경상남도 · Gyeongnam
Teach English in Gyeongnam Province
Korea's south coast — Jinju's river lanterns, Tongyeong's Mediterranean harbour, Changwon's city energy, and ferry access to dozens of uninhabited islands.
Cost of Living
Low — great for savingsRegion
Gyeongnam
From Seoul
KTX to Changwon Central: ~2hrs 40min
Key Stations
Changwon Central Station
South Gyeongsang Province (경상남도) runs along Korea's southernmost coast, stretching from Busan's western suburbs past Changwon and Jinju to the dramatic harbour of Tongyeong. It's a province of distinct characters: Changwon is a large, planned industrial city with one of Korea's most passionate Lotte Giants baseball cultures; Jinju is a historically significant fortress city on the Nam River famous for one of Korea's most beautiful festivals; Tongyeong is often called "Korea's Naples" for its Mediterranean-feeling harbour, blue water, and ferries departing to some of Korea's most remote islands.
The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival (October) transforms the Nam River into a carpet of floating lanterns — it's one of Korea's most spectacular annual events and relatively unknown internationally, making it genuinely authentic and un-touristy compared to better-known festivals.
For EPIK teachers, Gyeongnam offers a coastal teaching experience with reasonable city infrastructure in Changwon and Jinju, excellent seafood, and the proximity of both the Busan metro area and the island archipelago.
Cost of Living
Studio: 200,000–400,000 KRW/month. EPIK housing provided. Changwon slightly higher than smaller cities. Meals: 6,000–9,000 KRW.
Housing
EPIK housing standard. Changwon has good independent apartment availability. Jinju and Tongyeong have very affordable older-stock housing.
Key Neighbourhoods
Changwon (provincial capital, planned city)
Jinju (historic fortress city, Nam River)
Tongyeong (harbour, islands, "Korea's Naples")
Geoje Island (거제도
accessible island)
Getting Around
From Seoul
KTX to Changwon Central: ~2hrs 40min. KTX to Jinju: ~2hrs 50min. Bus to Tongyeong: ~4hrs.
Subway Lines
- •Changwon City Bus Rapid Transit
- •No subway in other Gyeongnam cities
Key Stations
- →Changwon Central Station (KTX)
- →Jinju Station
- →Tongyeong Bus Terminal
- →Masan Station
Transit Tip
Changwon is the provincial capital and logistical hub. Tongyeong ferry terminal connects to Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park islands.
Culture & Vibe
Coastal-proud, baseball-mad (Changwon), and steeped in naval history. Gyeongnam has a character closer to Busan than Seoul.
🎬 On Screen
Korea's highest-grossing film of all time depicts Admiral Yi Sun-sin's 1597 naval battle — South Sea (남해) locations near Tongyeong and Namhae directly referenced.
South Sea island sequences filmed near Tongyeong and Hallyeohaesang Marine Park archipelago. Netflix global hit.
Landmarks
Festivals
- 🎉Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival (October) — Korea's most magical river festival
- 🎉Changwon Fireworks Festival (October)
- 🎉Tongyeong International Music Festival (March/April)
Expat Community
Moderate-sized community, mostly EPIK. Changwon and Jinju have active expat Facebook groups.
Life Here
🗺️ Things To Do
- •Jinju Lantern Festival (October) — float lanterns on the Nam River at Jinjuseong Fortress
- •Tongyeong island hopping — ferries to Bijindo, Somaemuldo, Hansando
- •Geoje Island (거제도) — Korea's second-largest island, beach road trip
- •Changwon NC Dinos or Lotte Giants baseball game — Korean baseball culture is uniquely fun
- •Hallyeohaesang coastal trail by kayak or ferry
🍜 Food Scene
- •Tongyeong gunchima (굴구이) — grilled oysters fresh from Tongyeong (Korea's oyster capital)
- •Jinju bibimbap (진주비빔밥) — uses yuk-hoe (raw beef) as a topping, distinct from Jeonju version
- •Changwon-style dakgalbi and pork belly restaurants in Masanhappo area
- •Gyeongnam green tea omija tea culture — milder and less commercial than Boseong
☕ Cafés
Expat Tips for Teachers
Jinju Lantern Festival is worth organising your entire October around — absolutely unmissable
Tongyeong is genuinely one of Korea's most beautiful cities — take a long weekend there
Geoje Island has a WW2-era POW camp museum that offers a very different perspective on Korean history
Baseball culture in Gyeongnam is intense and welcoming to foreigners — attend a game
Find Teaching Jobs in Gyeongnam Province
Browse Korvia-vetted positions in Gyeongnam Province and surrounding areas. Apply with a team that knows Korea.