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South Korea Teaching Guide

English Teaching Job Types in South Korea

Hagwons, EPIK public schools, international schools, universities, and corporate English — what each pays, what each requires, and which suits you.

Most common

Hagwons — private language academies

Hagwons are private after-school English academies and the largest employer of foreign English teachers in South Korea. Most operate in the afternoons and evenings — students attend after their regular school day. As a hagwon teacher you typically teach classes of 8–15 students aged 5–15, with structured curricula and regular assessments.

Typical hours
2pm–10pm Mon–Fri, some Saturdays
Class size
8–15 students
Age groups
Primarily 5–15 years
Salary
2.0–2.8M KRW/month + housing
Contract
1-year renewable
Hiring
Year-round, peaks Feb and Aug

Hagwon quality varies enormously

The hagwon sector ranges from excellent, well-run academies to problematic employers. Vetting a hagwon before signing is essential — check reviews on Dave's ESL Café and speak to current or former foreign teachers there if possible. TEFL Heaven's Korea program places teachers with vetted partner schools only.

Government program

EPIK — public school teaching

EPIK (English Program in Korea) is the South Korean government's official scheme for placing native English teachers in public elementary, middle, and high schools as co-teachers. EPIK teachers work alongside a Korean English teacher, typically teaching 22 lessons per week with longer holidays than hagwon teachers.

FeatureEPIK (public school)Hagwon (private) Hours8am–4pm Mon–Fri2pm–10pm Mon–Fri HolidaysLong — school holidays applyShort — limited paid leave Salary1.8–2.6M KRW/month2.0–2.8M KRW/month HousingFree providedFree or allowance StabilityHigh — government backedVariable Application6–8 months in advanceYear-round, faster
Premium sector

International schools — the top tier

South Korea has a significant international school sector, particularly in Seoul and Busan. Schools following IB, British, and American curricula offer the highest salaries in the Korean market — 3.5–6M KRW per month and above. However they almost always require a home-country teaching qualification (QTS, state certification) plus experience. Competition is fierce.

Academic route

Universities — the relaxed option

Korean universities hire foreign English teachers for conversation classes and English writing courses. University positions are highly sought after for their schedule — typically 12–15 contact hours per week, long semester breaks, and a genuine academic environment. Salaries are solid at 2.0–3.0M KRW per month, but competition is high and positions are often renewed internally.

Ready to teach in South Korea?
TEFL Heaven places teachers in vetted partner schools across South Korea with full E-2 visa support.
See the Korea program
Business English

Corporate English — the supplement

Corporate English teaching in South Korea involves one-on-one or small group instruction for Korean business professionals, typically at their offices in the early morning (7–9am) or during lunch. Hourly rates of 40,000–80,000 KRW make corporate work an excellent supplement to a primary hagwon or EPIK position. Building a corporate client base takes 2–4 months.

Job types FAQ

Should I go for a hagwon or EPIK as my first teaching job in Korea?
Both are excellent entry points. EPIK offers more stable hours, longer holidays, and a government-backed structure — better for those who want predictability. Hagwons typically pay slightly more and are easier to secure quickly without the lengthy EPIK application process. TEFL Heaven recommends vetted hagwon placements for most first-time Korea teachers because we can guarantee the quality of the school.
How do I know if a hagwon is a good one?
Research is essential. Check Dave's ESL Café Korea forums for reviews of specific academies. Ask the hagwon for contact details of a current foreign teacher you can speak to directly. Red flags include requests to pay visa costs yourself, no mention of free housing, vague contract terms, and directors who are unresponsive before signing. TEFL Heaven only works with hagwons that have passed our vetting process.
Can I switch from a hagwon to EPIK?
Yes — many teachers do a hagwon contract first and then apply for EPIK for their second year. The EPIK application process is long (6–8 months) so start planning early if this is your goal.

See the TEFL Heaven Korea program

TEFL certification, guaranteed placement in a vetted school, E-2 visa guidance, and free housing — all included.

See the Korea program