Teaching Jobs in Korea: Salary, Benefits, and Opportunities
Aclipse – Your Path to Teaching English Abroad and Living Overseas
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Jobs, pay, and requirements
Teaching English in Korea: Your Complete Guide
Teaching English in South Korea is one of the most popular career paths for graduates and ESL teachers worldwide. With competitive salaries, paid housing, and opportunities to explore Korean culture, it’s no wonder thousands of educators each year look for teaching jobs in Korea. Whether you’re curious about how much English teachers make in Korea or want to know the different types of teaching jobs in South Korea, this guide will help you get started.
Benefits and opportunities
Why Teach in Korea?
Becoming an English teacher in Korea is not only about earning a salary — it’s about building a career while experiencing life in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries. From modern cities like Seoul to smaller towns, you’ll find plenty of jobs in Korea for English speakers.
Benefits of teaching in South Korea include:
- Competitive salaries (with annual raises possible)
- Free housing or housing allowance
- Paid vacation and national holidays
- Round-trip airfare reimbursement
- Healthcare and pension contributions
Public, private, and more
Types of Teaching Jobs in South Korea
When looking for English teaching jobs in Korea, you’ll find a few main categories:
Public Schools Jobs
Teaching at a public school means working through government programs like EPIK or GEPIK. These jobs are known for their stability and structured environment, with set teaching hours and co-teaching opportunities alongside a Korean English teacher. EPIK offers some flexibility regarding curriculum and teaching methods, as they typically cater to bigger class sizes.
Pros:
- Stable work environment with government support
- Fewer teaching hours compared to private academies
- Paid vacation and national holidays
- Opportunities to co-teach with a Korean English teacher
Cons:
- Lower starting salaries than hagwons or private schools
- Placement may be in rural or less popular areas
- Large class sizes, sometimes with 30+ students
Private Language Academies (Hagwons)
Hagwons are private after-school academies where many Koreans study English. They hire large numbers of foreign teachers every year, especially in cities, making them one of the easiest ways to start teaching in Korea.
Pros:
- Higher starting salaries than public schools
- More positions available, especially in major cities
- Smaller class sizes than public schools
- Opportunities for overtime pay
Cons:
- Longer working hours, often afternoons and evenings
- Fewer vacation days
- Workload and management vary greatly between schools
- Less job security if the school is poorly run
International School Jobs
International schools in Korea cater to expat and bilingual students, following Western-style curriculums. These schools offer excellent pay and benefits, but they require strong teaching credentials and experience.
Pros:
- Highest salaries among teaching jobs in Korea
- Excellent benefits (housing allowance, flights, health coverage)
- Follows Western-style curriculum
- Small classes and strong support systems
Cons:
- Very competitive hiring process
- Requires teaching license and experience
- Limited openings compared to other job types
University Jobs
University positions are highly sought after in Korea because of the prestige and lifestyle they offer. While salaries vary, the reduced teaching hours and extended vacations are major perks for foreign teachers.
Pros:
- Fewer teaching hours (often under 15 per week)
- Long vacations (up to 3 months per year)
- Respectable status as a university professor
- Opportunities for academic and research work
Cons:
- Salaries vary widely, not always higher than hagwons
- Highly competitive, requiring MA degree or publications
- Many positions only available to teachers already in Korea
After-School Programs & Tutoring
After-school programs and tutoring positions are more flexible than traditional school jobs. These roles often involve smaller groups of motivated students and can be a good way to supplement income.
Pros:
- Flexible schedules
- Smaller class sizes, often with motivated students
- Additional income opportunities for experienced teachers
Cons:
- Limited job security and benefits
- Often part-time or contract-based
- Less structured support compared to schools
THE PROCESS TO TEACH IN KOREA
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Teacher in Korea
Step 1. Application
If you meet the requirements to be an English teacher in Korea, please apply on our website.
Step 2. Interview
If you pass our screening requirements, a recruiter will be in touch with you for an interview.
Step 3. General Offer
If you pass the interview, the recruiter will send you a general offer with the pay and conditions and detailed visa instructions.
Step 4. Document Collection
You will need to start the document collection in order to obtain a working visa in Korea. This could sometimes take a few months.
Step 5. Contract
Once your documents are complete and you are accepted by a location, you will receive a contract and the recruiter will go over the finer details.
Step 6. Visa Processing (E-2)
The visa code will be issued 1-2 weeks after applying to the Korean Immigration office. You will then take this code to the nearest Korean Consulate to complete the process.
Step 7. Arrival & Training
You will check into the hotel the weekend before the training date. Training will take place from Monday to Friday.
Pay ranges explained
How much do English teachers make in Korea?
On average, salaries range from 2.1 to 3.0 million KRW per month (approx. $1,600–$2,300 USD), depending on your experience and job type.
- Hagwons: ₩2.1M – ₩2.5M per month
- Public Schools: ₩2.0M – ₩2.4M per month
- Universities: ₩2.5M – ₩3.0M+ per month
- International Schools: ₩3.0M+ per month
In addition, many schools provide free housing, meaning your salary stretches further. Some positions also include bonuses, severance pay, and overtime opportunities. Salaries vary but are often on the higher end for private institutions.
Culture and daily life
Life as an English Teacher in Korea
Working as an English teacher in Korea is more than a job — it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Korean culture. You’ll be able to:
- Learn Korean
- Travel across South Korea on weekends
- Meet other teachers and join a vibrant expat community
- Experience K-pop, Korean food, and cultural traditions
Common cultural tips:
- Always greet with a slight bow
- Punctuality is highly valued
- Hierarchy matters—address elders and superiors with respect
- Expect indirect communication styles
📌 Tip: Learning a few basic Korean phrases before you arrive goes a long way.
Read our cultural guide →
What Our Teachers Have To Say
Words From Our Teachers
My decision to use Aclipse Recruiting to find a teach abroad position has been one of the best decisions in my life. I have been in Korea for two months and I have had nothing but positive experiences since I got here. Even the application process was simple and straightforward, and I loved how almost everything was taken care of for me.
I was very impressed how quickly I was contacted after applying and how efficiently the hiring process was. Within six weeks, I was on my way to South Korea to start my new life as an English teacher. Once I arrived in Korea, I was greeted by friendly faces, and I was warmly welcomed to the town and schools where I would be teaching. I didn't have to worry about anything; everyone was incredibly helpful.
It's so nice to hear from you. I absolutely love teaching! The kids are a handful but I absolutely love them. I haven't had much of a chance to travel, although I have been to a few places. I saw Seoul a few times, went camping somewhere north, and went to the sea. I'm really just enjoying learning my way around my city and exploring new restaurants. Thank you so much for checking in on me! I hope you're doing well. O! I finally got my vaccine a month or so ago. Please keep in touch and stay safe! Cheers! Sincerely, Andrew J Baumann
I had the pleasure of working with Jessica at Aclipse during my application process. From the first discussion and interview, all the way to my contract signing, Jessica provided excellent support and answered all of my questions. She has thorough knowledge of working at CDL, and in Korea in general. She did a great job of staying in touch and following up with every detail of the process. Now that I am living and working in Korea, I can say that all of assistance given by Aclipse has really helped a lot with my adjustment and day-to-day experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Aclipse as a great resource for finding employment in Korea!
I have now been living in Korea for 9 months and it has been a truly life changing experience. My confidence has grown immensely and my teaching skills have improved immeasurably. Aclipse has supported me throughout my whole journey; from application to moving to working 9 months later. My recruiter, Collette, answered all of my questions and concerns and made the transition to a new job and country a smooth one. Living in Korea has afforded me so many opportunities that I would not have had access to had I stayed in my home country. I have met some lifelong friends along the way, and if given the chance to do it all again, would certainly do so.
I have had a blast here. Exploring Seoul and many other Korean cities like Busan, Suwon, Pyeongtaek, and Jeonju has been so wonderful. Additionally, Jeju island was simply breathtaking. I have also been able to travel to Japan, Indonesia, Canada, and will be venturing to Thailand next month. Aside from the traveling opportunities, I really love working with these students each day. They are so bright and insightful, not to mention funny. I have an awesome branch manager and great co-workers and truly enjoy what I do here. Obviously, it's clear to see why I am interested in staying longer!
As a graduating student at York University, I had mixed emotions about my future. I knew I wanted to teach abroad but wasn’t sure what steps to take or if I’d find a reputable company. Aclipse was the first recruiter to reach out when I applied for teaching positions in Korea. At first, I was apprehensive about going with just one recruiter [...] However, my Aclipse recruiter, Colette, answered all my questions and guided me through each step. She made the process simple and always replied promptly. Leading up to my departure, Aclipse sent helpful emails, and I used their blog for tips on passing training week. [...] I moved to the CDI April branch in Jeonju, where I was welcomed with open arms. [...] Colette still checks in to see how I’m doing as an ESL teacher. Taking a chance with Aclipse is a decision I don’t regret. I highly recommend them!
When my husband and I decided we wanted to teach in Korea, Aclipse seemed perfect since they work with reliable schools ieth branches all over. My friend recommended Collette. She was absolutely wonderful to work with. She set expectations and told us exactly what we needed to do by when. She made the process as painless as possible. Obtaining the proper government materials was somewhat stressful, but Collette helped us do it right and reassured us the wait was normal. The branch and location where we taught were perfect.
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