EPIK Teaching Locations Across Korea (2026)
EPIK places teachers in public schools across all 17 provinces and metropolitan cities. Here's what each region offers.
When applying to EPIK, you can list preferred provinces on your application. While placements are not guaranteed, Korvia works with EPIK to match your preferences where possible. Seoul (SMOE) and Gyeonggi (GEPIK) are the most competitive. Rural placements often come with additional monthly allowances of ₩100,000-150,000.
All EPIK Regions
Seoul (SMOE)
South Korea's capital city. Population 9.7 million. Highest cost of living but most urban conveniences. 8 salary levels (A-H). Competitive placement — SMOE receives the most applications.
Gyeonggi (GEPIK)
Province surrounding Seoul. Population 13.5 million. Mix of urban cities (Suwon, Seongnam, Goyang) and suburban/rural areas. Can recruit through EPIK or directly through Korvia.
Gyeongnam (GOE)
Southern coastal province. Major cities include Changwon, Gimhae, and Jinju. Lower cost of living with good savings potential. Beautiful natural scenery and proximity to Busan.
Gangwon
Northeastern mountainous province. Known for ski resorts, beaches, and national parks. Rural placements are common. Teachers enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Chungnam / Chungbuk
Central provinces. Chungnam includes Daejeon (Korea's 5th largest city). Mix of mid-sized cities and farming communities. Chungnam offers the highest top-tier salary at ₩2,800,000.
Sejong
South Korea's newest city and administrative capital. Modern infrastructure with government buildings. Growing expat community. Salary scale similar to GOE.
Jeonbuk / Jeonnam
Southwestern provinces. Known for Korean cuisine (Jeonju bibimbap), traditional culture, and rice paddies. Jeonbuk includes Jeonju city. Generally rural with tight-knit communities.
Daegu
South Korea's 4th largest city in the southeast. Hot summers, vibrant downtown. Good balance of city life and lower cost of living compared to Seoul.
Gwangju
Major city in the southwest. Cultural hub with strong arts scene. Known for democracy movement history. Growing international community.
Ulsan
Industrial city on the southeast coast. Known for Hyundai headquarters. Higher local wages mean competitive local economy. Close to beaches and mountains.
Jeju
Volcanic island off the southern coast. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique subtropical climate. Popular tourist destination. Limited placements available.
Incheon
Port city west of Seoul with international airport. Mix of urban areas and islands. Connected to Seoul by subway. Growing international district (Songdo).
Placement Tips
Apply Early for Seoul
SMOE positions fill fastest. Applying in the first two weeks of the application window significantly improves your chances.
Consider Rural Areas
Rural placements offer extra allowances (₩100K-150K/month), lower cost of living, and often more teaching autonomy. Many teachers report their best experiences were in smaller towns.
List Multiple Preferences
EPIK allows you to rank your top province choices. Listing 2-3 preferred regions increases your chances of getting placed in a location you'll enjoy.
Gyeonggi Is Not Seoul
Gyeonggi province surrounds Seoul and ranges from urban satellite cities (with subway access to Seoul) to very rural farming areas. Be specific about urban vs. rural preference.