employment

Is it normal to work as a foreign teacher in a Korean kindergarten?

P
Phạm Văn Đức🇲🇳
Apr 7, 2026
I am currently working as an English teacher at a kindergarten in Gangnam, but I can't shake this strange feeling. The school says, "This is normal in Korea these days," "There are no assistant teachers in Korean schools," "Since there is a 1-hour lunch break, there is no need for preparation time." I have lived in Korea for over 10 years, three of which were spent as a full-time housewife. Now, based on my teaching experience in some kindergartens, I am working, but at my current school, they say, "This is how we do things now." But to think that an English teacher has to also play the role of an assistant teacher... I have to take care of the kids, take photos, write kids' notes, and clean the lunchroom. Apart from the 60-minute lunch break, I have classes all day long, including after-school classes, so I am physically and mentally exhausted. Moreover, there is no one else in the building besides the teachers. There is no manager, and no secretary. Is this really normal? Does anyone have similar experiences or advice? If this is really the standard in Korea, I am considering going back to being a full-time housewife.
Views 162

Comments (2)

No comments yet

Is it normal to work as a foreign teacher in a Korean kindergarten? | KoStart Community