*Collaborative Post

South Korea has been a popular destination for people wanting to teach English for years. The country combines the huge demand for teachers with attractive employment benefits, a vibrant culture, and the opportunity to live in one of the world’s most technologically advanced places. But sometimes it’s not as easy as it seems. Many foreign teachers make mistakes in the first few months or even years that can make the experience much more difficult than it needs to be. Knowing the most common pitfalls, you can avoid them and make the most of your time in South Korea.

Not being prepared for the culture shock

People who go to South Korea will find that the culture is very different from the culture in the West in many ways.  At first, the pace, organization, and social norms can be too much to handle.  People often make the mistake of not taking these differences into account.  Sometimes, teachers get angry when they realize that their communication doesn’t always work or that their behavior is misinterpreted.

Remember, learning about South Korean culture before you leave is important. Respect for elders, group harmony, and indirect communication are important ideas that affect daily life, even in the classroom.  If you know these rules, you’ll be able to adjust more quickly and stop small misunderstandings from turning into bigger ones.

Ignoring the language barrier

Although English is popular in South Korea, not everyone speaks the language fluently. Outside the major cities, you are likely to encounter communication problems in everyday life. Teachers who assume that English is always sufficient often encounter practical obstacles. These can be simple matters, such as shopping or visiting a doctor, but also deeper frustrations in interacting with colleagues and parents.

A basic knowledge of Korean makes a huge difference. Even simple greetings and polite expressions command respect and openness. Many schools appreciate it when a foreign teacher tries to better understand the language and culture. It is therefore a mistake to ignore the language completely, because a small investment in language skills yields great benefits.

No clear class boundaries

New teachers in South Korea often start enthusiastically, but sometimes forget that a classroom needs a clear structure. Because many schools have high expectations of discipline and performance, the lack of clear rules can quickly lead to chaos. Students test their new teacher, and without a clear framework, it is difficult to maintain respect and order.

A common mistake is starting out too friendly or informal in the hope of becoming popular with the students. Although friendliness is important, setting clear rules from day one and enforcing them consistently is essential. This does not mean being strict or authoritarian, but to create a clear framework where students know what’s expected of them. 

Not finding a balance between work and private life

The life of a teacher in South Korea can be intense. Long working days, administrative tasks, and extra activities outside of teaching hours mean that some teachers lose themselves completely in their work. On the other hand, some teachers focus too much on their social life, nightlife, and travelling, affecting their school performance.

Both extremes are mistakes that can negatively affect your experience. The key is to find a balance. Those who work too much become exhausted and find it difficult to enjoy the benefits of living in South Korea. Those who pay too little attention to their lessons risk conflicts with colleagues and managers. A balanced approach ensures that you are both professionally successful and personally fulfilled.

Unrealistic expectations about salary  

Although South Korea is known for attractive salaries and benefits such as housing and airfare reimbursement, some educators may overestimate their financial capabilities. They expect to become wealthy quickly or to be able to travel and go on adventures without worrying about their budget.

The reality is that life in South Korea, especially in large cities such as Seoul or Busan, can be more expensive than anticipated. Those who do not keep a close eye on their budget, may become frustrated or even encounter financial difficulties. It is therefore a mistake to go abroad without a decent financial plan. Those who are aware of their expenses and savings in great detail, can certainly set aside a nice amount of money while enjoying life in Korea.

Poor communication with colleagues and managers

As in most schools worldwide, teamwork is crucial in many South Korean schools. Foreign teachers often work together with Korean co-teachers or administrative staff. A common mistake is not communicating enough or assuming that everyone always has the same expectations. This leads to misunderstandings, frustrations, and sometimes even conflicts.

In addition, hierarchy plays a major role in the South Korean work culture. Not respecting superiors or expressing criticism too directly can be taken the wrong way. Communicating openly, respectfully and patiently can prevent many problems. It is a mistake to think that as a foreign teacher you can do things your way without considering the school’s customs.

Giving up too quickly when faced with difficulties

The first few months in South Korea can be tough. New teachers sometimes experience homesickness, culture shock or work pressure. A common mistake is deciding at this stage that it is not for you and terminating your contract prematurely. Not only does this cause practical problems, but it can also jeopardise your future plans as a teacher.

It is better to give yourself time to adjust. Often, the difficulties become less as you gain more experience and confidence. Those who give up too quickly miss the opportunity to truly grow and benefit from the unique experience that South Korea offers.

Conclusion

Teaching English in South Korea is an adventure filled with opportunities. This career can offer financial security, professional growth, and a chance to take part in a dynamic and interesting society. However, some pitfalls could make the experience more difficult than it needs to be. By informing yourself about these mistakes, namely not being prepared enough for culture shock, miscommunication, and unrealistic expectations, you quickly learn what not to do when teaching English in South Korea. 

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.