Our application process
Though the process might vary a little between public and hogwan jobs, this is the typical process and time line of obtaining a job in Korea through Say Kimchi Recruiting. It can take as little as 2 months from application time to the time you board a plane.
Say Kimchi Recruiting will work with you through every step of this process.
THE SAY KIMCHI RECRUITING PROCESS
Step 1 Start gathering the required documentation to teach in Korea. This includes:
- A valid passport
- Your original (must be original) diploma from an accredited university
- FOUR sets of sealed university transcripts
- Criminal background check with an apostille.
- FIVE passport photos.
- Resume
Step 2 Put together your introduction video. Remember to keep it under two minutes and be creative!
Step 3 Submit application to Say Kimchi Recruiting. You will upload your resume and photo to this application. Once you submit the application, you will get directions on how to upload your video on www.vimeo.com.
Step 4 Set up initial interview/chat with Say Kimchi Recruiting representative. Expect questions like “Why do you want to teach in Korea?” “What strengths can you bring to an ESL classroom?”
Step 5 Say Kimchi Recruiting will send your resume and video out to schools across Korea.
Step 6 Interview with schools who are interested in hiring you. Note: Some schools are skipping the interview because they feel the introduction videos take the place of it. If the interview is a success, an offer will be made and a contract will be sent to you.
Step 7 Review the contract and ask any questions you might have.
Step 8 Send first package of required documents to Korean Immigration through DHL or Fed Ex. Say Kimchi wil provide the mailing address once you have secured a job. Once you send the packet, you will send us the tracking number so we can follow the progress of these important documents. You will send the following documents in this package:
- ORIGINAL diploma
- TWO sets of officially sealed university transcripts
- Criminal background check (Apostilled)
- THREE official size color passport photos
- Photocopy of your passport page
- Resume
- Signed contract (See a sample contract here)
- Completed E2 health statement (available here)
Step 9 Wait two weeks for Korean immigration to process your documents to receive your E2 visa number.
Step 10 Receive your E2 visa number from us. Once you have this number, you can schedule your required interview with your nearest Korean consulate.
Step 11 You can either mail or take your documents to your nearest Korean consulate. You will need to include these items in this second package:
- Visa application form with E2 number written across the top. Get the form here.
- Your actual passport
- ONE set of official sealed university transcripts
- ONE official passport photo
- Visa processing fee (check with your local consulate to make sure the fee amount is correct)
- Photo copies of your signed contract, university diploma, criminal background check, and Korean health statement.
Step 12 Conduct interview with Korean consulate. Read about this interview here.
Step 13 Pick up your stamped passport from the Korean consulate. You can either schedule your interview to be the same time as when you pick up your passport or you can include a prepaid priority mail envelope so they can mail it back to you.
Step 14 Say Kimchi will help arrange your flights. Sometimes, the school asks that you pay for the flight upfront and then they will reimburse you once you arrive in Korea. Sometimes the school pays for it upfront.
Step 15 FLY TO KOREA! Either a representative from your school or Say Kimchi Recruiting will be there to pick you up at the airport or nearest city bus terminal.
Step 16 Complete your health examination at the local hospital. This will cost about W70,000. You need this health check to receive your official alien registration card in Korea. You will also need two additional official size color passport photos.
Step 17 Live out your adventure in Korea. Have fun!