Embark Recruiting Blogs Embark Recruiting : TheWorknPlay

Embark Recruiting Blogs

Embark Recruiting

As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools and improving Korea’s ESL teaching industry.

At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed. Our blogs offer guidance, tips, and insider knowledge for teaching in Korea.

Posts (76)

All About Embark (4) Embark Services (7) Teaching in Korea (3) Visa and Immigration Guide (14) Tax and Labor Rights (2) Life in Korea (2) Resources and Forms (44)

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (1/14)

D-10 to E-2 Transfer | Korea Visa Guide

Navigating visa changes in Korea can feel overwhelming, especially when moving from the D10 job-seeker visa to the E2 teaching visa. The process is simpler than it may appear once you understand the requirements and steps involved. This guide will explain the documents you need and the general process for completing the transfer once you land your next teaching job in Korea. Eligibility for D-10 to E-2 Visa Transfer To transfer from a D-10 visa to an E-2 visa, ensure you meet the following requirements: Must hold a valid D-10 visa in South Korea. Must have a job offer from a registered educational institution. The position must meet E-2 visa requirements. Required documents must be submitted and approved (see below) Required Documents for D-10 to E-2 Visa Transfer Prepared by the Teacher (D-10 Visa Holder) Application Form No. 34: Visa application form for the transfer. See Form Release Letter (If applicable): Needed only if leaving a previous contract early. Passport: Valid passport with at least six months of validity. Residence Card (RC): Current Residence Card issued in Korea. Labor Income Withholding Receipt (근로소득원천징수): Obtainable from your previous school or local tax office. Medical Checkup: Two sealed copies of the medical checkup. Visa Transfer Fee: 130,000 KRW Prepared by the the School (New School): Business Registration Certificate (사업자등록증): Copy of the school’s business registration number certificate. School Establishment Registration (학원설립운영등록증): Copy confirming school is registered in Korea. Class Timetable (강사 활용계획서) Showing the classes the teacher will teach. School Status Report (학원 현황표) Confirmation of Residence and Lease Contract: Needed when the school provides the housing. Overview of the E-2 to D-10 Visa Transfer Process Once you sign a contract with a new school, you can begin your visa transfer process. Collect Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documents. Visit the Immigration Office: Schedule an Appointment: Required for most immigration offices. In-Person Visit: Bring required documents for submission. Submit Documents: Hand in all documents for verification. Fee Payment: Pay the visa transfer fee (KRW 130,000). Processing Time: Typically 7-14 business days for approval. Receive Updated RC: Get an updated RC reflecting your new place of employment. Important Considerations Visit the immigration office before your D-10 Visa expires if no appointment slots are available. You must wait for your E-2 visa transfer to be completed before starting work.

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (1/14)

Common Visa Types | Korea Visa Guide

Visa Requirements for Teaching English in Korea To work as a native English teacher in Korea, teachers must hold the appropriate visa. Most teachers qualify under the E-2 (Long-term Visa to teach a Foreign Language) Visa. If you are teaching English at a language academy or a non-EPIK private or public school, you will have to apply for the E-2-1 (Foreign Language Instructor) Visa. Note: Even if you are already in Korea, you must switch to an E-2 visa to teach unless you already hold the proper visa type to teach in Korea. (For instance, D-2, D-4 holders CANNOT teach FULL-TIME.) Visa Type Applicable Law(s) Workplace (Place of Employment) Visa Requirements E-2-1 (Foreign Language Instructor) • Immigration Act • Act on Establishment and Operation of Private Teaching Institutes and Extracurricular Lessons (Private Teaching Institutes Act) • Language Academy • Public/Private School • International School (limited to foreign language teaching), etc. Citizenship Must be a citizen of one of the following 7 countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa Education Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the 7 English-speaking countries (any major is acceptable) Additional • Must be a native speaker or have studied from the junior high level (7th grade) and resided for at least 10 years or more in the country where English is the primary language. • Must have a clean criminal background check • Must pass a medical exam and not have any health condition that affects job performance E-7-1 (Foreign National of Special Ability) • Immigration Act • Private Teaching Institutes Act Foreign School (selective) Citizenship Open to all nationalities. Qualification Must have been invited by a public or private organization in Korea to carry out activities specially designated by the Minister of Justice. F-2 (Residence Type) F-4 (Overseas Korean) F-5 (Permanent Resident) F-6 (Spouse of Korean National) • Private Teaching Institutes Act • Language Academy • Public/Private School • International School (limited to foreign language teaching), etc. Citizenship Open to all nationalities Education Bachelor’s degree holders (including those who have completed at least 80 academic credits) or Associate degree holders Additional Must meet the hiring standards specified by the Private Teaching Institutes Act

Labor Rights for Native English Teachers in Korea

by Embark Recruiting

Tax and Labor Rights (1/2)

Labor Rights for Native English Teachers in Korea

Legal Protections for Native English Teachers South Korea’s laws and constitution promise equal rights and protection from discrimination for all workers. Native English teachers may wonder if these protections truly apply to them. The good news is, native English teachers in Korea’s private academies and schools are recognized as legal employees with the same labor rights as Korean citizens. Whether a native English teacher qualifies as a “worker” under the Labor Standards Act DOES NOT depend on the job title or contract label (such as “freelance,” "contractor," or “employee”), but on the actual nature of the working relationship. If the teacher performs labor under the school’s (employer) direction and control in exchange for wages, they are considered an employee. Labor Standards Act (See full version here) Article 6 (Equal Treatment) “An employer shall neither discriminate against employees on the basis of gender, nor take discriminatory treatment in relation to terms and conditions of employment on the ground of nationality, religion, or social status.” Factors that indicate an employee relationship include: Employer/School defines the work and tasks Subject to company policies and rules Employer/School supervises and directs the work Work hours and location are set by the employer/school Worker/Teacher does not independently own tools or materials Worker/Teacher cannot hire substitutes Worker/Teacher bears no financial risk of profit or loss Compensation is tied to the work performed A fixed or base salary is provided Employer/School withholds income tax Work is continuous and dedicated to one employer/school Employee/Teacher status recognized under social security laws Given these criteria, the majority of native English teachers employed by private academies and schools in Korea are legally classified as employees under the Labor Standards Act. This classification guarantees them equal labor rights, fair treatment, and protections equivalent to those enjoyed by Korean workers.

Bringing Pets to Korea as a Native English Teacher | What to Expect

by Embark Recruiting

Life in Korea (1/2)

Bringing Pets to Korea as a Native English Teacher | What to Expect

Bringing a pet to Korea is absolutely possible, but it takes careful preparation. Before committing, ask yourself if you are ready to handle the extra costs, responsibilities, and restrictions that come with moving abroad with a furry friend. Any excuse to share a picture of my cat is a good one. Here’s what you should know before you make the move. 1. Pet-Friendly Housing Isn’t Always Provided One of the biggest challenges new teachers face is housing. Many schools and academies provide studio apartments for their teachers, but not all are pet-friendly. Before signing your contract, make sure to ask your recruiter or school about their housing policy regarding pets. If the school does not allow them, you may need to find your own accommodation. 2. Be Prepared for Cleaning and Damage Fees Even if you are lucky enough to get pet-friendly housing, you will still be responsible for any cleaning or damage caused by your pet. Scratched floors, chewed furniture, or strong odors can all result in deductions from your salary or additional costs after your contract ends. 3. Research Travel and Quarantine Requirements To bring a cat or dog to Korea, you will need to follow specific import requirements, including microchipping, vaccinations (especially rabies), and paperwork approved by both your home country and Korean authorities. Fortunately, Korea does not usually require quarantine for pets arriving with the proper documents, but the process still takes planning. Make sure to start early, as it can take months to gather everything. 4. Navigating Vet Care and Pet Supplies Depending on your location, veterinary care and niche pet supplies may be harder to access than back home. If you are teaching in a city like Seoul or Busan, you will have more options for veterinarians and groomers who speak English. Most of the pet products you are used to back home are also available here, and with Korea’s fast online shopping, getting what you need is usually quick.