English kindergarten in Korea offers a unique opportunity for ESL teachers to work with young learners. Learn about job conditions, curriculum, cultural differences, and how to find a position.
🧒 What Is an English Kindergarten in Korea?
An English kindergarten in Korea refers to a private institution that offers full-day or half-day programs conducted entirely in English. These schools are not public kindergartens, but rather private academies (often called “hagwons”) that cater to children aged 3 to 5. The primary goal is to immerse young Korean children in an English-speaking environment from an early age. These kindergartens usually employ native English-speaking teachers who lead lessons in phonics, conversation, songs, storytelling, and even basic science or math—all in English. The expectation is that the children will become familiar with the language naturally through consistent exposure.
💼 Working Conditions at English Kindergartens
Teaching at an English kindergarten in Korea is a full-time job. Most positions are Monday to Friday, with working hours typically from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Classes are usually divided by age, and the teacher may stay with one class all day or rotate between groups. Teachers often lead morning circle time, themed activities, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and lunch supervision.
Salaries for kindergarten teachers range from ₩2.3 million to ₩2.8 million KRW per month (around $1,700–$2,100 USD), depending on experience and the school. Many employers provide housing or a housing allowance, health insurance, severance pay, and a one-way or round-trip flight ticket. Paid vacation days vary, but 10 days is common.
While the job is rewarding, it can also be demanding due to the high energy levels required to manage young children all day. Patience, creativity, and a warm personality are key traits for success in this setting.
📘 Curriculum at English Kindergartens
The curriculum at an English kindergarten in Korea is designed to make learning fun and engaging. Unlike public school ESL programs that often focus on test preparation, kindergartens emphasize language acquisition through play and interactive learning.
Typical subjects and activities include:
- Phonics and early reading
- Basic vocabulary building (colors, animals, numbers, etc.)
- Storytime and show-and-tell
- Songs, dance, and movement
- Art and crafts
- Simple science or cooking experiments
Many schools follow their own curriculum or use programs imported from North America. Teachers are expected to prepare lesson plans, manage classroom behavior, and sometimes communicate with Korean co-teachers or parents through reports or updates.
🌏 Cultural and Educational Style Differences
Working at an English kindergarten in Korea means adapting to a different educational culture. Korean parents have high expectations for their children's academic progress, even at a young age. As a result, kindergartens often place more structure and learning goals into daily activities than one might expect in Western preschool settings.
Teachers may also experience a more hierarchical work culture. Respect for seniority, punctuality, and dress code are important. While students are adorable and enthusiastic, teachers must be prepared for active parental involvement and a high level of accountability.
Despite the differences, many foreign teachers find the experience rewarding and build strong bonds with their students. It's a chance to contribute meaningfully to a child's early development and gain a deeper understanding of Korean society.
🔍 How to Find an English Kindergarten Job in Korea
There are several ways to find jobs at English kindergartens:
- Recruiting Agencies: Agencies like Korvia, Gone2Korea, and Teach ESL Korea help connect teachers with schools.
- Job Boards: Websites like Dave’s ESL Cafe, WorknPlay, and ESLROK list kindergarten jobs regularly.
- Direct Applications: Some larger academies have their own websites and recruitment pages.
- Social Media: Facebook groups like “ESL Jobs in Korea” often post openings and allow teachers to share reviews.
When applying, prepare your resume, a professional photo, and documents like your degree, TEFL/TESOL certificate, and background check. An interview may include teaching demo questions or a brief lesson plan explanation.
Working at an English kindergarten in Korea is a dynamic and impactful experience for ESL teachers who enjoy working with young learners. The job combines creativity, patience, and cultural adaptation—but the rewards are equally fulfilling. If you’re energetic, compassionate, and ready to dive into early childhood education in a cross-cultural setting, this path might be the perfect start to your teaching journey in Korea.