Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul — modern cityscape with trees and pedestrians
2026 Complete Guide

Teach English in Korea

Earn ₩2.0M–₩3.0M/month with free housing, 26 paid vacation days, and full health insurance.Korviahas placed 10,000+ teachers since 2006 — EPIK's exclusive recruiting partner since 2008.

₩2.0–3.0M

Monthly Salary

Free

Furnished Housing

26 Days

Paid Vacation

10,000+

Teachers Placed

Why Teach English in Korea?

South Korea offers one of the best ESL teaching packages in Asia — competitive salary, free housing, and a high quality of life.

Competitive Salary

Public school teachers earn ₩2.0M–₩3.0M/month (approx. $1,500–$2,300 USD). Hagwon teachers can earn even more.

Free Furnished Housing

All programs provide a rent-free furnished apartment near your school. Utilities are typically the only expense.

26 Paid Vacation Days

EPIK teachers get 26 vacation days per year plus Korean national holidays. That's 5+ weeks of travel time.

Health Insurance

National health insurance with 50% employer contribution. Covers hospital visits, dental, and prescriptions.

Low Cost of Living

With free housing, teachers typically save $800–$1,200/month. Korea is affordable once rent is removed from the equation.

Rich Culture & Travel

From Seoul's nightlife to Jeju's beaches, Korea is a gateway to exploring Asia. Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia are short flights away.

Teaching Programs in Korea

Compare public school programs and private academies. Read: EPIK vs Hagwon — Full Comparison →

Requirements to Teach in Korea

Most programs share the same basic requirements. No teaching experience needed.

Nationality

Citizens of English-speaking countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland, South Africa)

Education

Bachelor's degree (any field)

TEFL

100+ hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate (or education degree)

Background Check

National-level criminal background check (apostilled)

Health Check

Medical exam (completed upon arrival in Korea)

Experience

Not required — first-time teachers welcome

How to Apply

From application to arrival — Korvia guides you every step.

1

Apply Through Korvia

Day 1

Submit your application online. A dedicated recruiter is assigned to you.

2

Interview Preparation

Week 1–2

Your recruiter reviews your documents, essay, and preps you for the interview.

3

EPIK Interview

Week 3–6

Video interview with EPIK. Korvia coaches you before and debriefs after.

4

Placement & Documents

Week 6–12

Receive your school placement. Prepare visa documents with Korvia's guidance.

5

Arrive in Korea

Week 12–16

Korvia assists with flights, airport pickup, orientation, and settling in.

2026 Key Dates

Spring 2026 Intake

Applications: July–November 2025

Contract starts: March 2026

View Spring Details →

Fall 2026 Intake

Applications: January–May 2026

Contract starts: September 2026

Apply for Fall 2026 →

Ready to Teach English in Korea?

Apply today through Korvia — Korea's leading ESL recruitment agency and EPIK's exclusive partner since 2008. It's completely free.