An American Teaching English in South Korea

If you've ever thought you might like to teach English in Korea, maybe these pages will give you an idea of what it's like. They chronicle an American's year of teaching in a hagwon (commercial English school) in a medium-sized Korean city. Best Language Institute is located in Kangnung, in South Korea's Kangwon Province.

Even if you've never taught ESL or EFL (English as a Second Language, or English as a Foreign Language), a bachelor's degree is all you need to teach in Korea.

If you have an open mind, patience, and a taste for adventure, maybe teaching ESL overseas will be as rewarding for you as it was for Margaret, who taught in Korea in 2000 and 2001. We hope these pages will help you decide.

Teaching in Korea

FAQ explains why Korea seeks native English speakers as teachers, discusses how to find a hogwon job and avoid negative experiences, and suggests what teaching in a hagwon is like.

Avoiding Cultural Pitfalls

Explains cultural differences between the west and Korea, and gives tips for avoiding problems. Includes some historical perspective and a basic guide to good manners.

Margaret's Journal

A detailed chronicle of a teacher's year-long stay in Korea.

Photo Album

Photographs and detailed descriptions illustrate Korean culture and lifestyle.

Best Language Institute

A brief description of this small, family-run hagwan in Kangnung, Kangwon Do, South Korea.

ESL/EFL Related Links

Links for further reading on teaching English as a Second Language and English as a Foreign Language, and on Korean attitudes, culture, and cuisine.

About ATESK

Describes the development of and purpose behind this web site.

Copyright Notice

Legal information.

Home | Album | Journal | Institute | Teaching | Culture | Links