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To teach English in Korea is to set off on a unique and rewarding adventure. Known as the “land of the morning calm,” South Korea blends modern urban life with serene natural landscapes, creating a vibrant setting for teachers. Beyond the ultra-modern city of Seoul, you’ll discover tranquil mountains, lakes, and cultural landmarks. As one of the most sought-after destinations for English teachers, South Korea provides diverse job opportunities, competitive wages, and a chance to experience a dynamic cultural exchange in both professional and personal settings.
If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!
- Why should you teach English in Korea?
- Is there a demand for English teachers in South Korea?
- What are the qualifications and requirements to teach English in South Korea?
- How do you get a work visa to teach in South Korea?
- How much do English teachers make in South Korea, and what is the cost of living?
- What types of teaching jobs are available in South Korea?
- What do people say about teaching in South Korea?
Why should you teach English in Korea?
Teaching in Korea offers much more than classroom experience – it’s an exciting blend of culture, adventure, and career growth. With its unique mix of modern cities and traditional charm, South Korea provides ample opportunities for exploration.
Teaching English in Korea often comes with perks like free housing, health insurance, and flight reimbursements, making it an attractive destination. Beyond the job, you’ll build lifelong memories by visiting ancient palaces, enjoying Korean cuisine, and experiencing the hospitality of a country that values education and cultural exchange.
Discover how to teach English around the world with this step-by-step guide.
Is there a demand for English teachers in South Korea?
There is a consistently high demand for English teachers in South Korea, especially in private language institutes, known as “hagwons,” and public schools. Both experienced and first-time teachers can find positions, with major cities like Seoul and Busan being key hubs for teaching in Korea.
Opportunities also exist in smaller cities and rural areas for those seeking a quieter environment. Schools and programs like the English Program in Korea (EPIK) regularly hire English teachers in Korea, making it one of the most attractive teaching destinations.
You can find a job in South Korea via a government-sponsored program, a private recruiter, or external job posting sites.
What are the qualifications and requirements to teach English in South Korea?
To teach English in Korea, you’ll need to meet both general eligibility requirements and specific qualifications. Here’s what you need to know:
Bachelor’s degree
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field is required by most employers. Public school programs like EPIK strictly enforce this requirement, while some private schools may give preference to degrees in education or related fields.
TEFL/TESOL certification
Although not always mandatory, many employers prefer candidates with at least 120 hours of TEFL certification. The 120-hour Bridge Master Certificate meets this requirement and also includes a job advising module, continuous support, and other resources.
However, given that South Korea is a competitive destination, you should consider the 150-hour Bridge International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) which also goes towards a TESOL MA degree. This will certainly give you an edge over other candidates.
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Schools in South Korea typically prefer native English speakers from approved countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. However, some private schools may consider non-native speakers with near-native fluency, especially if they hold a TEFL certification and demonstrate strong communication skills.
Clean criminal background check
As part of the visa process, you’ll need to provide a criminal background check showing no serious convictions. This is mandatory for both public and private school positions.
Medical examination
Applicants must pass a medical examination to prove they are in good health. This is required to obtain an E-2 teaching visa.
Age limits for public school programs
Programs like EPIK typically have an age limit, with applicants required to be under 62 years old.
Prior teaching experience
Though not always required, having some experience under your belt will certainly open more doors. In South Korea, teaching is a formal profession and teachers are usually required to sign a one-year contract, and breaking it early may result in penalties or other negative consequences.
Learn about all the requirements needed to teach English abroad.
How do you get a work visa to teach in South Korea?
To teach English in South Korea, you’ll need to obtain an E-2 visa, specifically designed for foreign language instructors. Eligibility criteria include holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and being a native English speaker. Non-native speakers with high English proficiency may also be considered in certain cases.
The application process requires a clean criminal background check and a medical examination to ensure good health. It’s important to note that the E-2 visa restricts holders to teaching positions within South Korea and prohibits other forms of employment.
The newly launched Digital Nomad Visa (Workation Visa) allows remote workers to live in South Korea for up to a year, with an option to extend. To qualify, applicants must meet requirements such as a minimum annual income, proof of international health insurance, and a clean criminal record. This visa is a great option for those who want to teach English online while enjoying the country’s culture. However, it does not permit teaching at schools or hagwons, so teachers looking for in-person roles should apply for the E-2 visa.
How much do English teachers make in South Korea, and what is the cost of living?
The salary for English teaching jobs in Korea typically ranges between $1,700 and $2,200 per month, depending on your experience, qualifications, and the type of institution. Public school programs like EPIK and GEPIK offer standardized pay scales, while private language institutes (hagwons) and universities may negotiate higher salaries for experienced teachers. Overtime pay is common and legally required for teachers who exceed the standard 120 teaching hours per month.
One of the reasons teaching English in South Korea is financially attractive is the comprehensive benefits package offered by most employers. This often includes free housing or a housing stipend, reimbursed airfare, health insurance, and paid vacation. These perks help teachers save a large portion of their salary, especially when working in public school programs.
Although major cities like Seoul and Busan have a higher cost of living, many expenses are offset by the benefits employers provide. Monthly expenses such as utilities, transportation, and food are manageable, with affordable options readily available. For example, a typical lunch in a school cafeteria is often included as part of the job, and public transportation is efficient and cost-effective. In rural areas, the cost of living is generally lower, which can allow for more savings.
What types of teaching jobs are available in South Korea?
There are several types of English teaching jobs in South Korea, offering diverse opportunities to fit different preferences and experiences:
Public schools (EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE programs)
Public schools offer positions through government-sponsored programs like EPIK program (English Program in Korea), SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, now integrated with EPIK), and GEPIK (formerly the Gyeonggi English Program in Korea, now primarily managed under EPIK).
Teachers work regular school hours, typically from Monday to Friday, with longer holidays and benefits like housing, paid vacation, and flight reimbursement. These jobs often provide more job security and structure, making them popular among first-time teachers. These schools have a teacher intake for the start of each semester, either in February or September.
Private language institutes (Hagwons)
Hagwons are private language academies offering year-round teaching jobs in Korea. These schools operate after normal school hours, making them ideal for teachers who prefer evening schedules.
Hagwons are known for offering competitive salaries, but they can be more demanding, with fewer holidays and sometimes longer working hours. However, they provide plenty of job opportunities in both urban centers like Seoul and smaller cities.
Universities
University teaching positions in South Korea offer some of the best salaries and working conditions, including fewer teaching hours, long vacations, and the freedom to develop your own curriculum. However, these jobs are highly competitive and often require advanced degrees and prior teaching experience.
International schools
International schools cater to expatriate and local students, offering positions to English teachers in Korea with experience or credentials in teaching specific subjects. These jobs typically follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge programs, and offer competitive salaries and benefits.
By understanding the types of English teaching jobs in South Korea, you can choose the one that best suits your career goals, schedule preferences, and desired benefits.
What do people say about teaching in South Korea?
Gedisa, a Bridge alumna, taught English in South Korea for several years after working as a teacher in the United States. She shared her comments about her adventure and offered advice to those considering making the move.
“Most of the options I looked at were in Asia. I debated between Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Korea but in the end, Korea was my first choice due to the stability, low crime rate, and let’s be honest, salary. I knew that I could comfortably make a living with the salary provided, and save. Many schools also offer free housing since the apartment rental system in Korea is not really feasible for those who don’t plan to stay for many years.“
“I should mention that the government of Korea is quite strict about who they allow to teach. Often, to teach English in Korea you must hold a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification of at least 120 hours, and be a citizen of one of the following countries: The US, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, or Ireland.”
Teaching English in South Korea is more than just a job – it’s a chance to experience a country rich in tradition, modern innovation, and educational excellence. With diverse teaching opportunities, competitive salaries, and generous benefits, South Korea remains a top destination for teachers looking to grow professionally while exploring a new culture. Whether you choose to work in a city like Seoul or a peaceful rural town, your time teaching in Korea can be rewarding both financially and personally.
