English language teaching is a large and lucrative commercial operation here in Korea. Unfortunately, some language institutes are not as reputable as others as they can quickly go out of business. Some preparatory research before taking up employment needs to be done to avoid problems in the future.

Wherever possible, try to check out potential employers before committing yourself. Ask for contact details of present and past teachers and seek references from them. Ask how long the business has operated and how many foreign teachers it employs. Ask about class sizes and expected working hours. Ask about accommodation, taxation, medical cover, who pays for air tickets, termination of contract arrangements, terminal benefits etc. Please note that medical treatment, accommodation and utilities, can be expensive if not included in the employment package.

Commercial disputes between language institutes and teachers they employ are common. In some occasions, the conditions of employment stated in contracts are not honoured, or are subject to change without prior consultation. Always keep copies of all correspondence with your employer and recruiting agency.

Ensure you enter Korea using a correct visa, i.e. one that allows you to take employment. The nearest Korean Representative Office, in your place of residence, will be able to give advice on the visa requirements to work in the Republic of Korea. Click here for the contact details of the Korean Embassy in Pretoria. It is your responsibility to report any changes on your residential status/permit to your nearest Korean Immigration Office.

The Embassy will certify only proper and complete copies of education certificates as true copies of the original document upon presentation of a legible original certificate. However, should the Embassy have valid reasons to suspect that a certificate has been forged or tampered with, the Embassy has the right to refuse to certify such a copy. The Embassy does not have records of authorized signatures of various SA educational organizations/institutes and do not authenticate educational certificates. Certificates can only be authenticated by the Legislation Section, Department of International Relations & Cooperation, Pretoria .

Retain your passport. Your employer has no legal right to hold your passport, and is not required to do so by the Korean authorities. Please contact the Consular Section for advice, if your employer insists on keeping your passport.

Please note that the South African Embassy is unable to intervene in any commercial dispute with your employer. We are unable to offer legal advice, as we are not trained to do so. We can, however provide details of English speaking lawyers. We cannot help to meet any legal costs. You should consider taking out an insurance cover to pay for any costs which might incur, if you become involved in a dispute with your employer.

Please refer to Information on Korea for other useful facts.