The city you choose can change your take-home pay by ₩300,000–₩600,000 per month. Seoul looks glamorous, but Busan or Daegu often leave you with more savings. Here's the realistic 2026 breakdown by city.
Salary by City — 2026 Reference
Below are realistic 2026 base salaries for English teachers in Korea's major cities. These are full-time roles, typically 20–24 teaching hours per week.
| City | Monthly Salary | Housing Included? | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | ₩2.3M–₩3.0M | Less common | Very High |
| Incheon | ₩2.1M–₩2.6M | Often included | High |
| Busan | ₩2.1M–₩2.6M | Usually included | Moderate |
| Daegu | ₩2.0M–₩2.5M | Usually included | Moderate |
| Gwangju | ₩2.0M–₩2.4M | Usually included | Low-Moderate |
| Daejeon | ₩2.0M–₩2.5M | Usually included | Low-Moderate |
Seoul: Highest Pay, Highest Costs
Seoul hagwons pay the highest salaries: ₩2.3M–₩3.0M monthly, depending on the academy and your experience. The catch: Seoul hagwons are less likely to include housing than schools in other cities, which means you're renting on your own. A decent Seoul apartment runs ₩600K–₩1.2M per month. Do the math — your take-home after rent often ends up lower than tier-2 cities.
Choose Seoul if: You want the expat social scene and nightlife. You have teaching experience and leverage to negotiate. Living in the capital matters to you more than savings.
Tier-2 Cities: Where Your Money Goes Further
Busan, Daegu, and Incheon pay ₩2.0M–₩2.6M monthly — yes, that's ₩300K–₩500K less than Seoul. But here's what you're not spending: rent. Most hagwons in these cities provide housing, and the apartments are actually decent. Everyday costs — food, transport, entertainment — are significantly cheaper. Your real take-home is often comparable to Seoul (or better).
Choose Busan or Daegu if: You want to save aggressively. You prefer a community feel over Seoul nightlife. You want guaranteed housing from day one. You value financial security over brand status.
The Real Money: Bonuses & Benefits
Base salary isn't the whole story. Most hagwons throw in:
- Holiday bonuses (₩500K–₩1.5M): Chuseok and year-end bonuses — usually negotiable depending on the academy.
- Airfare: Round-trip paid by the academy, or a ₩500K–₩700K allowance when your contract ends.
- Health insurance: The academy covers 50% of your national health insurance premiums.
- Pension: They contribute 4.5% to your national pension (matched by you).
- Housing: Either a free apartment or ₩300K–₩500K monthly allowance.
Total Comp Is Everything
Stop looking at base salary alone. A ₩2.2M job with free housing is worth more than ₩2.6M without it. Calculate the full package: salary + housing value + bonuses + insurance contributions. That's your real take-home.
Hagwon vs EPIK Salary Reality
Hagwons advertise higher base numbers (₩2.0M–₩3.0M) than EPIK (₩1.9M–₩2.4M). But EPIK bundles in housing, settlement and completion bonuses (₩2.6M–₩3.6M total over the year), and 26 vacation days. In real terms, your net savings after a year of EPIK often competes with hagwons. The difference: EPIK is more predictable; hagwons are more flexible. Choose based on what you value, not just the salary number.
Full breakdown: Hagwon vs EPIK for First-Time Teachers.
What Actually Changes Your Hagwon Salary
- Teaching experience: First-timers get the base. With 2+ years in Korea, you can negotiate ₩200K–₩400K more.
- TEFL or CELTA: Certified teachers often add ₩100K–₩300K to their offer.
- Big chain vs independent: ECC, YBM, Pagoda pay slightly higher and follow fixed scales. Independent hagwons are smaller but more flexible on salary and terms.
- Contract length: Sign for 2 years and you'll often get raises built in. One-year contracts have less wiggle room.
How to Negotiate Your Hagwon Deal
- Ask for total value, not base. A ₩2.2M + free housing deal beats ₩2.5M + no housing.
- Lock in housing before signing. If they won't provide it, demand a housing allowance that matches local rent.
- Negotiate bonuses and airfare upfront. These are hard to change after you sign.
- If base is low, ask for extra days off or higher bonuses. Some hagwons prefer flexibility over salary increases.
- Tier-2 cities have more wiggle room. Seoul hagwons take it or leave it. Busan and Daegu often negotiate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate hagwon salary?
Yes. Hagwons often have flexibility with salary, especially for experienced teachers or those willing to commit long-term. Your negotiation power may be stronger in tier-2 cities or with smaller academies. Always raise the conversation during the interview stage.
What is my take-home after Korean taxes?
Korean income tax typically removes 3–6% from gross salary depending on the amount. Health insurance, pension, and employment insurance deductions vary but average 8–10% total. A ₩2.5M gross salary nets approximately ₩2.1M–₩2.2M after all deductions.
Is Seoul worth the higher cost of living?
Seoul offers higher salaries (₩2.3M–₩3.0M) but much higher rent and everyday expenses. Busan or Daegu offer lower salaries (₩2.0M–₩2.6M) but significantly lower living costs, so net savings can be comparable. Choose based on lifestyle preference, not just salary.
Do hagwons provide housing?
Many hagwons offer housing as part of the package, particularly outside Seoul. Seoul hagwons are less likely to include housing due to higher property costs. If housing is not included, most will add a ₩300,000–₩500,000 housing allowance. Always clarify housing terms in the contract before signing.
Find Your Hagwon Through Korvia
Korvia has been placing English teachers in Korean hagwons since 2006. We screen partner academies for contract compliance, salary payment history, and housing standards. Apply free — we'll match you with vetted hagwons in your preferred city.