Teaching Abroad Direct
Teaching jobs in South Korea are popular, and there are many advantages to teaching there. South Korea remains one of the most widely-liked destinations for teaching abroad, with a large focus on learning English in particular, followed by mathematics and science, chemistry, biology, economics and computer science. Those who want to teach in South Korea typically need to take an English proficiency test (if they are teaching English). Children in South Korea learn English as part of the curriculum, and you'll find that the language is spoken widely. Many children also attend after-school English classes, too. It's worth nothing that teachers in South Korea also aren't expected to speak Korean.
One of the biggest benefits of teaching in South Korea is the large number of job opportunities available. There is a continuous demand for teachers right across the country, with thousands of teaching positions advertised each month. Teachers can choose from a range of roles within public schools, private schools and private language academies (known as hagwons).
Teaching in South Korea also offers valuable international work experience for your CV. As English education is highly valued, teachers have the opportunity to develop their classroom skills while experiencing Korean culture. South Korea's location in East Asia also makes it easy to travel to nearby countries during holidays and soak up various cultures. The skills and experience gained can strengthen your CV and support future teaching and career opportunities both abroad and at home in the UK.
Teaching jobs in South Korea also report fairly high levels of satisfaction. Just over half of teachers, 52%, 'agree' or 'strongly agree' that they're happy with their terms of employment. That said, this is below the OECD average of 68%.
In this article, we'll discuss the main disadvantages and benefits of teaching in South Korea, including salary, accommodation, quality of life, real teachers' experiences and how to apply for teaching positions in the country.
To put it simply – South Korea has a demand for teachers who come from English speaking countries, and there are two main reasons for this.
For K-12 specialists and qualified teachers across early years, primary and secondary subjects, South Korea has evolved from a standard expat destination into one of the most highly sought-after markets on the global international school circuit. Unlike the country's massive English language academy market, which mainly attracts recent graduates, South Korea’s elite international schools cater to career professionals. The immense popularity among licensed teachers stems from an exceptional balance of high wages, world-class school infrastructure and a good quality of life that allows teachers to thrive both personally and professionally.
Financially, the compensation packages offered by schools in places like Seoul, Songdo and the Jeju Global Education City are among the most lucrative in the world. First-year public school teachers receive an average monthly salary of about 1.8 to 2.0 million KRW, while first year hagwon teachers receive about 2.0 to 2.1 million KRW. There are much higher ranges for experienced teachers and a separate, often stronger pay scale in international schools.
These teaching contracts often bundle in lots of benefits like rent-free multi-bedroom housing, annual round-trip flights for a teacher's family, and free or heavily subsidised school tuition for teachers' dependents. This means that living expenses are more affordable and are kept remarkably low.
Teachers from overseas are also attracted to the sheer scale, funding and academic prestige of South Korea's top campuses. Schools like Seoul Foreign School, Chadwick International and North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Jeju feature luxury facilities similar to that of a university, including state-of-the-art STEM labs, swimming pools and performance theatres. For secondary teachers specialising in rigorous frameworks like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP), these schools offer significant career progression and highly motivated student bodies. These schools also operate based on traditional Western academic calendars, so teachers enjoy between 9 and 12 weeks of paid annual leave just like the UK, allowing them ample time to travel throughout Asia during summer, winter and spring breaks.
There's also a huge demand for native English-speaking teachers. Many institutions in South Korea want to have over half of their courses taught in English by 2030. Also, if you come from an English-speaking country, English proficiency is deeply tied to academic achievement and corporate success. For South Korean students, scoring well on English examinations is critical for landing slots at top universities or positions at major companies like Samsung or Hyundai, so English education is a multi-billion dollar industry. To fuel this, the South Korean government and private markets require thousands of native English speakers every year. This massive infrastructure creates an incredibly clear, legal and highly structured pipeline for foreigners looking to relocate.
Statistics from 2022 show that South Korea offers teachers some of the best salaries in the world when compared with other countries. A primary school teacher's annual salary can range from $33,615 right up to $94,489. For lower secondary school teachers, the salary can vary between $33,675 and $94,549. For upper secondary school teachers, it's between $33,975 and $94,549. To add to this, many teachers often have fewer expenses, with just bills and food to pay for, as so many benefits are rolled into salary packages including airfares, visa assistance, health insurance and fully furnished accommodation.
According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four in South Korea are £2,588.9 (₩5,235,634.8), excluding rent. For a single person, estimated costs are £712.6 (₩1,441,083.4), excluding rent. On average, South Korea's cost of living is 15.7% lower than in the United Kingdom. Rent is 53.8% lower than in the United Kingdom.
In terms of general costs, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around ₩10,000.00 (£4.92), and a litre of milk is ₩2,901.40 (£1.43). A loaf of bread is ₩3,919.57 (£1.93), and a monthly pass for public transport is ₩62,000.00 (£30.52). Basic utilities for an 85 m2 apartment (like electricity, heating, cooling, water, rubbish collection etc are ₩265,890.45 (£130.88).
One of the biggest benefits of teaching in South Korea is the opportunity to save money. While salaries may not be as high as in some Western countries, the sheer number of benefits such as free or subsidised accommodation, flight reimbursement, health insurance and severance pay at the end of a contract all mean that teachers are more likely to have more money left over from their monthly wage, and can put more aside for a rainy day or to enjoy other pursuits like travel.
Because housing is often provided, teachers can significantly reduce their monthly expenses and save a larger portion of their income than they might at home. Because South Korea also offers an excellent public transport system and a wide range of affordable dining options, teachers can keep day-to-day costs like travel and food much lower than in the UK.
Many teachers use their savings to travel throughout South Korea and neighbouring countries during school holidays, while others choose to build up their savings over the course of their contract. Teachers who complete a 12-month contract are often entitled to severance pay equivalent to one month's salary, giving them an extra financial reward at the end of their stay.
For instance, one teacher blogger mentions in April 2026 that they earned around 2.1 million won per month, had housing provided by their employer, and reported saving approximately 18.9 million won (around US$17,000 at the time) after completing a 12-month contract and receiving severance pay for one year.
Many teachers, and especially those who enter South Korea to teach English, will find that their school offers them either completely free or subsidised accommodation as part of their contract. Most public school teaching contracts in South Korea include either free accommodation provided by the school, or a housing allowance that helps cover rent if teachers choose their own accommodation. In the government-run EPIK programme, teachers are typically provided with a leased apartment, studio, or one-room apartment arranged by their local education office. Rent is typically covered by the school, but teachers will still need to pay utilities and maintenance costs. That said, not having to pay for accommodation can be a considerable saving.
Accommodation standards vary depending on the city and region. Teachers in major cities such as Seoul are likely to receive smaller apartments due to space being at a premium. Those who base themselves in more rural areas often have larger living spaces due to lower housing costs. Many teachers' free apartments in South Korea feature basics such as a double bed, kitchen, desk, living space and a bathroom with shower. Open plan design features heavily, with a bed, sofa and TV typically all in one room. Some apartments may also have balconies.
Bathrooms are very different from those you may find in Western countries, with no shower enclosure or curtain and the toilet, sink and shower being all in one room. This can require some adjustment, but is part of the experience when teaching abroad in South Korea.
It's standard for schools to provide free airfares to teachers when they head to South Korea. The terms and conditions for this will vary depending on your contract. The usual process is that teachers are required to buy their ticket upfront with their own funds, and the school reimburses them after the first few months of teaching. In some cases though, you may get lucky and the school may purchase the airfare in advance.
It's also common for schools to provide a return flight stipend to your home country, but this is strictly conditional on completing your full contract. To keep costs low, the school will arrange standard economy-class tickets, which usually include layovers and are non-refundable. If you leave your job early, the school may deduct the cost of your initial flight to Korea from your final monthly wage, and some may even withhold a small portion of your monthly wages during the first six months as collateral. Because these transportation terms vary, it's vital that you carefully review the airfare section of your contract and clarify any questions with your school or recruiter before signing. Either way, it's worth having some money saved aside so that you can return to your home country on your own terms should you wish.
In South Korea, full-time teachers are required by law to be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme. Your employer is legally mandated to cover exactly 50% of your monthly medical insurance premium, with the remaining 50% deducted directly from your monthly wages (it's usually around 2.5% of your annual salary). This covers 70-80% of your medical, dental and hospital costs at clinics across the country.
When it comes to pensions, employers and employees evenly split a 9% total contribution to the retirement fund, meaning 4.5% is covered by the employer and 4.5% is taken from your wage. If you're heading to South Korea from a country such as the US, Canada and Australia, you may also be eligible to cash out your entire pension contributions in a lump sum upon completion of your contract and leaving the country. This may be something to negotiate in a teaching offer.
Public school teachers who are from the United States, UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland (universities only), are also exempt from paying income tax in Korea for their first two years in the country.
One of the greatest perks of teaching in South Korea is the country’s world-class public transport network, which puts others around the world to shame. South Korea boasts one of the cleanest, most efficient and technologically advanced subway systems on the planet. Even if you're living in a more rural or a smaller town, an interconnected grid of local buses, trains and cheap taxis ensures you're never truly isolated. Got a long weekend? Take the KTX – Korea's high-speed bullet train – and zip from northern Seoul to the southern beaches of Busan in under three hours. Because the country is actually rather small, it's incredibly easy to tick off every major bucket-list destination, ancient temple and national park within a single year.
When a standard weekend isn't enough, the school calendar opens up doors for big international adventures. During major school holidays like the long summer and winter breaks, teachers have opportunities to explore beyond Korean borders. Incheon International Airport is a well-connected global aviation hub, and with carriers like Korean Air offering effortless direct flights, the rest of the world is at your doorstep. If you're teaching at a private school, you'll get two weeks off per year to enjoy, and if you choose a public school, you'll get three to four weeks off. Many teachers stay in South Korea for more than a year just because of this reason.
South Korea offers international teachers an exceptional overall quality of life built around incredible food, a focus on wellness and nature. For anyone with a passion for food, teaching in Korea is a true culinary adventure. From savoury, globally loved staples like kimchi and bulgogi to mouthwatering, comforting street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and syrup-filled hotteok (sweet pancakes), the local food scene is endlessly exciting. Best of all, traditional Korean cuisine is inherently healthy, focusing heavily on fresh vegetables, meat and rich fermented foods, meaning it's a lot easier to stay healthy and eat affordable food.
That focus on physical well-being extends heavily into South Korea’s luxurious spa culture. Feel the stress melt away in a Jjimjilbang (a traditional Korean bathhouses and spa), which are a staple of daily life and serve as affordable, 24-hour sanctuaries for relaxation. Whether you want to soak in natural hot springs, sweat out toxins in mineral saunas, or indulge in traditional body scrubs and massages, integrating these spas into your weekly routine makes self-care easy.
It's also very easy to plug into the thriving expat community by joining local clubs for everything from soccer and cooking, to Latin dance. Night life is also vibrant – whether you're into high-energy clubs pumping the latest K-pop hits or relaxing with friends in a cosy, hidden bar in Seoul’s famous Gangnam district.
While the overall quality of life outside the classroom is exceptionally high, prospective teachers should also understand what is expected of them and the unique professional landscape inside South Korean schools.
Recent international data reveals that teachers in South Korea actually report relatively low levels of stress when it comes to standard operational pressures, such as lesson preparation, covering for absent colleagues, adjusting for special educational needs, or managing student achievement metrics. However, the job presents distinct interpersonal challenges that are linked to managing parents' concerns. South Korea stands out globally for having some of the highest reported levels of teacher stress tied directly to navigating intense parental expectations (57%) and managing difficult student behaviour (49%), including instances of verbal abuse or intimidation. Ultimately, the real test of teaching in South Korea lies in your ability to diplomatically manage complex parent relationships and maintain strong, resilient classroom boundaries.
While public schools generally stick to standard daytime hours, teachers at private academies (hagwons) or intensive boarding schools often face demanding schedules. Late-night shifts that run into the mid-evening, mandatory weekend events or intensive desk-warming periods (where you have to remain at your desk even when you aren't teaching), can be demanding. For some Western teachers, having a more rigid corporate-style workday can be one of the heaviest initial hurdles. Schools also expect absolute punctuality, flawless presentation and a high degree of flexibility when sudden schedule changes occur, such as a teacher giving up a weekend for an event. Teachers are seen as prestigious representatives of the school, so the pressure to deliver flawless results and maintain a polished image is always present.
While English is spoken widely, living in a country where English is not the primary language can have its everyday challenges. Simple tasks we take for granted like setting up a bank account, navigating a medical appointment, sorting recycling or reading a restaurant menu can take more time and patience. While translation apps can help, the language barrier can occasionally feel isolating from time to time.
South Korean professional culture is deeply rooted in traditional values that place a massive emphasis on age, seniority and strict workplace hierarchy – to a point where seniors are addressed differently to younger people. In the staffroom, decisions are often made by more senior people, and questioning a supervisor or senior colleague is discouraged. For Western teachers accustomed to flat corporate structures or open collaborative feedback, adapting to this highly formal etiquette requires patience and a willingness to read between the lines.
Teaching abroad is exciting, but culture shock is a natural part of the expat experience. Missing major family milestones, adjusting to a completely different collective social etiquette, navigating a dense environment and different way of life can eventually trigger bouts of homesickness. It takes time to find your footing, to build a brand-new support network and feel truly at home in a culture that operates so differently from the West.
“I’ll arrive [at my school] at 8:35 am where I would gather my materials for the classes that day, then I would set up the classroom for my students to come in at 9:00 am. I teach two x 40 minute classes before I have a 30 minutes break where I’ll grab a snack or a drink before heading to teach another two more classes before I have lunch,” says Reanne Miller from the UK. “I have my last class at 1:20 pm, so I’ll teach one more time before finishing all my classes at 2:00 pm”.
“I don't finish work till 4:40 pm, so at this time, I plan for my lessons from the textbook given to me. Or I review the upcoming lessons that I’ve already planned to make any changes. Once it hits 4:40 pm, I walk home to either eat and rest or head out to hang out with my friends for dinner,” she adds.
“I plan to travel to a different city each weekend to explore and to meet new people.”
There are non-negotiable requirements for the E-2 visa if you are thinking of teaching in South Korea.
You’ll need:
At Teaching Abroad Direct, we help UK teachers secure positions in international schools around the world, including South Korea.
Visit www.teachingabroaddirect.co.uk to learn more about teaching opportunities overseas and for teaching jobs in South Korea and other locations across Asia.
Teaching Abroad Direct regularly speaks with British teachers currently working overseas.
Journalists interested in speaking with teachers currently working in other countries can contact us via [email protected]
