EPIK Teacher Benefits & Allowances (2026)
Complete breakdown of benefits included in EPIK contracts across all provinces, based on official 2026 employment contracts.
All EPIK teachers receive a standardized benefits package regardless of region: free furnished housing, settlement allowance, entrance/completion bonuses, health insurance with 50% employer contribution, severance pay, and 26 paid vacation days per year. The package is one of the most complete among ESL teaching programs in Asia.
Benefits Included in Every EPIK Contract
Free Furnished Housing
Single-occupancy apartment or studio provided at no cost. Includes basic furniture, appliances, and bedding. Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are the teacher's responsibility — typically ₩100,000-200,000/month depending on location.
Settlement Allowance
₩300,000 one-time payment upon arrival. Covers initial grocery shopping, household items, transportation cards, and other setup costs during your first week.
Entrance Allowance
₩1,300,000 – ₩1,800,000 depending on province. Paid at the start of the contract (first contract only). If the teacher leaves within the first 6 months, this amount must be repaid.
Contract Completion Bonus
₩1,300,000 – ₩1,800,000 paid upon successful completion of the full 12-month contract. This is in addition to severance pay and is equivalent to the entrance allowance amount.
Severance Pay
Approximately one month's salary, paid at contract end. Required by Korean labor law for contracts of 12 months or longer. Calculated based on your final monthly salary.
Health Insurance
National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollment. Employer pays 50% of premiums (approximately ₩100,000-150,000/month deducted from salary). Covers hospital visits, prescriptions, dental, and most medical procedures at Korean healthcare facilities.
Renewal Bonus
₩700,000 – ₩2,000,000 for teachers who renew for a second consecutive year at the same province. Renewing also qualifies you for the highest salary tier (Level 1+/S), reaching up to ₩2,800,000/month.
Vacation & Holidays
26 paid vacation days per year (confirmed in EPIK contracts for GOE, Gangwon, Chungnam, Chungbuk, Gwangju, Jeonnam, Sejong, Incheon, Jeju). Vacation must be taken during school recess periods. Korean national holidays (~16 days/year) are also off.
Source: Official EPIK regional employment contracts, March 2026.
What EPIK Does NOT Include
Airfare
Round-trip airfare is NOT included in the standard EPIK package. Teachers are responsible for booking and paying for their own flights to Korea. Some individual schools may offer partial reimbursement, but this is not guaranteed.
National Pension
Depends on your country's bilateral agreement with Korea. Teachers from USA, Canada, and Australia contribute to Korean pension and can withdraw upon departure. UK and Irish citizens are exempt from Korean pension contributions.
Orientation Period Pay
The mandatory EPIK orientation (approximately 1 week) is unpaid. However, accommodation and meals during the orientation are provided at no cost.
Hear from real EPIK teachers about their experience. Read teacher testimonials.