South Korea
5 Fun Things to Do if You Are Teaching English with EPIK in Jeju Island
Job Market
South Korea: the world's largest ESL public school program.
South Korea is perfect for entry-level ESL teachers who recently graduated from university and want to experience a gap year in a well-organized, well-paid ESL market. No teaching experience is required — a TEFL certification and a degree get you in the door.
The EPIK program (English Program in Korea), run by South Korea's Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, is the largest ESL public school program in the world. EPIK hires over 1,100 ESL teachers every semester. Applications open in April for the Fall term and in October for the Spring term. Candidates apply via the EPIK website or an approved recruiter.
Teachers can also work for private language schools (hagwons) — many of which are large organizations with chains throughout the country — or at one of Korea's unique English Villages. Each path has distinct advantages depending on your priorities. Apply for English teaching jobs in South Korea using the OnTESOL job board.
Salary & Benefits
Earn $2,000–$2,700/month — and save up to $15,000 a year.
English teaching positions in South Korea pay a starting salary of US$2,000 and up to $2,700 per month. Both EPIK and private hagwons offer comparable wages and benefit packages.
| Benefit | EPIK (Public School) | Hagwon (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | $2,000–$2,400 USD | $2,000–$2,700 USD |
| Accommodation | Free, provided | Free, provided |
| Airfare | Round-trip reimbursed | One-way or cash bonus |
| Health Insurance | National plan (50/50) | National plan (50/50) |
| Severance Bonus | 1 month salary | 1 month salary |
| Pension | Yes — refundable on departure | Yes — refundable on departure |
Thanks to free accommodation and the benefits package, teachers in South Korea typically save between $5,000 and $15,000 per year — even while travelling extensively on weekends and holidays. South Korea is consistently ranked the top destination for saving money while teaching English abroad.
Where to Teach
Three paths to teaching English in South Korea.
There are three main job markets for English teachers in South Korea. Whichever you choose, you can expect accommodation to be provided. Many positions also include a utilities stipend and reimbursement for your flight.
EPIK — Public School Program
Most Stable
The English Program in Korea (EPIK) places foreign teachers in public elementary, middle, and high schools across all Korean provinces. Run by the Ministry of Education, it's the most structured and regulated path for teaching English in South Korea.
EPIK teachers work alongside a Korean co-teacher who handles classroom management and translation. Hours are regular (approximately 22 teaching hours per week), and school holidays mean teachers often get more vacation than other positions. Applications are reviewed twice a year — April for the September/October intake, October for the February/March intake.
Advantages
- Government-backed — highest job security
- Regular hours, co-teacher support
- Full vacation during school breaks
- Round-trip airfare reimbursed
- Placement across all provinces
Considerations
- Competitive — strong TEFL cert. recommended
- No control over placement location
- Rural placements are common
- Salary slightly lower than top hagwons
Hagwon — Private Language Academies
Most Common
A hagwon is a privately owned, for-profit language academy. They are the most common type of English teaching position in South Korea — most major cities have dozens of hagwon chains. Students attend after regular school hours, so hagwon schedules typically run from early afternoon to late evening (1pm–10pm), as well as Saturdays.
Hagwons vary significantly in quality. Some are large, well-organized chains; others are small independent operations. Before signing a contract, verify the school's reputation by contacting current or previous teachers. Resources like The Hagwon Blacklist and Dave's ESL Café are useful due-diligence tools.
The pay ceiling at hagwons is generally higher than EPIK, and some offer bonuses for contract renewal. However, job security is lower as private businesses can close or restructure.
Advantages
- Highest salary potential ($2,700+)
- Available year-round — no set intake
- More positions in major cities
- Contract renewal bonuses common
Considerations
- Afternoon/evening hours (1pm–10pm)
- Quality varies — research required
- Less job security than public schools
- No co-teacher support
English Villages
Unique Experience
English Villages are immersive English-language environments — typically residential campuses — where Korean students spend a week or two living and learning entirely in English. Teachers run activity-based lessons simulating real-world English environments: airports, post offices, restaurants, and more.
The schedule is intensive and often includes evenings during student residency weeks, followed by quieter periods between intakes. It's a distinctive teaching environment that doesn't resemble a traditional classroom — ideal for teachers who prefer experiential, activity-based pedagogy.
Advantages
- Creative, activity-based teaching
- Immersive campus community
- Diverse student age groups
- Unique CV experience
Considerations
- Intensive during residency weeks
- Fewer positions than EPIK/hagwon
- Often located outside major cities
Best Cities
Where to teach English in South Korea.
South Korea's ESL market extends well beyond Seoul. Each major city offers a different lifestyle — from the capital's cosmopolitan energy to the laid-back pace of coastal cities. EPIK placements cover all provinces, while hagwon positions are concentrated in urban centres.
Seoul
Capital · Most positions
The largest ESL market with thousands of hagwons and multiple EPIK placements. World-class food, culture, nightlife, and transport. Higher cost of living offset by the sheer volume of opportunities and the energy of the city.
Busan
Coastal · Great lifestyle
South Korea's second city offers beaches, mountains, and a noticeably slower pace than Seoul. Strong hagwon market, slightly lower cost of living, and a growing expat community. A favourite among teachers who prefer a beach lifestyle.
Jeonju
Historic · Cultural heartland
The birthplace of Korean culture — famous for its Hanok Village, bibimbap, and thriving arts scene. A growing ESL market with a relaxed pace and lower cost of living than the major metros. Popular for EPIK placements in the North Jeolla province.
Daegu
Central · Affordable
A major inland city known for its strong ESL market, lower cost of living, and warm summers. Less international than Seoul or Busan but has a loyal expat teacher community and a high density of language schools.
Gwangju
Southwest · Cultural
Known as South Korea's cultural capital, Gwangju offers a strong EPIK presence and a relaxed pace. Lower cost of living than Seoul with a vibrant arts scene. A good choice for teachers who want an authentic, less touristy experience.
Jeju Island
Island · Unique experience
South Korea's subtropical island destination, with volcanic landscapes, beaches, and a thriving tourism industry. Fewer English teaching positions than mainland cities, but the lifestyle is unlike anywhere else in Korea. Popular for EPIK teachers willing to take rural placements.