Getting a job in Korea teaching English at a public school is a great way start your career teaching English.  The pay is competitive, the position is stable and most of all the risk is minimal.  Also since teaching English at a private institution will require a couple of years of experience teaching English somewhere, it is a great entry point for new comers to Korea teaching English.

Public schools in Korea are divided into 3 levels -- primary, middle and high schools -- but the governing body for hiring for these schools are not divided by the levels but regions.  There are three major government-backed programs for hiring English teachers for the public schools.

Salary will range from 1.8M ~ 3.0M depending on your academic background and experience level.  You will have to go through a somewhat grueling application process (mainly paperworks to fill out and obtain) and a clean criminal record.  The minimum requirements are:

- Be a graduate of an accredited 4-year college/university. 

- Be a citizen of one of USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Britain, Ireland or South Africa.

- Have attended school since 7th grade in one of the countries above.

The three programs are:

1. GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea)

Gyeonggi is the area that surrounds Seoul and is made up of both major urban areas as well as rural areas.  Working and living in Gyeonggi can mean being 20 minutes from Seoul or an hour and a half away.  Living conditions can also vary vastly, so make sure you do your research before hand.  (See the latest GEPIK Jobs)

2. EPIK (English Program in Korea)

Hiring of English teachers for the areas outside Gyeonggi & Seoul are governed by EPIK.  There are major cities like Busan and Daejeon as well as some remote corners of Korea like Andong.  The positions offered by EPIK are generally easier to get due to high demand for English teachers and lower turn out in terms of applicants.

3. SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education)

Positions in Seoul, naturally, are the most sought after public school positions.  However, you shouldn't expect better pay just because your living expense in one of the more expensive cities in the world will be higher.  (See the latest SMOE jobs)

Most of the public school jobs are filled over the summer.  Make sure you apply within the deadline.  The best thing to do is keep looking out for job postings from recruiters contracted by the government to handle the recruitment.  Even if you miss the initial deadline, don't fret.  Schools that weren't able to fill the required number of positions will hire more towards the end of summer as well.

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