1. Teach Children
I would say this is the vast majority of jobs available. And you don't need any experience for these jobs - just a bachelor's degree, clean bill of health, and a headache of paperwork.
But this can be subdivided into two categories. Hagwons are generally after-school programs for kids. Classes can range from 5-15 students, grouped by age or ability. Working hours are in the afternoon, usually 2-10pm. You'll probably teach 30 hrs a week. Now, if you've never taught before, as most hagwon teachers haven't, that's a LOT of teaching time. That leaves little to no time for prep work and grading. But after a month or two, it gets easier. Since hagwons are businesses, it usually comes down to keep the students happy and teach as much as possible. I'll write more details about hagwons later - this is the easiest option, but also has the most problems.
The second category is teaching in a public school. You might be the only foreign staff in the school, so some people have a lot of problems with adjusting and communicating at work. Also, most teachers teach with a Korean co-teacher. This can be great or terrible, depending on who your co-teacher is. In fact, I would say how positive your relationship is with your co-teacher determines how well your year goes. I'd say public schools are a great alternative to hagwons (regular 8-5 hours, stable pay / employment, etc). But there seems to be more interpersonal conflicts with staff and administration. Also, some elements of the Korean education system are going to drive you crazy at times.
2. Teach University
Alright, if you're just thinking of moving to Korea, this probably isn't an option for you. Most of these positions require 2 years teaching experience and a master's. Also, this has gotten more competitive as the US economy has sent people with higher education abroad for work. Finally, many of these are a "who you know" kind of system. And if you haven't been in Korea, you probably don't know anyone.
But, assuming you have the credentials / experience or contact, it's a great option. One important thing to know though: a lot of universities basically operate a "hagwon". This means that within most universities you can work in a language center (ie, hagwon that may teach only college students or may also include young kids) or you work in the English Department, teaching regular literature courses.
The majority of uni teachers are doing the language centers. In fact, if university job is advertised, assume it's a language center. Teaching department courses generally requires an MA in English Lit, and I think only some of the top universities do this.
But here's why people love them: The schedule!
Weekly: The pay is usually similar to a hagwon, but you only teach 12-20 hours a week. Of course, there's planning and grading time, which is even greater than a hagwon. But I'd estimate that most people put in about 25-35 hrs a week (of course, during midterms and finals you might be swamped!).
Annually: 10-15 weeks off per year! Unlike the US system, the Korean system has two long breaks (winter and summer). Each break is about 10 weeks (Dec 15 to March 1, June 15 to Sept 1). Usually you're required to work during ONE of these breaks, usually about half the break. So, for example, if you to take the whole winter break to go somewhere for Christmas, you might work June 15 - Aug 1, still getting a 1 mos break during summer. Plus there is a 1 week break in the middle of each semester and various holidays.
Okay, so I'm clearly biased. Truth is, most people that stay more than a year usually want into the uni system. But there's a third job category...
3. Professional Work
Okay, I put this last because it's the smallest and most competitive group. Also, it's really a hodgepodge of various jobs. So let's break them down:
A. Company English Teacher - Larger corporations (LG, Samsung, Korean Air, Hyundai, etc) often hire full time English staff. You will have regular company work hours (about 9-6, sometimes varied for classes), a regular desk, and standard 2-3 week vacation. You should dress professionally. Your work will included teaching business classes, editing correspondence/manuals, giving English interviews and pretty much anything else that needs to be done in English.
The pay is usually better, but the hours can be long. Also, you need experience - either as a business / adult English teacher, or experience in the corporate setting. However, if you don't like kids and want a more regular 9-5, this is it. Also, realize that your exact responsibilities may vary, especially depending on they type of company and your own experience (a friend of mine who is fluent is Spanish ended up translating a lot of documents from Spanish to English for her construction company).
B. Editing (or Translating) - Although I would put translators into this category, I find that Korean is not usually required. I feel this is because of hiring practices. See, they could hire full time translators. But instead, they usually require high level Korean staff (managers, lawyer, doctors, etc) to have a very high competency in writing English. So usually they just need an editor to smooth over the rough language. I think it makes sense - editors are easier to find than translators.
Also, editing is often part of the job listed above. However, there are a significant number of editing only jobs. This is what I did my first year. I hated it. I stared at a computer for 8 hours a day, nitpicking over commas and trying to change awkward Konglish phrases into smooth English. You need to be very detail-oriented for this work. Also, editors are often hired by profession. So, for example, a hospital might need an editor with a medical background. There are also a lot of law firms that need editors with a legal background.
On the other hand, for introverts, it's a GREAT alternative to teaching. Some of the people I worked with loved having a quiet professional job, loved focusing on the language, and loved leaving it all behind at the end of the day. They felt this was much less stressful than teaching. Less stressful and more independent. This usually appeals to those who enjoy writing.
C. Entertainment / Publishing - A very, very small clique. There are English newspapers, TV shows, and radio stations. They need actors, writers, newscasters, you get the picture. Also, it seems the music scene is easier to break into here. But I'd also say most of the people in these jobs are gyopos. Even if their Korean isn't great, they're usually here more long-term and they don't have as many visa issues. In fact, I think it's mostly about the visa. An F-4 gyopo (or Korean citizen who is fluent in English) can work a little here and a little there - most of these jobs are NOT full time.
Also, in this category, I must include voice actors. My first job included working with voice actors, and I was impressed to realize how many there were. Basically, since Koreans feel English is so vital to academic and professional success, there are a LOT of textbooks and study materials produced in Korean. But even though a Korean author can write the book, the need an editor (see above) to check it and a voice actor for all the listening practice. Also, announcements on trains, planes, and public places need voice actors. Even my GPS, which is all Korean, has the option of English directions - so someone had to record "Please turn left. Take the underpass in 1 kilometer."
Anyway, however you look at it, the entertainment industry has a strong English division. However, you really need an F level visa. Also, I don't have suggestions on how to get into the field. I think it comes down to knowing people. Or random encounters on the street. (I've seen it happen!)
Other - Okay, this list will go on forever if I let it. Basically, there are people doing research, practicing law, running businesses, and everything else here. These jobs generally take some level of Korean and the people are here long term. Some people get sent here by their companies, some work in the embassy, etc. But if you put the time and effort into it, you can find a good position and make quite a life here. These are professional jobs, so BE PROFESSIONAL. And you're really going to need experience and appropriate education, just like back home. So don't expect to come here with a B.A. in communications and a smattering of Korean and find some corporate job.
Whew, that was a long one! This post should have been three!
