A hagwon contract is usually only a few pages long, which makes it tempting to skim. Don't. Almost every problem teachers run into later — unpaid overtime, surprise deductions, a messy exit — traces back to a line that was unclear on day one. Here are the parts worth reading twice.

1. Salary, pay date and how it is paid

Check the monthly salary, the exact pay date, and whether the amount is before or after deductions. A good contract also says how overtime or extra classes are paid, and at what rate.

Ask: "Is this the gross amount? Which day of the month will I be paid?"

2. Teaching hours vs. working hours

"30 hours a week" can mean 30 teaching hours or 30 hours in the building. Look for:

• Teaching hours per week (actual time in class)
• Working hours per day (including prep and admin)
• Your daily schedule — morning, afternoon or split shifts
• Whether Saturday classes or events are possible

3. Housing

If housing is provided, the contract should say what kind (a furnished one-room is typical), who pays the deposit, and who pays the monthly maintenance fee and utilities. If you receive an allowance instead, check the amount and when it is paid.

Tip: ask for a photo or video of the apartment and its address. It is a reasonable request.

4. Severance pay

Under Korean labor law, employees who complete at least one year of continuous work are entitled to severance pay of at least one month's average wage for each year worked. Make sure the contract does not try to define your employment in a way that avoids this, and that the payment date after you finish is clear.

5. Health insurance and pension

Employees in Korea are enrolled in National Health Insurance, with the cost split between you and your employer. National Pension is also split, and teachers from some countries can claim a refund of their contributions when they leave. The contract should state that the school enrolls you — not that you are "responsible for your own insurance."

6. Vacation and public holidays

Check how many paid vacation days you get, whether you can choose the dates or they are fixed (many hagwons close during set weeks in summer and winter), and whether Korean public holidays are days off. Vague wording like "vacation according to school schedule" deserves a follow-up question.

7. Flights

Many schools pay for your entry flight, your exit flight after completing the contract, or both. Check whether it is paid upfront or reimbursed, and what happens if you leave early.

8. Ending the contract

This is the section people regret skipping. Look for:

• How much notice either side must give
• Any penalty or repayment if you leave early (for example, the entry flight)
• What the school will provide when you leave — a release letter matters if you want to change jobs while staying in Korea
• How your final salary and severance will be paid

9. Duties outside teaching

Curriculum writing, phone calls to parents, events, weekend workshops — some are reasonable, some are not, but they should be written down rather than discovered later.

Before you sign

• Ask for the contract in English, and make sure the Korean version (if there is one) says the same thing
• Ask questions in writing so the answers are on record
• Talk to a current or former teacher at the school if you can
• Don't sign anything you are being rushed to sign

When you apply through Stayworks, the Stayworks team helps you through the contract and visa steps and passes your questions to the school — but it is still worth reading every line yourself. It is your year.