#ESL in Korea

[ingolfshofoi]

I have a student who is obsessed with Smoliv. I gave him a Smoliv tteebusil from my stash maybe 2 months ago, his mom still calls weekly to send me coffee/tea or snacks and he hasnt stopped talking about it. Sharing “worthless” pokemon merch with my students has changed my classroom environment. I’ve never been given more slightly bent and deeply loved pokemon cards in my life, they go home and dig through their stuff finding ones I love, because that’s what this is about. Not about your 45k USD charizard holo ar irs whatever. I keep stacks in my drawer, even the shy kids come up in quiet moments. Whispering for a card or a sticker, telling me their favorite. Everyone is talking, and the best part? The kids who don’t like Pokemon, they are talking to me, telling me what THEY LIKE.

My friend up in Seoul, his kids have been hand drawings Pokemon cards for him; those are priceless. The joy really is in the fact that everyone has a favorite and sometimes its Smoliv.

I’ve been a teacher for 13 years. I’ve tried many things. This happened organically.

[perpetual-musings]

I was hopin' they would see me just for me, dope teacher

Two posts in less than a week? Wild, who am I? Lol but I'm happy to finally share a bit about my teaching life here in Korea. Enjoy~

I never imagined myself becoming a teacher. Not during high school or college. Not in the immediate years after graduating college. Me, responsible for a bunch of young children? Could you imagine it? I certainly couldn’t. Nor did I want that responsibility. It seemed like a headache waiting to happen. Assigning and grading homework, creating tests, talking all day (heck, just talking in general)…

[eslvivakr]

Korean Embassy and Consulate

Are you interested in teaching English in South Korea? Look no further! Esl VivaCom Recruiting is your trusted partner in navigating the exciting journey of becoming an ESL teacher in South Korea. Our dedicated team assists you in securing positions through seamless interactions with the Korean Embassy and Consulate. 

[mrlancer]

Teaching English in Korea is wild. Besides the generally shitty working conditions most of the time (I'm lucky now that I have a good hagwon), but the parents are so crazily involved and pick at every tiny thing you do and think they know how to teach better. Like, I dont want to be that person, but you're telling me, someone who has a Masters degree in English, that the way I've taught a child to answer a question is wrong. The worst part is they don't even speak English themselves.

I hate being that person, and I will listen to criticism and explain what the teaching method is and what our goals are, but when you encourage your child to call me out and tell me I'm wrong in the middle of class when I'm most certainly not, is when you push your luck.

[maodun]

sometimes i think about the time my mom took me to dentist/orthodontist when we were visiting relatives in china and when they already got stuff in my mouth (eg i couldnt talk) she started telling the dentist that she adopted me from south korea. im like 12. theres no way my mom thought i didnt understand what she said. every auntie ive ever met has told me i look exactly like my dad. ive seen my birth certificate from southern usa but i start thinking about nightmares i had when i was ~5 where im lost in the department store;; or (before the concept of race had entered my consciousness. also 5 years old) when i thought my parents might be space aliens [which also made me a space alien] because theyre not like the 老美 white people who cant use chopsticks on tv or at the baptist church my mom would go to for ESL and free childcare. theyre working in my mouth and im having an existential crisis. mother what do you mean 我是"捡来的"

[lilacmingi]

This is an ateez x reader scenario I wanted to share with you if that’s ok. The idea came from The Real MV, and a dream I had a few nights ago.

My mom is a teacher in real life, hence the idea to make the reader’s mom a teacher.

The whole class was talking about it. They were getting a new teacher from America to teach them the English language. But what they didn’t know was that their teacher would be bringing a guest with them. 

The class goes quiet when the sound of someone walking through the door reaches their ears. An American woman in her early 50’s walks into the classroom. She introduces herself as the new ESL teacher (ESL: English as Second Language).

Jackie: I’m looking forward to teaching you. Now, before we start, I have an announcement to make.

The students listen quietly, curious as to what their teacher has to say.

Jackie: We will have a guest joining us for this year’s class. She will not be taking the class, but she will be accompanying me and assisting me throughout the period.

A young girl walks into the classroom. She is dressed nicely, wearing jeans and a dress shirt. She had h/l hair that was done in (favorite hairstyle). 

On her face was a pair of wire frame eyeglasses that gave her a sophisticated look. She wore a white digital wrist watch for timekeeping.

She looked shy, maybe even nervous to be in the students’ presence, but she wore a friendly and polite smile to mask it. Whispers go around the room as the students wonder who the girl is.

Eight particular boys were stunned by the girl who walked through the door. She looked so pretty with her pristine outfit. Even the class president himself was amazed. He couldn’t help but internally gush at her cute round cheeks.

Hongjoong:(whispers) Who’s that?

Jongho: I don’t know. I think that’s the guest Ms. l/n was talking about just a few minutes ago.

Mingi: She’s pretty.

Yeosang: I wonder how old she is. She looks young.

The girl shyly introduces herself in fluent English.

Yunho: (smiles) Aw, she’s shy. How cute.

San: Her English is really good. She sounds so fluent.

In turn, the class introduces themselves to the girl, now known as y/n, in English, with effort. Seonghwa raises his hand.

Jackie: Yes, Seonghwa?

Seonghwa: I have a question for y/n. Is it ok if I ask her?

y/n: Yes. What would you like to ask me?

Seonghwa: When you said your name, I noticed you and Ms. l/n have the same last name. Are you related?

y/n: Yes. I am her daughter.

The boys had to do a double take. Did they hear that right? Her daughter?? They weren’t the only ones taken aback. The rest of the class shared shocked looks with each other.

Wooyoung: (whispers) She’s her daughter?! They look nothing alike!

Mingi: That’s crazy. I thought she was her niece or something.

Shortly after, class starts.

***

You wait outside as your Mom introduces herself to the class she will be teaching. Your Mom got a job as an ESL teacher at a Korean high school. You had to fly all the way out to Korea for her to take this job. It was a big change, but you know it’s for the best.

You hear your Mom make “the announcement”, which is also your cue to make yourself known. Despite your nerves, you work up the courage to walk into the classroom and introduce yourself to the students. You can feel everyone’s eyes on you as you walk to the front of the room. Whispers sound through the room.

You catch sight of some girls looking at you with what looked like disdain while whispering to each other. Of course. Every highschool has a bully. That one group of popular mean girls. Having been through highschool yourself, you should know that by now.

However, what caught your eye even more, was the group of boys at the side of the room. Unlike the girls, they were looking at you with some kind of starstruck look. you don’t think much of it.

You: (shyly; in fluent English) Uh, hello everyone. My name is y/n l/n. It is a pleasure to meet you all.

Aw, she’s shy. How cute.

The class gives individual introductions in return. During the introductions you learned the name of the class president. Kim Hongjoong. It was a shocker to learn that he was one of the handsome boys. One of the students raises their hand.

Mom: Yes Seonghwa?

Seonghwa: I have a question for y/n. Is it ok if I ask her?

You: Yes. What would you like to ask me?

The boy, Seonghwa, looks at you.

Seonghwa: When you said your name, I noticed you and Ms. l/n have the same last name. Are you related?

You inwardly laugh at the fact that no one knows their teacher is actually your Mom. Your bet is that some of the students were guessing you are her niece. Well they are in for a shock.

You: Yes. I am her daughter.

You swear you could see Seonghwa do a double take. The rest of the class exchanged shocked looks with each other upon learning your relation with the teacher. Shortly after, class starts.

***

Lunch time

Excuse me, is it ok if we sit with you?

You look from up from your laptop to see the same eight boys from ESL standing around you.

You: Oh, of course. Please. Have a seat.

The boys sit down around you, a few of them sit next to you on both sides. You close your laptop so you can talk.

Hongjoong: So, you’re our teacher’s daughter?

You: Yes.

Hongjoong: I’m Hongjoong. The class president.

You: So I heard. Must be a big job.

Hongjoong: (chuckles with a smile) You don’t know the half of it.

The other seven guys smile as they watch you interact with their friend.

Mingi: Hi y/n. I’m Mingi. Nice to meet you.

Mingi sticks out his hand for a handshake. You take his hand and gently shake it.

You: (smiles warmly) Nice to meet you too, Mingi.

You exchange greetings and introductions and spend the lunch period talking and getting to know each other. You learned a few things about these guys along the way. 

You already know Hongjoong is the class president, but you also learned that he likes to reform clothes. Interesting. Seonghwa is the oldest of the group and likes legos and Star Wars, he’s also a bit of a clean freak. You find that rather funny.

Yeosang is the shy guy of the group, with a hidden savage side. San is cute and sweet, but holds a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo. Yikes. You remind yourself not to mess with him. Mingi is the new transfer student. 

He looks mean and scary, but is actually a big soft sweetheart. His friends even call him Princess Mingi, something you find adorable. Wooyoung is the resident flirt, but is also dependable when he needs to be. 

Yunho is the captain of his school basketball team. His height may be intimidating, but his smile and sweet personality make up for it. Jongho is the youngest, but he is the most mature out of the whole group.

Jongho is also the strongest. He is so strong, he can break apples with his bare hands. Something you have yet to see. In turn, you teach the boys everything they need to know about you. 

Before you know it, lunch is over and it is time for everyone to get to their next class. Hongjoong offered to walk you to the homeroom where your Mom is waiting for you.

You gladly accepted his offer since you didn’t know your way around the school yet. You say your goodbyes and go your separate ways for now.

I’m flattered that you thought to share this idea with me 🥺 It’s cute! But this isn’t something I’d personally be interested in writing. I also don’t take requests as mentioned in this ask

[lavenderbexlatte]

Hi!! I'm sorry to randomly ask you this but we're in the same Tumblr sphere and I saw that you teach English in Korea, I was just wondering what websites/etc you used to find your job? I finished my uni degree and everything but there's so many horror stories about bad jobs and I'm trying to figure out the best way to find a job that won't be miserable 🥲🥲🥲 Thank you in advance if you choose to respond to this, no hard feelings if you don't 💗 It's just rare that I find anyone close (if you consider me following you on Tumblr close 💀) to me that would have firsthand experience for this situation 🤧

'sorry' as if answering asks and oversharing aren't my greatest joys in life 🤠 anon please-

i'm more than happy to share!

but the first thing i want to say is serious. i don't want to discourage or blindly hate, but i think everyone needs to hear this (not just you, this is for the whole internet bc jesus fucking christ)

a lot of people with ~the truth about korea~ stories you'll see on tiktok or whatever are my least favorite kind of immigrants/expats 💀

see, some people show up for a year of teaching abroad...and immediately get disenchanted with normal life. they think it's going to be like studying abroad, or a long vacation, or a volunteer gig. they think they'll just get to cafe-hop and see idols and make tiktoks.

no. teaching english in korea is a difficult and demanding full-time job.

it's not a joke or a fun vacation for the korean staff who will work with you, or the kids you will teach. it does these people a serious disservice, to view your time here as a fun little silly trip.

this is my 7th year here. it's my career.

so. first, if you're not serious about teaching or AT LEAST willing to do your best, don't come here.

HAHA but with my lecture out of the way, let's get into it.

first you gotta decide if you wanna teach public school, or at a private academy.

i've never taught public, but that's through the EPIK program and has its own application system. you're placed in (possibly 1 but usually multiple) public schools across either a neighborhood, or in the countryside, sometimes across a whole county.

private hagwon (학원) english academies vary a LOT, but the pay is higher and conditions are more flexible.

eslrok and dave's esl cafe are the big ones for hagwon jobs. usually the posts are compilations of available jobs from recruiters, and the recruiter will be your point of contact.

my biggest tips are:

- be wary of big schools. if the ad says it's a big company with many branches, odds are it sucks. the biggest companies have the worst reviews. Chungdahm/April, YBM, SLP, Poly are all notoriously awful chain hagwons.

- be wary of very high salaries. usually a salary way above normal means that the workload is huge. they Will try to justify ridiculous expectations and duties with higher pay and it is not worth it.

- read korean labor laws. the laws are available in detail in English online. you should know if the contract you're offered breaks the law, and if it does, if you're okay accepting it anyway. i HAVE taken contracts with technically illegal parts just because i know i can fight that part in court if it comes to that.

- use hagwon blacklists. there are websites and also lists on reddit. you don't need to take the former teacher reviews to heart, but use the info to gauge the school. if a school has one bad review, it's possible that the teacher was a bad fit. if it has 10 bad reviews...

if you actually start the process and need specific help, anon, you can always ask me!

i could keep going, but let me know if this is at all helpful 😅

[msdk-00]

yayy prof replied to me so i don't have to send follow up email. i love these profs' enthusiasm in my endeavours (person w name blacked out is a prof who taught in korea and gave me his and his wife's emails and told me if he can help w anything let him know. this was when i was gonna do masters in korea but now im on the esl teaching train instead lol i need money to finance further education unforch)

[lookslikethatsallthetimewehave]

Wait actually just made a break in the Poptropica translation case!

Put “ポップトロピカ” in the search bar, dug through some stuff and found the Japanese version of the Poptropica English page on Pearson.

It’s mostly a translation of its English counterpart, but what I found noteworthy is that sample requests first offer Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

So I can safely conclude Poptropica English is used to teach ESL (specifically American English) to kids! They definitely offer it in other languages, but between Spanish and Japanese translations it’s easier to find the latter. (Also I’m a lot more knowledgeable in Japanese over Arabic, even by a little 😭)

Previewing the sample stuff they offer in both this video they have up and the English site, what makes this essentially simple Poptropica is that they use easy-to-follow Island stories to teach lessons. No heavy plot beats since it is an educational program first

The JP site also says Poptropica English is a “sister site” to Our Discovery Island, which isn’t available on the site interestingly.

Sorry for the long dump but I think you might find this info valuable

The translation you found is pretty cool, even though I knew about Poptropica English.

[0rb0t]

Oh yeah, I should probably mention. I was an ESL teacher in South Korea for many different parts of my life. 2010 for a few months, 2013 for a full year, and then late 2016 to early 2022! All different places, but all very memorable and beloved to me. I adored being a teacher and I tried my hardest to make English fun for students, rather than a chore. I wanted them to talk about their interests, so I encouraged them to do so by learning English so we could communicate. I had students explain to me the entire premise of Among Us, which may not sound like much, but is a pretty huge deal for an 8 year old learning English vocabulary and doing their best to explain it to me. I miss all my students a lot, and they've even sent me letters since then.

[foxcassius]

i think at this point i just need a job thats a little bit easier to romanticize. if i start working in a library im going to get one of those chains for my glasses and start wearing my hair in a bun and memorize every number of the dds. if i become a carpenter im going to start splitting logs for firewood for my wife and 3 young children who are waiting for me inside. etc. i need to introduce whimsy to my life again. teaching esl in korea is almost impossible to romanticize in the day-to-day because its actually just exhausting + those are real kids

[brockles-blog]

What You Should Know When Applying For English Teaching Jobs In Korea

When we are talking about Korea we mean South Korea which is more developed than North Korea. Because of this fact a lot of people who live in this country need to learn English as their second language. For this purpose they have well established government program which force the citizens to learn English language since they are young.

The demand for English teaching jobs in Korea is very high and this demand is continuously increasing. So, if you take a quick look in search engines about this topic you will find numerous vacancies available. But, are all there vacancies sincere? The answer is no. You can be easily cheated. Because of this I'm writing this article to state the basic things that a person who is looking for English teaching jobs in Korea should know.

First of all, you should take a look at the internet search engines, internet sites, magazines and newspapers which are offering English teaching jobs in Korea. As I stated above finding this kind of job is easy. After finding the job that will suit you should take closer look at the terms and condition stated there. If the terms and conditions are meeting your requirements regarding the salary, accommodation etc, you should get as more information for your employer as you can. Collecting information about the school which is offering English teaching jobs in Korea is one of the most important parts that you should do before applying for that position. Failing to gather information you can be easily cheated. You can contact the previously employed English teachers in that office or you have the second choice: to contact the manager of the school directly by phone. If you are still satisfied with the terms offered you can apply for your job.

The applications should be submitted at the address stated in the Job advertisement or it can be fulfilled directly on the internet. On the internet you will be required only to write your basic data and to send some kind of resume or curriculum vitae. Before applying, you should be sure that you have all needed experience, degrees and certificates. In some cases certificates are not necessary but people i.e. teachers who have them have some advantage in the beginning. Also, more experience you have in ESL teaching higher the salary will be.

People who have found English teaching jobs in Korea have found them in the major cities in Korea. This should not be exemption and for you. There are some vacancies in rural places in this country but the salary in this towns or villages is significantly smaller. The accommodation will be paid for you if it is not otherwise stipulated in the agreement you have previously signed and you will have annual paid vacations. By accepting English teaching jobs in Korea you actually will learn new culture and tradition. Every teacher that were in Korea is satisfied with the attitude of the people there toward the work, and this means that you should not have problems in performing your job.

[eslvivakr]

ESL Recruiting Agency Korea | Job Station | Esl Viva Recruiting

As your ESL job station, we offer comprehensive guidance on visa applications, contract negotiations, and cultural adaptation, ensuring you are fully prepared for your new adventure in Korea.

[adictionaryofdelusions]

When You Speak...

Part 1

You accepted this job as an english professor/private tutor of Min Yoongi, who is the reason why your schedule is unbelievable. You don't complain though as the pay is extremely better than the one you have in the US so you did not hesitate to move to South Korea as soon as you receive the job offer.

The night before your flight, your dad asked if you aren't backing down from the job because a. He's going to miss you and b. His colleagues from work knows who Min Yoongi is.

You sure with this?

Dad, we talked about this already. You know I need this for my PhD application.

You know I could help you with that. I can just make a few calls or write a che-

Dad, you let out a puff, I want to this on my own. I know I could do this.

Alright honey. Just please take care of yourself and don't forget to eat your meals.

You saw Jungkook wave as he started to jog towards you from the parking lot. He's wearing a white CK shirt, oversized jeans and Vans. His piercings glistened over the skate park lights and his man bun bounced as he sat beside you.

Hey, you're here, you said.

Jungkook smiled and took out his phone to type. A robotic voice said Wouldn't miss this for the world.

See, Jungkook is on vocal rest for a week and you haven't heard him speak ever since you met him in that conference room when he accidentally busted in while you were having a discussion with Min Yoongi.

What you don't know though is that Jungkook is the same guy you spent 7 months talking to online as he was one of your ESL students. He introduced himself as Ian.

Your skate nights with Jungkook usually starts at 7pm and ends during the wee hours of the night, around 2am in a tteokbokki tent a few minutes away from the park.

But tonight would be different.

Both you and Jungkook were practicing that skateboard flip at the middle of the skate ring.

In the count of 3, you will jump and I'm gonna flip the board and you have to land on it okay?

Jungkook smiled and nod his head.

Okay, 1.. 2 - hold on, I think it's better if you hold my -

Jungkook immediately grabbed your hands, to which you said (while trying hard not to laugh) No not my hands, should be my arms so it would support both of us better.

Oh, Jungkook mouthed.

Alright you ready? 1... 2... 3... now!

[heather-the-heathen]

I’m American. We hardly studied anything about Asian culture or history in school, like only as much as our involvement (ie Korea). This fueled an interest for me that spanned from taking Kung Fu classes, loving ATLA, and when I graduated college teaching ESL in Taiwan. The shit they don’t teach us should be a fuel, to understand our countries faults we have to examine the things they hid from us.

i think that, if youre usamerican and any time someone calls out your lack of knowledge on global geography you start talking about how bad the usa education is and how its actually not your fault that you dont know what continent nigeria is on because you cant look at the google maps bc donald trump will personally shoot you, youre very annoying

[skyfallights]

E-Paper Display Market Size Powering Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Digital Interfaces

The E-Paper Display Market Size is steadily advancing as industries across the globe adopt low-power, high-visibility digital signage solutions. Also known as electronic paper or electronic ink displays, e-paper offers a paper-like reading experience with ultra-low power consumption, making it a preferred choice for e-readers, electronic shelf labels, digital signage, and wearable devices. With increasing demand for energy-efficient displays and flexible form factors, the Market Size is poised for long-term growth.

According to Market Size Research Future, the global e-paper display Market Size is projected to grow from USD 3.2 billion in 2023 to USD 9.5 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period (2023–2030).

Market Size Overview

E-paper displays utilize electrophoretic, cholesteric, or electrochromic technology to mimic the appearance of traditional ink on paper. Unlike conventional LCD or OLED screens, e-paper reflects ambient light and requires power only during image updates, making it ideal for battery-powered or solar-driven applications.

The Market Size ’s momentum is supported by growing demand from retail, education, healthcare, transportation, and consumer electronics. Advancements in flexible displays, color e-paper, and bistable display technology are driving adoption across both commercial and industrial sectors.

Key Market Size Trends

1. Rise of Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs)

E-paper’s ultra-low power consumption and high readability make it ideal for dynamic pricing in retail. ESLs are increasingly deployed in superMarket Size s and convenience stores to reduce manual labor and enhance inventory accuracy.

2. Sustainable Digital Signage

With environmental awareness rising, e-paper is being embraced for solar-powered signage in transportation, public information systems, and smart cities. These displays offer sunlight readability and long lifespans with minimal energy use.

3. Wearable and Flexible E-Paper Devices

Smartwatches, fitness bands, and wearable badges are integrating e-paper for lightweight, always-on displays. The technology’s flexibility allows for curved and rugged designs suitable for active or industrial use.

4. Adoption in Education and E-Readers

The popularity of e-readers like Kindle remains strong, and educational institutions are exploring digital textbooks and note-taking devices based on e-paper for improved eye comfort and reduced device fatigue.

5. Color and High-Resolution E-Paper

Advances in color e-ink and higher pixel density are enabling richer visual experiences, especially for commercial signage, packaging, and content-rich e-readers.

Market Size Segmentation

By Product Type:

E-Readers

Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs)

Digital Signage

Wearables

Others (Smart Cards, Industrial Tags)

By Technology:

Electrophoretic Displays

Electrowetting Displays

Cholesteric Displays

Others

By Application:

Retail

Consumer Electronics

Healthcare

Education

Transportation

By Region:

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

Regional Insights

North America

North America holds a significant share, led by strong demand for e-readers, smart displays, and sustainable digital signage. The U.S. is a key innovator and adopter, especially in retail and education sectors.

Europe

Europe’s smart retail ecosystem and public transport systems are actively deploying e-paper solutions. Regulatory emphasis on energy efficiency further accelerates growth.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to widespread adoption in Japan, China, and South Korea. Retail automation, logistics, and education applications are primary contributors to demand.

Competitive Landscape

The e-paper display Market Size features several key players focusing on innovation in flexibility, resolution, and color display technology. Major participants include:

E Ink Holdings Inc.

Plastic Logic GmbH

CLEARink Displays Inc.

Visionect

Pervasive Displays Inc.

LG Display Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Sony Corporation

These companies are enhancing product portfolios and forging strategic partnerships with retailers, IoT providers, and public sector agencies to expand their global footprint.

Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities:

Integration with solar and wireless IoT systems for smart cities

Expansion into logistics for smart labels and tracking

Medical applications such as digital prescription tags and remote monitoring

Growth in developing Market Size s seeking cost-efficient digital alternatives

Challenges:

Limited refresh rate and color fidelity compared to LCD/OLED

Cost barriers for color and flexible e-paper technologies

Competition from reflective LCDs and transflective displays

Conclusion

The E-Paper Display Market Size stands at the intersection of sustainability and digital innovation. Its growing relevance across sectors like retail, healthcare, logistics, and education positions it as a transformative technology for energy-conscious and mobile-centric applications.

With continued investments in flexible displays, full-color capabilities, and solar integration, the Market Size is well-positioned for robust growth through 2030. Businesses that adopt e-paper solutions will benefit from reduced energy costs, enhanced user experiences, and alignment with green technology goals.

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