South Korea is one of the most popular places to teach English abroad, due to its competitive salaries, extensive benefits, high demand for English teachers, and strong opportunities for teachers to save money and travel.
If you are considering applying for ESL jobs in Korea, you’re likely wondering what salary you can expect to make as an English teacher. To help you plan, budget, and prepare for your new adventure, we’ve created this detailed breakdown of salary expectations for teaching abroad in South Korea.
How much ESL teachers typically earn in South Korea
Like most teaching destinations, your salary as an English teacher in South Korea will depend on several factors, including the city you teach in, the type of institution, and your education level and experience. The official currency in the country is the South Korean Won (KRW).
Teaching salaries in Korea are among the highest in the world, where teachers can generally earn between $1,500-$2,500 USD. Most jobs offer paid housing and some include roundtrip airfare. This paired with an affordable cost of living makes South Korea a great destination for those who want to teach English, gain an immersive cultural experience abroad, and build savings.
Public school (EPIK) salary
💰Average monthly salary: $1,500-$2,000 USD
⏰Teaching hours a week: not more than 22
✏️You’ll be teaching: K-12 students
🏠 Common benefits: housing, medical insurance, roundtrip airfare, settlement allowance of $215, severance pay, completion bonus, renewal bonus
Many first-time teachers in Korea participate in the government’s English Program in Korea (EPIK) program. It’s a great introduction to teaching in Korea because you’ll arrive in the country with a job and housing already arranged.
The provided housing will be furnished and either a studio or other private accommodation within a reasonable commuting distance from your school. Utilities aren’t included, so you’ll need to cover those expenses. Salaries are based on an established scale and are determined by education and experience so it’s possible to work your way up to higher pay through additional teaching years or a master’s degree. There are several different monetary bonuses you can qualify for by finishing your contract and renewing for another year.
Hagwon salary
💰Average monthly salary: $1,650-$2,200 USD
⏰Teaching hours a week: 30
✏️You’ll be teaching: all ages, from pre-school to adult
🏠 Common benefits: housing, insurance, flight reimbursement, paid vacation, materials provided
Hagwons are private academies that many South Korean students attend after regular school hours. Also commonly referred to as “cram schools”, hagwons hold English classes for both children and adults. A typical English teacher’s schedule can begin as early as noon and end as late as 10 pm.
Hagwons hire year-round making them an attractive option for those who don’t want to wait for the next school year’s recruitment period. Private academies tend to hire new teachers through recruiters but positions can also be found on job boards where they are posted directed by the employer.
International school salary
💰Average monthly salary: $1,700-$2,500 USD
⏰Teaching hours a week: 20-25
✏️You’ll be teaching: K-12
🏠 Common benefits: housing, health insurance, paid vacation, professional development, roundtrip flights
Generally, international schools pay more than hagwons or public schools but they require more extensive credentials and experience. To teach at many of the international schools in Korea, you’ll need a teaching license from your home country. Some prefer 1+ years of teaching experience. These positions are often very competitive due to the salary, benefits, and potential for advancement.
University salary
💰Average monthly salary: $1,600-$2,200 USD
⏰Teaching hours a week: 10-20
✏️You’ll be teaching: college-aged students
🏠 Common benefits: professional development, housing, paid vacation, health insurance
University positions in South Korea are coveted due to their flexibility and less intense hours than teaching K-12 students. Positions that open tend to have a lot of competition and generally require more than just a bachelor’s and TEFL certificate. Master’s degrees and teaching experience (especially at the postsecondary level) will give you the best chance at landing one of these jobs.
The first semester in Korea starts in March, followed by the second semester in September so hiring tends to happen in the months preceding each start. Benefits vary widely from university to university but foreign teachers on a contract may be provided with housing, health insurance, pension, and other benefits.
Cost of living in South Korea & potential savings
To evaluate your earning potential as an English teacher in South Korea, you’ll need to consider the cost of living and your lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay (in USD) according to Numbeo:
- Rent for 1-bedroom apartment: paid for by employer
- Utilities: $100-$275 a month
- Groceries: $300-$500 a month
- Phone plan: $20-$50 a month
- Dining out (inexpensive restaurant): $5-$10
- Coffee at a local cafe: $3.50
- Glass of beer or wine at a bar: $3.50-$5
- Monthly transport pass: $40-$65
As an English teacher in South Korea, you can save around $500-$1,000 USD a month depending on your lifestyle and expenses. If you are particularly thrifty, mainly do free activities in your spare time, and cook at home, you’re likely to save a good portion of your salary each month.
Where to find English teaching jobs in South Korea
If teaching English in South Korea is on your radar, the good news is that TEFL teachers are in demand. Because of this, there are several routes to securing a good-paying job and benefits. Some of the most common ways to find teaching jobs in South Korea are:
- EPIK: South Korea’s government teaching program EPIK is one of the most popular ways to teach abroad. Applications are accepted yearly for teaching positions across Korea.
- Recruiters: Recruiters work with language academies and schools to identify and hire talent and are free for teachers.
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Teach abroad programs: Teach abroad programs often include an in-country TEFL course with guaranteed job placement after earning your certificate. These programs tend to have program fees to cover training.
Job boards: If you’re happy to job hunt independently, check out the GO jobs board for teaching jobs abroad. There are also job boards specific to teaching in Korea like Dave’s ESL Cafe where schools and hagwons post directly.
If you’re a first-time teacher in South Korea, you may feel more secure going through EPIK, an established recruiter, or a teach abroad program. On GO, you can check program reviews from past participants to make sure you’re working with a reputable organization.
How to increase your earnings as a TEFL teacher in Korea
If you’re curious about how to increase your earnings as a TEFL teacher, check out these top tips.
- Upskill: Getting additional qualifications can help increase your bargaining power as well as equip you with new skills. Advanced TEFL certificates or a master’s degree in TESOL, education, English, or a field you’d like to specialize in (ie. an MBA to teach business English to high-level clients) may land you a raise or better job prospects.
- Consider online teaching: Some teachers supplement their income by teaching online classes, either through a platform or as a freelancer. Depending on the timezone where your students are located, you can swing additional classes in the evenings after work. You may also choose to work a few hours on the weekends for some extra cash to contribute to a travel fund.
- Negotiate your salary: If you don’t ask, you’ll never know! If you believe you deserve a higher salary, speak to your supervisor and lay out the reasons, whether it’s education, experience, or a high student retention rate. If a school or private academy really wants to hire you, they’ll be open to negotiation. It can be uncomfortable to discuss money matters but it’s worth it to make sure you don’t sell yourself short (and to avoid getting bitter about your pay!).
- Search out better opportunities: Your current school or academy may have made it clear that raises are few and far between, even for those who have been employed for several years. If you see a lack of advancement where you’re at, start looking for better opportunities. Your school might even reconsider if they realize you’re serious about moving on!
It’s important to note that it’s illegal for teachers on an E-2 visa to take on private students. Although it’s still done, it can lead to severe legal complications if you’re caught.
If you’re an experienced or highly credentialed TEFL teacher, don’t feel pressured to take the first job offer that comes your way. Your skills are valuable!
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Korea
You’re sold on the salary and cost of living, but what about all the other stuff? Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about teaching English in South Korea.
Do I need to pay taxes?
As an English teacher, you will have to pay taxes in South Korea. Your employer will file taxes on your behalf and the amount will be deducted from your paycheck each month.
If you’re from the US, many expats living in Korea suggest working with an accountant who will help you through the US tax process. Generally, you will need to declare any foreign-earned income but won’t pay tax on it if it’s under a certain amount each year.
What qualifications do you need to teach English in Korea?
To teach English in Korea, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in any subject and be a native speaker with a passport from the US, Canada, Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
For more info on the specifics, hop over to our article on the requirements to teach English in South Korea!
Are English teachers in demand in South Korea?
Yes! According to EF’s 2024 English Proficiency Index, South Korea ranks 50th out of 116 countries on their list and falls under “moderate proficiency.” Larger cities like Seoul and Busan have better proficiency in English than more rural regions of the country like South Chungcheong and South Gyeongsang, which rank “low” on the scale.
To raise English levels across the country, there will generally be more TEFL jobs outside of major cities.
Is teaching English in South Korea worth it?
For most who teach abroad in South Korea, the experience is definitely worth it. Teaching English in Korea is a way to earn a good salary while traveling around the country and wider region. While the culture may be very different from what you’re used to, learning a bit of the language and making Korean friends will give you better insight into all the wonderful things the country and people have to offer.
If you’re adventurous and open to new experiences, give South Korea a try!
Teach, travel, and save in South Korea
Teachers in South Korea can expect to earn a good living and even build savings. In fact, many English teachers return from working in Korea free of student or credit card debt, with modest savings and plenty of extra stamps in their passport.
Beyond the financial benefits, teaching English in Korea is a fantastic opportunity for a culturally immersive experience that will push you to grow, both personally and professionally. Who knows, after a year of teaching in South Korea, you may decide to never leave!
