SMOE — Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
Live the capital life in Seoul. Korvia is EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner — we guide you from application to your first day in a Seoul classroom.
₩2.2–3.0M
Monthly Salary
1 Yr
Contract
Mon–Fri
8:40AM–4:40PM
22 Hrs
Teaching / Week
21 Days
Paid Vacation
Free
Housing
SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education)is the public school English teaching program that places native English speakers in elementary, middle, and high schools across Korea's capital. SMOE uses EPIK to recruit and screen teachers — so you apply through Korvia, EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner since 2008 — and request Seoul as your preferred placement. Once hired, you officially become a SMOE teacher in one of Seoul's 25 districts.
What Makes SMOE Different
Teach in the Capital of Korea
Seoul — 9.7 million residents, 23 subway lines
SMOE places native English teachers directly into the bustling international city of Seoul. World-class public transit (Subway Lines 1–9 reach 1,150 km), Korea's largest expat community (250,000+), and English-friendly neighborhoods like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam make Seoul the most requested placement in the EPIK system.
Explore SMOE Districts→Alphabet Grades — Not Numeric Levels
Seoul uses S / A / B / C / D salary grades
Unlike most EPIK provinces that use Levels 1–4, Seoul uses alphabet grades from S (top tier) down to D. SMOE does not hire Level 3 applicants — you'll need a TEFL certificate plus teaching experience or a relevant degree. The top S grade pays ₩3.0M/month, while entry-level C pays ₩2.2M.
View SMOE Salary Grades→Elementary School Focus
The majority of SMOE placements are elementary
Due to budget priorities, SMOE places most teachers at the elementary school level. You can indicate your preference for elementary, middle, or high school on your application — but expect to be matched with an elementary placement. Class sizes average 25–30 students, with 22 teaching hours per week maximum.
SMOE Teaching Duties→SMOE and EPIK — The Difference
Seoul positions are recruited through EPIK
SMOE uses EPIK to recruit and screen English teachers. You apply through EPIK (via Korvia) and request Seoul as your preferred location. Once you're accepted and placed in a Seoul school, you officially become a SMOE teacher — no longer an EPIK Seoul applicant. Korvia's direct EPIK partnership gives you the strongest chance at a Seoul placement.
SMOE Application Process→Seoul Districts Where SMOE Teachers Are Placed
Gangnam
Affluent business and entertainment district south of the Han River. Home to COEX, Gangnam Station, and Gangnam Style culture.
Jongno / Jung-gu
Historic downtown. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, and City Hall. The cultural heart of Seoul.
Mapo (Hongdae)
Youth and nightlife center. Universities, indie music scene, and global food streets.
Yongsan (Itaewon)
International district. Major expat community, English-friendly services, and Namsan Tower.
Songpa
Southeastern Seoul. Jamsil, Lotte World Tower, Olympic Park, and the Han River waterfront.
Nowon / Dobong
Northern residential districts. Quieter, family-oriented, and close to Bukhansan National Park.
Everything You Need to Know
Contract & Salary (2026)
One-year contract, Seoul salary grades C through S: ₩2.2M (C) → ₩3.0M (S). Includes severance pay (~1 month per year), settlement allowance, completion bonus, and 50% National Health Insurance. Seoul's grade S is among the highest base salaries across all EPIK regions.
SMOE Contract Details→Eligibility Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in an English-speaking country. TEFL/TESOL certificate (100+ hours) required — SMOE does not accept Level 3 applicants. Clean criminal background check. Citizens of USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
SMOE Eligibility→Benefits Package
Free or subsidized housing, 50% National Health Insurance, 50% National Pension Contribution, ₩300K settlement allowance, ₩1.3–2M entrance & completion bonus, round-trip airfare reimbursement, and 21+ paid vacation days per year.
SMOE Benefits→Required Documents
Apostilled bachelor's diploma, apostilled criminal background check, sealed transcripts, TEFL certificate (100+ hrs), passport photos, medical exam, and personal essay. Korvia reviews every document before submission.
Document Downloads→Explore SMOE
Eligibility
Degree, TEFL, nationality — SMOE-specific requirements.
Benefits
Housing, insurance, vacation, and completion bonus.
Salary Grades
Alphabet grades S / A / B / C / D — 2026 pay scale.
Contract Info
1-year terms, working hours, and renewal conditions.
Duties
Co-teaching, lesson planning, and English camps.
Seoul Locations
Districts and neighborhoods across the capital.
Process Timeline
Application steps from signup to first day of class.
Downloads
Checklists, forms, and document templates.
SMOE FAQ
Q.What's the difference between SMOE and EPIK Seoul?
SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education) is the hiring entity — they operate Seoul's public school English program. EPIK is the national recruiter that screens and presents eligible candidates to SMOE. When you apply for Seoul via EPIK (through Korvia), you're an EPIK Seoul applicant. Once SMOE hires you and places you in a Seoul school, you become a SMOE teacher. The contract, benefits, and salary follow SMOE's Seoul-specific scale.
Q.How competitive is it to get placed in Seoul?
Very competitive. Seoul consistently receives the most applications of any EPIK region — roughly 3+ applicants per available slot. To maximize your chances, you need a TEFL certificate (100+ hours), a clean application, strong interview performance, and ideally teaching experience or an education-related degree. Korvia's direct EPIK partnership and application review give you a measurable edge.
Q.What are SMOE's salary grades and how do they differ from EPIK Levels?
Seoul uses alphabet grades (S, A, B, C, D) instead of EPIK's numeric Levels 1–4. The top S grade pays ₩3.0M/month and is typically reserved for renewing teachers with multiple years in Seoul plus advanced credentials. Entry-level C grade pays ₩2.2M. SMOE does not hire Level 3 applicants — you must have a TEFL certificate plus teaching experience or a relevant degree to qualify.
Q.Will I get free housing in Seoul?
SMOE provides a furnished studio apartment (officetel) near your school, or in some cases a housing allowance. Seoul has Korea's highest cost of living — rent alone for an equivalent studio would run ₩700K–₩1.5M/month — so free housing is a major financial benefit. Your school or district office handles the lease and utilities setup.
Q.Can I choose which Seoul district I'm placed in?
You can indicate a preference on your application, but the final district and school assignment is made by SMOE based on school needs. Most placements are in Gangnam-gu, Songpa-gu, Jung-gu, Mapo-gu, Nowon-gu, and Yongsan-gu. Seoul's subway makes commuting easy — wherever you're placed, you'll reach most of the city within 45 minutes.
Q.What is Korvia's role in the SMOE application?
Korvia is EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner since 2008. We handle your SMOE/EPIK Seoul application end-to-end — free document review, interview preparation, school matching advocacy, visa coordination, and arrival support. There is no cost to teachers. We are compensated by EPIK and the hiring schools, not by applicants.
Ready to Teach in Seoul?
Seoul positions fill quickly. Apply through Korvia — EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner since 2008 — to maximize your chances of a SMOE placement.