Teaching in South Korea has become one of the most popular options for expats who want to travel, experience a new culture, and still save money while working abroad. An English teaching job in Korea offers a unique balance of financial stability, cultural immersion, and professional growth—especially for people in their 20s who don’t have everything figured out yet (spoiler: no one does).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about an English teaching job in Korea—from why so many people choose Korea, to the realities of living and working there, the pros and cons, how to qualify, and whether it’s actually worth it.
This post is based on my personal experience teaching English in South Korea, along with the most common questions I get asked on social media.
Overview of Getting an English Teaching Job in Korea
Short on time, here are some quick links for getting an English teaching Job in Korea.
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Here are my top tips for landing an English teaching job in Korea:
📚 Get certified: A TEFL certificate is your ticket to qualifying for an English teaching job in Korea.
📝 Know the requirements: Learn exactly what you need to apply and get hired for an English teaching job in Korea.
📓Read the complete step-by-step guide on how to land an English teaching job in Korea here.
Why Teach in South Korea?
I’m often asked why I chose South Korea over other countries. After researching multiple destinations and speaking to friends who had taught abroad, South Korea consistently stood out. Here are my top 10 reasons for choosing an English teaching job in Korea.
Korean Culture
I studied human geography at university, so I’ve always been fascinated by how culture, place, and people interact. South Korea offered exactly what I was looking for: a rich history, a unique language, modern cities, and deep-rooted traditions.
Living as a foreign resident allowed me to experience Korean culture authentically—through daily life, work culture, and relationships with locals. One of my most memorable moments was joining my students on a school field trip (not all schools invite Native English Teachers, so if yours does, consider yourself lucky!). One highlight was exploring Ganghwa Island and seeing North Korea—surreal, humbling, and unforgettable.
Planning a trip to South Korea? Don’t miss out on this day trip from Seoul.
Language
I’ll admit it—I got swept up in the K-wave in my own way. While I’m not a hardcore K-pop fan, Korean dramas sparked my interest in the language. Before moving, I self-studied Korean and took online tutoring lessons for two months. Korean is often considered one of the more accessible Asian languages to begin learning, and being able to communicate—even at a basic level—makes daily life so much more rewarding.
Education System & Students
South Korea places an enormous value on education. One example that shocked me during my research was the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)—a nationwide university entrance exam so important that flights are grounded and military drills are paused to avoid distracting students. As a teacher, I wanted to work in a country where education mattered. Teaching motivated students who genuinely cared about learning made the experience far more meaningful.
Low Cost of Living
One of the biggest draws of an English teaching job in Korea is the ability to save money. Many teachers are able to save 30–50% of their salary, depending on lifestyle. Because rent is covered and daily expenses are relatively low, I was able to save enough during my winter vacation to fund a 10-day trip to Japan—something that would’ve been much harder back home.
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Generous Packages (Flights & Accommodation)
Compared to many other countries, South Korea offers some of the most competitive teaching packages, including:
- Free or subsidised housing
- Paid vacation time
- Flight reimbursement
- National health insurance
Public and private schools differ slightly. Hagwons (private academies) often pay more but may require longer or less predictable hours, while public schools usually offer better work-life balance.
Interested in getting a job in Korea? Read my complete guide to landing an English teaching job in Korea here.
Public Transport
With a background in urban planning, this was a huge factor for me. South Korea’s public transport system is fast, affordable, and incredibly efficient. From subways and buses to affordable taxis, it’s easy to explore both cities and rural areas—making weekend travel simple and budget-friendly. If you’re visiting South Korea for the first-time here’s everything you should know before visiting Korea.
Planning a trip to South Korea? Here are 15 of the best day trips from Seoul you need to know about.
Food
If you’re a foodie, Korea is a dream. From street food stalls to local eateries and cafés, the food is not only delicious but affordable for the portion sizes. Eating out regularly is normal in Korea—and much cheaper than in many Western countries.
Public Open Space
South Korea offers countless free, accessible public spaces—parks, riverside paths, hiking trails, and gardens. Walking is a big part of daily life, and it’s something I deeply appreciated. Being able to feel safe walking alone at night or exploring neighbourhoods on foot is something I didn’t realise I took for granted before living abroad.
Staying Up Late
In major cities, life doesn’t stop at 9pm. Restaurants, cafés, arcades, shopping centres, and convenience stores stay open late, making it easy to explore after work. Whether you’re an introvert wandering solo or out with friends, there’s always something happening. In Seoul there are plenty of things to do at night you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
You’ll Get To Explore More
South Korea is an excellent home base for exploring Asia. Flights to countries like Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Bali are often far cheaper than flying from Western countries—especially if you plan ahead.
Planning a trip to Japan? Here’s 10 places you need to visit in Japan for your next trip.
How to Teach English in South Korea
To be eligible for an English teaching job in South Korea, you’ll need a recognised TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate and a university degree in any field. Most schools also require applicants to be native English speakers.
Want a full breakdown of the requirements to teach English in South Korea? Read more here.
10 Things You Need to Know About Teaching in South Korea
Before committing to an English teaching job in Korea, it’s important to understand that while the experience can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not a shortcut to wealth or an extended holiday. Most teachers are able to save money, especially because housing is provided, but how much you save depends heavily on your lifestyle. Frequent travel, eating out, and shopping will quickly eat into your earnings.
1. It’s Not A Quick Way to Earn Lots of Money
An English teaching job in Korea can allow you to save money, but it’s not a fast track to getting rich. How much you save depends heavily on your lifestyle. While housing is typically provided and daily expenses are relatively low, frequent travel, eating out, and shopping will reduce your ability to save. Teaching in South Korea offers financial stability and the opportunity to put money aside over time rather than rapid wealth-building.
2. You’re Not On An Endless Paid Vacation
Although living abroad can feel exciting, teaching in South Korea is still a full-time job. Travel and exploration happen outside of work hours and during designated vacation periods. Lesson planning, grading, and preparation often extend beyond classroom hours, especially at private academies (hagwons). If your goal is to travel full-time, an English teaching job in Korea may not align with your expectations.
3. It’s Not All Glamorous
Living abroad comes with administrative and emotional challenges that are often overlooked online. Setting up banking, healthcare, phone plans, and government documentation can be stressful—especially with a language barrier. While some schools provide support, others expect teachers to manage these processes independently, so having savings and patience is essential.
4. It’s a Teaching Job & You Will Work With Kids
Teaching English in Korea requires far more than just standing in front of a classroom. Classroom management, lesson planning, assessments, and communication with coworkers and parents are all part of the role. Working with children can be rewarding, but it also requires energy, adaptability, and emotional resilience—particularly when cultural expectations differ from what you’re used to.
5. You’ll Need to Support Yourself
While teaching salaries cover basic living costs, financial responsibility still falls on you. Managing your money well is key to saving during your time abroad. Beyond finances, teaching overseas adds valuable professional experience to your resume, demonstrating adaptability, independence, and cross-cultural communication—skills that are highly transferable to future careers.
6. You’re On Your Own
Loneliness is a common experience when moving abroad. Being far from family and friends can feel isolating, especially in the early months. Over time, many teachers build strong communities with fellow expats and locals, but this takes effort and patience. Being kind to yourself during this adjustment period is crucial.
7. You’ll Experience Culture Shock
Most teachers go through a honeymoon phase followed by culture shock. Cultural misunderstandings, workplace hierarchies, and differences in student behaviour can feel frustrating at times. This phase is normal and temporary, but it requires openness and adaptability. Those who embrace the learning curve tend to grow the most from the experience.
8. Language Barrier
Even with preparation, navigating daily life in a country where English isn’t widely spoken can be exhausting. Tasks such as grocery shopping, visiting government offices, or dealing with unexpected issues can feel overwhelming. Over time, most teachers gain confidence and pick up the language naturally, but patience is essential.
9. Life Back Home Keeps Moving
While you’re building a new life abroad, important moments back home will still happen. You may miss birthdays, weddings, or milestones with loved ones. Relationships can shift, and people may not fully understand your experience. This is one of the harder emotional realities of teaching abroad.
10. It is an Exciting & Stressful Journey
An English teaching job in Korea is both rewarding and challenging. You’ll experience incredible highs alongside moments of doubt and stress. Despite the difficulties, many teachers look back on their time in Korea as one of the most formative periods of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching in South Korea
What is TEFL?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and refers to both the certification and the global industry of teaching English to non-native speakers. A recognised TEFL certification is essential for qualifying for an English teaching job in Korea and meeting visa requirements.
Is TEFL a reputable industry?
Yes, TEFL is a well-established and fast-growing global industry. Countries like South Korea continue to have strong demand for English teachers, offering structured programs, stable salaries, and benefits such as housing and healthcare. Choosing an accredited TEFL course is crucial to ensure your qualification is recognised by employers and immigration authorities.
Which TEFL Course is Best For Teaching in Korea?
The best TEFL course for South Korea is one that meets international standards, includes at least 100 hours of coursework, offers live teaching practice, and provides job search guidance. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a comprehensive, accredited program rather than a short or low-cost online certificate.
TEFL International Standards
- Instruction is provided by experienced university-level instructors;
- The curriculum is accredited by a recognised, independent accrediting body;
- 6 to 20 hours of live practice teaching with ESL (English Second Language) students;
- A minimum of 100 hours of academic coursework.
Which TEFL Course do you recommend?
A TEFL certification course can either be undertaken full-time for 4 weeks, or part-time (11 weeks) in an online TEFL course setting. I chose the part-time course with International TEFL Academy (ITA).
Can I teach English in South Korea without a degree?
You’ll need a degree in any field to teach English in South Korea but it doesn’t have to be education-related. That said, having a degree in education or teaching can be advantageous, especially if you’re hoping to secure positions at public schools or private academies in competitive locations like Seoul.
Can I teach English in South Korea without teaching experience?
Most schools in South Korea do not require prior teaching experience. Instead, they look for candidates who are professional, adaptable, and willing to learn. A high-quality TEFL course helps prepare first-time teachers by covering classroom management, lesson planning, and teaching methodology.
What requirements do I need to get an English teaching job in Korea?
To qualify for an English teaching job in Korea, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, a recognised TEFL certification, and the necessary documents to apply for an E-2 teaching visa. Requirements can vary slightly depending on the school and program. For a more comprehensive list of the requirements to land an English Teaching job in Korea, you can read my full guide here.
What visa do you need for an English teaching job in Korea?
English teachers in South Korea are required to hold an E-2 teaching visa. This visa is sponsored by your employer and must be obtained before starting work. The application process involves submitting educational documents, a background check, and a health screening.
When can I apply for an English teaching job in Korea?
Teaching positions in South Korea are available year-round, though hiring timelines differ between public schools and private academies. Because document preparation and visa processing take time, it’s best to plan several months in advance.
What is an English teacher’s salary in South Korea?
Most English teachers work between 25 and 30 teaching hours per week. With housing provided and living costs relatively low, many teachers are able to save between $1,200 and $1,600 USD per month, depending on lifestyle and spending habits.
How long are the contracts for an English teacher in Korea?
Teaching contracts in South Korea are typically one year in length, with the option to renew. Visa extensions are required for contract renewals and are usually straightforward if you continue working with the same employer.
Is Teaching English in South Korea Worth It?
Whether teaching in South Korea is worth it depends on your expectations and mindset. For those open to growth, cultural immersion, and stepping outside their comfort zone, an English teaching job in Korea can be a deeply rewarding and life-changing experience.
📝 Other Resources You Might Find Helpful 📝
- Requirements for teaching English in Korea
- Complete guide for getting an English teaching job in South Korea
- Get qualified to teach English in South Korea with a TEFL Certification
Travel Planning Resources
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