HEC Program Korea: Teach English in Hwacheon EduCare Program

If you’re looking to teach English in South Korea and want something a little different from the usual city placements, the Hwacheon EduCare (HEC) Program might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Based in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Province, this unique public sector initiative combines after-school care with immersive English learning — all in a peaceful, community-centered setting surrounded by mountains, rivers, and local charm.

The HEC Program focuses on small-group teaching for elementary students, giving young learners a safe, engaging space to explore English after school. It’s a chance for teachers to go beyond the textbook and really make a difference — through storytelling, play, games, and creative language activities.

And unlike many rural positions, HEC offers a competitive salary, flight support, 20 vacation days, and a lifestyle that balances meaningful work with cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re a new TEFL teacher looking for a fresh start, or an experienced educator wanting to escape the fast pace of city life, this guide will show you what to expect — and how to apply.

What Makes HEC Different?

The HEC Program isn’t your typical public school role — and that’s what makes it so appealing to the right kind of teacher.

Rather than teaching within the standard Korean school system, you’ll be part of an innovative after-school program that blends English immersion with holistic child development. HEC is housed in the Hwacheon Community Center, a modern facility designed to serve the children of Hwacheon-gun beyond traditional classroom hours.

💡 A New Kind of Public School Program

• Focused on afternoon learning — your workday starts at 10:00 AM and finishes by 6:00 PM
• Classes are small and personalized — no more than 15 students per class
• You're not just teaching English, you're also supporting emotional, social, and cultural growth
• Lessons are interactive and play-based, not rigid or test-driven

👩‍🏫 A Role That Encourages Creativity

• Build your own activities around games, music, stories, and conversation
• Bring your personal interests into the classroom — from art and crafts to global topics
• Less pressure, more connection: develop strong relationships with students over time

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team-Focused and Community-Oriented

• Join a small, passionate team of fellow teachers
• Work closely with local staff and families in a tight-knit community
• Be part of a model program that is getting attention across Korea for its innovation

HEC gives you the chance to teach English in a way that’s personal, impactful, and refreshingly human — all while enjoying a slower pace of life and a stronger sense of purpose.

Next: Let’s talk about where exactly Hwacheon is — and why it’s such a special place to live.

Where Is Hwacheon?

Hwacheon-gun is a county located in Gangwon Province, in the northeast region of South Korea. Nestled between mountains, rivers, and lakes, it’s a peaceful and scenic area perfect for teachers who want a quieter lifestyle — without sacrificing access to the essentials.

While rural in feel, Hwacheon is just an hour from the city of Chuncheon and about two hours from Seoul, making weekend getaways and city trips totally doable.

🏞️ What It’s Known For

• Natural beauty — think riverside walks, mountain hikes, and fresh air
• Cultural festivals — including the famous Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival, Tomato Festival, and Jjokbae (Raft) Festival
• A laid-back, welcoming community atmosphere
• Great for teachers who enjoy outdoor activities, small-town life, or just want a break from the fast-paced city vibe

📍 Location Highlights

• Surrounded by water and nature — ideal for kayaking, fishing, and biking
• A small town with local markets, cafes, and modern amenities
• Very safe and quiet — great for solo travelers or teachers looking to recharge

Teaching in Hwacheon means more than just a job — it’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in Korean culture, slow down, and appreciate the simple things in life.

Next: Let’s look at what your day-to-day teaching role would look like in the HEC Program.

Job Overview & Responsibilities

As a teacher in the Hwacheon EduCare (HEC) Program, your role goes beyond standard textbook instruction. You’ll be creating a warm, engaging space where children can learn English in fun and meaningful ways after their regular school day.

This is an after-school program, which means no early mornings, smaller class sizes, and plenty of opportunity to be creative and hands-on with your lessons.

👧 Who You’ll Teach

• Elementary school students, Grades 1–6
• Kids from the local community attending after-school care
• Class sizes are kept small (maximum 15 students) for personalized attention

🕘 Working Hours

• Monday to Friday
• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (with breaks and prep time)
• No weekend or evening work
• Up to 22 teaching hours per week (the rest is prep/admin)

🧑‍🏫 What You’ll Do

• Plan and teach interactive English lessons using games, stories, songs, and crafts
• Support students’ speaking confidence, listening skills, and cultural understanding
• Help foster a positive and safe classroom atmosphere
• Collaborate with fellow teachers and Korean staff to create activities that fit the HEC approach

🎯 Focus Areas

• Phonics and early literacy
• Everyday conversation and communication
• Confidence-building through play
• Cross-cultural learning through holidays, storytelling, and fun projects

HEC gives you the time and space to be an educator — not just a classroom manager. You’ll get to connect, create, and contribute in a way that makes a real difference for your students.

Next: Let’s break down the salary and benefits — they’re surprisingly competitive for a rural role.

Salary & Benefits

Despite its small-town setting, the Hwacheon EduCare (HEC) Program offers one of the most competitive benefits packages of any public English teaching position in Korea — especially considering the work-life balance and cost of living.

💰 Monthly Salary

• ₩3.0M – ₩3.3M KRW/month (~$2,250–$2,475 USD)
• Higher than many standard EPIK placements
• Salary depends on qualifications and experience

🏠 Housing

• Free single studio apartment provided
• Or, choose a ₩600,000/month housing allowance if you want to rent your own place locally
• Most housing is within walking distance of the school or easily accessible

✈️ Flight Support & Allowances

• Flight allowance (inbound and outbound) to cover travel to/from Korea
• Settlement allowance to help you get started with essentials
• Contract renewal bonus available if you stay another year

📅 Time Off

• 20 paid vacation days per year (weekends not included)
• 5 paid sick days
• Korean national holidays off
• Plenty of long weekends to explore the countryside or travel

🏥 Insurance & Visa

• Full health insurance and pension contributions (50/50 split with employer)
• E-2 visa sponsorship included
• National pension is refundable to citizens of select countries (e.g., U.S., Canada)

With a high salary, short working hours, and generous time off, HEC offers one of the best teaching deals in Korea — especially for those looking for meaningful work and a manageable pace of life.

Next: Who is the HEC Program best suited for? Let’s break it down.

Who Is the HEC Program Best For?

The Hwacheon EduCare (HEC) Program isn’t for everyone — and that’s what makes it special. It’s an incredible fit for teachers who value connection, creativity, and a calm lifestyle far from the hustle of the big cities.

If any of the following sound like you, HEC might be the perfect opportunity:

🌿 You Want to Escape the City

• You’re looking for a slower pace of life
• You enjoy nature, hiking, and fresh air
• Big-city traffic and noise aren’t your thing

🧒 You Love Working with Kids

• You’re passionate about early childhood and elementary education
• You enjoy play-based, interactive teaching
• You’re excited about helping children grow in confidence and communication

🎨 You Crave Creativity in the Classroom

• You want freedom to design lessons around stories, games, music, or art
• You enjoy experimenting with new ways to engage learners
• You prefer small classes where your ideas can shine

🌎 You Want a Meaningful Cultural Experience

• You’re curious about rural Korean life and local traditions
• You’re open-minded, flexible, and community-driven
• You want to build deeper relationships with your students and neighborhood

If you're the kind of teacher who values purpose over prestige, and connection over convenience — HEC offers a truly rewarding way to teach, grow, and live in Korea.

Next: Let’s look at how to apply and get started.

Application Process

Applying to the Hwacheon EduCare (HEC) Program is straightforward — and a bit simpler than applying to national programs like EPIK. All recruitment is handled by Korvia, the exclusive partner for HEC placements.

Here’s how to apply:

📝 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Complete the Online Application

   • Visit korvia.com and fill out the HEC Program application form
   • Be sure to upload a professional photo with your application

2. Submit Required Documents

   • HEC Application Form
   • Two letters of recommendation (signed and dated)
   • Professional photo

3. Interview with Korvia

   • You’ll be contacted to schedule a short video interview
   • Expect questions about your teaching style, flexibility, and cultural experience

4. Offer & Final Documents

   • If selected, you’ll receive an official offer
   • Then you’ll submit your apostilled degree, criminal background check, and any remaining visa documents

5. Visa Processing & Pre-Arrival

   • You’ll receive a Notice of Appointment (NOA)
   • Apply for your E-2 visa at the nearest Korean consulate
   • Book your flight and prepare to start your teaching adventure!

6. Arrival & Start of Contract

   • Fly to Korea and settle into your housing
   • Begin teaching at the Hwacheon Community Center
   • Get oriented, meet your team, and start building your classroom

Korvia will support you through every step — from preparing your application to settling into your new home in Hwacheon.

Next: What is day-to-day life in Hwacheon really like? Let’s take a look.

Life in Hwacheon: What to Expect

Living in Hwacheon-gun offers a lifestyle that’s completely different from the fast-paced cities of Seoul or Busan. It’s calm, community-oriented, and rich in nature — perfect for teachers who want to slow down and truly connect with their surroundings.

🌄 A Nature Lover’s Dream

• Mountains, rivers, and forests surround the town
• Clean air, quiet mornings, and starlit skies
• Endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring

🎉 Local Festivals & Culture

Hwacheon is home to some of Korea’s most unique festivals:

• 🎣 Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival — internationally famous winter festival
• 🍅 Hwacheon Tomato Festival — playful and family-friendly
• 🚣 Jjokbae Raft Festival — water games, races, and ziplining fun

These events bring the whole town together — and give you the chance to experience Korean tradition in a hands-on way.

🛒 Day-to-Day Living

• Small-town charm with everything you need
• Local restaurants, cafés, markets, and convenience stores
• Lower cost of living compared to the cities
• Safe, friendly environment — ideal for solo expats or first-time travelers

🚌 Getting Around

• Local buses and intercity routes connect you to Chuncheon, Seoul, and other parts of Gangwon-do
• Weekend getaways to Seoul are easy and affordable
• Many teachers choose to bike or walk around town

If you’re looking for more balance, more nature, and more connection in your day-to-day life, Hwacheon might just be the perfect fit.

Next: Let’s wrap up with a few final thoughts and helpful resources.

Final Thoughts & Helpful Links

The Hwacheon EduCare (HEC) Program is more than just a job — it’s a chance to teach English in a way that’s personal, meaningful, and community-focused. If you’ve been dreaming of working abroad but want something more authentic and balanced than a big city placement, this program offers a rare and rewarding opportunity.

You’ll earn a great salary, work with a supportive team, and become part of a local community — all while living in one of Korea’s most beautiful regions.

Whether you’re new to teaching or just ready for a change, HEC gives you a space to grow, contribute, and explore life off the beaten path.

🔗 Helpful Links

• 👉 Apply through Korvia
• 👉 Hwacheon County Website (ENG)
• 👉 Teaching Jobs in South Korea

Ready to slow down, dig deeper, and make a real difference? The HEC Program might just be your next big adventure.