South Korea

Salaries and Cost of Living

The one with the best salary. South Korea is the most financially rewarding teaching destination in Asia and arguably the most professionally structured. It is not as immediately exotic as Southeast Asia and the cultural adjustment can be steeper than people expect, but the teachers who stick with it consistently describe it as one of the best decisions they made. The combination of a strong salary, low cost of living outside Seoul, and a country that genuinely values English education makes it uniquely attractive for anyone serious about saving money while living abroad.

Requirements

A degree is non-negotiable in South Korea and strictly enforced at visa level. A TEFL or TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours is required for most positions. A clean criminal background check is mandatory and must be apostilled. You must be a native English speaker from one of a specific list of recognised countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. Health checks are also required as part of the visa process. The EPIK application process is competitive and thorough but well documented and supported. Hagwon positions are easier to obtain but vary significantly in quality so research any school carefully before signing a contract.

Best cities

Seoul is the obvious choice for first timers. It is a world class city with incredible food, nightlife, culture, and transport, and has the most teaching opportunities of any location in the country. It is also the most expensive though still significantly cheaper than equivalent Western cities. Busan in the south is the second largest city and increasingly popular among teachers who want a slightly more relaxed pace, a coastal setting, and lower living costs than Seoul. EPIK placements outside the main cities in smaller towns and rural areas offer the most immersive cultural experience and the lowest living costs, though they can feel isolated particularly in the first few months.

How to find your first job

EPIK is the most well known and well supported route and the best starting point for most first time teachers. Applications open twice a year for spring and autumn intakes and are submitted through the official EPIK website. Dave’s ESL Cafe and Koreabridge both have active job boards for South Korea. Recruiting agencies like Korvia and Reach To Teach specialise in South Korea placements and can handle much of the paperwork on your behalf. Hagwon positions can be found through these same channels but always research the school independently before committing, check recent reviews and if possible speak to a current or former teacher there before signing anything.