South African teachers in South Korea: opportunities, challenges and safety concerns

SOUTH African teachers are increasingly relocating to South Korea in search of better pay, safety, and career growth.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

While they enjoy the benefits of a safer environment and improved working conditions, they also face challenges like cultural differences and homesickness.

After a recent scare involving a former Durban teacher, who could not be reached by her South African family after her phone was stolen in Seoul, we speak to teachers about their real experiences abroad.

Last week, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) put out an alert after a Durban family were unable to make contact with their daughter who is teaching in South Korea.

Rusa head, Prem Balram, said her family was concerned for her safety after unknown males had answered her phone during a wellness check.

However, she was later found safe and told her family that her phone had been stolen.

Their daughter had relocated to Itaewon in Seoul from Pietermaritzburg in June, to teach English at Chungdam School in South Korea.

Following this incident, South African teachers in South Korea, spoke to the POST about their experiences abroad.

Kyle Pillay, 28, formerly of Tongaat, moved to South Korea, in 2022. He lives in Bucheon and teaches at Francis Parker Collegiate.

“T moved because I wanted to be independent and safe. Coming from an Indian home, I was always sheltered. Sometimes the best way to get independent is to leave the country.

“T love Korea and | have learnt so much about myself here. South Korea is a lot safer and the pay as a teacher is better than in South Africa. The other perks included a free apartment and medical insurance,” he said.

However, this was not the first time Pillay had gone to South Korea.

“I tried to work here in 2020, but my mom passed away three months in and I went home. It was just a bad experience for me.

“But I felt a spiritual need to come back and rewrite the memories that felt so wrong and bitter when she passed away. I did not want to associate her death with Korea anymore.”