GEPIK Application Process & Timeline
From initial application to your first day in a Gyeonggi classroom — the full 8-step GEPIK application timeline, typically 4-6 months from start to finish.
8
Application Steps
4–6 Mo
Total Timeline
2
Intakes / Year
Free
Korvia Support
There are two paths to GEPIK: apply directly through Korvia (primarily for spring intake) or through the EPIK national program with a Gyeonggi preference (primarily for fall intake). Either way, Korvia guides you through all 8 steps below — from your first application to your first day of teaching in Gyeonggi.
Two Intakes per Year
Spring Intake
Starts March 1Apply Aug–Nov (prior year)
Primarily via Korvia direct
Spring semester positions are mostly recruited directly through Korvia. Korvia screens your application, conducts an interview, and matches you with Gyeonggi schools.
Fall Intake
Starts September 1Apply Feb–May (same year)
Primarily via EPIK national
Fall semester positions are mostly filled through the EPIK national program. Apply through EPIK and request Gyeonggi as your preferred province; placement is assigned by GOE.
The 8-Step Application Timeline
Apply at Korvia.com
Day 1Fill out the online application form at korvia.com. Qualified candidates are matched with a Korvia recruiter who schedules an individual interview to discuss which programs and positions best fit your background and preferences.
Submit GEPIK Application & Initial Documents
Week 1–2Complete the official GEPIK application form and submit your initial documents: passport scan, resume, cover letter, recent photo, sample lesson plan, and self-introduction video. Korvia reviews everything before submission.
Interview with a GEPIK School
Week 2–6Your Korvia recruiter schedules an interview with a Gyeonggi school that has shown interest in your application. Interviews are typically 20-30 minutes over video call, with school staff and sometimes the Korean co-teacher.
Job Offer
Week 4–8Candidates who pass the school interview receive an official job offer from Gyeonggi-do Office of Education (GOE) through their Korvia recruiter. The offer includes school name, location, grade level, salary level, and start date.
Submit Final Documents
Week 8–12Gather and send all final documents within the specified window: apostilled bachelor's degree, apostilled criminal record check (CRC), sealed transcripts, health statement, reference letters, and signed contract. Korvia double-checks each document before forwarding to your school.
Apply for E-2 Visa with VIN
Week 12–14Your school sends you a Visa Issuance Number (VIN). You take the VIN, your passport, and supporting documents to the nearest Korean consulate in your country to apply for an E-2 teaching visa. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
Book a One-Way Flight to Korea
Week 14–16Once your E-2 visa is stamped in your passport, book a one-way flight to South Korea. You pay upfront; GEPIK reimburses you ₩1,300,000 via the Entrance Allowance in your first paycheck.
First Day of School
March / SeptemberCongratulations! You are now officially a GEPIK teacher. Most contracts start March 1 (spring intake) or September 1 (fall intake) to align with the Korean school calendar. This marks the beginning of your teaching career in Gyeonggi Province.
Application FAQ
Q.How long does the GEPIK application process take?
Plan for 4-6 months from initial application to your first day of school. Spring intake (March start) requires applying the previous August through November. Fall intake (September start) requires applying from February through May of the same year. Rushing the process rarely works — GOE and the Korean consulate each have fixed processing windows.
Q.What's the difference between applying directly through Korvia vs. through EPIK?
Spring intake positions are mostly direct through Korvia — we screen, interview, and match you with specific Gyeonggi schools. Fall intake positions are mostly through the EPIK national program, where placement is assigned by GOE after you request Gyeonggi as your preferred province. Both lead to identical GEPIK contracts and benefits.
Q.What documents need to be apostilled?
Two documents require apostille (international notarization): your bachelor's degree and your National-Level Criminal Record Check (CRC). The apostille certifies that your documents are legitimate for use in Korea. Processing times vary — US: 1-3 weeks, Canada: 4-8 weeks, UK/Ireland: 1-2 weeks. Start early.
Q.What happens during the school interview?
GEPIK school interviews are typically 20-30 minutes over video call. Expect questions about your teaching philosophy, experience with young learners, classroom management, sample lesson ideas, and why you want to teach in Korea. Korvia provides interview preparation and sample questions beforehand.
Q.Can I choose which city or school I teach at?
Partially. During your Korvia interview, you can indicate preferences — major urban (Suwon, Seongnam, Bundang, Goyang), smaller urban (Ansan, Anyang, Bucheon), or rural (Paju, Yangpyeong, Pocheon). GOE makes the final placement based on availability, your qualifications, and school needs. Korvia advocates for your preferences throughout.
Q.What if my E-2 visa application is denied?
E-2 visa denials are rare if your documents are complete and your CRC is clean. Common causes of denial: incomplete apostille, missing transcripts, or a flagged CRC. If denied, your Korvia recruiter helps you identify the issue, correct it, and re-apply — though this may delay your start date by 4-8 weeks.
Start Your GEPIK Application Today
Korvia has guided thousands of teachers through the GEPIK application process since 2008. Start now for spring or fall intake — application support is free.