Teach English in Gangwon Province

Gangwon Special Autonomous Province spans the Taebaek mountain range and the East Sea (East Coast) coastline, making it the most geographically dramatic province in Korea. The mountains are Korea's highest; the ski resorts are world-class (the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics were hosted at Alpensia and Yongpyong Resort); and the eastern coast — particularly Gangneung — has some of Korea's finest beaches and a café culture so concentrated along Anmok Beach that Gangneung is nicknamed "Korea's coffee city."

For EPIK placements, Gangwon is consistently one of the most requested provinces: teachers get genuine Korean countryside with spectacular scenery, smaller class sizes, and usually generous housing packages. Sokcho, with direct access to Seoraksan National Park, is a favourite assignment. The DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) runs along the province's northern border — unique history accessible to teachers in northern placements.

The practical considerations: most Gangwon cities are 2–3 hours from Seoul by express bus or train, which makes spontaneous Seoul weekends less feasible. Learning some Korean helps, as English fluency outside tourist areas is limited. But for teachers who prioritise natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and authentic Korean rural culture, Gangwon remains unmatched.