Decided you want to take the leap and teach English as a foreign language? There are plenty of countries to choose from, with China and Japan often being the first destinations that come to mind. But have you considered South Korea? Lucrative salaries, attractive benefits, a famously low cost of living and a culture that mixes ancient temples with neon-lit street food markets. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to teaching English in South Korea, so you know exactly what to expect before you board the plane.
What is it like teaching English in South Korea?
Teaching English in South Korea means working as an English language teacher in Korean public schools, private academies (hagwons), universities or international schools. Most teachers join through the government-run EPIK programme or apply directly to private schools. Roles typically include a competitive tax-friendly salary, free housing, flight reimbursement and an end-of-contract bonus.
In other words: it’s one of the most generous TEFL packages anywhere in the world, and a fantastic place to live while you’re at it.
South Korea is a dynamic, technology-driven country that’s modern, vibrant and endlessly exciting. The capital, Seoul, is home to more than 10 million people and is a thriving business hub that gracefully mixes ancient city walls, royal palaces and quiet temples with futuristic skyscrapers (including one of the tallest buildings in the world). Whether you see yourself as a city slicker, a coastal wanderer or someone in between, there’s a teaching post out there for you.
For a wider picture of the global TEFL landscape, see our ultimate guide to teaching English abroad and our roundup of the top ten places to teach English as a foreign language.
What is the EPIK programme?
EPIK (English Programme in Korea) is the South Korean government’s flagship initiative for placing native English-speaking teachers into Korean public schools. The programme is run by the Korean Ministry of Education and places teachers across the country, from busy metropolitan areas like Seoul and Busan to smaller, more rural provinces.
EPIK is hugely popular because it offers first-time teachers with little or no experience:
- A competitive monthly salary
- Free, furnished single accommodation (or a housing allowance)
- Airfare reimbursement
- Paid holidays
- Severance pay at the end of your contract
- National health insurance
- Settlement allowance to help you get started
It’s one of the most welcoming on-ramps into international teaching anywhere in the world.
What are the requirements to teach English in South Korea?
Requirements vary slightly by school and visa type, but most positions ask for the following:
- Nationality: You’ll need to hold a passport from one of the recognised native English-speaking countries: the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or South Africa.
- Degree: A bachelor’s degree is required, in any subject.
- Certification: A TEFL or TESOL certificate with at least 100 hours of study is strongly recommended. While not always a strict visa requirement, your chances of landing a good job and salary are much higher with one.
- Clean criminal record check: An apostilled background check from your home country.
- Apostilled documents: Your degree and background check will need to be apostilled for use in Korea.
If you don’t yet have your TEFL certificate, look for an accredited 120-hour course backed by a recognised regulatory body such as Ofqual. Cheap discount-site courses rarely cut it with Korean employers.
Where can you teach English in South Korea?
There are several different types of schools you can teach in, and each has its own pace, perks and quirks. Most English teachers in South Korea work in either a public school via EPIK or a private language academy (hagwon).
| School type | Hours | Salary level | Holidays | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public schools (EPIK) | Roughly 9am to 5pm | Moderate | Generous paid leave | First-time teachers wanting a structured, government-backed route |
| Private language schools (hagwons) | Roughly 1pm to 9pm | Higher | Fewer holidays | Teachers wanting higher pay and a later start |
| Universities | Lighter schedule | Moderate to high | Long holidays | Experienced teachers, often with a Master’s degree |
| International schools | Standard school hours | Highest | Long holidays | Qualified, experienced teachers with a teaching background |
Private language schools (hagwons) start work later in the day because most students attend these classes on top of their regular school education. The trade-off for higher pay is a shorter holiday allowance.
Public schools through EPIK often offer more paid holidays and a more predictable day-to-day routine, with the trade-off of slightly lower base pay.
Universities are typically the next step for more experienced teachers, often those with a Master’s degree in English, Education or a related field. Hours are lighter and holidays are long.
International schools offer the highest salaries but have strict entry requirements. This route suits qualified teachers with significant classroom experience.
How much can you earn teaching English in South Korea?
Salaries vary by school type, location, qualifications and experience, but South Korea is widely considered one of the most financially rewarding TEFL destinations in the world. Earnings are typically tax-friendly and come bundled with significant perks that push your real take-home value well beyond the headline figure.
Typical benefits include:
- Free furnished housing, or a generous housing allowance
- Airfare reimbursement (often paid on arrival and at contract end)
- End-of-contract severance bonus equivalent to roughly one extra month’s salary
- National health insurance at a heavily subsidised rate
- Paid sick leave and public holidays
- Pension contributions (refundable for some nationalities at the end of your contract)
International schools and experienced university lecturers sit at the top end of the salary scale. Hagwons and EPIK roles offer comfortable, savings-friendly packages for first-time teachers. For broader context on funding life on the road, our guide to earning money while travelling the world is worth a read.
What is the cost of living in South Korea?
The cost of living in South Korea is significantly lower than in nearby Japan, and considerably more manageable than most major Western cities. Combined with the free or subsidised housing many teachers receive, it’s why so many TEFL teachers in Korea can comfortably save a meaningful chunk of their salary each month.
A few highlights:
- Public transport: Cheap, efficient and famously reliable. Trains, buses and the Seoul subway will get you almost anywhere.
- Healthcare: Affordable, high quality and accessible through the national insurance system.
- Eating out: A meal at a local restaurant costs the rough equivalent of a cheap takeaway back home. Korean barbecue, bibimbap and kimchi stew are everywhere and brilliant.
- National parks: South Korea has 22 national parks, most easily reached on weekends. Free entry to most, low entry fees to others.
What’s life like for expats in South Korea?
The expat community in South Korea is large, welcoming and full of English teachers, students, business professionals and tech workers. There’s a lively events calendar, plenty of social groups and no shortage of things to do at the weekend.
A few cultural highlights worth pencilling in:
- The Seoul Kimchi Festival in autumn, a celebration of the country’s most famous side dish
- Cherry blossom season in spring, particularly stunning in Jinhae and Yeouido
- Boryeong Mud Festival on the western coast in summer, exactly as muddy and chaotic as it sounds
- Lantern festivals in autumn, with hundreds of glowing paper lanterns lighting up rivers and temples
As a foreigner, you can also join the Korea Immigration and Integration Programme (KIIP), which provides free Korean language and culture lessons to help you settle in. It’s a brilliant resource and a great way to meet people.
Ready for your South Korean adventure?
Teaching English in South Korea is one of those rare opportunities that ticks every box: a generous salary, a culture you’ll genuinely fall in love with, a low cost of living and a country small enough to explore properly within a single contract. Whether you’re heading to Seoul, Busan, Daegu or somewhere quieter on the coast, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat.
When you’re ready to make the move, we’ll be ready to help you move your life with you. Get an instant quote and start your South Korean adventure the easy way.
