SMOE Salary Levels (2026)
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education uses 8 letter-grade levels (A through H) — the widest salary range of any EPIK region.
SMOE teachers earn between ₩1,800,000 and ₩2,700,000 per month. Seoul uses letter grades (A-H) instead of the numbered levels used by other provinces. Level H is entry-level at ₩1.8M — the lowest entry salary among EPIK regions — while Level A reaches ₩2.7M, among the highest top-tier salaries.
Monthly Salary by Level
| Level | Monthly Salary | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Level A | ₩2,700,000 | Highest tier — consecutive renewal at Level B with SMOE. |
| Level B | ₩2,600,000 | Returning Level C teacher, renewing with SMOE. |
| Level C | ₩2,500,000 | 2+ years teaching experience with TEFL. |
| Level D | ₩2,400,000 | 2+ years teaching experience. |
| Level E | ₩2,300,000 | 1 year teaching experience + education degree or TEFL. |
| Level F | ₩2,200,000 | Education degree OR bachelor's + TEFL (100+ hours). |
| Level G | ₩2,000,000 | Bachelor's degree in any field (with some qualifications). |
| Level H | ₩1,800,000 | Bachelor's degree only. Entry-level, no TEFL or experience. |
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) contract data. Levels E and C are determined by SMOE.
Seoul vs Other Regions
Widest Range
Seoul has 8 levels spanning ₩900,000 difference between entry and top tier. Most other provinces have 5 levels with a ₩500,000-600,000 range.
Lowest Entry
Level H at ₩1,800,000 is the lowest starting salary among all EPIK regions. Other provinces start at ₩2,100,000.
Highest Cost of Living
Seoul's higher rent, food, and transportation costs offset the higher top-tier salary. Teachers in smaller cities often save more.
Most Competitive
Seoul receives the most EPIK applications. Higher qualifications and TEFL certification significantly improve placement chances.