The RiceCake Story: A Platform for Every Teacher

The Strategic Start

In 2021, I moved to Korea with a plan. I was a software engineer by trade, but I knew that finding a developer role as a non-Korean speaker would be a challenge. To prepare, I earned my TEFL qualification before I arrived, knowing that teaching would be my bridge to building a life here.

The Problem with the "Pay-to-Play" System

While I eventually transitioned into software engineering, my early days were spent navigating the world of English education in Korea. I used various platforms to find 1:1 students, and I quickly noticed a frustrating trend: most services were designed to profit from teachers before they even had a chance to work.

Between clunky interfaces and "entrance fees" just to list a profile, it felt like the technology was getting in the way of the teaching. I realized that whether a teacher is just starting out, working in a classroom, or tutoring independently, they all deserve a tool that is efficient, transparent, and free from unnecessary barriers.

Why RiceCake?

I built RiceCake to be the platform I wish I'd had when I arrived - a clean, high-performance space built by someone who understands both the code and the classroom.

Inclusive by Design: RiceCake is for the entire teaching community. Whether you are a full-time professional or just starting your TEFL journey, this platform is built to help you connect with students without the overhead.

Low Overhead, High Sustainability: I personally purchased the hardware to host this site. By managing the infrastructure myself and writing every line of code, I've kept costs so low that the core platform can remain 100% free for everyone.

Community First: We aren't a faceless corporation. This project is self-funded and built to handle 10,000+ users. My goal is to provide a reliable, long-term resource where teachers can focus on what they do best: teaching.

We do offer an optional "Profile Bump" for those who want extra visibility, but our mission is to ensure that the essential tools to grow your teaching career stay accessible to all.