Jason Teale
If you’re considering a career as an English teacher in Korea, you’ve likely heard about hagwons—private academies that cater to students seeking extra lessons outside of their regular school hours. While some provide a rewarding experience, others have gained notoriety for exploitative practices. This guide aims to help you navigate the ESL job market in Ulsan and avoid the common traps set by less-than-reputable employers.
The Importance of Research
Before signing any contract or boarding a plane to Korea, do your homework. Many hagwons present attractive offers upfront but may hide key details or employ tactics that could leave you frustrated and financially vulnerable. Here are essential steps to safeguard yourself:
1. Connect with the Teaching Community
Joining online forums and social media groups for ESL teachers in Korea is invaluable. Facebook groups specific to Ulsan (e.g., “Ulsan Online” or “Teaching Jobs in Ulsan”) are great for getting honest feedback. Teachers who’ve worked at specific hagwons can provide insights into working conditions, salary payment reliability, and management practices.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Be cautious when contacting current teachers directly, as some may feel pressured to give glowing reviews while being monitored by their employers. Try contacting them on facebook or other places where the hogwan owners might not have any influence over what is said.
2. Check Blacklists
Hagwon blacklist websites and threads on platforms like Reddit (Hagwon Blacklist Korea) are excellent resources for identifying repeat offenders in the industry. If a hagwon’s name frequently appears with complaints about unpaid wages, mistreatment, or breached contracts, it’s best to steer clear.
Negotiating Your Contract
Hagwons are businesses first, and their priority is often profit, not fairness. Many try to rush new hires into accepting offers without asking questions. However, negotiation is not only possible—it’s essential.
Key Contract Elements to Examine
- Salary: Compare offers to industry standards. While the cost of living in Ulsan is slightly lower than in Seoul, a low-ball salary for hogwan positions start around 2.2–2.4 million KRW per month.
- Housing: Single, furnished accommodations are typical, but ensure the location and quality meet your needs.
- Vacation Days: Korean labor laws mandate a minimum of 11 days of paid leave per year, but hagwons sometimes skirt this rule.
- Health Insurance and Pension: Legally, your employer must provide 50% coverage for both. Be wary of employers who try to dodge these contributions.
- Breaktimes: Under Korean labor laws, employees working 8 hours a day must receive at least 1 hour of break time. For shifts of 4 hours, a minimum of 30 minutes is required. Breaks must be provided during work hours, not at the start or end of the shift, and should be free for personal use. Important: Many hagwons have tightly structured schedules, so it’s important to confirm that your break times are respected, uninterrupted, and not used for tasks like prep work or feeding students. If breaks are being compromised, it could indicate poor working conditions.
Example Comparison:
- 2004 Offer:
- Location: Ulsan City
- Salary: 2.0 million KRW/month
- Working Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Benefits: Airfare, single accommodation, 50% health insurance
- 2024 Offer:
- Location: Songjeong, Buk-gu
- Salary: 2.4 million KRW/month
- Working Hours: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM (with two daily breaks)
- Benefits: Housing, severance pay, dinner provided
The 2024 offer may seem like an improvement, but always assess other factors like workload, cost of living and work environment. Not to mentation, the minimum wage in South Korea (as of 2024) is approximately 2,060,740 Korean Won per month, based on an hourly rate of 9,860 Korean Won.
Get Everything in Writing
Once negotiations are complete, ensure every agreement is documented in the contract. Korean labor disputes often favor written agreements over verbal promises.
Key Tips:
- Dual Contracts: Be wary of discrepancies between the English and Korean versions. The Korean version is the legally binding one.
- Document Changes: Any modifications, such as additional benefits or responsibilities, should be formally added to the contract. *Keep copies, screenshots, and recordings to document any changes.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Despite thorough preparation, you may still encounter issues. Knowing your rights and the appropriate steps to take can make all the difference.
1. Seek Advice from the Community
Reach out anonymously on forums or local groups for advice. Many teachers have faced similar situations and can offer practical solutions. LOFT is one of the better facebook groups that deals directly with legal matters concerning teachers in Korea.
2. File a Complaint
If the problem escalates, file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL). Keep records of emails, text messages, and any documents that prove the violation. MOEL’s services include English-speaking advisors who can guide you through the process.
Common Issues and Tactics
Here are some red flags to watch for and how to handle them:
- The 11-Month Firing
Hagwons sometimes terminate contracts before completion to avoid paying severance or bonuses. If this happens, consult MOEL immediately and prepare to file for unpaid compensation. - Illegal Notice Periods
Unless specified in your contract, there’s no legal requirement to give 90 days’ notice before quitting. Know your rights under the Korean Labor Standards Act. - Breach of Contract Penalties
Employers cannot legally fine you for leaving early or breaking the contract. Such penalties are unenforceable under Korean law.
Final Advice
- Record Everything: Always record and take screenshots of every meeting and message. It will serve you well when your director suddenly changes their mind about vacation dates and contract changes.
- Stay Professional: Even in difficult situations, maintain your professionalism. It will serve you well if you need to escalate the issue legally.
- Understand the Law: Familiarize yourself with the Korean Labor Standards Act, which is available online in English.
In Closing
Not all hagwons are shady; many provide excellent opportunities for teachers to thrive. However, exercising caution and conducting thorough research will help you avoid the pitfalls that tarnish the industry’s reputation. With preparation and persistence, you can secure a position that aligns with your goals and enjoy a rewarding teaching experience in Ulsan.
Good luck on your journey, and welcome to Korea!
