An Entrance Allowance is a stipend or reimbursement paid by a school that is meant to reimburse teachers for the flight ticket from their home country to Korea. Entrance Allowances are generally never paid prior to entry to Korea.
Program Allowances
EPIK
The EPIK program gives a one-time full amount stipend of 1,300,000 won and is usually given in the first month of employment.
GEPIK
The GEPIK program gives a one-time full amount stipend of 1,500,000 won and is usually given in the first month of employment.
SMOE
The SMOE program gives a one-time full amount stipend of 1,300,000 won and is usually given in the first month of employment.
Exclusions
Those that are renewing a contract with their current school or transferring to another school within Korea are not eligible for the Entrance Allowance.
If we arrive earlier than our contract period begins and pay for our own housing until moving into the one provided by our school, can we still be reimbursed for the flight?
Hi Kellie! It depends on the program you are teaching with. For the EPIK program, you can arrive earlier and still receive the entrance allowance. For the GEPIK program however, if you arrive more than 5 days before the contract starts, you won’t be eligible to receive the entrance allowance/flight reimbursement.