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Public School vs Private Hagwon
Teachers Experiences |Public School vs Private Hagwon

When considering if the opportunity to come to South Korea to teach English as a second language is right for you it is important to compare the two options available to you. These options generally fall into two categories: Public School or privately owned and operated businesses known as “Hagwon” in Korea. Weighing and understanding the differences between the two can mean the difference between having a great experience in South Korea and having one that you would rather forget. While base remuneration packages start on similar levels the nature of each can be starkly different (with the major exceptions being that Public Schools offer more than twice the amount of paid vacation days and just half the number of teaching hours than that of a Hagwon as well as in class support and a higher pay scale based on qualifications).

As a Native English Teacher in the Public School system you will be a member of one of the best run and most academically respected school systems in the world. The funds to support you for an academic year are budgeted for and set-aside for you by the Office of the Ministry of Education before you even sign a contract. The contractual benefits of your contract including salary, furnished housing, airfare, insurance, settlement allowance and bonus pay are budgeted for before hand, set aside and guaranteed to you by law. A position as a Public School teacher in South Korea is an accomplishment which you can be proud of on your resume for the rest of your career. As Native English Speaking Teacher at a Public School you will never be expected to work beyond your contract hours (22 hours a week), nor to teach outside of your stated contract hours (Mon-Fri only). Whether you would like to pursue a teaching career back home or go in to another profession a recommendation from the South Korean Government Office of the Ministry of Education is a positive accomplishment. The current US ambassador to South Korea got her start as a high school teacher in South Korea!