it's not exactly an immigration land but it's starting to open for work. Even though South Korea is a strong foreign trade nation few people speak English fluently, and even less people are there who can teach it. This is a very serious deficiency for Korea.
The result is that there is
A high demand by schools, institutes, universities, companies, and private interest groups for native English speakers. An opportunity for a native English-speaker with a bachelor’s degree (or higher) to earn real good money
Teachers who go to South Korea can expect to get a good combination of work and leisure time, maintain a great spending/earning/savings ratio and learn much about a fascinating culture.
Places to work are Private language institutes, Universities and colleges, -Private companies, Entertainment industry and self-employed classes
Private language institutes are simply companies that offer classes with a native English-speaking teacher. There are more companies than anyone can count. Some are huge franchises, others are struggling just to keep one teacher. Many are very successful, while others go bankrupt after one or two months. The biggest market is for children, but there is also a considerable market for adults.
Children’s language institutes run extracurricular programs for students. Classes typically run from 3 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., although many schools also run a kindergarten program in the morning and early afternoon. They are paying good salaries + airfare + apartment and the daily working time is limited. But -working with children can be stressful
Adult language institutes cater to just about anyone past school age who wants to learn a foreign language. These schools usually operate outside of regular work hours to accommodate people with day jobs. Classes typically run from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and then from 6 p.m. to 10 pm. Advantage is to work with adults instead of children is often appealing and again a descent compensation + airfare + apartment
But disadvantage are “split shifts”, for example 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and then 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Universities:
Most universities hire foreign staff to help their students with foreign language conversation skills. Hours are great, pay is descent and you get lots of vacation. But there is a lot of competition for these jobs, and universities usually have no trouble finding staff. Most positions are filled by expats that have been living in South Korea. A master’s degree and considerable work experience in the field is often required.
But typically no airfare or apartment
Other opportunities:
There are quite a few other kinds of opportunities for English teachers in Korea. Some people work for private companies or corporations and do very well for themselves.
Even if Korea doesn’t interest you much, it is still a great location for a home base. Lots of teachers will live and work in Korea, but then take advantage of its geographic position to go visit other countries in East Asia like Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, or the Philippines.