Where Can I Teach English in Seoul?
Seoul has 25 administrative districts (gu), each with its own character, schools, and living environment. SMOE places teachers across the entire city — here's what each major district offers.
SMOE teachers are placed in public elementary and middle schools across all 25 districts of Seoul. You cannot choose your specific district, but you can express preferences during the application process. Popular areas for expat teachers include Mapo-gu (Hongdae), Yongsan-gu (Itaewon), and Gangnam-gu — though teachers report high satisfaction across all districts thanks to Seoul's extensive subway network connecting the entire city within 45 minutes.
Seoul Districts for SMOE Teachers
Gangnam-gu (강남구)
Korea's most well-known district. Upscale dining, premium gyms, and Seoul's best shopping are within walking distance. The COEX Mall, Bongeunsa Temple, and a concentrated cafe culture make this area popular with professionals and expats who prefer a polished urban lifestyle.
Modern apartments, high walkability, excellent late-night dining options
Songpa-gu (송파구)
Lotte World, Olympic Park, and Seokchon Lake make this one of Seoul's most livable districts. The residential feel is calmer than Gangnam while still offering easy subway access. Weekend farmers' markets and riverside cycling paths along the Han River are major perks.
Family-friendly, parks and lakes, safe late-night walks
Mapo-gu (마포구)
Seoul's creative heart. Hongdae's live music venues, indie cafes, and street art attract the city's largest concentration of young expats. Hapjeong and Mangwon neighborhoods offer a more relaxed vibe with boutique shops and brunch spots. Direct airport railroad access makes international travel convenient.
Largest expat social scene, live music, best nightlife in Seoul
Yongsan-gu (용산구)
Home to Itaewon — Seoul's original international neighborhood with restaurants from 50+ countries, English-friendly services, and diverse grocery stores. The new Yongsan Park development and National Museum of Korea are nearby. Foreign embassies are concentrated here, making administrative tasks easier.
Most foreigner-friendly area, international food, embassy access
Seocho-gu (서초구)
Adjacent to Gangnam with slightly lower rent. The Express Bus Terminal underground shopping center, Banpo Hangang Park (famous for its rainbow fountain), and Montmartre Park offer leisure options. Korvia's headquarters is located here at Hyundai Rexion on Gangnam-daero.
Quieter than Gangnam, river parks, good value for southern Seoul
Nowon-gu (노원구)
Northern Seoul's largest residential area. Rent is 40-50% lower than Gangnam, making it one of the best districts for saving money. Suraksan and Bukhansan hiking trails are accessible on foot. The trade-off is a 40-50 minute subway commute to central Seoul.
Lowest rent in Seoul, mountain hiking from doorstep, high savings
Gwanak-gu (관악구)
Home to Seoul National University, giving the area a youthful energy with student-priced restaurants and cafes. Gwanaksan Mountain provides excellent hiking. Living costs are among the lowest in Seoul while still being on MRT Line 2 — the city's main loop line.
Student prices, mountain access, budget-friendly but connected
Seodaemun-gu (서대문구)
Yonsei and Ewha universities bring a vibrant campus atmosphere. Sinchon station area has affordable Korean BBQ restaurants, karaoke rooms, and student bars. The Independence Hall and Ansan Mountain walking paths offer quieter weekend activities.
University town feel, cheap eats, good for younger teachers
Gangbuk-gu (강북구)
Right at the foot of Bukhansan National Park — one of the world's most visited national parks. Teachers here can literally hike after school. The neighborhood is quieter and more traditionally Korean, offering an authentic cultural immersion that central Seoul districts don't provide.
Best nature access in Seoul, authentic Korean neighborhood, quiet
Jongno-gu (종로구)
The historic center of Seoul. Walking to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong traditional arts street is part of daily life. Samcheong-dong's galleries and tea houses make weekends feel like a cultural experience. Older buildings mean rent is surprisingly reasonable.
Living inside Korean history, galleries, traditional tea houses
Dongjak-gu (동작구)
Centrally located between the Han River and Gwanak Mountain. Noryangjin's famous live seafood market is a unique experience. The district is well-connected with 4 subway lines, making it one of the most transit-accessible areas in Seoul despite being less well-known to foreigners.
Central transit hub, seafood market, underrated gem
Jungnang-gu (중랑구)
Eastern Seoul along a peaceful stream. Fewer foreigners means more opportunities to practice Korean and build genuine local relationships. The Jungnang Stream walking path is a daily highlight. Rent is among the lowest in Seoul with surprisingly good food options.
Full cultural immersion, quiet stream walks, lowest rent tier
Can I Choose My District?
SMOE positions recruited through EPIK do not allow you to select a specific district or school. Placement is determined by school demand, your qualifications, and housing availability. For experienced teachers already residing in Seoul, commute distance may be taken into consideration — but this is not guaranteed.
Seoul's subway system means you're never more than 45 minutes from major expat areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, or Itaewon — regardless of which district you're placed in. Many teachers discover they prefer quieter residential districts for daily life while visiting popular areas on weekends.
Want to choose a specific Seoul neighborhood?
If living and working in a specific district is important to you, we recommend applying to private academies (hagwons) or international schools instead. Private sector positions allow you to interview with schools in your preferred area and choose the best fit. Korvia screens all partner academies for contract reliability and working conditions.
View vetted private school positions ›