{"id":30423,"date":"2025-02-04T23:51:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T06:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=30423"},"modified":"2026-02-18T11:19:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T18:19:14","slug":"how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach English in South Korea: Salary, Jobs, and Requirements Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>To teach English in Korea is to set off on a unique and rewarding adventure. Known as the \u201cland of the morning calm,\u201d South Korea blends modern urban life with serene natural landscapes, creating a vibrant setting for teachers. Beyond the ultra-modern city of Seoul, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a>&nbsp;to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-f69f90eb-ea43-4974-a7eb-fa7208d6c1c0\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#0-why-should-you-teach-english-in-korea\" style=\"\">Why should you teach English in Korea?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#1-is-there-a-demand-for-english-teachers-in-south-korea\" style=\"\">Is there a demand for English teachers in South Korea?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#2-what-are-the-qualifications-and-requirements-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\" style=\"\">What are the qualifications and requirements to teach English in South Korea?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#3-bachelor%E2%80%99s-degree\" style=\"\">Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#4-tefltesol-certification\" style=\"\">TEFL\/TESOL certification<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#5-native-or-fluent-english-proficiency\" style=\"\">Native or fluent English proficiency<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#6-clean-criminal-background-check\" style=\"\">Clean criminal background check<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#7-medical-examination\" style=\"\">Medical examination<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#8-age-limits-for-public-school-programs\" style=\"\">Age limits for public school programs<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#9-prior-teaching-experience\" style=\"\">Prior teaching experience<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#10-how-do-you-get-a-work-visa-to-teach-in-south-korea\" style=\"\">How do you get a work visa to teach in South Korea?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#11-how-much-do-english-teachers-make-in-south-korea-and-what-is-the-cost-of-living\" style=\"\">How much do English teachers make in South Korea, and what is the cost of living?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#12-what-types-of-teaching-jobs-are-available-in-south-korea\" style=\"\">What types of teaching jobs are available in South Korea?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#13-public-schools-epik-gepik-and-smoe-programs\" style=\"\">Public schools (EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE programs)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#14-private-language-institutes-hagwons\" style=\"\">Private language institutes (Hagwons)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#15-universities\" style=\"\">Universities<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#16-international-schools\" style=\"\">International schools<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\/#17-what-do-people-say-about-teaching-in-south-korea\" style=\"\">What do people say about teaching in South Korea?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-why-should-you-teach-english-in-korea\">Why should you teach English in Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching in Korea offers much more than classroom experience \u2013 it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019ll build lifelong memories by visiting ancient palaces, enjoying Korean cuisine, and experiencing the hospitality of a country that values education and cultural exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-english-abroad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Discover how to teach English around the world with this step-by-step guide.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/historic-Bukchon-Hanok-District-in-Seoul.jpg\" alt=\"An image of the historic Bukchon Hanok District in Seoul, a place to visit when you teach English in Korea\" class=\"wp-image-37818\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/historic-Bukchon-Hanok-District-in-Seoul.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/historic-Bukchon-Hanok-District-in-Seoul-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The historic Bukchon Hanok District in Seoul, a place to visit when you teach English in Korea<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-is-there-a-demand-for-english-teachers-in-south-korea\">Is there a demand for English teachers in South Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a consistently high demand for English teachers in South Korea, especially in private language institutes, known as &#8220;hagwons,&#8221; 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opportunities also exist in smaller cities and rural areas for those seeking a quieter environment. Schools and programs like the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.epik.go.kr\/index.do\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">English Program in Korea (EPIK)<\/a> regularly hire English teachers in Korea, making it one of the most attractive teaching destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find a job in South Korea via a government-sponsored program, a private recruiter, or external job posting sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-what-are-the-qualifications-and-requirements-to-teach-english-in-south-korea\">What are the qualifications and requirements to teach English in South Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To teach English in Korea, you\u2019ll need to meet both general eligibility requirements and specific qualifications. Here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-bachelor%E2%80%99s-degree\">Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A minimum of a bachelor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-tefltesol-certification\">TEFL\/TESOL certification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although not always mandatory, many employers prefer candidates with at least 120 hours of TEFL certification. The <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">120-hour Bridge Master Certificate<\/a> meets this requirement and also includes a job advising module, continuous support, and other resources.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, given that South Korea is a competitive destination, you should consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/idelt#:~:text=The%20graduate%2Dlevel%20150%2DHour,for%20thousands%20of%20teaching%20positions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">150-hour Bridge International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELT<em>Online<\/em>\u2122) <\/a>which also goes towards a TESOL MA degree. This will certainly give you an edge over other candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template1\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/professional\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Professional-Certificates.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Kickstart your English language teaching career with<\/h5><h3>Professional TEFL\/TESOL Certification<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/professional\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Get Certified<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-native-or-fluent-english-proficiency\">Native or fluent English proficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-clean-criminal-background-check\">Clean criminal background check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of the visa process, you\u2019ll need to provide a criminal background check showing no serious convictions. This is mandatory for both public and private school positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-medical-examination\">Medical examination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants must pass a medical examination to prove they are in good health. This is required to obtain an E-2 teaching visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-age-limits-for-public-school-programs\">Age limits for public school programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Programs like EPIK typically have an age limit, with applicants required to be under 62 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-prior-teaching-experience\">Prior teaching experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-english-abroad-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn about all the requirements needed to teach English abroad.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katie-teaching-in-south-korea.jpg\" alt=\"An image of Katie, a Bridge alumna, with her students teaching English in South Korea\" class=\"wp-image-37820\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katie-teaching-in-south-korea.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katie-teaching-in-south-korea-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Katie, a Bridge alumna, with her students in South Korea. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/katie-murray-teaching-english-in-south-korea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read her story here<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-how-do-you-get-a-work-visa-to-teach-in-south-korea\">How do you get a work visa to teach in South Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To teach English in South Korea, you&#8217;ll need to obtain an E-2 visa, specifically designed for foreign language instructors. Eligibility criteria include holding a bachelor&#8217;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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The application process requires a clean criminal background check and a medical examination to ensure good health. It\u2019s important to note that the E-2 visa restricts holders to teaching positions within South Korea and prohibits other forms of employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-online-from-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">teach English online<\/a> while enjoying the country\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template4\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/where-to-teach-english-abroad-destination-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Teach-English-Abroad-DestinationGuide-1.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Embark on your TEFL adventure with the free<\/h5><h3>Teach English Abroad Destination Guide<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/where-to-teach-english-abroad-destination-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-how-much-do-english-teachers-make-in-south-korea-and-what-is-the-cost-of-living\">How much do English teachers make in South Korea, and what is the cost of living?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-english-abroad-salaries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where can you make the most money? Discover everything you need to know about teaching English abroad salaries.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hunter-Bridge-grad-in-South-Korea-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"An image of Hunter, a Bridge graduate, eating Korean BBQ\" class=\"wp-image-37822\" style=\"width:auto;height:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hunter-Bridge-grad-in-South-Korea-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hunter-Bridge-grad-in-South-Korea-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 768px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hunter, a Bridge graduate from the U.S., teaches English in Seoul. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/hunter-from-the-us-teaching-english-in-south-korea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read his story<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-what-types-of-teaching-jobs-are-available-in-south-korea\">What types of teaching jobs are available in South Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several types of English teaching jobs in South Korea, offering diverse opportunities to fit different preferences and experiences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-public-schools-epik-gepik-and-smoe-programs\">Public schools (EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE programs)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-private-language-institutes-hagwons\">Private language institutes (Hagwons)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-universities\">Universities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-international-schools\">International schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-what-do-people-say-about-teaching-in-south-korea\">What do people say about teaching in South Korea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/gedisa-teacher-south-korea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gedisa, a Bridge alumna<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Gedisa-Avella_-South-Korea.jpg\" alt=\"Gedisa, Bridge Grad Teaching English in South Korea\" class=\"wp-image-6299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Gedisa-Avella_-South-Korea.jpg 560w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Gedisa-Avella_-South-Korea-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 560px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;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\u2019s 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\u2019t plan to stay for many years.<\/em>&#8220;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;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\u2019s 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.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching English in South Korea is more than just a job \u2013 it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-if-you-are-not-sure-where-to-begin-bridge%E2%80%99s-teaching-english-abroad-resource-page-explains-each-step-from-getting-qualified-to-picking-the-best-destination-\"><em>If you are not sure where to begin, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teaching-english-abroad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bridge\u2019s Teaching English Abroad resource page<\/a> explains each step, from getting qualified to picking the best destination.<\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To teach English in Korea is to set off on a unique and rewarding adventure. Known as the \u201cland of the morning calm,\u201d South Korea blends modern urban life with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":37919,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[622,621,257,713],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-30423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-teach-english-abroad","tag-bridge-professional-certifications","tag-teach-abroad-benefits","tag-teach-abroad-requirements","tag-teaching-in-asia"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Teaching-English-in-South-Korea-featured-img.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Rashmi Chugani","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/rashmi-chugani\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30423"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41686,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30423\/revisions\/41686"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30423"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=30423"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=30423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}