Project Untethered is reader-supported. Buying using our links earns us a commission. Learn more.

10 Best Sites to Teach English to Korean Students Online (2024)

Last Update:

Koreans are the bomb.

Students are known for being hard workers, and their culture prioritizes academics — possibly to an unhealthy degree.

Koreans are also crazy about English.

Speaking English is highly valued, and students take their studies seriously.

But what are the best ways to teach English to Korean students online?

Fortunately, you’re spoiled for options. 

Here are 10 of the best sites to get started.

Other helpful guides:
💻 The 6 Best Laptops for Teaching Online
✈️ How to Teach English Online While Traveling the World
🇯🇵 How to Teach English Online to Japanese Students
💰 How to Get Paid to Speak English Online (Casual Chats)

How to teach English to Korean students online (10 best sites)

There are many general English-teaching platforms on the internet for those who’d like to teach English online to Korean students. But to niche it down even more, several Korean ESL companies cater specifically (or at least, more specifically) to Korean students. 

Here are the best, listed from least requirements to most.

1. Ringle

screenshot of ringle website

Ringle is an online English-teaching company that teaches business professionals. Ringle students work in a broad range of industries and educational fields, from Big Data to Fine Art.

With Ringle, you are provided with teaching material called “Ringle Packets”. They have flexible schedules that allow you to choose your hours with no minimum commitment.

Unlike many other English-teaching platforms, you do not need to be a native English speaker to become a tutor. Ringle has tutors working in almost every continent of the world.

Ringle lessons are either 20 or 40 minutes long and often require 10 minutes before and after the lesson for prep work and feedback. A 40-minute Ringle lesson is roughly equivalent to an hour’s worth of work.

Requirements:
None. But when submitting your resume, make sure to include any sort of education or experience you have with English or teaching English to increase your odds of landing the gig.

💰 Pay 💰: $15 to $20 per hour on average. Tutors start at $15 per 40-minute lesson and $9 per 20-minute lesson. Over time, tutors can progress to earning over $20 per 40-minute lesson and $13 per 20-minute lesson through Ringle’s promotion system and weekly bonuses.

2. Cafe Talk

screenshot of cafe talk website

Out of all the Korean ESL jobs online, Cafe Talk has one of the lowest barriers to entry. 

Cafe Talk is an online learning platform that teaches many different subjects. However, they have a large focus on teaching Korean students English (though they teach English to students from other nationalities as well).

This platform is super flexible, allowing you to choose how you want to teach your lessons. All lessons are 1-on-1 taught via Skype. Students schedule lessons with you based on your available time slots.

Requirements:
☑️ Age 20 or older
☑️ Native English speaker

💰 Pay 💰: You set your own prices and keep 40% of lesson costs (Cafe Talk takes a 60% fee). Depending on lesson sales, you may only get to keep 15% (an 85% fee), which Cafe Talk says is subject to change at any time. This is a major downside to Cafe Talk, but if you’re looking for something with minimal requirements, you have to play by their rules. 

3. Classo

screenshot of classo website

Classo, formerly known as Storivers, is an online language-learning platform that teaches many languages, but English is the main focus. 

Classo matches instructors with students based on your personal experience, credentials, and interests. 

Students can also choose you specifically. All classes are taught via Classo’s video chat software. 

Their company is flexible, allowing you to choose which times you are available to work. You also have the freedom to create your own lesson plans, structured to each student’s needs.

Requirements
☑️ Prior teaching experience 
☑️ TEFL certificate preferred, but not required
☑️ You do not need to be a native English speaker, but you must prove your proficiency in the language

💰 Pay 💰: $18 to $22 per hour 

4. Englishunt

screenshot of englishunt website

Englishunt was founded in Seoul, Korea, and currently has centers located in both South Korea and the US. This platform is a great choice if you want to teach English in Korea online. 

Englishunt is an educational publisher that also has a major focus on distance learning. It is one of the largest live video classes for English language education in South Korea, and it has recently expanded its services to China and Japan.

As an Englishunt teacher, you teach all ages — from young learners to adults. You may even teach Korean teachers. There’s a lot of diversity among the students, which keeps things interested as a teacher.

Many students at Englishunt are from large government entities (i.e., National and Provincial Ministries of Education) looking for live classroom instruction to train employees at multinational companies.

For these classes, you are considered a “Live Video Class Instructor”. This position takes a bit of education and experience to be accepted.

However, Englishunt also has a mobile app that requires fewer credentials. 

For the phone program, which they call Live Phone Classes, you mostly teach college-level adults or higher. Englishunt’s classes range from free-talk to pre-designed curriculums, and classes range from 10 to 20 minutes.

For classes with younger students who have less of a grasp on the English language, you may be given an in-class bilingual co-teacher to aid or team-teach with you.

Englishunt allows teachers to work shifts that range from one to six hours, but they prefer if you can a minimum of two-hour shifts. Peak times for the teachers are 4 AM to 11 AM (EST), 4 PM to 8 PM, and 11 PM to 4 AM.

Englishunt works strictly on Windows 7, so if you have a Mac, you need to download Windows 7.

Requirements:
☑️ For Live Video Class Instructors: Four-year college degree, teaching experience, and many classes require a TEFL certificate
☑️ For Live Phone Classes: 2+ year college degree, no teaching experience or certificate required
☑️ Must be a native of the US

💰 Pay 💰: Starts at $14 per hour

5. Tutoring (TutoringGo or TutoringLab)

screenshot of tutoring website

Tutoring is an online English-teaching platform based out of Korea, that mostly teaches students in Korea. Online English teachers for Koreans will find Tutoring to be a pleasantly flexible option.

Tutors teach 1-on-1 lessons to both adults and children. As an instructor, you choose your hours. You can simply log in when you want to work and start teaching, making it one of the most flexible platforms. 

Students can also find you from the tutor’s list and book a time with you specifically. 

Tutoring provides you with teaching material that they call “Topic Cards”, so you don’t have to worry about class prep.

When applying, you need to make an introductory video. Spend some time on yours to make it stand out! 

Requirements:
☑️ Bachelor’s degree or above (or currently in the process of the degree)
☑️ Prior teaching experience
☑️ One hour minimum per week

💰 Pay 💰: $10 to $14 per hour

6. Global LT English

screenshot of global lt english website

Global LT English is an online English-teaching platform that teaches mostly business professionals. Their requirements are higher than other platforms on this list, but so is the pay. So if you have the resume to show off, this is a great option for you.

Global LT English teaches many different languages around the world, but their students are mostly located in Korea. English is their main focus.

This company allows you to use many different video chatting options, such as their GLTConnect platform, Skype, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, and others. 

Global LT is also partnered with Rosetta Stone, so as an instructor, you can refer to the Rosetta Stone Catalyst Self-Paced Online Learning Tool to help design your lessons. 

There are tons of teaching options with Global LT. They have programs for kids, advanced business language learners, accent reduction, language immersion programs, language testing, and basically anything else your student wants to work on.

Requirements:
☑️ 2+ years teaching experience
☑️ Bachelor’s degree

💰 Pay 💰: Pay rate is calculated based on experience and education.

7. GMNY

screenshot of GMNY website

If you want to be an English tutor for Koreans and have a decent resume, GMNY is a promising platform. 

GMNY is an English-teaching company that caters strictly to Korean students. Eighty percent of their students are between the ages of 19 and 50. They tend to be undergraduate students, graduates, or working professionals at one of the large corporations in South Korea. 

The remaining 20% of students are mostly middle and high school students, retirees, or working professionals.

Most students at GMNY come with a decent grasp of English vocabulary. They usually need the most help mastering verbal communication skills.

GMNY teachers use a pre-designed curriculum and are encouraged to follow it closely. Their textbooks are similar to those used in Korean schools.

Requirements
☑️ Four-year B.A. or B.S. degree (or nearing completion)
☑️ Must reside in the US
☑️ Native English speaker with a standard American-English accent
☑️ Must have a hard-wired connection between computer and router using an Ethernet cable, as well as a USB-connected headset with a microphone

💰 Pay 💰: Pay rate is calculated based on experience and education.

8. Bok Tutors

screenshot of Bok tutors website

Bok Tutors is another great Korean-based company if you want to be an online English tutor for Korean students. 

The majority of their students are Korean, but they also have students of other nationalities. Bok Tutors’ mission is to teach English to anyone who wants to learn the most-spoken language in the world. 

They teach all ages, from elementary to adult. With Bok Tutors, you can either teach 1-on-1 or group classes, and they also offer group grammar classes. For the majority of your lessons, you have the choice to teach either a structured curriculum or use the “free talk” conversational method. 

Bok Tutors also offers translation services in English, Italian, Korean and Spanish.

Requirements
☑️ Bachelor’s degree
☑️ Native-born American-English speaker
☑️ Prior teaching experience

💰 Pay 💰: $13 to $18 hour

9. Skybel

screenshot of skybel website

Skybel is a South Korean-based online English-teaching company. The company’s focus is teaching students who would like to be able to pass the International English Language Test (IELTS). 

You do not need to be trained in IELTS speaking, but they do give preference to teachers who have IELTS teaching experience.

Other than IELTS speaking, Skybel offers 1-on-1 classes in interviewing, business, and for juniors. 

Classes run for 25 or 50 minutes. Skybel teachers are either matched up with students based on their experience and qualifications, or students can request you specifically. 

Skybel is also a platform where you teach English to Korean students via Skype. Before the class, they provide teaching material, which makes your job easier. 

The company offers flexible work arrangements, with no minimum hour requirements. 

Class times run from 6 AM to 12 AM (Korea Time, GMT+9), and as long as you work in that window, you can set your schedule.

Requirements:
☑️ Bachelor’s degree or higher
☑️ Natives: US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa
☑️ Non-Natives: the Philippines only (with a near-native accent)
☑️ Must have 3+ years of online teaching experience
☑️ IELTS experience is highly preferred, but not required

💰 Pay 💰: $15 to $20 hour

10. Carrot Global

screenshot of carrot global website

Carrot Global is a South Korean company that offers many services, but online English teaching is the main focus.

Carrot Global students are mostly South Korean professionals, so if your goal is teaching English to Korean adults, this is right up your alley. 

However, they also have a youth program to teach English to younger students.

 For professional students, Carrot Global likes to pair tutors who have worked in a certain industry with learners who are in the same field.

Carrot Global provides you with teaching material. Their lessons have a wide range of duration. You can teach 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60-minute classes. They have classes throughout the day from 4 PM to 10 AM (EST), but their peak times are Sunday through Thursday 5 PM to 11 PM, and Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 11 AM.

Requirements:
☑️ Must be a Canadian citizen
☑️ Must speak English as a first language
☑️ BA degree
☑️ Hard-wired high-speed internet service of at least 7Mbps (wifi is not accepted)
☑️ Minimum 15 hours/week availability during peak times

💰 Pay 💰: $13 to $17 hour

Tips for teaching Korean students online

If you want to learn how to teach Korean students English, there are a few things you can do to rise above other teachers, land you more students, and earn more money. 

Most of these tips can be done in less than an hour, and believe me, this extra work pays off.

Learn Korean Culture

Before you start teaching Korean students English online, it’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with basic Korean culture and traditions, such as greetings, holidays, pop culture, food, etc. 

To help you out, here are the top things South Korea is famous for.

south korea street

On most of these online English-teaching platforms, you see the same students week to week. To build a good relationship with them, knowing even just a little about their culture helps them feel more comfortable with you. And the more comfortable they are, the more likely they are to continue lessons with you long-term. 

Imagine if you were learning Korean (or any other foreign language). Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable, and enjoy the lesson more, if your teacher took the time to incorporate themes from your culture? 

Not only that, many of these classes are taught conversationally. So knowing Korean culture, such as the popular k-pop bands, would be a good conversation topic for you and your student.

It’s a little extra preparation, but it’s an appreciated extra touch in the eyes of your students, and it’ll most definitely set you apart from other lazy teachers.

Familiarize yourself with Korean grammar and sentence structure

Since you’re looking to teach Korean students specifically, it’s also an awesome idea to take the time to learn a little about Korean grammar and sentence structure. 

By doing so, you can better understand why your students make common mistakes. If you understand why they’re making the errors, you can better explain how to fix it. 

For example, in English, the sentence pattern goes subject > verb > object

So, for example, “I see the house.” 

But in Korean, the sentence pattern goes subject > object > verb

So, essentially it would be, “I the house see.” 

Therefore, if your student tends to put English verbs at the end of a sentence, you can understand why.

To quickly learn how Korean compares to English grammar, check out this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I teach English to Korean students online?

Many online platforms connect online English teachers with Korean students. These platforms — such as Englishunt, Carrot Global, and Skybel — are the easiest way to start teaching English to Korean students. Many of them don’t even require you to have prior education or experience. 

What about teaching English to Korean students with no experience?

Some of the best online English-teaching platforms that require no experience are Ringle, Englishunt, and GMNY. There are plenty of companies looking to be your first teaching experience, but keep in mind, lower requirements often means lower pay rates. Everyone starts somewhere, though!

How do I find Korean students looking for an English tutor?

The best way to find Korean students looking for an English tutor is through an online English-teaching platform like Ringle, Bok Tutors, Skybel, Englishunt, or any of the others listed above. Once you build experience, you can cut out the middleman and hunt for private students off-platform.

Mitch's Travel Recommendations:
Travel Planning Resources - Everything you need to plan your trip on one convenient page.
Going Cheap Flights Newsletter - Get flight deals from your airport up to 90% off sent straight to your inbox.
Safetywing Insurance - This cheap travel insurance has saved me over $15,000 in medical bills.
Booking.com - Book accommodation without adding your credit card (in case you need to cancel).
Trusted House Sitters - Take care of pets in exchange for free (sometimes luxury) accommodation.
Flexjobs - Find remote jobs without having to sift through crappy ones.
Skillshare - Free trial to take unlimited classes that teach digital nomad skills.
Wise - Send and receive money abroad cheaply (great for freelancers).

Leave a Comment

Subheading

By signing up, you'll also be added to my legendary email list and receive exclusive travel lifesyle tips I don't share anywhere else.

Discover how to travel FOREVER

Grab this "Cheat Sheet" to discover the tricks full-time travelers use to slash their costs to practically nothing.

Money-Saving Travel Hacks eBook Cover

You're Seconds Away...

What to expect:

  • Bonus guides, ebooks, and other freebies

By signing up, you'll be added to my legendary email list.

  • Realistic advice on setting up life on the road (no hype)

  • Cool travel hacks that'll save you money

  • Direct access to me for questions

From learning exactly how to travel the world full-time, earn money from anywhere, and live a completely "untethered" life.

Where should I send your itinerary PDF?

By signing up, you'll also be added to my legendary email list and receive handy travel lifestyle tips and inspiration I don't share anywhere else.

Where should I send your packing checklist?

By signing up, you'll also be added to my legendary travel lifestyle email list.