GOE Salary Levels
GOE teacher salaries range from ₩2,100,000 (Level 3) to ₩2,700,000 (Level 1+). Levels are determined by degree type, TEFL certification, and prior teaching experience.
₩2100K–2700K
Monthly Salary Range
5
Salary Levels
₩2M
Renewal Allowance
Free
Furnished Housing
GOE teachers earn between ₩2,100,000 and ₩2,700,000 per monthdepending on qualifications and experience. All GOE positions include free furnished housing, 50% health insurance, settlement allowance, and contract completion bonuses. With Gyeongnam's lower cost of living vs Seoul, GOE teachers often achieve the highest savings-to-salary ratio in Korean public school teaching.Source: 2026 Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education Native English Teacher Employment Contract.
Monthly Salary by Level
| Level | Monthly Salary | Qualification Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1+ | ₩2,700,000 | Highest tier. After consecutive renewal with GOE at Level 1. |
| Level 1 | ₩2,500,000 | 2+ years post-degree teaching experience PLUS education degree or TEFL/TESOL/CELTA (100+ hr). |
| Level 2+ | ₩2,300,000 | 1 year post-degree teaching experience PLUS education degree or TEFL/TESOL/CELTA (100+ hr). |
| Level 2 | ₩2,200,000 | Education-related bachelor's degree, OR any bachelor's combined with TEFL/TESOL/CELTA (100+ hr). |
| Level 3 | ₩2,100,000 | Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Entry-level with no TEFL or prior teaching experience. |
Source: 2026 Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education (GOE) Native English Teacher Employment Contract.
Allowances & Benefits (On Top of Base Salary)
The monetary perks that push total GOE compensation well beyond base pay.
Free Single Housing
Rent-free · or ₩400K/mo stipend
Furnished apartment at no cost (single occupancy). Utilities paid by teacher.
Entrance Allowance
₩1,300,000
Flight reimbursement. Repayable if you leave within 6 months.
Settlement Allowance
₩300,000
One-time payment at arrival for first-year teachers only.
Renewal Allowance
₩2,000,000
For renewing at the same school — ₩700K upfront + ₩1.3M at renewal completion.
Severance Pay
~1 month's salary
Paid upon contract completion. Cumulative across multiple contracts.
Health Insurance
50% employer-paid
National Health Insurance — health, vision, and dental coverage.
How to Qualify for a Higher Salary Level
Get TEFL Certified
A 100+ hr TEFL/TESOL/CELTA moves you from Level 3 (₩2.1M) to Level 2 (₩2.2M). The ₩100K/month increase pays for a typical online TEFL course within 2 months.
Gain Teaching Experience Before Applying
1 year of post-degree teaching experience + TEFL qualifies you for Level 2+ (₩2.3M). 2 years qualifies you for Level 1 (₩2.5M). ESL, tutoring, substitute teaching, and TA roles all count.
Renew Your Contract
Renewing at the same school unlocks Level 1+ (₩2.7M) after consecutive renewal — the top tier. Plus you receive the ₩2,000,000 renewal allowance.
GOE Salary FAQ
Q.Can I negotiate my GOE salary?
No. GOE salaries are standardized by the Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education and determined solely by your qualification level. The best way to increase your salary is to obtain TEFL certification or gain accredited teaching experience before applying.
Q.Are bonuses and allowances included in the salary?
No. The listed amounts are base monthly salary. On top of that, you receive entrance allowance (₩1.3M first-year only), settlement allowance (₩300K first-year only), completion bonus at end of contract, renewal allowance (₩2M if renewing), free housing, and 50% of health insurance premiums.
Q.Do I pay Korean income tax on my GOE salary?
Teachers from countries with tax treaties (USA, Canada, UK, Australia) may be exempt from Korean income tax for the first 2 years. After that, a flat 19% or progressive rate applies. Your school handles withholding.
Q.How much can I save per month on a GOE salary?
With free housing and 50% health insurance subsidies, most GOE teachers save ₩800K-1.2M per month on a Level 2 salary (₩2.2M). Higher tiers save more. Gyeongnam's lower cost of living (vs Seoul) makes saving easier — many teachers save more here than in SMOE despite lower base pay.
Apply for GOE Through Korvia
Our document review and qualification coaching help you place at the highest salary level your credentials support — often 1 tier higher than baseline.