I’ve seen hundreds of interviews over the years, and honestly? Most candidates fail not because they lack qualifications, but because they miss the small details. Forget the generic advice you find in textbooks. Here is the real scoop on what Korean directors are actually looking for—and how you can get hired.

1. The “First 30 Seconds” Rule

Let’s be real. Directors are busy, and they often decide if they like you within the first half-minute. Don’t let a bad setup ruin your chances.

• Fix Your Lighting: Don’t sit with your back to a window (the “witness protection” look). Use a desk lamp to brighten your face. You need to look awake and ready.
• Camera Angle: Eye level, please. Looking down at the camera is never a good look. You’re selling your image as a professional teacher.

2. Appearance: Dress Conservatively

Korea is modern, but the workplace culture is still quite conservative. What passes for “casual” back home might look sloppy here.

• Cover Up: If you have visible tattoos, wear long sleeves. Have piercings? Take them out for the interview.
• Look the Part: Guys, wear a collared shirt. Ladies, modest professional attire is best. You want to look like a teacher that a strict parent would trust immediately.

3. Slow Down Your Speaking Speed

This is a classic mistake. If you talk at your normal native speed, the interviewer is thinking, “The kids won’t understand a word he says.”

• The 80% Rule: Speak at about 80% of your normal speed. Enunciate clearly.
• Grade Your Language: Use simpler words. It shows you instinctively know how to adapt to ESL learners without being told.

4. Bring the Energy (Seriously)

Being “polite” isn’t enough. Especially for Hagwons (private academies), they are looking for a performer.

• Smile More: It feels weird, but on a webcam, you need to over-exaggerate your smile slightly to look engaged.
• High Energy: You need to convince them that you can keep a class of tired elementary students excited at 6 PM. If you look low-energy, you won’t get the job.

5. Expect a Surprise “Demo Lesson”

Sometimes, directors will put you on the spot just to see how you react. “Can you teach me ‘colors’ for 2 minutes?”

• Be Prepared: Keep a prop nearby—a puppet, flashcards, or a whiteboard.
• Have a Go-To Game: Keep a simple 3-minute warm-up game in your back pocket. If you can jump into ‘teacher mode’ instantly, you’re hired.

6. The “No Drama” Policy

The biggest fear for any Korean director is a teacher who gets culture shock and leaves after a month. They want stability.

• The Right Attitude: If they ask about challenges, tell them: “I’m flexible. I know things change last minute, and I focus on solving problems, not complaining.” This is music to their ears.

7. Questions YOU Should Ask

An interview is a two-way street. You need to filter out the bad schools without sounding demanding.

• “How many other foreign teachers are there?” (A community is important for your support system.)
• “What’s the average tenure of your staff?” (If everyone quits after exactly one year, take that as a hint.)
• “Can I speak to a current teacher?” (If they say no, that’s a massive red flag. Walk away.)

8. The “Why Korea?” Trap

Look, it’s cool if you love K-Pop or K-Dramas. But if that’s your only reason for coming, directors will worry you’re here for a vacation, not a job.

• Balance is Key: Mention the culture, sure, but pivot to your career. “I admire the respect for education in Korea and want to grow as a teacher here.”

9. Don’t Sweat the Personal Questions

In the West, asking about your marital status or religion is a no-go. In Korea, it’s often just a way of breaking the ice.

• Roll With It: If they ask if you’re single or how much you weigh, don’t get offended or lecture them on labor laws. Just give a simple answer and move on. It’s usually for visa paperwork or simple curiosity.

10. Understand the Business

At the end of the day, a Hagwon is a business. Parents are the customers.

• Customer Satisfaction: Show that you understand student retention is key. Happy kids mean happy parents, which keeps the school running. If you get that, you’re ahead of 90% of other applicants.

Quick Tip: Send a short “Thank You” email right after the interview. It’s a small touch that makes you look professional and keeps you fresh in their mind. Good luck!