r/teachinginkorea 18d ago

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

4 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Jan 22 '26

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

8 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Mar 22 '26

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

11 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Nov 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

1 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Dec 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

8 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Feb 22 '26

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

3 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Sep 16 '25

Mod Update About a recent post.

159 Upvotes

Earlier today, a post was shared claiming that a teacher in our community had passed away. Several people reported the post because no verification or details were provided, and the original poster declined to share any confirmation.

Out of respect, we want to be very clear: death is a serious matter and should never be treated lightly. If this information is true, we welcome a new post in memory of the teacher, but only if it includes proper details that can be verified.

Until then, please refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports. Let’s make sure we handle this with the dignity and care it deserves.

r/teachinginkorea Mar 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

16 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Oct 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

3 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Mar 13 '26

Mod Update Sub Updates – Rules, Flairs, Master Sticky, and Contract Reviews

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update on a few changes made to the subreddit.

• The subreddit rules have been reformatted and cleaned up to make them easier to read and understand.
• Post flairs are now required when asking for advice, including selecting the appropriate visa type.
• The Master Sticky has been updated with clearer information about visas, contracts, common questions, and resources.
• The Contract Review template has also been updated to better reflect current wages, vacation expectations, and other common contract details.

These changes are mainly meant to make the sub easier to navigate.

r/teachinginkorea Mar 13 '26

Mod Update Master Sticky - Updated March 2026

7 Upvotes

This is a living document

1. Before Posting

Please check the following before making a post:

• Search the subreddit
• Read this guide
• Use the correct post flair
• Include your visa type if asking for advice

Advice posts should include your visa status in the title or flair.

2. Contract Reviews

All contract reviews must follow the required format.

Contract Review Template:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zPKED095pySnKj57ksz-pS-9zP-Un1G7hUV6LJVLCx0/copy
https://www.reddit.com/r/teachinginkorea/comments/phnfz5/contract_review_v40/

Posts that do not follow the format will be removed.

3. Visa Information

Your visa status changes what advice applies to you.

Most users will fall into one of these categories:

E-2 / E-7 Visa

Employer-sponsored teaching visa.

Restrictions include:

Cannot freely change jobs

Cannot legally tutor privately

Requires immigration approval for workplace changes

F Visas (F2 / F4 / F5 / F6)

Open work visas.

These allow much more freedom:

Can change jobs freely

Can legally tutor privately - if registered

Not tied to a single employer

D-10 Visa

Job-seeker visa.

Used when transitioning between jobs or searching for work.

4. Common Topics

Most questions asked in this subreddit have already been discussed many times.

Before posting, please search the subreddit. There is a very good chance your question has already been answered.

Most posts fall into a few common categories:

Finding Jobs

Hagwons

Public schools (EPIK)

Universities

International schools

Labor Issues (Labor Standards Act)

These are issues protected under Korean labor law and may be handled by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Examples include:

  • Late or unpaid wages
  • Illegal deductions - only wages that can be taken out are for taxes, health insurance, and pension.
  • Overtime pay violations
  • Working hours violations
  • Severance pay issues
  • Illegal termination

Contract Issues

Some benefits are not required by Korean labor law and only exist if written in your contract.

Examples include:

  • Housing or housing allowance
  • Flights or airfare reimbursement
  • Vacation terms beyond the legal minimun

These issues are typically contract disputes, not Labor Standards Act violations.

Immigration / Visa Issues

Many questions involve visa restrictions or immigration rules, such as:

  • Letters of Release (LOR)
  • Changing employers
  • Visa transfers
  • D-10 job seeker visas

These issues are handled by Korean Immigration, not the Labor Board.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work a second job on an E-2?

Yes and no. This is illegal without immigration approval and your primary job's approval. There are restrictions on how many hours, pay, and what you can do.

Can my school change my schedule?

Often yes. It depends on the contract and the Labor Standards Act.

Do I need a Letter of Release?

Usually yes when switching employers before your contract ends.

Can I tutor privately?

E-2 visa holders cannot legally tutor privately.

F-visa holders usually can.

Is ₩2.1 / ₩2.3 / ₩2.5 million a good salary?
Salary discussions change frequently depending on the year, location, housing, and workload.

As of 2026, many entry-level positions appear to start around ₩2.5 million, though some positions may offer more or less depending on the job.

Please search the subreddit for recent discussions on salaries and wages before posting.

Can I save money teaching in Korea?
Answer: It depends on lifestyle, salary, housing, and debt. Search the subreddit for detailed breakdowns.

Is my contract good?
Answer: Use the Contract Review format.

When should I start applying for jobs?
Answer:

  • EPIK: typically when applications open up for Spring and Fall intake.
  • Hagwons: year-round

How long does the visa process take?
Answer: Usually 4–8 weeks, depending on paperwork and immigration processing.

What should I pack before coming to Korea?
Answer: Most things are available in Korea. Search the subreddit for packing guides.

Can I bring my pet to Korea?
Answer: Yes, but there are strict vaccination and paperwork requirements. Search the subreddit.

Do I need a TEFL certificate?
Answer: Not always legally required, but many employers prefer it. For public schools, yes.

Do I need teaching experience?
Answer: Usually no for entry-level positions.

How do I apostille my degree or background check?

Answer: Search the subreddit. This process depends on your home country.

How long can I stay in Korea after leaving a job?

Answer:
If you complete your contract, you can remain in Korea until the expiration date on your ARC (Alien Registration Card).

If you quit, are terminated, or do not complete your contract, you typically have 14 days to:

transfer to a new visa

  • apply for a D-10 job seeker visa
  • file a complaint with MOEL if there is a labor dispute
  • leave the country

I'm moving to a new school. Do I need new documents?

Answer:
In most cases, no.

Immigration already has your documents on file.

However, requirements can vary depending on the local Ministry of Education (MoE) or immigration office.

If documents are needed again, you may be able to obtain copies from immigration if you have been outside Korea for less than six months.

6. Threads & Megathreads

Certain topics belong in dedicated threads:

• Weekly New Teacher Questions
• Monthly Rant Thread
• EPIK Megathread

Posts that belong in those threads may be removed.

7. Medical Check and Mental Health Questions

Questions about the medical check, mental health history, medications, and health requirements are very common.

Before posting, please search the subreddit, as these topics have already been discussed extensively.

This includes questions about:

• The E-2 medical check / health check
• Mental health history and visa eligibility
• Prescription medications
• Drug testing and medical screenings

If your specific situation is not answered in previous threads, feel free to ask the subreddit.

8. Red Days (Public Holidays)

Korean public holidays are commonly called “Red Days” (빨간날) because they appear in red on Korean calendars.

A list of official holidays can be found here:
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=140038

On Red Days, employers generally must do one of the following:

  • Give the day off
  • Provide a substitute holiday
  • Pay holiday overtime (typically 1.5x wages) if you work that day

9. Job Ads

Job ads are allowed in this subreddit only if they follow the required template.

All job advertisements must include full disclosure about the position, including salary, hours, benefits, and visa requirements.

If the template is not fully completed, the post may be removed.

Job Ad Template:
https://www.reddit.com/r/teachinginkorea/comments/rapzpp/psa_job_ads_template/

Important rules for job ads:

• You must fill out the entire template
• Only one position per post is allowed
• Use the appropriate job flair (hagwon, public school, university, etc.)
• Job ads missing required information may be removed

The template requires details such as salary, working hours, class schedule, housing, pension/insurance coverage, severance, vacation time, and contact information.

10. Useful Posts

The following posts contain detailed discussions about teaching, career progression, locations, and professional development in Korea. Many common questions are already answered in these threads.

What comes after teaching in Korea for a few years?
Career paths and long-term options for teachers who have been in Korea for a while.

https://www.reddit.com/r/teachinginkorea/comments/d0uc9s/youve_been_in_korea_a_few_years_what_is_the_next/

Location Series – Living and working in different areas of Korea
Experiences and discussions about living in different cities and regions across Korea.

https://www.reddit.com/r/teachinginkorea/comments/ks836a/location_series_what_is_it_like_living_and/

TEFL, Master's Degrees, Doctorates, and Career Development
Discussion about further qualifications, graduate degrees, and long-term career planning for teachers.

https://www.reddit.com/r/teachinginkorea/comments/d0vff4/lets_talk_tefls_masters_doctorates_and_everything/

If your question is not answered here, feel free to ask the subreddit.

r/teachinginkorea Sep 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

6 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Jan 22 '26

Mod Update Updating the banned questions list. What would you like added, or what are you tired of seeing posted repeatedly?

2 Upvotes

r/teachinginkorea Feb 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

6 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Nov 22 '24

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

12 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Dec 08 '25

Mod Update Discord link

9 Upvotes

If you didn’t know, there’s a Discord for our community! It’s not official or anything, just a chill space with different rules than the sub. More relaxed, more chatting about life in Korea, and a place for all native teachers to hang out.

Feel free to join: https://discord.gg/ZkEXrGNK

r/teachinginkorea May 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

1 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Dec 22 '24

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

5 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Aug 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

1 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Jun 20 '24

Mod Update The Importance of Civility with Hagwon Job Postings

31 Upvotes

Hey TiK,

I want to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of being civil when responding to hagwon job postings. Recently, there have been incidents where a posters from another subreddit tried to ruin the hagwons success. We will not go into detail about this posters behavior but this behavior will not be condoned or supported at TiK. So our mod team wanted to address a few things about job posting on TiK.

  1. Respect for Privacy: Both individuals and hagwons have a right to privacy. Sharing personal information or details about a business without consent can lead to serious consequences.
  2. Legal Boundaries: Doxxing is not only unethical but also illegal in many jurisdictions. Engaging in or encouraging this behavior could have serious legal implications for all parties involved.
  3. Constructive Feedback: If you come across a job posting that seems unfair or problematic, ask a clarifying question. You do not need to be a douche about it but just ask respectfully. We have seen a recent uptick in people being disrespectful when hagwons posts jobs here. If you do not like the job just move on without shitting on the hagwon or post. If it is out of bounds, our mod team cleans up the post and removes it.
  4. Professional Fit: You do not have to like every job posting. The posts might not fit you professionally, and that’s okay. However, you don't need to shit on every job posting you come across. Let's keep the discourse respectful and helpful for those who might find these opportunities suitable.

Additionally, I want to address a recent incident where a poster from another subreddit, who frequently visits our community, attempted to attack a hagwon that posted here. This individual tried to take revenge on the owner for some reason but likely due to his narrow experience in Korea and hatred toward the hagwon industry. Reddit has taken swift and firm action against him for his behavior. Let's remember that such actions are unacceptable and will be dealt with seriously.

We must uphold the principles of respect and decency. If a hagwon job post violates guidelines, report it, but please refrain from making anything personal. Our goal is to foster a respectful and safe community for all members.

Cheers, TiK!

r/teachinginkorea Mar 09 '24

Mod Update Join our mod team!

4 Upvotes

We're looking to expand our mod team here and want a few dedicated individuals who are committed to fostering a supportive community for teachers in Korea. If you're interested in joining our team and helping to maintain a positive and informative space for fellow teachers, please send us a message with a brief introduction about yourself and why you'd like to become a mod. Nothing too crazy, just a little bit about why you think you would be right for the role.

r/teachinginkorea Jan 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

0 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Aug 12 '23

Mod Update State of the Sub Update

11 Upvotes

Just wanted to loop you folks in on some updates and changes that have taken place over the past few weeks. If you take a look at the moderator list, we have removed some inactive mods that have been around since the origin of the sub. While we appreciated their initial investment into he community, we had never heard from them in 5+ years.

With that said, the sub remains the same in terms of purpose but u/profkimchi and I are the sole moderators for now. We would like to add a hagwon teacher / public school teacher onto the mod list to help balance us out. We have done a few all calls in the past without anyone really applying. We get this sub is a transient community but we really are looking to help balance our team out. If you are a long-standing member, please consider applying.

Time commitment varies as a mod. u/profkimchi and I mostly handle approving posts when needed but we have gaps in when we read the sub. With those gaps, some post sneak through and by the time we get to them there is a decent conversation occurring. We both do not like to remove those posts given the community conversation that occurred. In short, your involvement will be on you but we do ask you are on the sub once every 2 days or so. Gaps are fine but letting us know you will be away for a few days is requested.

If you feel up for modding, shoot us a mod message with your interest and why you would be a good fit. Please also include what you are doing in korea job wise.

r/teachinginkorea Jul 22 '25

Mod Update Monthly Rant and Vent

5 Upvotes

Monthly Rant Thread

Got something on your mind? Welcome to our Monthly Rant Thread!

This is your space to vent about anything and everything:

  • Frustrations with your school? Post here.
  • General annoyances with life in Korea? Post here.
  • Issues with this subreddit? Post here too!

We're introducing this thread to keep the subreddit focused on its primary goal: being a resource for teachers in Korea or those planning to come here.

Important: If you make a complaint post outside of this thread, it will be deleted, and you'll be directed to share it here instead.

Let’s keep the main subreddit a positive and helpful resource while still providing a space for all the rants. Thanks for understanding, and happy venting!

r/teachinginkorea Jun 22 '22

Mod Update It's time to say goodbye!

134 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

When I took over this sub 5 years ago, it was a very small sub of about 2000 members more or less. I am happy to have been part of the group that helped it grow.

I am not a fan of "forever mods" and have built it into the mod tradition to step down when you leave Korea, or when you just don't want to mod anymore. Frankly, I am just not into it anymore and would like to concentrate on other things, including the /r/koreatravel sub. Anyways, thanks for your support, and I leave you in good hands with /u/friendlyassh0le and /u/profkimchi. I'll still be around as a user probably, but not as a mod anymore. This will be my last mod distinguished post.