The guide below was written while the Spring 2027 form was open (from August 1, 2026). We keep it for reference. EPIK may change the form, documents or rules for Fall 2027, so check its Fall 2027 guide when it is published.
Source: EPIK Apply page (epik.go.kr), checked October 19, 2026; agency closure as notified by EPIK to its partner agencies.
Do you need a TOPIK score report?
No. Starting with Spring 2027, EPIK says interviewers will ask whether you have ever taken TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean administered by the National Institute for International Education. If you have taken it, EPIK will ask for a copy of your score report. The report is for reference only. It is not required, and submitting or not submitting it will not affect evaluation or selection.
You do not need to take TOPIK for the EPIK application. If you already have a score report, keep a copy ready in case it is requested after the interview question.
Spring 2027 recommendation-letter check
Recommendation letters are one of the easiest places to lose time. Before upload, confirm every item below:
- You have two letters from qualifying professional or academic sources, not friends, family members, or co-workers.
- Each letter is dated on or after August 1, 2024 for the Spring 2027 intake.
- The applicant's full legal first and last name appears as shown on the passport.
- The referee's name, title or position, and contact information are included.
- The relationship between referee and applicant, including its length, is clear.
- The letter is on official letterhead, or the referee's official business card is included when allowed.
- The letter is ideally one to two pages and addressed to "Whom It May Concern" or "The EPIK Team."
- A digital signature may be used for the initial upload, but original physical letters with real ink signatures are required after a successful interview.
For examples and formatting help, open Korvia's recommendation-letter guide.
Do not submit AI-generated essays or lesson plans
The Spring 2027 guide says personal essays and lesson plans are closely reviewed by Offices of Education and warns that plagiarized or AI-generated content may negatively affect an application. Low-effort applications will not be considered. Your written submission needs to reflect your own experience, teaching judgment, and voice.
Korvia can review structure, completeness, and clarity, but the ideas and final writing should remain yours. Use the EPIK lesson-plan guide to understand the format rather than copying a finished answer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for EPIK Spring 2027 through Korvia?
No. As of October 2026, EPIK has told its partner recruiting agencies that agency applications for Spring 2027 are closed, so Korvia is no longer taking new Spring 2027 EPIK applications. Public-school jobs outside EPIK, such as direct hires by an office of education or a city program, very rarely go to teachers who have not taught in Korea before. If this is your first teaching job in Korea, you have two realistic routes: a private-sector role at a hagwon (private academy), which hires all year, or EPIK Fall 2027, with applications expected to open on February 1, 2027.
When does the EPIK Fall 2027 application open?
EPIK Fall 2027 applications are expected to open on February 1, 2027. EPIK has not announced the date yet.
Can I apply directly and through Korvia for the same intake?
No. EPIK allows only one application per intake, whether direct or through an agency or MOU/MOA organization. Contact Korvia before account creation or submission if you want to use the agency path.
Can I use AI to write my EPIK essay or lesson plan?
The official Spring 2027 guide warns that plagiarized or AI-generated essays and lesson plans may negatively affect an application, and that low-effort applications will not be considered. Submit original work in your own voice.
Do I need all final documents when I apply?
No. Many authenticated or apostilled final documents are submitted after a successful interview, although EPIK recommends starting time-sensitive preparation early.
What email should I use for my EPIK account?
Use a personal email address you will keep and can access throughout the intake. EPIK advises against university email addresses because the account email cannot be changed after creation.