Live & Teach in Korea

TEFL job placements in Korea either through public (EPIK) or private employers spread out across the country. EPIK is a longstanding government sponsored program. The private employers we work with are all licenced, have decades of experience, professional, and will make for a safe and smooth transition into TEFLing in Korea.

TEFL teachers in Korea can expect starting salaries ranging from approximately $1750 to $2100 USD per month. In addition to the monthly salary, furnished accomodations, airfare, signing bonus, health insurance, and a contract completion bonus are all included, making Korea a top destination for those looking to earn and save.

A four year degree or higher is required to obtain a work permit to teach English in Korea. The subject of study can be in any field.

Non-native speakers are eligible if they have undergone a minimum of 12 years of formal schooling in English, and hold one of the required passports.

Teaching experience is not required to TEFL in Korea. However it does help you stand out from other applicants.

Completing our 120 Hour or 140 Hour online TEFL course is a prerequisite for the teaching placement in Korea.

A standard teaching English in Korea contract is 12 months long.

A furnished apartment is one of the benefits of teaching in Korea.

English Teachers in Korea obtain a legal working E-2 visa, which requires a signed job offer, TEFL certification, a Bachelor's degree, a clear criminal background check, and a commitment to a one-year contract.

Teachers will typically teach 22 hours, while remaining office hours are used for class prep, professional development, marking etc. Two days off per week is standard.

The majority of your teaching assignments in Korea will be with students between the ages of 4 and 18 of varying English capabilities.

All of our partner employers in Korea will provide comprehensive, hands-on initial training, in class observed training, and ongoing professional development.

The biggest challenges TEFL teachers in Korea face are language barriers, cultural adaptation, and homesickness. Studying a bit of the language and the culture before flying out can make the transition easier. It is a good idea to be socially open and start to build your network with other new TEFL teachers, old teachers, colleagues and staff. Most teachers tend to build up vibrant, exciting social lives that minimizes homesickness within a couple of months.

Yes, you will be enrolled in Korea's Employee Health Insurance (NHI). You may want to purchase travel insurance for the flight and first week in Korea for peace of mind.

The benefits package of a TEFL teacher in Korea includes housing and health insurance. Your salary and bonuses mainly cover eating, entertainment, and travel. You can fully enjoy the country, and save as well if desired. Seoul is a bit pricey, and the savings potential would be less, but all other cities and areas have very low costs of living with exceptional infrastructure.

You can indicate your preferred locations, and we will strive to accommodate them. However, placement depends on demand and available vacancies.

Submit a cover letter, CV/resume, scan of your degree, your TEFL, your passport and a recent photo. You may apply if you are have completed at least 70% of your TEFL. In that case let us know how far you are in your TEFL course when submitting an application for Korea jobs.

The initial application, interview and acceptance takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Depending on how quickly you collect the documentation required to support the E-2 visa application, you can start teaching in Korea within 2-3 months.

Certainly! If you renew your contract, you would be eligible for pay rate increases and additional bonuses.

Our Korea TEFL placements require you to hold a passport from one of the following countries: US, CA, UK, IR, AU, NZ or ZA. This is a legal requirement for a work permit as an English teacher in Korea.

Yes, friends and couples are welcome to apply to TEFL in Korea together. Flexibility in location is key to ensuring a placement in the same school, or at least in the same area.

We recommend having at least US $1,000 to bring with you to cover personal and setup costs before receiving your initial salary payment. However, even this isn't especially necessary as your airfare can be reimbursed up front, providing additional funds until your first paycheck.

Medical testing and a formal report will be completed at a recognized hospital in Korea. Your employer will guide, sponsor and support the process. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be disclosed during the application process.

Applicants will need to submit a clean criminal record check to teach English in Korea.

Placements occur all over South Korea including Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju.

Pets are strongly discouraged. The costs and logistics of bringing a pet are nearly prohibitive both monetarily, and time.

Speaking Korean is not a requirement, but learning a few phrases and words will make it much easier to transition smoothly into life in Korea. It will also earn you additional respect from locals.

Upon arrival in Korea, you will complete 1 - 2 weeks of additional hands on TEFL training covering lesson planning, teaching practice, observation and professional feedback. Part of your Orientation also includes Korean cultural and language elements to help teachers assimilate into the new work environment.

Private TEFL Schools in Korea hire throughout the year. EPIK hires for late August and late February.