What Is a Hagwon in South Korea and How Do They Work?

Hagwons are everywhere in South Korea. From early evening into the night, you’ll see students streaming into brightly lit academies tucked between cafés and convenience stores. These after-school institutes are a staple of Korean education, designed to give students an edge—whether it's mastering English, acing math, or preparing for exams like TOEFL or university entrance tests.

For foreign teachers, hagwons are often the fastest and most accessible way to start teaching in Korea. They offer visa sponsorship, regular hiring, and placement in cities large and small. But they’re also very different from teaching in a public school. The pace is quicker, the expectations are higher, and the role feels more like a mix between teaching and customer service. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it just means you need to know what you’re stepping into.

📘 1. What Exactly Is a Hagwon?

A hagwon (학원) is a private, for-profit academy that students in South Korea attend outside of their regular school hours. These schools cover a wide range of subjects—from math and science to piano and coding—but English hagwons are by far the most common type that hire foreign teachers.

Unlike public schools, hagwons operate more like businesses. They compete for students, cater to parental expectations, and rely on strong performance and word-of-mouth to succeed. This means the experience can feel more fast-paced and customer-focused than traditional school settings.

Most students attend hagwons in the late afternoon or evening, often after a full day at school. Many even go on weekends. While that might sound intense, hagwons are deeply embedded in Korean culture as a way to stay competitive academically or gain extra skills. For foreign teachers, these schools represent the majority of English teaching jobs in Korea, with roles ranging from kindergarten instruction to adult business English.

📅 2. What a Typical Day Looks Like

Life at a hagwon follows a rhythm that’s quite different from public school jobs. Most teachers start their day in the early afternoon—often around 1:00 or 2:00 PM—and finish sometime between 8:00 and 10:00 PM. Morning routines are yours to enjoy, which appeals to night owls or those who want slow, flexible starts to their day.

Once the day begins, things move quickly. You’ll usually teach multiple short classes back-to-back, often rotating between different age groups or proficiency levels. One moment you might be singing songs with kindergarteners; the next, drilling grammar with high school students preparing for exams.

Class sizes tend to be small—usually fewer than 12 students—which means more interaction, more feedback, and more demand for classroom energy. Hagwon parents expect results, especially when it comes to speaking confidence and test performance. That pressure trickles down to teachers, making this a high-energy environment that rewards those who are well-prepared and adaptable.

👩‍🏫 3. What You’ll Be Teaching

Most hagwon teaching revolves around English conversation and basic language skills, especially for younger learners. If you're placed in a kindergarten or elementary-level hagwon, expect to focus heavily on speaking and listening activities—games, role plays, pronunciation drills, and vocabulary practice are all part of the daily routine.

As students get older, lessons shift toward more structured academics. Middle and high school students often come to hagwons for help with reading comprehension, grammar accuracy, and writing fluency—especially if they’re preparing for exams like TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS. This age group tends to be more focused and outcome-driven, so lessons might feel more like tutoring than casual conversation.

While most hagwons cater to kids and teens, some specialize in adult education or business English. These positions are less common but do exist—usually in larger cities—and often involve one-on-one lessons or small groups of professionals looking to improve their workplace communication skills.

👥 4. Who Attends Hagwons?

The bulk of students at English hagwons are elementary and middle school children. These students typically attend regular school during the day and head to hagwons in the late afternoon or evening for extra English instruction. Many are enrolled by parents eager to give their kids an academic edge—especially in competitive cities like Seoul or Busan, where after-school education is practically the norm.

Some hagwons, known as "kindy hagwons," operate in the mornings and cater to young children between the ages of 3 and 6. These programs focus on immersive, play-based English learning and are popular among parents who want their kids exposed to English early on.

Although less common, adult learners also attend hagwons—often in business-focused academies. These students usually take evening classes to improve their English for work, travel, or personal development. If you’re looking to teach adults, you’ll find more of these roles in major urban areas.

🕵️ 5. Types of Hagwons and Their Differences

Not all hagwons are created equal—there are several types, each with its own pros, cons, and teaching environment. Knowing the differences can help you find a school that matches your goals and teaching style.

Franchise Hagwons like Avalon, Chungdahm, and YBM are well-known chains with multiple locations across Korea. These schools typically use a standardized curriculum, which can make lesson planning easier for new teachers. The trade-off is often a more rigid corporate atmosphere and varying reputations between branches—some offer great support, while others feel overly demanding or impersonal.

Independent Hagwons are smaller, often family-run businesses. These can be more laid-back and flexible, allowing teachers more freedom in the classroom. However, they also vary greatly in terms of pay reliability, management quality, and work conditions. Doing your homework (or reading reviews from former teachers) is crucial before accepting a job with an independent hagwon.

Then there are Kindy Hagwons, which specialize in early childhood education. These schools usually operate in the mornings and focus on immersive learning through play, music, and basic communication. They can be incredibly rewarding—but also physically and emotionally demanding, requiring patience, energy, and a lot of smiles.

💼 6. Salary, Benefits, and Contracts

Hagwon jobs typically offer competitive entry-level salaries, especially for new teachers just arriving in South Korea. Most positions pay between ₩2.2 million and ₩2.8 million KRW per month (roughly $1,600–$2,100 USD), depending on your experience, qualifications, and the location of the school.

In addition to salary, most hagwons provide free housing or a monthly housing allowance, which significantly lowers your living costs. Other common benefits include a one-way airfare reimbursement (sometimes round-trip), national health insurance, and a contract completion bonus (known as severance pay), equal to one month’s salary after your 12-month contract ends.

While hagwon jobs offer decent financial perks, vacation time tends to be limited compared to public schools. Expect about 10 days of paid leave per year, often split between summer and winter. Some schools may include national holidays off, but this isn’t always guaranteed. Be sure to review your contract carefully—especially regarding overtime pay, working hours, and expectations outside the classroom.

📉 7. The Downsides and Red Flags

While many hagwons provide stable, well-paying jobs, not all are created equal. Because hagwons are private, for-profit businesses, the quality of management can vary widely. Some schools treat their teachers with respect and professionalism, while others may prioritize profits over staff well-being.

One of the biggest risks is poor management—which can lead to disorganized schedules, last-minute changes, or even late salary payments. Some schools may expect long hours or unpaid extra work, especially around test prep seasons or promotional events.

Here are a few red flags to watch out for when job hunting:

• High turnover: If a school frequently replaces teachers, it could signal deeper issues with work conditions or management.
• Vague or incomplete contracts: Your responsibilities, hours, vacation, and compensation should be clearly outlined.
• Unclear expectations: Be cautious if a school doesn’t explain your typical day, student levels, or workload during the interview process.
• No direct contact with current teachers: A trustworthy school will usually let you speak with a current foreign teacher before you sign.

To protect yourself, research the hagwon online (using sites like Reddit, Facebook groups, or ESL job boards), and don’t hesitate to ask for references or clarification before accepting a position. A little homework upfront can save you major headaches later.

✅ 8. Pros of Working at a Hagwon

Despite some risks, hagwons remain one of the most popular ways for foreigners to teach English in South Korea—and for good reason. One of the biggest advantages is the fast and flexible hiring process. Unlike government programs that have fixed application windows, hagwons hire year-round, making it easier to get started when you’re ready.

Hagwons are also typically based in urban areas, which means you’ll likely be living near public transportation, shops, restaurants, and other comforts of modern Korean life. This urban lifestyle appeals to many teachers who want the energy and convenience of city living.

Class sizes are usually small, giving you more time to interact with each student and create a more personalized learning environment. For those who enjoy building relationships and seeing individual progress, this setting can be very rewarding.

In short, hagwons offer:

• Quicker job placement compared to public school programs
• More flexible start dates
• Prime locations in cities and suburban hubs
• More interaction with students in smaller classes

If you’re looking for a teaching job with easier access, faster onboarding, and a social lifestyle in Korea’s urban centers, hagwons can be an excellent fit.

📍 9. Hagwon vs. Public School Jobs

If you’re choosing between teaching at a hagwon or a public school in South Korea, it really comes down to your goals, personality, and lifestyle preferences. Both paths offer the chance to live and work abroad—but the experience can feel very different depending on which you choose.

Hagwons are part of the private sector. They tend to have longer hours, often including evenings, and may come with more pressure due to their business-driven nature. However, they offer year-round hiring, faster job placement, and sometimes slightly higher salaries. They’re great for people who want to get started quickly and don’t mind a faster pace.

On the other hand, public schools (such as those hiring through the EPIK Program) are government-funded. You’ll work standard school hours (typically 8 AM to 4 PM), get more holidays, and usually enjoy a more structured and stable environment. However, getting in can be competitive, with set hiring periods and stricter qualification requirements.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Aspect	Hagwon	Public School (EPIK)
Work Hours	Afternoons/evenings	Standard school hours
Hiring	Year-round	Twice a year (Feb/March, Aug)
Class Size	Small groups	Larger classes
Pay	Slightly higher (in some cases)	More consistent, with raises
Vacation	~10 days/year	~18–24 days/year
Stability	Varies by hagwon	High

If you prefer structure, stability, and longer holidays, a public school job might be your style. But if you want to start quickly, live in a city, and enjoy smaller class sizes, a hagwon could be the better fit.

🎯 10. Tips for Thriving in a Hagwon Job

Working at a hagwon can be fast-paced and demanding, but with the right mindset, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have teaching abroad. Success in this environment often comes down to adaptability, communication, and energy.

First, stay organized and prepared. Hagwon schedules can change with little notice—students shift levels, new classes appear, or trial lessons are added. Having a backup activity or worksheet ready can save the day.

Next, be ready to bring the energy, especially for afternoon and evening classes. Whether you’re teaching kindergartners or teens, your enthusiasm helps create a positive classroom atmosphere—and parents (and hagwon owners) notice.

Communication is also key. While many hagwons don’t expect you to speak Korean, working closely with Korean co-teachers and admin staff requires patience and clarity. Be respectful, ask questions, and clarify expectations early on.

Finally, find the balance between structure and fun. Hagwons want results, but younger learners especially thrive when lessons are engaging and interactive. Don’t be afraid to bring in games, songs, or visuals—just keep it tied to the learning objectives.

A little preparation, a lot of energy, and a willingness to adapt will go a long way in making your hagwon experience smooth and successful.

📝 Conclusion: Are Hagwons Right for You?

Hagwons are a huge part of South Korea’s private education industry—and for many foreign teachers, they’re the gateway into life and work in Korea. With flexible start dates, decent pay, and placements in lively cities, they’re one of the most accessible teaching options around.

That said, hagwon jobs aren’t for everyone. The pace can be intense, expectations are high, and experiences can vary dramatically depending on the employer. But if you do your research, ask the right questions, and come in with a positive, adaptable mindset, working at a hagwon can be both personally and professionally rewarding.

Whether you’re looking for your first teaching job abroad or a new adventure in Asia, hagwons are worth considering—just make sure the one you choose sets you up for success.

👉 See Teaching Jobs in South Korea
👉 Compare Hagwon vs. Public School Roles
👉 Learn More About Teaching English in Korea