Visit 'The Land of The Morning Calm'.
South Korea Overview
Travel level
Experienced
Visa required
Working Visa
Cost of living
High
Currency
South Korean Won
Work Abroad in South Korea
Unearth the hidden work and travel treasure that is South Korea; 'The Land of the Morning Calm'.
A distinctively modern country, South Korea is becoming more and more popular with work and travel enthusiasts, with an accessible Working Holiday visa (of up to two years) making it easier than ever to have a positive impact in this welcoming country.
Vibrant cities such as Seoul have a beautiful charm and personality which endears itself to most who travel there, whilst islands such as Jeju Island hold a tranquil beauty away from the bright lights and busy streets. One constant is the country's deep history and culture, which is deeply embedded no matter where in the country you go.
If you're ready to immerse yourself for up to 12 months teaching in South Korea, then you'll encounter a new world that’s sure to evoke admiration.
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What do I need to work abroad in South Korea?
A working visa is a visa that allows you to work in a foreign country for a period of time. As part of the Teach in Korea program, you will be given visa assistance for obtaining a Foreign Language Instructor Visa.
South Korea's Foreign Language Instructor Visa is tailored for people who qualify for our program. You will benefit from having the option to renew it.
Usual visa requirements apply for the working visa such as a clean criminal history, passport from eligible country etc. One notable requirement of a South Korea Foreign Language Working Visa is having the right educational qualifications, which in our program's case is a Bachelor's degree (in any field).
Learn more about South Korea.
Located in East Asia, South Korea is a country that perfectly preserves its sense of cultural identity while also being a pillar of the modern world. While containing breath taking temples and palaces that were erected centuries ago, recent years have seen the implementation of advanced technology and amazing skyscrapers in the country in locations such as Seoul. So whether you're interested in dynasty era architecture or modern towering marvels, South Korea has you covered.
Key Facts
- Population: 51.74 mn
- Number of Provinces: 9
- Capital: Seoul
- Currency: South Korean won
- Area: 100,210 km²
- Yearly Tourists (approx): 17.5m
Major Cities
- Seoul
- Busan
- Incheon
- Daegu
- Daejeon
- Gwangju
- Ulsan
- Suwon-si
- Goyang-si
- Changwon-si
Culture
Despite being recognised for its more recent impact on technological advancement, South Korean culture is rooted in tradition, particularly Confucian culture. South Korean Confucian culture emphasises respect for elders, hierarchical relationships both personally and professionally, and traditional rituals. To learn more about Korean culture while visiting the country, we recommend a trip to the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, which is something that is sure to open your eyes to Korean culture.
Sports
Taekwondo is South Korea's national sport, gaining official recognition in 2018. It is a combat sport that heavily involves striking techniques such as kicking. Baseball is arguably South Korea's most popular sport, with KBO league attendance reaching 6.38 million in 2022. Football follows closely behind baseball's popularity (thanks to global names such as Son Heung Min), and playing recreationally is extremely popular among the country's youth. Any football fans planning to visit the country should make time for a K league (South Korea's national football league) game, which is growing year on year.
Music
When you think of music and Korea, the western influenced K-pop is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Not only popular in Korea, K-pop is a highly commercial throughout all of Asia and even has found a strong following as far as Europe and America. Acts such as BTS and TWICE have taken the world by storm, gaining popularity on a global stage. Traditional Korean music is called Gugak and involves the use of various stringed instruments.
Environment
Much of South Korea has a continental climate, with the extreme south having a more temperate climate. The country also experiences a monsoon season which usually lasts from June to July. The vast climate variation makes for rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystem, meaning it's a dream for those interested in plants, animals, and the wider ecosystem.
Seoul Highlights
For hiking enthusiasts or those who love a good view, Bukhansan National Park is a must-do. Located just outside of Seoul, it’s a spectacular natural landscape with unrivalled views of the city and beyond. Some trails are easier than others, so be sure to scope out what’s best for you before leaving and plan your route to one of the summits.
Who doesn’t love a good viewing gallery of a new city? The N Seoul Tower, well, towers above the city, giving you panoramic views of this intriguing city. You’ll see the mix of old, new, and natural, and you’ll be sure to go away with some of the best photos you’ve taken when here.
The Palace, and the vast grounds it calls home, are an incredible vision through history. Its stark comparison to the city high-rises near it makes for incredible viewing, but the intricate design within is something you have to see. Try to go with a tour guide if possible, as the story alongside the viewing is equally as interesting, giving more meaning to what you can see.
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