How to Teach English in Korea from Ireland
The Irish pathway to a Korean teaching job in 2026 — eligibility, the Garda background check, visa steps, salary, and what happens to your pension contributions.
Quick Answer
Can Irish citizens teach English in Korea?
E-2 Visa Eligibility for Irish Citizens
Irelandis one of the seven countries eligible for Korea's E-2 teaching visa (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa). The baseline requirements are the same for every nationality:
- ✓A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited university (apostilled copy required).
- ✓The official EPIK minimum is a 100-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate (many recruiters recommend 120 hours for competitiveness, but 100 hours is the published requirement).
- ✓A clean national-level criminal record check — for Irish applicants, the Garda Police Certificate.
- ✓Under 62 (Korea's pension-linked age cap for new E-2 teachers).
EPIK applications open around August 1 for the following Spring intake and around February 1 for the Fall intake, reviewed on a rolling basis — applying early in the window matters. See EPIK eligibility for program-specific rules.
Your Irish Document Checklist
Garda Police Certificate
Apostille / authentication: Department of Foreign Affairs (apostille)
Irish applicants request a police certificate from their local Garda Síochána district headquarters and have it apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The certificate is issued free of charge for visa purposes.
Full Garda certificate guide for Irish applicants →Your criminal record check is submitted at the EPIK application stage; once EPIK issues your Notice of Appointment (NOA), the consulate stage relies on the NOA rather than re-examining your CRC. Final document requirements are always set by your embassy or consulate — check their notice before you submit.
From Application to Arrival
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Garda police certificate | 2–4 weeks |
| DFA apostille | 1–2 weeks |
| EPIK application + interview | rolling from Aug 1 / Feb 1 |
| NOA → E-2 visa at the embassy | 2–4 weeks |
The visa stage itself is straightforward once your NOA arrives — see the E-2 visa guide and the consulate application walkthrough for jurisdiction tables and appointment rules.
What Irish Teachers Earn — and What Comes Back
EPIK base pay runs ₩2,100,000–₩2,800,000 per month depending on your level (qualifications and experience), per the official EPIK pay scale updated May 2026. On top of base pay: a ₩300,000 settlement allowance in your first month, a ₩1,800,000 entrance allowance (timing and amounts vary by region), a ₩1,300,000 completion or exit allowance per contract, severance of roughly one month's salary, and furnished housing provided by your office of education (utilities are your responsibility).
National Pension (NPS): No Lump-Sum Refund
The NPS states that lump-sum refunds are not permitted for Irish nationals under the Ireland–Korea social security agreement — the agreement coordinates coverage rather than refunds.
NPS guidance also notes that refunds can in some cases be paid under general reciprocity rules, and agreements are amended over time — confirm your individual situation with the NPS before departure.
Country-specific NPS lump-sum refund rules can change based on your contribution and residency history, your home country's pension system, and amendments to the Korea–partner social security agreement. Before applying, always confirm the latest guidance with both the Korean National Pension Service (NPS) and your home pension authority.
Where official sources differ, statutory agencies take precedence: National Health Insurance Service and National Pension Service publications over EPIK program guidance.
Irish Applicants Ask
Do Irish teachers get their Korean pension back?
Generally no. The NPS states that lump-sum refunds are not granted to Irish nationals under the Ireland–Korea agreement. General reciprocity provisions and future amendments can create exceptions — confirm your individual case with the NPS before counting on a refund.
How do I get a Garda police certificate for Korea?
Apply in writing to the Garda district headquarters covering your home address, stating it is for a Korean visa. It is issued free of charge; then have it apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
How long does the process take from Ireland?
Plan 2–4 months from requesting your Garda certificate to arrival. Certificate and apostille timelines are predictable; the EPIK review window usually sets the pace.
Do Irish applicants need a TEFL certificate for EPIK?
Yes — the official EPIK minimum is a 100-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate unless you hold an education degree or teaching license.
How much can Irish citizens earn teaching in Korea?
EPIK base pay is ₩2.1–2.8 million per month by level, plus allowances, severance of roughly one month's pay, and free furnished housing. Hagwon contracts are negotiated individually and commonly fall in a similar range.
This page is general guidance for prospective teachers, not legal or immigration advice. Korvia is a teaching-recruitment company — visa and pension decisions rest with Korean immigration, your consulate, and the relevant agencies. Always confirm final requirements with your embassy or consulate, Korean immigration, or a licensed professional.
Ready to Start from Ireland?
Korvia has placed teachers in Korean public schools since 2006 — free for applicants, including Irish candidates at every step from documents to arrival.
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