30 May
Thinking about teaching English in South Korea? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure! My name is Kaity Maldonado, and I’m currently an English teacher living in South Korea. I created this guide to walk you through the required documents (and others) you’ll need for a smooth and stress-free transition.
Whether you’re applying through EPIK, a recruiter like Aclipse, or a private hagwon, getting your paperwork ready is step one to teaching abroad in South Korea. Let’s get started with everything you’ll need to prepare.
📄 Required Documents to Teach English in South Korea
Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to gather:
- FBI Criminal Background Check (CBC)
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Apostille for FBI Check & Degree
- Passport-Sized Color ID Photos
- E2 Visa Health Statement
- Degree Verification (Letter of Graduation or Transcripts)
🕵️ Step 1: Get Your FBI Background Check (CBC)
A federal background check is required to work legally in South Korea. Here are three common options to get it:
National Background Check, Inc. – (877) 932-2435
National Credit Reporting – (800) 441-1661
FBI Identity History Summary – Official government site
➡️ Pro Tip: Request an electronic copy (PDF) and email it to your recruiter immediately after receiving it.
🎓 Step 2: Scan Your Bachelor’s Degree
South Korea requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You’ll need to send a clear, high-resolution scan (PDF preferred). If the name on your degree doesn’t exactly match your passport, ask your university for a name verification letter.
✅ Recommended apps for scanning documents:
🛂 Step 3: Apostille Your FBI Report and Degree
What’s an Apostille?
An apostille verifies that your document is authentic and can be legally used in another country. South Korea requires apostilles for both your degree and FBI background check.
Apostille for FBI Report
You have two processing options:
$75 – Regular (3–4 weeks)
$100 – Express (10 days)
Steps:
- Send your FBI report PDF to your recruiter for review.
- Pay the processing fee to Aclipse by Paypal and forward the receipt to your recruiter.
- Aclipse will then submit your CBC to Monument Visa (MV).
- MV submits it to the U.S. Department of State.
- Once apostilled, MV couriers it to Aclipse for your visa.
Apostille for Bachelor’s Degree
$55 fee
Steps:
- Email a crystal-clear scan of your degree to your recruiter
- Pay the processing fee to Aclipse and send the receipt to your recruiter
- MV will print, notarize and then have your degree copy apostilled by the Secretary of State
- Once apostilled, MV couriers it to Aclipse for your visa application.
💡 Tip: I chose express processing and submitted everything electronically. It saved me a ton of time and stress!
📸 Step 4: Get Passport-Size ID Photos
You’ll need 9 passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with ears visible.
📍 Where to get them:
Walgreens or CVS (mention it’s for a Korean visa)
- Digital option: order your photos HERE. Then download the digital photo card and forward it to your recruiter who will print and cut the photos to include in your document package
🛑 You’ll use these for:
Visa application
- Medical Check
🩺 Step 5: Complete the E2 Health Statement
🎓 Step 6: Degree Verification (Not the Same as Apostille)
South Korea also requires degree verification via:
Official transcripts, or
A graduation letter from your university
I emailed my registrar’s office, explained the situation, and quickly received a signed letter of graduation on university letterhead. This was faster than waiting for transcripts.
📤 Email the document as a PDF to your recruiter.
🎉 Final Thoughts: You’re Almost on the Plane!
Getting all your required documents ready to teach English in South Korea may seem like a lot, but trust me—it’s all worth it. Once you’re standing in front of your own classroom, it’ll feel real.
Here’s a quick recap:
Be organized and proactive with your paperwork
Use express apostille services if you’re on a tight timeline
Lean on your recruiter—they’re there to help!
Don’t forget to smile in those passport photos 😉
✈️ Ready to go teach in Korea? Apply Now! Get those required documents submitted, pack your bags, and start practicing your “Annyeonghaseyo!”
Kaitlynne Maldonado, Teacher at Siji April
I have always been passionate about traveling and experiencing different foods and cultures. So after I graduated with my bachelor's in psychology from Central Christian College of Kansas, I decided it was time for a change of scenery. From working as a Registered Behavioral Technician, I packed my bags (and paperwork!) and leaped to teach as an English teacher in South Korea! When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me exploring hidden cafes to try different types of matcha drinks, trying street food, or attempting to hike the mountains near me. I am thrilled to continue this journey and have an experience of a lifetime!
