leadership and communication skills, show cultural adaptability, and often gain certifications or endorsements. Many alumni move into advanced teaching roles, international education, or global business. Plus, the confidence you gain living abroad will make you stand out in any field.
How will living in Korea change me?
You might find yourself more adventurous, more patient, and more culturally aware. Teachers often talk about newfound confidence from navigating a new country and language. You’ll learn to solve problems independently, build friendships across cultures, and appreciate global perspectives. For many, the biggest change is discovering how much they can grow outside their comfort zone.
What about travel and free time?
South Korea is a traveler’s dream. The country itself has beaches, mountains, and historic sites to explore. The travel infrastructure (trains, buses, budget flights) makes weekend trips easy. Plus, Seoul’s Incheon Airport is a hub – cheap flights to Japan, China, Thailand, and beyond are common. Many teachers plan trips throughout Asia, often finding they can afford travel on a teacher’s salary thanks to the favorable exchange rate and low cost of living.
Our Blog - Discover Living in Korea: Embrace the Culture
What's It Like Teaching In Korea?
14 Apr