SMOE Contract Information
Duration, working hours, teaching load, vacation, sick days — the key terms of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education employment contract for native English teachers.
12 mo
Contract Duration
22 hr
Max Teaching / Week
8–4:40
Daily Working Hours
15
Paid Sick Days
The SMOE contract is a 12-month employment agreement with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. Unlike most EPIK provinces, Seoul uses its own alphabet salary grading system (S, A, B, C, D, E) rather than numeric levels — the minimum practical placement is grade C.Source: 2026–2027 SMOE native English teacher employment contract (서울특별시교육감), Art. 14–15.
Contract Terms at a Glance
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | 12 months (1 year) |
| Working Days | Monday – Friday |
| Working Hours | 8:40 AM – 4:40 PM (8 hours daily) |
| Teaching Load | Up to 22 teaching hours/week · overtime paid above 22 |
| Sick Days | Up to 15 paid working days per contract (Art. 15) · medical certificate once paid sick leave exceeds 6 days in total |
| Paid Vacation | 26 workdays per contract (Art. 14) · typically August (summer) and January (winter) |
| National Holidays | Korean national holidays + school-designated days (e.g. founding day) paid off |
| Salary System | Seoul uses alphabet grades (S, A, B, C, D, E) — min placement is C |
| Housing | Free furnished single apartment OR ₩500,000/month stipend |
| Renewal | By mutual agreement · salary level typically increases one tier |
| Recruitment | Through EPIK — select Seoul (SMOE) as preferred province |
Seoul-Specific Notes
Things every incoming SMOE teacher should understand before signing.
Overtime Pay
Any teaching hours beyond the 22-hour weekly cap are compensated at overtime rates — you do not teach extra hours for free.
Housing Location
Your apartment is located near your assigned school. Seoul placements range from central districts (Jongno, Gangnam) to outer districts (Nowon, Gangbuk) — all have subway access.
Contract Renewal
Renewing teachers typically move up one salary tier. Consistent renewals can reach the highest Seoul grades (S, A) — the top base pay in the EPIK system.
Korean National Holidays
'Red days' on the Korean calendar (~16/year) are paid days off. Your school may also designate additional days off (school founding day, etc.).
Contract FAQ
Q.What happens if I teach more than 22 hours in a week?
Any hours above the 22-hour weekly cap are compensated at overtime rates. Your co-teacher and school coordinator are responsible for tracking your hours, but keep your own log — it's your best protection if a dispute arises.
Q.Can I take vacation outside of August and January?
Paid vacation is allocated during school recess periods — typically summer (August) and winter (January). Outside of those windows, vacation requests are up to your school's discretion. Plan major trips around these breaks.
Q.What counts as a sick day vs personal leave?
Under the 2026–2027 SMOE contract (Art. 15), you get up to 15 working days of paid sick leave per contract, for an illness or injury that keeps you from working and with your head of school's prior approval. Once paid sick leave exceeds 6 working days in total, you need a medical certificate. Personal leave (e.g. family emergency) is typically negotiated separately with your school, often as unpaid leave.
Q.Do I get paid during school breaks?
Yes. Your monthly salary is paid year-round for the entire 12-month contract, including during school summer and winter breaks. You'll still have 'desk warming' days at school during breaks where students aren't present.
Ready to Sign Your Seoul Contract?
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