20 Best Places To Teach English in Korea Online (2024)

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Are you seeking to teach English in Korea online? You’ve come to the right place!

There are quite a few companies offering online English teaching jobs to work with Korean students.

We at the Tutor Resource have been teaching English online to students all over the world for years, and we’ve done extensive research on the best-paying places to teach English online in Korea as well as other countries.

Of course, each different school will have different requirements and varied rates of pay. The best one for you may vary depending on your circumstances. However, all the companies on this list pay a decent wage for tutors to teach English in Korea online.

In this blog post, we talk about the 20 best places to teach English in Korea online (South, not North), as well as provide some tips to successfully teach Korean students online.

Basic Requirements to Teach English in Korea Online

✔️ 10+ Mbps download and upload speed
✔️ Noise-canceling headset
✔️ Decent computer for online teaching
✔️ Good quality webcam
✔️ Good English proficiency
✔️ 120-hour TEFL

Top Companies to Teach English in Korea Online

Each of the countries on this list will suit each person seeking an online teaching job in South Korea differently. We don’t recommend one of these over the others. So, they are listed alphabetically in our list of the best places to teach English in Korea online.

1. BCM Educational Group Inc

The BCM Educational Group was formed over 30 years ago and has developed together into one of the leading ‘Total Education Service Providers’ today in South Korea. Teachers can earn up to $15/hr by teaching fun, interactive English classes to South Korean students from home.

Classes are taught 100% in English. No other language skills are required! In addition, all textbooks, lesson plans, and training are provided. Classes last from 10 – 30 minutes.

All tutors need is a computer in a quiet and conducive location, access to reliable high-speed internet(wired connection), a webcam, and a headset. A clean background for video classes is preferred by the company.

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with 1+ year of experience required
✔️ Rate: $12 to $15 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 4 – 10 pm Korea Time (KT) on weekdays
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 12 hours/week

2. Bok Tutors

Bok Tutors is a tutoring business that teaches multiple languages in addition to English. However, teaching English online in Korea is their main area of focus. You must be a native English speaker to apply and have at least a bachelor’s degree.

Students are on the younger side, ranging from 5 to 18 years of age. If you want to teach schoolchildren, this is a good choice. If you’d prefer to work with adults, though, you might want to seek a different company.

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with 1+ year of experience required
✔️ Rate: $13 to $18 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 6 AM to 12 AM KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 12 hours/week

3. Cafe Talk

Cafe Talk uses Skype’s free telephone and video service to run its platform. Tutors are hired from all over the globe to give students one-on-one language lessons. The application process is simple: registering and applying is free, and then you simply fill out your profile and do a short interview.

This system allows for easy lesson management by doing all of your timezone conversions for you. The website is also available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Italian. If you want to teach students from other backgrounds in addition to Korean, this is a great place to start.

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or above required
✔️ Rate: $8 to $25 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 9 AM to midnight KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 2 hours/week

4. Carrot Global

Carrot Global is a South Korean company that offers a variety of services and websites for South Korean people who want to learn English.

Your application will be given extra consideration if you have a TEFL certificate, but this isn’t a requirement. Speakers with North American accents are preferred to teach English online to Korean students.

The company prefers that teachers use a wired internet connection rather than Wi-Fi, as this provides a more stable connection. You do need to be available at least five days per week, and there is a 15-hour weekly minimum requirement.

This is a good option if you’re willing to make a scheduling commitment.

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required
✔️ Rate: $13 to $17 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 6 AM to 6 PM
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 15 hours/week

5. Classo

Classo, formerly known as Storivers, is an online language-learning platform that teaches many languages, but English is the main focus.

Classo matches tutors with students based on your personal experience, credentials, and interests. Students can also choose you specifically. All classes are taught via Classo’s video chat software. 

Their online teaching company is flexible, allowing you to choose which times you are available to work. You also have the freedom to create your own lesson plans, structured to each student’s needs.

You do not need to be a native English speaker. However, you must prove your proficiency in the language. In addition, a TEFL certificate is strongly preferred, but not required.

✔️ Requirements: Prior teaching experience required
✔️ Rate: $18 to $22 per hour
✔️ Class Times: No set times, but weekday evenings and weekends are more popular
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 0 hours/week

6. English Hunt

English Hunt is one of the largest live video classes for English language education in South Korea, and it has recently expanded its services to China and Japan. The company offers video and phone programs.

The phone programs have no requirements, but the video programs require a 4-year degree and teaching certification. You will need to commit to teaching a class at specific hours throughout the year. Classes run from August to December and March to July.

English Hunt allows teachers to work shifts that range from one to six hours, but they prefer if you can a minimum of two-hour shifts. Peak times for the teachers are weekday evenings. Teachers must be United States citizens, but they can teach while living abroad.

✔️ Requirements: Teaching certification and 4-year degree for video programs; no certificate needed for phone programs
✔️ Rate: $14.50 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 4 – 11 pm KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 8 hours/week

7. Engliphone

Engliphone functions using a PC app, so it’s not the best choice for people who work with a Mac or smartphone for teaching English online to Korean students. The company mostly seeks native English speakers with a neutral American or Canadian accent.

One of the key advantages of this company is that they have a flat rate of $13.50 per hour, so you’re guaranteed the same pay regardless of experience. It’s a great company for people seeking to enter the online ESL tutoring market.

Right now, the company is expanding its clientele. This is an ideal job for anyone looking to tap into a large market of Korean speakers.

✔️ Requirements: No certification, degree, or years of experience are required
✔️ Rate: $13.50 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 9 AM to 9 PM KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 15 hours/week

8. Entor English

Entor English starts out teachers at $2.50 USD per 10 min class with a 10% attendance bonus. There is a pay increase based on ability.

Because Entor knows that new teachers may have trouble filling slots at first, they offer assistance in getting your first few students so your schedule fills more quickly.

The company claims to be more relaxed than Chinese-based companies but doesn’t elaborate on that.

The students’ ages range from 6 to 60 years old, so you should be comfortable teaching both kids and adults. They also provide all class materials to you.

Classes are 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes long. They can be conducted on Zoom, Skype, or even on your cell phone. The company does require a native North American accent as well as at least one year of prior experience in ESL. 

✔️ Requirements: No certification, degree, or years of experience required
✔️ Rate: $15-$20 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 8 am to 11 pm KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 15 hours/week

9. GlobalT

GlobalT hires native English speakers only. You must have a College/University degree with at least one to two years prior teaching experience. You are required to have a quiet area to teach.

Teachers must have a Windows-based reliable computer with at least 2 GB of RAM. The company also requires a hard-wired high-speed internet service (no wireless) of at least 15Mbps. They recommend you have a Logitech USB Headset with a microphone.

Online tutors here do teach both kids and adults students and all teaching materials are provided. Their peak demand hours are weekday evenings KT and all day on weekends.

Your schedule for teaching is 10-20 minute intervals per student 5 days a week, starting Sunday evening to Friday morning. You will be paid $14 per hour depending on your level of English and teaching ability.

The company also requires that you be able to commit to working with them for at least six months and three hours a day.

✔️ Requirements: No certification, degree, or years of experience are required
✔️ Rate: $14 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 5 pm to 10 pm KT weekdays
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 15 hours/week

10. Global LT

Not to be confused with GlobalT above, Global LT English is an online English-teaching platform that teaches mostly business professionals.

Their requirements are higher than other platforms on this list, but so is the pay. So if you have a resume to show off, this is a great option for you.

Global LT English teaches many different languages around the world, but their students are mostly located in Korea. Teaching English online in Korea is their main focus.

This company allows you to use many different video chatting options, such as their GLTConnect platform, Skype, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, and others. 

Global LT is also partnered with Rosetta Stone, so as an instructor, you can refer to the Rosetta Stone Catalyst Self-Paced Online Learning Tool to help design your lessons. 

There are tons of teaching options with Global LT. They have programs for kids, advanced business language learners, accent reduction, language immersion programs, language testing, and basically anything else your student wants to work on.

✔️ Requirements: Master’s degree and 3+ years of experience required
✔️ Rate: $23 per hour for the first year, $25 per hour after that
✔️ Class Times: 5 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 15 hours/week

11. Global VCC

Global VCC pays between $15 and $17 per hour, to students from the ages of 5 to 18. The hours are relatively limited, lasting from about 6 PM to 12 AM EST.

The website must also be accessed through a PC computer on the Internet Explorer browser, which can make navigation frustrating.

You must have a college degree, though you may be considered if you’re currently a college student. TEFL certification is also required. English speakers with a native North American accent are preferred, but they do hire others with strong skills.

✔️ Requirements: Associates degree or higher required
✔️ Rate: $15 to $17 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 7 am to 11 pm daily KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 10 hours/week

12. GMNY

GMNY is a global educational company that provides you with everything you need to teach your classes. Necessary lesson plans and teaching software are offered for free.

Most students are between the ages of 19 and 50. Around 20 percent of students are in middle school or high school. The goal of the company is to help students with their English communication skills.

Many students have a fairly good grasp of English vocabulary but haven’t spoken much English one-on-one. There are never any fees for technology or training, which is a huge plus. However, all hired tutors must reside within the US.

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, with past teaching experience preferred
✔️ Rate: $12 to $15 per hour
✔️ Class Times: Flexible class times
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 1 hour/week

13. Nil English

Nil English is a South Korean company that hires American teachers. They’re a great choice due to their flexibility. Classes run at any time from 6 AM to 12 AM KT, so you can pick your hours based on your schedule.

You’re paid for every 10 minutes of teaching, with a 10 percent attendance bonus on top. After three months, the pay increases. At six months, the pay increases again. You can teach 10, 20, 30, or 60-minute classes. Students range in age from 5 years old to adulthood.

✔️ Requirements: No certificate required, but must be American
✔️ Rate: $8.25 to $15 per hour based on experience
✔️ Class Times: Classes anywhere from 6 AM to midnight KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 10 hours/week

14. Nolza Talk

Nolza Talk is based in Seoul and hires only US citizens to conduct its one-on-one English lessons over Skype. Lessons typically run for 30 or 40 minutes each.

Their requirements are oddly specific in that they prefer to hire “housewives and stay-at-home mothers that have plenty of time.” This is an indicator they want someone with an open schedule to devote to teaching.

Their website is all in Korean and is difficult to navigate. Even when using Google Translate’s Chrome extension to translate the page, it’s hard to figure out how to apply. Email them for more information.

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, English or Education degree preferred
✔️ Rate: $8 – $10/hour
✔️ Class Times: 8 am – 11 pm daily KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: Unknown

15. Pagoda Talkool

Also sometimes called Job Pagoda, Pagoda Talkool isn’t the most easily-accessible company. They don’t have an English language website available, so you’ll likely need to use translation tools to navigate the website.

A bachelor’s degree is preferred. The company will hire English speakers from the US and South Africa. They don’t specifically say if they exclude Canada, so if you’re a native English speaker from the Great White North feel free to try applying!

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree preferred
✔️ Rate: $14 to $15 per hour
✔️ Class Times: Flexible class times
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: No minimum hourly requirement

16. Ringle

Ringle provides one-on-one English language sessions. It is one of the most flexible options on the list. You can work from home and choose your scheduling hours, so you don’t need to make any huge commitments.

Fun Fact: You also have the opportunity to network with other tutors and students.

Another helpful feature is the Ringle packet. Ringle packets are pre-made lesson plans that allow you to teach without worrying about creating your own curriculum, making this one of the easiest companies to teach English online to Korean students.

This helps to standardize the instruction while taking the burden off of you. If you’d prefer not to create your own lesson plans or subscribe to a curriculum, this is a great place to start.

✔️ Requirements: College degree required
✔️ Rate: $15 to $16 per hour
✔️ Class Times: Flexible class times
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: No minimum hourly requirement

17. Skybel

Skybel is designed for students who want to pass the International English Language Test. If you can teach students how to pass this test, the pay is anywhere from $15 to $20 an hour.

The company prefers teachers who can teach with a British accent, but this isn’t a strict requirement.

It’s important that you be familiar with teaching the IELTS test. You need to teach your students how to pass the speaking portion. You must have at least one year of prior teaching experience, ideally with teaching IELTS or teaching business English.

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and 1+ year of teaching experience
✔️ Rate: $15 to $20 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 9 am to 9 pm KT
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 10 hours/week

18. Spicus

Spicus is a company with centers in the US and Korea. It’s exclusive focus is to teach English in Korea online to Korean students looking to improve their speaking skills.

Classes are offered to individuals, schools and universities, business executives, and government officials. The pay varies depending on the class type taught.

This is a good option for people who want to teach without having prior experience or a degree. You don’t even need any special certification. However, the pay will be lower for people who don’t have professional qualifications.

✔️ Requirements: No degree, experience, or certification required
✔️ Rate: $9 to $13 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 6 AM to 9 PM
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 20 hours/week

19. TutoringGo

Also known as Tutoring or TutoringLab, TutoringGo is an online English-teaching platform based out of Korea, that mostly teaches students in Korea. Online English tutors for Koreans will find Tutoring to be a pleasantly flexible option.

Tutors teach 1-on-1 lessons to both adults and children. As an instructor, you choose your hours. You can simply log in when you want to work and start teaching, making it one of the most flexible platforms if you want to teach English in Korea online. 

Students can also find you from the tutor’s list and book a time with you specifically. TutoringGo provides you with teaching material that they call “Topic Cards”, so you don’t have to worry about class prep.

When applying, you do need to make an introductory video. We strongly recommend that you spend some time on yours in order to make it stand out! 

✔️ Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree (currently working on a degree is also okay)
✔️ Rate: $10 to $14 per hour
✔️ Class Times: Flexible
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 1 hour/week

20. ZikTalk

ZikTalk is a mobile app that’s meant to help users learn English on the go. The majority of the user base is Korean. Both native and non-native English speakers may be hired.

New Zealanders who often get overlooked in native English-speaking preferred lists should definitely consider it!

You will be encouraged to upload educational videos to bring students to your channel. You will also need to leave feedback and ratings for your students.

Since you’ll need to work at least 20 hours a week, you must have a relatively open schedule. This is one of the best choices for people who don’t have a degree or certification.

Your application will, however, be given preference if you have a TEFL certificate and at least one year of teaching experience.

✔️ Requirements: No certification or degree required, 1+ year of teaching experience preferred
✔️ Rate: $10 to $15 per hour
✔️ Class Times: 9 AM to 6 PM
✔️ Minimum Weekly Hours: 20 hours/week

Tips to Successfully Teach English in Korea Online

Be Prepared

Always be prepared ahead of time for the lesson. Some companies, such as Ringle, provide ready-made lesson plans so you don’t have to create your own. Others may offer extra money if you design your own lessons.

Pro Tip: You can even subscribe to lessons to save on lesson prep time.

Regardless of whether you develop your own lesson plan or teach what is given to you, it’s still beneficial to preview the lessons in advance.

Learn About Korean Culture

Even if you aren’t in Korea, learning about Korean culture is beneficial. This will allow you to communicate with your pupils more respectfully, and it will make communication much easier and more pleasurable for them.

Simply do a quick “Google” search on popular K-pop singers, Korean cuisines, or major cities in Korea to get started.

Have Props Ready

Props are a wonderful way to complement your teaching. So are illustrative backgrounds. They may be used to illustrate ideas and words. Props might be supplied by the firm, or you may simply utilize items you have lying around at home if they are given by the company. 

Be Positive

A positive attitude can help you and your students thrive. The enthusiasm and motivation of the instructor have a boosting influence on pupils, so it’s critical to show up enthusiastic and committed. 

Have Constructive Feedback

It may be quite beneficial for you to give real-time constructive criticism to students during class from time to time. Always wait until a student has finished speaking before offering practical suggestions for improvement.

Language Issues to Expect if You Teach English in Korea Online

Pronunciation

Pronunciation might be tough since English utilizes distinct phonemes than Korean. Students in Korea frequently change the sounds of their consonants, and they may add extra vowels to words.

It doesn’t help that some English consonants aren’t present in the Korean language, so students may have a hard time hearing them.

Students may also add vowels to words with several consonants in a row, which the Korean language lacks. Students may also apply this concept by adding vowels to words with multiple consonants.

Simply recognizing and anticipating these challenges can go a long way toward assisting you in correcting these English pronunciation difficulties specific to teaching English to Korean children.

Speaking Directly

Korean schools generally teach English from a young age, but they don’t usually have one-on-one talks with their teachers.

As a result, when you teach English online to Korean children, you may find that they have a firm grasp of grammar and spelling but that they struggle to speak with you aloud.

Remaining open-minded and avoiding negative remarks in class will help the students feel more comfortable with speaking aloud when you teach English in Korea online.

Grammar and Sentence Structuring

Because spoken and written languages use different sentence structures and grammatical rules, they can be difficult to understand.

Korean sentences are made up of three parts: a subject, an object, and a verb. English sentences are made up of two parts: a subject and a verb.

Don’t be surprised if your Korean students make these grammar mistakes often, especially when they’re still beginners to the English language. 

Korean does not conjugate its verbs in the same way as English. A Korean verb does not have to be conjugated depending on the subject.

Once again, understanding why your students make these types of errors might help you correct their grammar in the future as well as devise lesson plans that address these ideas specifically.

Conclusion: Teach English in Korea Online

When you teach English in Korea online, working with students there can be a very rewarding experience.

By being prepared and understanding some of the common language problems that you may encounter, you can set yourself up for success with any of the 20 companies we’ve listed above.

With time and patience, your students will be on their way to mastering the English language. We wish you luck in your English language teaching adventures!

Are you seeking certification for teaching English?

If you are or want to be an online ESL tutor, then certification is required by many companies & desired by many private clients.

👉 We recommend this TEFL course! They even offer post-completion job support and resources.