aclipse, Author at Aclipse

12 Apr

Why I Loved Teaching English In Korea

Applying To Teach On a Whim

My best friend in college is from Seoul, so I decided to visit her the summer before my senior year of College. I was only there for four days, and had no expectations, except to go to a Hello Kitty cafe and to eat a lot of beef. I had close to zero context for Korea, so what I experienced was a sort of reverse Paris Syndrome. Everything took me by surprise, and just felt nice. The crisp cold, the subway jingles, the pace, and the view of a mountain anywhere you looked.

When it was time to look for jobs, I saw a posting on the university job board and applied to teach in Korea on a whim. The idea of finding a cushy corporate job in a big city in the states didn’t sound appealing. Moving abroad and starting over felt ideal. So without giving it much thought, I just did it. I moved in August and so many little things made sense. Having my own apartment with a view of the skyline, walking alone at midnight without worrying about safety, trying foods that not even LA Korean food could live up to. It’s so culturally, historically, aesthetically rich, and there’s such an eye to craft and care that you don’t see in the states.

Moving To Korea

My homesickness dissipated very quickly. Just within training week, I met other teachers who became my best friends. It was surprisingly a lot easier to make friends than I anticipated. I was part of a lot of Facebook groups, but more often I was able to meet people just by being out and about at cafes or at clubs. I also met more and more teachers from other branches, which helped, as we were able to share anecdotes of the hilarious, sweet, and ridiculous things our students would say and do. I’ve maintained these friendships to this day. One just had a baby, another I just had dinner with in Seoul, and one who I video call every month, often to just reminisce about our years together teaching English in Korea.

My First Year

Within that first year, I traveled to Mongolia and the Philippines, got lasik eye surgery, tried live octopus, and was tour guide to my family and multiple friends from home. I quickly realized that it was very easy to save money, even with shopping, traveling, and eating out a bunch. Because of severance pay and receiving my pension contributions, I was able to save about 18,000 USD within the year, which let me travel abroad for two years after that. I went through so many places in Asia, Europe, and even lived in South Africa for a while. When I ran out of money, it was a no brainer, so I applied to teach in Korea again.

Round 2!

This time, I got even more from the experience. I taught with CDI, with the older students, which I loved because we were able to really engage with each other. I got asked to be a marketing assistant, which was so fun and easy, sharing details about my experience with prospective candidates. Shortly after, I also got recruited to be a trainer at the Training Center, showing the incoming teachers the ropes. Training was honestly just as fun as teaching, giving me extra income and a chance to meet even more new people. These opportunities came so seamlessly, and the jobs were so easy and enjoyable that I didn’t have to think too much about them.

Life After Korea

After that year, I felt a little bit antsy to travel elsewhere, so I ended up moving back to South Africa for a while. I had saved a lot that I didn’t have to worry about working, and delved into learning how to tattoo, and pursuing other creative interests. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without all the savings I had from teaching. I’ve since moved to New York, but I’m always fantasizing about what would’ve happened if I stayed. As silly as it sounds, I feel like making that decision to move to Korea really remedied any chances of me having a mid-life crisis. I spent my 20s doing exactly what I wanted, with a low-stress, fulfilling job, safe home environment, and ample time for hobbies. I experienced so many things that I wouldn’t have imagined I’d do throughout a lifetime. I bonded with my students, and still email with them to this day. I visited so many countries, met some of my best friends, and basically let my curiosity lead me wherever. Teaching in Korea allowed me to explore all my desires, and I have no regrets about how I’ve spent my time up to this point.

When Aclipse reached out to me last fall about becoming a recruiter, it was an even easier decision. It feels like such a full circle moment, being on the opposite end of the process that I started all those years ago. Whenever candidates ask me for my honest opinion, I say just go. You really never know what is out there for you, and it will probably exceed what you can even imagine.

Nico Salvador is from Los Angeles, California and graduated from Brown University with a degree in English. She planned to stay in Korea for one year after graduation, but ended up teaching on and off for five years. After travelling the world, Nico now lives in New York and works as a Recruiter for Aclipse while pursuing other new ventures. She has held several key roles at Creverse throughout her time teaching in Korea, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next!

10 Apr

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Staying At a Buddhist Temple In Korea

Stepping Into Another World

When I first walked up the steep incline from the bus station to the entrance of Guinsa Temple, I felt a little like I was stepping into another world. A quieter, more tranquil one. Nestled between the mountains, Guinsa Temple’s beauty is both unexpected and awe-inspiring. I knew immediately my weekend at the temple would be unforgettable.

This is one of the many reasons why I love living in South Korea. While I live and work in Seoul, the nation’s capital, it’s easy for me to hop on a bus or train on the weekends and explore different parts of the country. Buddhist temples in South Korea offer temple stays, a unique experience where you can spend the night at a temple and live like a monk. If you choose to move to South Korea, this is an absolute bucket list item. I’m already planning my next temple stay!

Food For Thought

The first thing I did upon arrival was change into the clothes the temple provided for me, a simple set of pants and a vest that I wore over my own shirt. Next, I went over to the cafeteria for lunch before the experience officially began. Guinsa has a public cafeteria, where they loaded me up with delicious vegetarian food. Rice, soup, green beans, tofu, cantaloupe, and, of course, kimchi were just a few of the things I ate while there.

Next, I went over to the meeting hall to make mala beads with the rest of the temple stay participants (about 15 people from all over the world). Afterwards, we went to have afternoon tea with a monk. This by far was one of the most rewarding aspects of the entire experience for me. Guinsa Temple actually has more female monks than male monks, and we got the chance to speak with a female one. Although she spoke Korean and I only know English, our guide for the temple stay was a wonderful interpreter, so I never felt like I was missing out!

Witnessing The Ceremony

After a tour of the entire temple grounds, we attended an early evening ceremony. It was fascinating to participate in a religious tradition so different from the one I was raised in. I thought I might feel uncomfortable or out of place, but I never did. While I have no plans to convert to Buddhism any time soon, having this experience at all has challenged and expanded my worldview for the better.

Finally, after dinner in the monks’ private dining hall, I went back to my room for bedtime. I shared the room with strangers, three women from around the world. I’d like to say we all went to bed early, but that’s not what happened. We spent hours, in typical sleepover fashion, oversharing everything on our minds: Travel, dreams, politics, inside jokes created just a few hours earlier.

This Is Why I Did This!

One of my favorite parts of living abroad is all the opportunities I’ve had to meet people with different experiences and nationalities from my own. These are the types of memories I know I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, whether it’s connecting with a 72-year-old Buddhist monk or laughing until midnight with a fellow American who grew up on the other side of the country from me.

Life-long Memories

Eventually, we went to sleep but not for long. My alarm went off at 3 a.m. I rolled out of my bed—a sleeping pad on the floor—and made the trek back up to the main temple. Huddled in the cold, we waited outside for the 3:30 a.m. ceremony to start. This time, it involved meandering the grounds with the monks before making our way back to the temple, where the ceremony continued. The mountains in the middle of the night are quiet, reverent things. I won’t forget the chill in the air, the sound of the monks singing, or the feeling that I was a part of something special any time soon.

Check out templestay.com to check out all the different temples and locations you can visit!

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

02 Apr

HealthLifestyleTeachingBy aclipse

Achieving Work-Life Balance While Teaching In Korea

Tips For Work-Life Balance In Korea

Many people struggle to keep a work-life balance. This is especially true for people who are newer to the teaching field than more experienced teachers. Add on top of that experiencing a new country for the first time, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some tips I’ve learned for how to create a peaceful work-life balance, so you can enjoy your time in Korea to the fullest!

Ask For Help

Initially, my move to Korea was challenging because I didn’t have the same support system I had back home in the States. I knew it would be really important that I made friends and bonded with my coworkers early into my time here. I’m so glad I did because now I have an amazing community to lean on. When I feel overwhelmed with work or in my personal life, asking for help from one of my friends here in Seoul always helps lift the burden. It’s just as rewarding as when I get to return the favor. As someone who is new to teaching, this has been especially true when it comes to asking for help at work.

Set Boundaries

I have really strict boundaries for myself when it comes to work. For example, even if there are still papers to be graded, I never stay late. I also consciously try not to worry about my students or how well I’m teaching them when I’m off the clock. It’s really easy in such a people-oriented job to dwell on these things, but I’ve found having a work-life balance has made me a better teacher. When I’m away from work, I focus on enjoying Korea. When I’m at work, I am focused on my students.

Build A Routine

Without a doubt, the best thing I’ve done for my work-life balance is build a routine. When you live abroad, you experience something new and different nearly every day. Even eight months into living abroad, this holds true. Building healthy, easy habits into my daily life has eliminated a lot of stress and has made it possible for me to enjoy Korea and teaching even more. During the day before work, I always take a walk around my neighborhood and stop into my local coffee shop. The lady working knows my order and starts making it before I’ve even reached the counter.

Whether it’s hitting the gym or becoming a regular at a late night food stall, familiar faces, places, and healthy habits will make it so much easier for you to feel connected to Korea and ready for work.

Set Priorities

As someone who wants to be doing everything all at once, this tip hurts a little bit, which probably means it’s the most important one. Everyone decides to teach in Korea for slightly different reasons. For me, I really wanted to experience a new culture and travel the world, so in my spare time, I’ve prioritized taking language classes and taking day trips from Seoul. Others might move to Korea because they’re passionate about teaching and K-pop. For those people, they might prioritize concerts and take extra work opportunities when they arise to build up their teaching skills. Once you figure out what’s important to you, balancing life in Korea becomes so much easier.

Remember This Is A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

Another way of saying this is simple: Don’t stress it! It’s hard to explain just how surreal it feels to live and teach in Korea after years of dreading going to work at my desk jobs and secretly dreaming of living abroad. I know one day I’ll likely move on from Korea, but in the meantime, I try to make every second count. That doesn’t always mean going out on an adventure. More often than not, it involves sitting back and feeling grateful for the life I’ve built for myself here in Korea with close friends. If you can manage to do that every once in a while, I promise everything else with work-life balance will fall into place with time!

28 Mar

MoneyRelocationBy aclipse

Must-Join Facebook Groups In Korea

Must-Join Facebook Groups in Korea

Living abroad and navigating life in a new country and culture comes with its own set of challenges. Who is the best English-speaking doctor in your area? Where is the best place to buy new furniture? What nightlife events are happening this weekend? Fortunately, Facebook groups are a great resource for teachers in Korea looking for support, advice, and community. In this blog post, I will highlight some Facebook groups that I joined when I moved to Korea.

Every Expat in Korea

With nearly 100 thousand members, this is the go to Facebook group for navigating life in Korea. If you need advice on anything from finding the best deals on concert tickets to which ATM to use to avoid withdrawal fees, this group has you covered. Community members post and respond to questions daily. I joined this group the week I moved to Korea and have used it several times. This group helped me find a Korean tutor and I even found people that were going to the same EDM festival to meet up!

Buy and Sale Korea

Don’t let the grammatically incorrect group name fool you! This is the biggest and best Facebook group for buying and selling items while living in Korea. You can find advertisements for people reselling phones, bikes, clothing, computers, and even cars. I recently purchased an Apple watch secondhand from this group and had an excellent experience communicating with the seller. Once they posted the item in the mail and sent me a picture of the proof of shipping, I transferred the funds directly to their account and my watch arrived the same day.

Inked Korea

Korea has some of the world’s best tattoo artists and new studios are opening all the time. If you’re looking to commemorate your time living and teaching in Korea or just want to indulge your creativity and self-expression, check out this group for tattoo artist recommendations. You can also find detailed information about where to get a specific style of tattoo. The thing I like most about this group is that shops will post promotions so you can make sure you get the best possible rates for your new ink.

Restaurant Buzz Seoul

This Facebook group is one of the best places to find delicious places to eat across Seoul. From the best street food stalls to Michelin star dining experiences, this group has recommendations for all types of cuisine. Since the group comprises mainly of foreigners, this is a great way to find the best Western and International restaurants in your area. Once you request to join the group, you’ll have access to posts about new and upcoming restaurants and the staple must-eat locations. If you’re a foodie then this is the group for you!

Joining Facebook groups tailored to foreigners in Korea has helped me to transition more smoothly and improved my experience overall. From finding practical advice to making new social connections, Facebook groups offer a supportive community that will make your time in Korea that much better.

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

19 Mar

MoneyRelocationBy aclipse

Sending Money Home From Korea

Overseas Remittance

A huge concern some people have before moving abroad is finances. A major question I had was how I would get money to my bank account in the States. There are a couple of different ways you can send money home, regardless of your home country. First, you can do an overseas remittance at your bank. If this option isn’t ideal for you, you can also download a 3rd party app that will allow you to send money abroad. In this guide, you’ll find helpful tips and tricks for navigating both methods when sending money home.

Using Your Korean Bank

In order to send money home directly from your Korean bank account, you’ll need to go in person to your bank. Most banks in Seoul and major cities have bank tellers who speak English, but I recommend asking a Korean friend to come with you if you’re in a small town. Once the remittance account is set up, you can easily send money home this way. There are really only two negatives to going directly through your Korean bank: First, there’s usually a fee associated with each transfer (I’ve seen anywhere between 8,000-20,000 won, which is about $6-15 USD). Second, it usually takes 1-2 days for the money to appear in your U.S. bank account. However, once you have it set up, this option is easy and can be done from your regular banking app!

Below are the basics of what information you need to have on hand when setting up a remittance account with your Korean bank. Most of the information for my bank account in the U.S. is easily accessible on my bank’s app, so look there first if you’re unsure about some of this information!

What you’ll need to give your Korean bank:

Your name
Address in Korea
Phone number in Korea
The recipient’s name
The recipient’s address
Their phone number
The international bank name
The bank address
The bank code
The account number

Apps For Sending Money

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of physically going into your bank in Korea to set up a remittance account, you can use an app for sending money home. After asking my friends who have used this option, there seem to be a few pros to this method: First, depending on the app you use, the fees associated with the transaction can be lower. Second, you can potentially get the money in your home bank account faster than by going through your Korean bank. Even if you initially set up overseas remittance with your bank, one of these apps is good to have on hand in case there is an emergency!

For most of these apps, you’ll need similar information to what your Korean bank will require for an overseas remittance. Some might differ or require more, but the setup process can be done entirely from the comfort of your phone. No in-person conversations necessary!

Below are a few options for apps that allow you to send money overseas:

WireBarley: One of my closest friends here in Seoul uses WireBarley, and she can personally vouch for how user-friendly it is. Plus, she says this is a great option for people looking to avoid expensive fees!

Wise: If you need to send money to Korea rather than to your home country, I’ve heard this is a particularly good app to do it with. Wise is also another great option if you’re worried about fees.

SentBe: SentBe is another popular app for sending money overseas! Just be careful with this one. Although it’s fast and reliable, it also has a transaction limit for a single transfer.

It’s been amazing getting to travel the world and earn money doing a job I love. There’s no reason you won’t be able to save money each month when you live in Korea. Knowing I have plenty of options for sending money home has given me such peace of mind. I hope this article helps you have a better idea of how you’ll send money home, so you can focus more on the life-changing adventure ahead of you!

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

12 Mar

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Visiting Japan While Teaching English In Korea

Teach English And Travel!

Perhaps my favorite thing about teaching English in Korea is how easily accessible travel is. In just six months of living in South Korea, I’ve traveled to 4 bucket list cities in the country and spent countless weekends exploring Seoul itself. From Jeju Island and its clear blue water to Jeonju and its beautiful architecture, South Korea truly has so many epic places to explore. Join me on my latest excursion visiting Japan!

Popular East Asian Destinations

When I decided to take my first international trip (yes, it’s financially and logistically possible to travel internationally while teaching English in Korea), I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was so delighted to realize that traveling internationally from Korea is just as easy as traveling domestically. Some popular international destinations from Korea include Japan, Vietnam, China, and Thailand.

Tokyo Travel Costs

For my first trip, I flew to Tokyo, Japan for a week. Gimpo Airport and the flight (2 hours and 20 minutes) were a breeze. When I lived in the United States and would travel internationally, I always suffered from horrible jet lag. This time, I got to have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation while never switching time zones from Korea or dealing with the fatigue and brain fog that accompanies jet lag. I ended up staying in a hostel for my week in Tokyo, which only cost me about $160 USD in total. Plus, I got to meet people from all over the world! Airfare from Seoul to Tokyo is extremely affordable in my opinion. Depending on when you decide to go, it can cost as little as $170 USD!

The first time I set foot in Asia was when I moved to Korea to teach English. The most rewarding part of vacationing in Japan was getting to see a different side of Asia than what I’ve been exposed to in Korea. It gave me a deeper appreciation for Korean culture, particularly the food and the language. A few of the highlights were learning to make gyoza and visiting Sensoji Temple. It brought back memories of visiting Guinsa Temple in Korea last fall, and it inspired me to sign up for a kimchi making class here in Seoul!

Residency Pays Off!

When I returned to the airport in Korea, I got the best surprise. Because I am an ARC holder (the residency card you receive while teaching English in Korea), I got to go through the line with Korean passport holders and skip customs with the other citizens. Not only did this feel a little like having a super power because the line was faster, but it also made me feel like I belong in Korea in a way I’ve never experienced before! It was the perfect homecoming after a week of international travel visiting Japan!

12 Mar

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Korea’s Cherry Blossom Season

Full Bloom

If you’re teaching in Korea this spring you won’t want to miss out on the Cherry Blossom season. Cherry Blossoms typically bloom in late March to early April, and cover the country in beautiful pink and white flowers. Keep in mind that the exact timing can vary each year due to factors like rainfall and cold weather. This year, you can expect the season to be in full bloom by the beginning of April. I will share with you some of my favorite parts of the Cherry Blossom season!

Cherry Blossom Hotspots

Cherry Blossom trees can be found across Korea but there are some really magical spots that you should definitely check out.

Seokcheon Lake: This is my all time favorite place to enjoy the Cherry Blossoms. Smack dab in the middle of the lake is Lotte World- a famous indoor/outdoor amusement park. And just a block away is Korea’s largest building – Lotte Tower! I recommend taking a walk around the lake to enjoy hundreds of trees that have transformed into cotton candy clouds! Here’s a sneak peak:

Gyeonghwa Station: The atmosphere here is super romantic and is the perfect place to take Instagram pictures. You can find this train station in Jinhae City which features a Cherry Blossom tunnel that looks like it’s from a fairy tale. Jinhae is a 29-minute taxi ride from Busan.

The Garden of Morning Calm: This park is located in Gapyeong which is an easy day trip from Seoul and honestly feels like the set of a Disney movie. I recommend going there during the evening because the garden and pond are lit up with colorful lights at night.

Themed Desserts & Drinks

Another thing I love about Cherry Blossom season is all the themed desserts and drinks. Cupcakes, macarons, and ice cream are some of my favorite seasonal treats that feature the bright, delicious sakura flavors and color palette.

Cafes also offer lattes and teas that you can enjoy. I recommend the Cherry Blossom White Chocolate Latte at Starbucks that can be found at locations across Korea starting in March. I also like to order Cherry Blossom tea in local cafes which is super fragrant and delicious!

When you’re teaching English in Korea, each season brings something new to enjoy and the Cherry Blossom season is definitely a highlight of the year! I hope you check out some of these beautiful blossoms and enjoy them while they last.

06 Mar

CareerRelocationTeachingBy aclipse

Types Of English Teaching Jobs In Korea

English Education In South Korea

Considering how largely education is valued in South Korea, it comes with no surprise that it’s become a central hub for many current and aspiring educators. There are many different types of English teaching jobs in Korea. Below are a few pros and cons to consider when thinking about teaching in the peninsula.

Public Schools

Pro:

The English Program in Korea (also known as EPIK) is the best way to get your foot into Korea’s public school system. EPIK offers some flexibility regarding curriculum and teaching methods, as they typically cater to bigger class sizes.

Con:

There’s some limitations regarding location preferences—one could end up in a very rural area. It’s common for one instructor to be assigned to each school so there will likely not be any foreign colleagues. Also, the pay may be less competitive—as pay caps within the public school system are precisely set.

Private Academies (Hagwons)

Pro:

For those preferring a more lucrative salary, hagwons or private academies might be the better route—as private academies tend to have more structured curriculums that allow educators to engage closely with students or on a more individualized level. The plus side of working in the afternoons frees up time in the morning for personal activities.

Con:

As hagwons are prominent nationwide, different reputations may vary—especially within the small, privately owned academies.

International Schools

Pro:

International schools cater to a diverse student body including both local and expatriate learners. There might be some reassurance with the familiarities of teaching a Western curriculum.

Con:

Since they follow international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), international schools only hire certified teachers.

Universities

Pro:

For those with a masters or a doctorate, teaching positions at universities might be an option. These roles often involve conducting specific research topics alongside teaching responsibilities. It is a combination of contributing to the academic community while enjoying a higher level of autonomy in the classroom.

Con:

University positions tend to be extremely competitive—many require, at the very least, a master’s degree in a specialized field.

South Korea’s vibrant education landscape offers a multitude of teaching positions to suit various preferences and skill sets. Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of public schools, the structure of hagwons, the global environment of international schools, or the academic rigor of universities, there’s a teaching role in South Korea waiting to be embraced. If you want help navigating the different types of teaching jobs in Korea, apply to Aclipse now!

Joe Achacoso first embarked on his ESL journey in 2010 to satiate his longing desire for travel. An opportunity intended to be a 1-year contract turned into a 10-year tenure—as an English teacher, faculty manager, instructor trainer and curriculum developer. His adventures in global education continued with a master’s, and it came full circle when he joined Aclipse’s recruiting team—hoping to help the like-minded achieve the same transformative experience!

05 Mar

LifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Exploring Jeju Island In Winter

Exploring Jeju: The Hawaii Of Korea

Jeju Island is also known as “the Hawaii of Korea.” When I visited Jeju in February, I was worried the island would be a little boring because it was wintertime. However, my Korean friends pushed me to visit, telling me Jeju is beautiful during the winter, and I’m so glad I listened! From Seoul, Jeju Island is an hour long plane ride. So it is a perfect getaway when you are on your days off from teaching English! With its palm trees, clear blue water, and laid-back atmosphere, it really did feel like I was in Hawaii! Here’s some amazing ways of exploring Jeju Island in the winter.

Walk the Beaches

We only spent a few short days on Jeju, but we ended up exploring three different beaches on Jeju. While it’s a little too cool to go swimming, we admired the clear blue water, people-watched fishermen sorting through their catch for the day, and collected seashells. Honestly, a part of me wished I could move to Jeju, so I could take a walk along the beach everyday after work. I recommend Hyeopjae Beach!

Visit Art Museums

Maybe you’re not much of an outdoorsy person. That’s okay! Jeju Island has plenty to offer for folks who would rather spend their time inside. We spontaneously decided to check out Arte Museum Jeju, and I’m so glad we did! Each room featured a different light installation. It was like stepping into a museum from the future! If that doesn’t sound like your thing, Jeju has plenty of other museums for you to explore!

Cafe Hopping

If Korea does one thing well, it’s cafes. Jeju Island is no exception to this rule. We stopped into multiple cafes while visiting the island, but my favorite was Fluffy Cafe. We completely stumbled upon this place and ended up eating the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes. The staff was friendly, and my friend was able to grab some souvenirs for her family back home too! Anywhere you move in Korea, you’ll be able to find cute cafes to spend your weekends hanging out in, but I was really impressed with what Jeju had to offer.

Hike Hallasan National Park

Smack dab in the middle of the island, Hallasan National Park is perfect for anyone who loves hiking! Because of Jeju’s mild climate, I love that I can visit any time of year to hike in Hallasan National Park, even winter! While our trip was just a little too short to check out Hallasan National Park, it’s my motivation to visit the island again ASAP!

There are so many things to do on your days off from teaching English in Korea. Exploring Jeju Island is one you definitely don’t want to leave of your bucket list! When I got back to Seoul, the city had a good covering of a snow, so it was nice to see some sun!

29 Feb

MoneyRelocationBy aclipse

A Guide to Opening Your Bank Account in Korea

Opening Your Bank Account

One of the important tasks you’ll need to take care of when you start your teaching job in Korea is setting up a bank account. When I first moved, I had a lot of questions and didn’t know where to begin. But I’ve got you covered! I was surprised at just how easy it was to get things set up, so long as I had the right documents! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about opening your bank account in Korea that will make your time as a teacher a lot easier in the months ahead.

What Documents Will I Need?

First, keep in mind that document requirements can be updated at any time and may vary depending on the specific bank you apply at. While you can use this info as a general guide, I suggest that you have a friend or your school manager call ahead to ensure that you have everything you need when applying. Typically, you should prepare the following items:

A valid passport
A certificate of employment which you can get from your school
An Alien Registration Card (ARC) which is typically ready 4-6 weeks after you arrive in Korea

The bank may allow you to open your account using only your passport but it will depend on the location. In my experience, I opened my KEB Hana account with my passport and then went back to the bank a few weeks later to switch the account to my ARC when it was ready.

What Type Of Account Should I Open?

Korean banks offer a variety of account types but I recommend that you open a “Foreign Designated Account”. If you want to transfer your money abroad or use ATM services outside of Korea, you need to have foreign designated account. You should also keep in mind that there are limits on the amount you can transfer or withdraw per day based on your salary, so ask about this limit at the bank.

What If I Can’t Speak Korean?

Most banks have at least one English-speaking staff, especially at large branches in major cities like Seoul or Busan. If you’re in a smaller city, there is a chance that no one will be able to speak English fluently. If that’s the case, you may want to bring a Korean speaker with you or have one on the phone to help. You will probably be just fine without one, but it might make things smoother. If you don’t know anyone who can help you, try calling the Korea Tourism hotline by dialing 1330 or the Foreign Immigration hotline by dialing 1345. They may be able to help you translate during the account setup.

Which Bank Should I Choose?

In my experience, the most foreign friendly bank is KEB Hana Bank (하나은행). They have great English phone support and an easy to use English bank application. That being said, all large banks in Korea like Shinhan (신한은행), Woori (우라은행), KB (국민은행), and Citibank also have full foreigner support. It may depend branch to branch, but you will not encounter any issues opening a bank account!

Opening a bank account might seem daunting at first, but with the right information and a bit of preparation the process should be painless. Remember to gather all your necessary documents and before you know it you will be saving and spending in Korea with ease!

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

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