Paid flights for western teachers is common practise in the Korean ESL industry. All teachers who sign 12 month contracts can expect to receive free return airfare to and from their closest international airport.
Private Schools: Most private schools usually pay for teacher airfare upfront, although some offer an airfare reimbursement upon arrival.
Public Schools: All public schools offer an airfare reimbursement upon arrival or, an entrance allowance which equates to 1.3 million KRW to enter Korea and another 1.3 million KRW at the end of the contract to exit Korea and return home.
Why do schools offer a one way flight into Korea and another one way flight out of Korea once the contract has been completed? International flights are only valid for 1 full year (365 days). Most schools will expect teachers to arrive 5-10 days prior to the contract starting date for training and orientation; meaning, most teachers need to be in Korea for more than 365 days.
