14 Jan
Living and working as a TEFL teacher in South Korea has been one of the most transformative and exciting chapters of my life. From the moment I arrived, I knew Seoul was a city like no other—fast-paced, vibrant, and endlessly captivating. It’s a place that never truly slows down, and before long, it had completely pulled me in.
Daily Life Teaching English in Seoul
My weekdays quickly settled into a familiar rhythm. Life as a teacher revolved around lesson planning, teaching enthusiastic students, and grabbing quick coffees from convenience stores found on nearly every corner. Teaching English abroad can be demanding, but the energy of my students made every day rewarding.
Once the final bell rang, however, the real adventure began. Living in Seoul means there’s always something new to explore, and I made it my mission to experience as much of the city as possible after work.
Food and Culture: Eating Out in South Korea
One of the first things I fell in love with was eating out—an essential part of Korean culture. From sizzling plates of samgyeopsal at Korean BBQ restaurants to the iconic chimaek combination of fried chicken and beer, food quickly became a weekly highlight.
Street food stalls were impossible to resist. The smell of spicy tteokbokki, sweet hotteok, and skewered meats filled the air, drawing people together after long days at work. Dining out in South Korea wasn’t just about food; it was about shared tables, easy conversations, and a strong sense of community.
Weekend Rituals and Korean Baseball
Weekends brought a whole new level of excitement. Attending Korean baseball games on Saturdays became one of my favourite rituals. These games were electric—cheerleaders, chanting crowds, and convenience-store snacks in the stands. It felt less like watching a sport and more like joining a city-wide celebration. Before long, I had a favourite team and a full set of chants memorised.
Career Growth: Becoming a Teacher Trainer
As my confidence grew, a new professional opportunity opened up: becoming a Teacher Trainer at Chungdahm. This role pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected. I began supporting new teachers, leading workshops, and sharing classroom techniques I’d developed over time.
Stepping into teacher training allowed me to see education from a broader perspective. It challenged me to refine my skills, think critically about teaching methods, and grow as both an educator and mentor.
Nightlife and Unique Experiences in Seoul
Of course, life in Seoul wasn’t all work. The city’s nightlife is incredibly diverse. Some nights were spent enjoying craft beer in Hongdae, others dancing in Itaewon, or unwinding in cozy speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors.
I also tried experiences I never would have imagined back home—like private-box cinema viewings, where I reclined in my own enclosed suite while snacks were delivered straight to my seat. On another weekend, friends and I went go-karting, racing around indoor tracks with the competitiveness of Formula 1 drivers.
Final Thoughts: Teaching English Abroad in South Korea
Looking back, my time as a TEFL teacher in South Korea was far more than just a job. It was a lifestyle, a cultural deep dive, and a personal turning point. Seoul challenged me, shaped me, and gave me memories I’ll carry forever.
For anyone considering teaching English abroad, South Korea—and Seoul in particular—offers an unforgettable mix of professional growth, cultural immersion, and adventure.
Adam Proud, Former CDI Instructor and Teacher Trainer
Adam is a former instructor at the CDI Songpa branch and was also a teacher trainer guiding newcomers with the program. He and his wife are now on to the next step of their adventure in Asia teaching in Vietnam.