EPIK — English Program in Korea
Korea's largest government-sponsored public school English teaching program. Korvia guides you through every step — so you're never lost along the way.
₩2.1–3.0M
Monthly Salary
1 Yr
Contract
Mon–Fri
~9AM–5PM
22 Hrs
Teaching / Week
26 Days
Paid Vacation
Free
Housing
EPIK (English Program in Korea) is the largest and most inclusive public school English teaching program in Korea, sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education. EPIK places native English speakers in elementary, middle, and high schools across all 17 provinces and metropolitan cities. Korvia has been EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner since 2008, placing thousands of teachers in Korean classrooms.
What Makes EPIK Different
The National Program in South Korea
Locations across all 17 provinces
EPIK is the largest public school English teaching program in Korea, encompassing the most locations with the most positions available nationwide. Whether you want to be in bustling Seoul, the port city of Busan, or the quiet countryside of Jeolla — EPIK has you covered.
Explore EPIK Locations→New & Experienced Teachers Welcome
No teaching experience required
Both experienced and inexperienced English teachers are welcome to apply. First-time applicants with a passion for education are encouraged — EPIK is one of the best ways to start your international teaching career. A TEFL certificate (100+ hours) and a bachelor's degree are the core requirements.
Check EPIK Eligibility→Less Worry, More Benefits
Full benefits package included
Moving to a new country can be stressful. EPIK minimizes this with a comprehensive benefits package — free housing, health insurance, settlement allowance, flight reimbursement, and completion bonus. Everything you need to focus on teaching from day one.
- ✓50% National Health Insurance Coverage
- ✓₩300K Settlement Allowance
- ✓₩1.3-1.8M Entrance & Completion Bonus
- ✓50% National Pension Contribution
- ✓Free Furnished Housing
Progressive Salary Levels
Competitive pay in Asia
Korea offers native English teachers some of the highest pay in Asia. EPIK has 4 salary tiers (Level 1 to Level 4) based on experience and qualifications — starting at ₩2.1M/month and rising to ₩3.0M+ for experienced teachers. Rural allowances and multi-school bonuses add to your base pay.
View Salary Levels→6 Steps From Apply to Classroom
Apply to Korvia
Submit your online application at korvia.com — takes 10-15 minutes.
Submit Initial Documents
Transcripts, resume, photos, and sample lesson plan.
EPIK Interview
Zoom interview with EPIK or a provincial education office.
Submit Final Documents
Apostilled criminal check, degree, and medical exam.
Apply for E-2 Visa
Visa processing at your nearest Korean consulate.
Orientation in Korea
Arrive and attend EPIK's 10-day orientation program.
Everything You Need to Know
Contract
All EPIK teachers receive standardized salary, benefits, and working conditions — 1-year contract, Mon-Fri workdays, 22 hours/week teaching max, 26 paid vacation days.
Contract Details→Duties
Primary duty: co-teaching English with a Korean co-teacher. Also includes lesson planning, English camps during school breaks, and occasional school events.
Teaching Duties→How to Apply
Applying through Korvia is straightforward. A recruiter guides you through documents, interview prep, and arrival — all at no cost to you.
Application Process→Required Documents
Bachelor's degree (apostilled), criminal background check (apostilled), sealed transcripts, TEFL certificate (100+ hrs), passport photos, and medical exam.
Document Downloads→EPIK FAQ
Q.What makes EPIK different from other teaching programs?
EPIK is Korea's largest government-sponsored program — standardized salary, benefits, and contract terms across all 17 provinces. Unlike private academies (hagwons), EPIK teachers work regular school hours (Mon-Fri, 8:40 AM - 4:40 PM) with 26 paid vacation days, free housing, and national health insurance. EPIK is the most stable and predictable way to teach in Korea.
Q.Can I choose which Korean city I teach in?
You can list up to 3 location preferences on your EPIK application. Final placement is decided by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) based on school needs and applicant volume. Korvia advocates for your preferences. Competitive cities: Seoul (SMOE), Gyeonggi, Jeju. More available: rural provinces like Chungbuk, Gangwon, Jeonnam.
Q.Do I need to speak Korean to apply?
No. EPIK is designed around the co-teaching model — your Korean co-teacher handles all Korean-language communication. Most EPIK teachers pick up survival Korean during their contract, but speaking Korean is not a hiring requirement.
Q.How long does the EPIK application process take?
Plan for 4-6 months from initial application to your first day of school. Spring intake (March start) requires applying Aug-Nov of the prior year. Fall intake (September start) requires applying Feb-May of the same year. Document processing (especially apostille for your CRC and degree) is often the rate-limiting step.
Q.What is Korvia's role, and is there a fee?
Korvia is EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner since 2008. We provide free end-to-end application support — document review, interview preparation, school matching, visa coordination, and arrival guidance. There is no cost to teachers. We are compensated by EPIK and the schools, not by applicants.
Q.What happens after my 1-year contract ends?
You have three options: (1) Renew at the same school — earns a Renewal Bonus (₩700K-₩2M depending on province) and typically a higher salary tier; (2) Transfer to a different province via a new EPIK application; (3) Leave Korea — receive your Exit Allowance (flight home) and severance pay (~1 month's salary per completed year).
Apply to EPIK Through Korvia
EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner since 2008. Free document review, dedicated recruiter, and priority placement — at no cost to you.