Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about teaching English in Korea — TEFL, applications, programs, documents, and daily life.
Q.Do I have to take a TEFL course to teach English in Korea?
Yes, for public school programs (EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, GOE), a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate of at least 100 hours is required — unless you hold an education degree, teaching license, B.Ed., or M.Ed. For private academies (hagwons), TEFL is strongly recommended but not always mandatory.
Q.Can I still apply if I have not finished taking a TEFL course?
Yes. You can begin your application while your TEFL course is in progress. However, you must complete the course at least 6 weeks before your arrival date in Korea. Korvia can help you plan the timeline.
Q.When should I start taking a TEFL course?
The sooner the better. Ideally 3-6 months before your target start date — most online TEFL courses take 2-3 months to complete, and starting early gives you time to finish before the EPIK application deadline. There is no downside to starting today.
Q.Do I need a TEFL course with an in-class component?
No. EPIK accepts fully online TEFL courses as long as they are at least 100 hours from an accredited program. In-class or practicum components are a bonus but not required.
Teaching Experience & Preparation
Q.Can I still get a job if I don't have any teaching experience?
Absolutely. Many EPIK and hagwon teachers start with zero teaching experience. A bachelor's degree and TEFL certificate are sufficient for entry-level positions. Experience helps you qualify for higher salary levels, but it's not required to get started.
Q.Can having tattoos affect my chances?
For EPIK: EPIK does accept applicants with tattoos, but full sleeves and/or having many visible tattoos will negatively affect your application. Tattoos that can be fully covered by business attire are typically fine. For hagwons: small, concealable tattoos are usually fine; large or visible tattoos (hands, neck, face) remain a dealbreaker at most schools. During the application you may be asked to submit tattoo photos for review.
Q.Is there a dress code for the interview and my first day at school?
Yes — err on the side of formal. Cover arms (no sleeveless tops; even short sleeves are risky for male teachers at interview), hands, and any visible tattoos. Neck and face must be visible — no hats or hoods during the interview or on workdays. Full business attire (blazer, button-up shirt, dress pants or knee-length skirt) is the safest baseline. Korean schools read dress as a signal of respect, and EPIK interviewers notice immediately when applicants underdress.
Q.Will I have a co-teacher?
Yes, in public schools (EPIK/GEPIK/SMOE/GOE). You co-teach alongside a Korean English teacher who handles grammar and Korean-language explanations while you lead conversation and pronunciation. In hagwons, you typically teach independently.
Q.How many students per class on average?
Public school classes average 20-30 students. Hagwon classes are much smaller, typically 5-15 students. English Village programs (SEC, GIGE, COEIEI) have 10-15 students per session.
Q.Should I bring a gift for my school faculty or co-teacher?
It's a nice gesture but not required. Small gifts from your home country (snacks, souvenirs) are appreciated. Korean culture values thoughtfulness, so even a small token can help build a positive relationship.
Application Process
Q.Can I apply for EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, and GOE at the same time?
Effectively yes — through a single EPIK application. EPIK is the umbrella program, and when you apply through EPIK you list your preferred provinces (Seoul/SMOE, Gyeonggi/GEPIK, Gyeongnam/GOE, etc.) on one application. GEPIK spring semester positions can also be applied for separately through Korvia when that intake is open.
Q.Can I apply for several different positions at the same time?
Yes. You can apply for both public school (EPIK) and private academy (hagwon) positions simultaneously through Korvia. This increases your options and lets you compare offers.
Q.Can I start midway through the semester?
Not through EPIK — EPIK contracts start in March (spring) or September (fall), with fixed intake cycles. However, hagwons hire year-round and can start any month, and some special programs (HEC, SEC, GEEC) also have flexible start dates.
Q.If I can't get a job this semester, can I apply again?
Yes, absolutely. You can reapply for the following semester. Your Korvia recruiter can help identify what to improve — additional TEFL training, teaching experience, or document preparation.
Q.How long do I have to decide to accept an offer?
For EPIK, you typically have 1-2 weeks to accept or decline a placement. For hagwons, the timeline varies by school. Your Korvia recruiter will guide you through the decision process.
Q.When can I start my EPIK application?
EPIK runs rolling admissions by intake: Fall intake applications open around February 1 and most positions are filled by June; Spring intake applications typically begin around October and are largely filled by late December. There is no single deadline — positions close as schools reach their hiring cap, so earlier applicants have a real advantage. Begin your TEFL course, order your criminal background check, and request sealed transcripts the moment you decide Korea is your plan. The sooner the better: applicants who wait until the intake window opens to start gathering documents routinely miss the hiring wave.
Q.How can I increase my chances of getting a position?
The sooner the better is the one-line answer. Specifically: get TEFL certified (even if exempt), gain some teaching experience (even volunteer tutoring counts), apply as early in the application window as possible, prepare a strong personal essay, and practice for your interview with your Korvia recruiter. Early applicants consistently receive their preferred placements; late applicants take whatever is left.
Programs & Positions
Q.What's the difference between a public school and a hagwon?
Public schools (EPIK) offer standardized contracts, daytime hours (8:30-4:30), 26 vacation days, and random placement. Hagwons (private academies) offer higher salary potential, you choose your city, but typically afternoon/evening hours (2-9 PM) and 11 vacation days. Both provide housing and health insurance.
Q.What programs and positions does Korvia recruit for?
Korvia recruits for EPIK (all provinces including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gyeongnam), private academies (hagwons, kindergartens, international schools), and special programs (GIGE, COEIEI, HEC, GEEC, SEC). Korvia does NOT currently recruit for positions in China or Taiwan — please check our job board for active openings.
Q.What's the difference between applying to Korvia and applying to EPIK directly?
Korvia is EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner. When you apply through Korvia, you receive dedicated recruiter support, application review, interview preparation, and priority processing. The EPIK application itself is submitted through the EPIK website, but Korvia guides you through every step.
Documents & Background Check
Q.Can I use a channeler for my FBI background check?
Yes. Channelers are third-party companies approved by the FBI to process background checks faster. Processing time is typically 1-3 business days vs. 12-18 weeks for direct FBI submission. Your Korvia recruiter can recommend reliable channelers.
Q.When should I apply for my criminal background check?
Start as early as the issuing authority ALLOWS — ideally 3–4 months before your target arrival date, but NOT earlier than permitted (too early and the document's 6-month validity window runs out before your visa application). Processing times vary by country: FBI (US) takes 12–16 weeks direct or 2–6 weeks via Fieldprint channeler, RCMP (Canada) takes 2–4 weeks, basic DBS (UK) takes 2–4 weeks.
Q.What should my passport photo look like?
Use a passport-style or professional photo with a plain white or light background. Look directly at the camera, neutral or slight smile. This photo will be used on your EPIK application and later for visa processing.
Living in Korea
Q.How early should I arrive in Korea?
For EPIK, you should arrive in time for the mandatory orientation (usually 1 week before your contract start). For hagwons, arriving 1-2 days before your start date is typical. Your employer will coordinate the details.
Q.Can I bring my smartphone to Korea?
Yes. Most modern smartphones work in Korea. You'll need a Korean SIM card or eSIM for local service. Korea uses 5G and LTE networks compatible with most international phones.
Q.Can I transfer money from my Korean bank to my home country?
Yes. Korvia partners with Sentbe for international remittance — it is licensed in Korea, serves 50+ countries in near real time, and is typically up to 90% cheaper than a traditional bank wire. You'll need to set up a Korean bank account (your school will help) and complete ID verification once inside the Sentbe app. Wise (TransferWise) and traditional bank wires are also common alternatives.
Q.Can I speak to the current English teacher at the school?
In some cases, yes. Your Korvia recruiter can try to connect you with the outgoing teacher, especially for hagwon positions. For EPIK, this depends on the school's willingness to share contact information.
Still Have Questions?
Our team has helped thousands of teachers start their careers in Korea since 2006. Learn about our team.