1. KakaoTalk (Communication)

Why You Need It: KakaoTalk is the most popular messaging app in South Korea, used for everything from work communications to socializing. As an English teacher, you’ll use it to communicate with colleagues, students’ parents, and new friends. It also supports voice and video calls, which can be handy for professional and personal use. If you’re starting a teaching job in Korea, this app is crucial for staying connected.

2. Naver Map (Navigation)

Why You Need It: While Google Maps is the go-to in many countries, it’s not as reliable in Korea. Naver Map, on the other hand, is extremely accurate and widely used by locals. If you’re teaching English in South Korea, Naver Map will help you navigate from your apartment to your school and explore your new neighborhood, ensuring you’re never lost while commuting.

3. Papago (Translation)

Why You Need It: One of the most challenging aspects of moving abroad, especially for a teach abroad opportunity, is the language barrier. Papago is an excellent translation app that will help you with Korean to English translations. Whether you’re reading a menu, asking for directions, or shopping, Papago is an essential tool for teachers still learning Korean.

4. KakaoMap (Navigation)

Why You Need It: Another fantastic navigation app is KakaoMap. It’s well integrated with KakaoTalk and offers updated bus and subway routes. It’s an excellent alternative to Naver Map, making it easy for teachers to share their locations with friends or colleagues. Whether you’re traveling to your school or exploring a new area on the weekend, KakaoMap will get you where you need to go.

5. Coupang (Shopping)

Why You Need It: Setting up your new life in Korea requires purchasing home essentials, and Coupang is South Korea’s largest online shopping platform. For teachers who teach English in South Korea, Coupang makes it easy to order everything from groceries to electronics, often with next-day delivery. It’s a convenient way to stock up on supplies while adjusting to your new teaching job.

6. Yogiyo (Food Delivery)

Why You Need It: Teaching can be exhausting, and some days, you’ll just want to order food. Yogiyo is one of Korea’s top food delivery apps, offering a wide selection of restaurants. Whether you want to try Korean dishes or enjoy international food, Yogiyo delivers to your door, perfect for busy teachers after a long day of teaching.

7. Subway Korea (Subway Navigation)

Why You Need It: South Korea has an impressive subway system, and as a teacher, you’ll likely be using it to commute. Subway Korea provides real-time updates and maps for the subway system, making it easy to plan your route. Whether you’re heading to work or exploring on the weekends, this app is a must for navigating the city efficiently.

8. KB Star Banking App (Banking)

Why You Need It: Managing your finances is essential, especially if you’re teaching abroad. The KB Star Banking App simplifies banking in South Korea. With features that allow you to transfer money, check your account, and pay bills, the app also offers English support, making it ideal for expat teachers managing their finances.

9. Seoul Bus (Bus Navigation)

Why You Need It: If you live in a suburban or rural area, buses are likely a big part of your daily commute. The Seoul Bus app helps you navigate the bus system by providing real-time schedules and routes. It’s especially useful for teachers who may not live near a subway line but still need reliable transportation to their teaching jobs.

10. Kakao T (Taxi & Transportation)

Why You Need It: When public transport isn’t available, Kakao T is a lifesaver. It allows you to book taxis, rent bikes, and even arrange chauffeur services. For teachers rushing to work or getting home late, Kakao T offers a reliable and easy way to get around. The app is also available in English, making it user-friendly for expats.

+++++

For those planning to teach English in South Korea or currently working a teaching job there, these apps will significantly enhance your experience. They’ll help you navigate your new home, manage daily tasks, and make the most of your time abroad. Download these must-have apps to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience as an English teacher in South Korea.

The post Must-Have Apps in Korea for English Teachers appeared first on ESL Consulting.

1. Submit Your Application on Our Website (1 minute)
Start by submitting your resume and a recent photo through our website: Apply Now. During this quick and straightforward step, you’ll also provide your preferences for your ideal teaching position, location, and school type.

2. Interview with a Recruiter from ESL Consulting (3 days)
After reviewing your resume, a member of our team will schedule a video interview with you. If you’re a good match, we’ll connect you with schools that align with both your preferences and their needs. This step typically takes around three days.

3. Interview with Employers in Korea (1 week)
We’ll then arrange interviews with multiple schools in Korea that match your qualifications and preferences. If both you and the school feel it’s a good fit, you’ll receive a job offer. This process usually takes about a week.

4. Sign Your Employment Contract (1-2 weeks)
Once you’re offered a position, a copy of the employment contract will be sent to you for review and signing. After accepting the offer, you’ll need to send all necessary visa documents to our office in Seoul.

5. Receive Your Visa Number (2-3 weeks)
Your school will then submit your visa documents to Korean immigration. It typically takes 2-3 weeks for your visa number to be issued.

6. Apply for a Visa at the Nearest Korean Consulate (2-3 weeks)
With your visa number in hand, you can apply for an E2 visa at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate. The visa process generally takes about 2-3 weeks.

7. Book Your Flight to Korea
Once your visa is approved, it’s time to book your flight! This is when the adventure truly begins.

8. Arrive in Korea
Upon arrival, our recruiter will guide you on getting to your apartment or temporary accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition as you settle into your new life in Korea.

With this timeline, you can see how quickly you can secure a teaching job in Seoul or another vibrant city in Korea. Your journey to becoming an English teacher in Korea is closer than you think!

See you soon in Korea

The post Ready to Teach in Korea? Here’s How You Can Start in Just 2 Months appeared first on ESL Consulting.

Regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated, you must obtain a negative confirmation of a PCR test or a professional antigen test (RAT) before entering Korea. (*1)

After you arrive in Korea, you must bring your passport and flight ticket for the PCR test within 1 day, and you will receive the result within 1 to 2 days.
The first PCR test can be done at a public health center or a temporary screening clinic.
You can test for free and it is open until 18:00 on weekdays, so you can check the available time through the website (*1) (https://www.mohw.go.kr/react/popup_200128_5.html).
Secondly, you can proceed with the inspection immediately after entering the country at Incheon Airport.
There are two on the east and west side of each passenger terminal, and the operating hours are from 07-18 o’clock for departure inspection / from 07 to 21:00 for immigration inspection, and the Immigration Inspection Center on the east side of Passenger Terminal 2 is open 24 hours. You can make a reservation on the Incheon Airport website and pay a fee to get the test.  Do note that only foreigners with short-term visas(Stay in South Korea for up to 3 months) can get tested for free upon arrival at the Incheon airport.
(*2) (https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/svc/covid19/medical/medical.do#)
Thirdly, PCR testing for overseas entrants is possible even at a hospital near your home.
You can access the website of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, search for a hospital near your house, make a reservation for the available time, and pay a fee for the test. (*1)

Reference
*1) https://www.mohw.go.kr/react/popup_200128_5.html
*2) https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/svc/covid19/medical/medical.do#

The post PCR test required upon arrival in Korea appeared first on ESL Consulting.

Let’s start with Jirisan National Park. It is the largest mountain-type national park and the first national park in Korea. Here, countless peaks spread out like a folding screen to represent a beautiful scene, which cannot be expressed simply with the words ‘big, deep, wide’. It is one of the best sunrise spots of the country and offers spectacular views all year round.

The next is Bukhansan National Park, where a clear stream runs between dozens of gorges and peaks, showing a beautiful harmony of mountain and water. It is also popular to tourists as it is the closest national park to Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.

Third is Seoraksan National Park. It is very famous for its large pine trees and various oak trees. Also, it is popular during autumn season for its picturesque foliage.

Gyeongju National Park is the only historical national park existing in Korea. As it was the capital of the Silla Dynasty in Korea, here you can see some of the oldest structures in Korea, such as Bulguksa Temple or Anapji Royal Pond Garden.

What’s next? Songnisan National Park! It is the park that most tourists mainly begin their journey at Beopjusa, one of the oldest temples located at the foot of the mountain range of Songnisan. In the spring season of Songnisan, pink azaleas bloom all over the mountain, showing a beautiful scenery.

The sixth is Mudeungsan National Park, famous for the Juangjeolli Cliffs formed about 70 million years ago. When walking the promenade here, you would be stopped walking by looking at old stone structures as well as large Buddhist temples surrounded by pillars for photo opportunities.

Finally, Hallasan National Park, which is one of the most visited attractions in Jeju Island, has not only the highest peak in Korea, but also has the shield volcano formed millions of years ago. There are various walking trails where you can enjoy the natural scenery.

References -Unsplash & Pixabay

These national parks in Korea are equipped with facilities for tourists.
Facilities like campsites or shelters are available!

Campsite, a space where you can relax and enjoy camping with your loved ones, is equipped. Here, you can camp with your loved ones and enjoy the changing seasons of nature!
Also, a small shelter is provided that you could enjoy watching clouds and feel wind for a while. It is a safety facility where you can rest your tired body at the end of a long road, check your health and movement, and take a break for safe hiking.
To experience these facilities, you must make a reservation in advance.

How to make a reservation

1. Log in after accessing the KNPS website(https://reservation.knps.or.kr/foreigner/main.do)

2. Press “Introduction” of the facility you are interested in, either at the shelter or campsite

3. Select the desired national park → Select the desired shelter or camping and click “Search”

4. After reading the description of the desired facility, press the “reservation button” when making a reservation

5. Check the “facility reservation report” and search by the selected criteria

6. Click the “Book Now” button and make a payment

References

https://english.knps.or.kr/

https://reservation.knps.or.kr/foreigner/main.do

The post Exploring a beautiful Natural Scenery: National parks in South Korea appeared first on ESL Consulting.

<Separate discharge method>

1. Plastics
Empty the contents of the plastic bottle and plastic container
Remove parts made of other materials such as attachment trademarks and lids and discard them.
(For products that are mixed with various materials, such as pill packaging and cassette tape,
Throw it away in a standard plastic garbage bag)

2. Plastic bag
If foreign substances are on snacks, ramen bags, or disposable plastic bags, rinse them with water
and remove the residue before discarding them.
(If it is difficult to remove foreign substances, discharge them into a standard plastic garbage bag.)

3. Styrofoam
Throw away the cup noodle container filled with ramen soup without any foreign substances after rinsing.
Styrofoam used in the packaging of agricultural, fishery, and livestock products completely emptied the contents
Remove tapes, transportation bills, trademarks, etc. completely and throw them away.
(If it is difficult to remove foreign substances, break the styrofoam and throw it away in a standard plastic garbage bag.)

4. Glass bottle type
Throw away soda bottles, beer bottles, and soju bottles without any foreign substances.
(Dropped mirrors, broken glass, and ceramics in standard plastic garbage bags because they are not glass bottles.)

5. Food Waste

Removes as much foreign matter and water as possible and disposes a organic waste in a compost bin or a food waste disposal bag depending on what types of accommodation you are living in.

(A foreign substance/matter can be as plastic, egg shells, animal bones, bottle caps, toothpicks, paper, spoons, chopsticks, plastic, foil, rubber gloves, glass fragments, etc.)

References
https://me.go.kr/home/web/board/read.do?menuId=10392&boardMasterId=713&boardId=853220
https://www.ui4u.go.kr/depart/contents.do?mId=0602050000
https://www.seocho.go.kr/site/seocho/04/10413030600002020072410.jsp

The post How to recycle garbage in Korea appeared first on ESL Consulting.

*Explore Seoul with ESL Consulting*

ESL Consulting prepared a list of great tourist attractions in Seoul, which is Korea’s capital.
​

<Gyeongbok Palace>
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest palace among the five royal palaces established by the Joseon Dynasty and served as the home of the Joseon royal family and the Joseon government.
Here, you can learn about the history of Korea and have a unique experience by wearing the rented traditional Korean costume.
​
<Namsan Seoul Tower>
Namsan Seoul Tower is a landmark of Korea and it is full of various things to enjoy, including beautiful views from the center of Seoul and locks of love for lovers.
​
<Lotte Tower>
Lotte Tower, the fifth tallest building in the world with 123 floors, is a must-visit destination for a Seoul tour. It offers an observatory, shopping mall, and diverse cultural spaces, providing a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
​
<DDP – Dongdaemun Design Plaza>
DDP is a complex cultural space located in Dongdaemun, Seoul, Korea, where design trends begin and culture exchanges. This place introduces the world’s first new products and fashion trends, shares knowledge through global exhibitions, and offers various design experiences.
​
<Hallyu Star Street K STAR ROAD)>
This is the “City Judge Olle Road” where you can walk to the place where the Korean Wave story is located and experience it for yourself. Reflecting the latest Hallyu trend, you can check out the stories of hot stars such as famous attractions and popular restaurants.
​
<Seoul Forest>
It is a park located in Ttukseom-ro, Seoul, and is composed of four distinctive spaces: Culture and Arts Park, Experience Learning Center, Ecological Forest, and Wetland Ecological Garden. It is adjacent to the Han River to provide various cultural leisure spaces. In the past, there used to be a Seoul racetrack and a golf course, and some of the facilities at that time were re-formed into a park, and it is famous for having a concept of green in the city.
Various programs, including hands-on learning, are waiting for you and there are beautiful hiking trails.

The post Explore Seoul with ESL Consulting appeared first on ESL Consulting.

<Soy sauced bulgogi>
Ingredients needed: onions, green onions, 600g of pork
Required seasoning: dark soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, grounded black pepper.

1. mix the below seasonings to make the sauce:
Mix all the ingredients listed -> 6 spoons of dark soy sauce + 2 spoons of sugar + 1 spoon of minced garlic + 1 spoon of sesame oil + 0.5 spoons of pepper
2. Put the pork in the mixed marinade sauce and mix it well.
3. Put the marinated meat in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Cut half of an onion and chop a little bit of green onion.
5. Sprinkle cooking oil in a frying pan, take out the meat from the refrigerator, and stir-fry over medium heat.
6. When the meat is cooked, add the onion and stir-fry it together. Lastly, add green onion and stir-fry it closely to the over-high heat.

<Kimchi fried rice>
Ingredients needed: Kimchi, rice
Required seasoning: dark soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, red pepper powder, cooking oil

1. Sprinkle cooking oil on a frying pan and stir-fry kimchi with medium heat.
2. Add 1 spoon of soy sauce and 1 spoon of sugar to the moderately fried kimchi and stir-fry again.
3. Add rice and stir-fry together.
4. Add half a spoon of red pepper powder and half a spoon of sesame oil and stir-fry.
*It’s delicious if you put fried eggs on top of rice.

<Steamed eggs >
Ingredients required: eggs, green onions, wrap.
Required seasoning: salt, sugar, sesame oil.

1. Mix 3 eggs into a bowl.
2. Add the same amount of water as the number of eggs and mix well.
3. Add half a spoon of salt, half a spoon of sugar, and finally, chopped green onion to the egg mixture and stir together.
4. Wrap a bowl of egg water with plastic wrap and make a small hole with a fork on top of it.
5. Microwave for at least 2 minutes per egg, or about 7 minutes.

The post Delicious food that you can easily make yourself appeared first on ESL Consulting.

EPIK 2022 Spring intake accept an online application only, and we, ESL consulting, here provide a guideline for teachers to complete online application easy and smooth.

Before starting the online application,

1. Please prepare the necessary initial documents.
< Initial documents >
– National-level criminal record check
– Two letters of recommendation
– Professional photo
– Proof of English Education (for South African applicants only)
– Birth Certificate(for UK/Australian applicants only)

2. Send us your letters of recommendation to epik@seoulesl.com and get approval from ESL Consulting EPIK recruiters before you upload them.
3. Send us your personal essay and lesson plan to epik@seoulesl.com while completing the form. Our experienced ESL Consulting EPIK recruiters will provide you a professional guideline.

ESL consulting EPIK recruiters will send you the link to apply for online application and will provide you a detailed guideline on how to prepare new EPIK 2022 Spring intake online application.
Please contact us at epik@seoulesl.com 

Refer to the steps and images below!

Step 1: Create an account
Step 2: Apply Now
Step 3: Begin your application – Select CLASSIFICATION as Agency – ESL Consulting

1. Online Application
You can submit only one online application per term. Also, once you submit it you will not be able to modify your application.
When you begin your application, select “CLASSIFICATION” as Agency-ESL Consulting so that we can review your application and provide a guideline and help you after online application submission.

2. Photo
Prepare a photo of you from the shoulders up and facing forward with a solid white background. The photo is very important. You may smile for the photo.

3. Apostilled National-Level Criminal Record Check
A scan of a nationally apostilled national-level criminal record check dated on or after August 1st, 2021.
OR
A scan of a non-apostilled national-level criminal record check dated on or after August 1st, 2021 + a scan of proof of application for a national apostille (receipt, e-mail confirmation, scan of application for apostille, proof of payment, etc.).

4. 2 Letters of Recommendation
Please prepare two letters of recommendation from academic professors or previous/current employers. The files must be uploaded in PDF format. If the first or second letter of recommendation is more than 1 page and requires multiple pages, please combine the pages into one single, properly aligned PDF file. The file size must not exceed 10mb.
– Letters must be from a supervisor, professor, academic advisor, co- teacher, or other professional source.
– Letters must be on letterhead OR the referee’s business card must be attached.
– For the initial application, a letter with a digital signature is acceptable. However, an original letter with an ink-signature required after successful interview.
– Letters must have the name of the writer and their title clearly stated.
– Letters of recommendation must contain the contact information of the referee.
– The letters must be dated and must be no older than 2 years from the opening of the application period for the term an applicant is applying.
– Letters must include the applicant’s full first and last name as it appears on their passport.
– Letters should be addressed to “Whom it May Concern” or to the “EPIK Team.” Letters addressed to recruiters or other institutions/organizations will not be accepted.
– Letters should clearly state the relationship between the referee and the applicant, including the length and nature of the relationship.

5. Current Contract End Date Page for Those Currently Working in Korea
Only a scan of the page(s) showing the contract end date is needed. Please do not submit a file of the full contract. The file must be uploaded in PDF format.

6. Proof of English Education
For Korean Citizens & South African/Quebec applicant & Those Who Attended Schools outside the Designated Countries: Applicants who received their education from 7th year/grade and through high school graduation in areas where English is often not used as the language of instruction in schools (South Africa, Quebec, etc.) must submit proof of English Education from each school attended during this period. English must have been the language of instruction for all subjects excluding foreign language  subjects.  A letter  from  each  school’s  administrative  office  that states  the  period  of  attendance and  that  English  was  the  language  of instruction during their attendance will suffice as proof of English Education.

7. Tattoo Photos
Photos of all tattoos located on the hands, arms, feet, legs, neck, and head must be submitted. Along  with  these  photos, applicants  may  submit photos  showing  the method they plan to use to keep the tattoos covered

8. UK/Australian Applicants – Birth Certificate
Applicants who are applying as UK/Australian citizens must upload a scan of their birth certificate to the application. Please note that this does not need to be apostilled for the Initial Online  Application  stage,  but  it  will  need  to  be  apostilled  for  the  Document Submission stage following a successful interview.

9. Sign UP for TEFL
EPIK requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching English as a foreign language certificate (TEFL/ TESOL/CELTA etc.). Some regional education boards require at least twenty to fifty hours in-class hours. your decision to take an online or in-class course should be based upon your school choices. ESL consulting would like to recommend my TEFL Professional course-120hrs course on which you can take up to 35% discount and becoming an all-ready teacher in Korea and China.

The post Get ready for EPIK 2022 Spring Intake : Online Application-ESL Consulting appeared first on ESL Consulting.

TEFL stands for teaching English as a foreign language.
TESOL stands for teaching English to speakers of other languages.
CELTA stands for Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other languages.
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other languages.

To apply for EPIK, having one of the teaching certifications is a must. For Private Institutions, having a teaching certificate is not required, but strongly recommended as this will be a great addition to your resume. We strongly suggest embracing yourself with one of the teaching certificates as this will get you ready for teaching English as a second language environment. Any of the English certificates (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or ESOL) is okay but with COVID and with your busy schedule, in-person classes have been uneasy. To work with your busy schedule with the limited time that we have, online classes can be great alternatives. We have a great partnership with myTEFL which offers 35 % discount.

We strongly recommend the TEFL certificate as your first choice. The TEFL is a program that recognizes various programs and everywhere. Also, a TEFL certificate course will give you the skills, knowledge, and tools need to deliver an effective English lesson. If you want to apply for an EPIK program in Korean public schools, you must have more than 100 hours of TEFL certificate. Moreover, most private institutes prefer teachers who have TEFL certificates. Seoul ESL recommends a discount of 35 percent for 120 hours of online TEFL course. Please visit (https://www.eslcon.com/tefl/) for more information. Additionally, due to the effect of the Covid-19 situation, the demand for online lectures is increasing. So we also recommend 140-hour online classes that help you to prepare for the online lectures. We offer a special discount of 35 percent on this course too.

We hope this certificate will help you with your job application. SEOUL ESL recruiters are always working hard to find the perfect fit job for applicants.

The post Do I need teaching certificate to teach English in non-English speaking countries? appeared first on ESL Consulting.

EPIK 2021 Fall intake accept an online application only, and we, ESL consulting, here provide a guideline for teachers to complete online application easy and smooth.

Before starting the online application,
1. Please prepare the necessary initial documents.
< Initial documents >
– Two letters of recommendation
– Professional photo
– Proof of English Education (for South African only)

2. Send us your letters of recommendation to epik@seoulesl.com and get approval from ESL Consulting EPIK recruiters before you upload them.
3. Send us your personal essay and lesson plan to epik@seoulesl.com while completing the form. Our experienced ESL Consulting EPIK recruiters will provide you a professional guideline.

ESL consulting EPIK recruiters will send you the link to apply for online application and will provide you a detailed guideline on how to prepare new EPIK 2021 Fall intake online application.
Please contact us at epik@seoulesl.com 

Refer to the steps and images below!

Step 1: Create an account
Step 2: Apply Now
Step 3: Begin your application – Select CLASSIFICATION as Agency – ESL Consulting

1. Online Application
You can submit only one online application per term. Also, once you submit it you will not be able to modify your application.
When you begin your application, select “CLASSIFICATION” as Agency-ESL Consulting so that we can review your application and provide a guideline and help you after online application submission.

2. Photo
Prepare a photo of you from the shoulders up and facing forward with a solid white background. The photo is very important. You may smile for the photo.

3. 2 Letters of Recommendation
Please prepare two letters of recommendation from academic professors or previous/current employers. The files must be uploaded in PDF format. If the first or second letter of recommendation is more than 1 page and requires multiple pages, you may combine the pages into one single, properly aligned PDF file OR submit a ZIP file with multiple PDF pages for each of the individual letters of recommendation separately. The file size must not exceed 10mb.
– Letters must be on letterhead OR the referee’s business card must be attached.
– For the initial application, a letter with a digital signature is acceptable. However, an original letter with an ink-signature required after successful interview.
– Letters must have the name of the writer and their title clearly stated.
– Letters of recommendation must contain the contact information of the referee.
– The letters must be dated
– Letters must include the applicant’s full first and last name as it appears on their passport.
– Letters should be addressed to “Whom it May Concern” or to the “EPIK Team.” Letters addressed to recruiters or other institutions/organizations will not be accepted.
– Letters should clearly state the relationship between the referee and the applicant, including the length and nature of the relationship.

4. Current Contract End Date Page for Those Currently Working in Korea
Only a scan of the page(s) showing the contract end date is needed. Please do not submit a file of the full contract.

5. Proof of English Education
For Korean Citizens & South African/Quebec applicant & Those Who Attended Schools outside the Designated Countries: Applicants who received their education from 7th year/grade and through high school graduation in either South Africa, Quebec, or in other areas in one of the 7 designated countries where English may not always be the primary language of school instruction, must submit proof of English Education from each school attended during this period. The schools must have used English as the language of instruction for all subjects not considered foreign language subjects. 

6. Tattoo Photos
Photos of tattoos located on the hands, arms, neck, and head must be submitted.

7. Sign UP for TEFL
EPIK requires a minimum of 100 hours of teaching English as a foreign language certificate (TEFL/ TESOL/CELTA etc.). Some regional education boards require at least twenty to fifty hours in-class hours. your decision to take an online or in-class course should be based upon your school choices. ESL consulting would like to recommend my TEFL Professional course-120hrs course on which you can take up to 35% discount and becoming an all ready teacher in Korea and China.

The post Get ready for EPIK 2021 Fall Intake : Online Application-ESL Consulting appeared first on ESL Consulting.