Korean International School

Jeju, South Korea

School Mission: Korean International School (KIS) in South Korea has a mission to inspire students with a passion for learning and to cultivate the competence, self-assurance, initiative, and creativity necessary for success in the global community.

Check out the KIS website for more information.

Family Reviewed – overall rating for teaching families

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Neutral – mixed experience

Overall compensation package rating

Excellent – very generous for families

Tuition benefits

Full coverage capped at 2 children

Housing

Good (covers most family housing needs)

Flights

Annual round-trip flights for entire family

Healthcare

Comprehensive international coverage for entire family with minimal out-of-pocket

Good – reliable with some limitations

Adjustment for kids

My kids are too young (newborn and 2 year old). They do fine going to daycare in Korea.

Support for partners

None – no support provided

Overall school community support for families

Good – welcoming and helpful

Extracurricular opportunities for kids

Good – a decent range of activities with some high-quality options

Most activities have additional fees but are reasonably priced

Retirement/pension benefits

The school plays into the government severance and pension. You get one month salary for each year you work at the school.

*Note not all nationalities can transfer their pension home unless they stay a minimum of 10 years. Check eligibility before applying.

School leadership rating & stability

Good – generally responsive and supportive

Mostly stable (occasional changes)

Korean International School – Additional Benefits

  • Free/subsidised school meals
  • Settling in allowance
  • Professional development budget
  • Paternity leave
  • Maternity leave beyond legal minimum

One of the best aspects of this school for families is the safety. There are a lot of kids play places and parks, and nature walks. Koreans really like kids and teachers live in the same area so kids can easily play together.

Current Teacher with young children

The school pays for daycare. Korean day cares are really good. For kids at school many staff students are friends with each other. They typically don’t build close relationships with Korean students.

Current Teacher with Teaching Spouse

There are some Saturdays we are required to work. School age kids have supervision but it can be hard families with young kids.

Current Teaching Couple
Pathway through the orange groves on Jeju Island - close to Korean International School.
Person with a yellow umbrella in front of a red lighthouse on Jeju Island
Ocean view from Jeju Island, South Korean on a sunny day

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Excellent – very safe environment
  • Adaptability: Easy – mostly welcoming with some minor adjustments
  • Cost of Living: Affordable – comfortable lifestyle

General Overview for Teaching Families

More than 40% per teacher.

Good – reasonable balance.

40-45 hours.

Generally flexible.

Limited – basic accommodations only.

Family mentoring/buddy system.

Integrating with local students.

Minimal support – limited help, such as a brief intro session or informal guidance from HR/colleagues.

It is a great spot for elementary age and younger. Middle and high school are hard for kids.

Families with younger kids.

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