Move to South Korea as an English Teacher: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re eager to embark on an overseas adventure while boosting your career, teaching English in South Korea offers the perfect blend of vibrant traditions, futuristic cities, and appealing perks. 

In this guide, you’ll find everything from navigating visa requirements and securing a teaching position to exploring top TEFL programs, volunteer opportunities, and essential tips for thriving as a young expat in South Korea.

Why Choose South Korea for Teaching English?

South Korea is where cutting-edge modernity meets deep-rooted tradition.

Here are a few reasons why it might be your perfect teaching destination:

• Immersive Culture & K‑Wave: Dive into the Hallyu phenomenon—K‑pop concerts, K‑drama sites, ancient palaces, and festivals all within reach for daily cultural discovery.
• High Demand: South Korea prioritizes English education, so schools and hagwons constantly seek native speakers — plenty of teaching roles await.
• Competitive Pay & Perks: Earn roughly 1.9 to 2.4 M KRW at hagwons or 1.5 to 3.0 M KRW in public schools plus free housing (or allowance), airfare reimbursement, bonuses, and national healthcare.
• Modern Living & Safety: Enjoy ultra‑fast internet, reliable public transit, 24/7 conveniences, top‑notch healthcare, and one of Asia’s lowest crime rates.
• Vibrant Expat Network: Join thousands of fellow teachers in Seoul, Busan, or Daegu—social events, support groups, and lifelong friendships make settling in easy.

Visa and Work Permit Process

Before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand the visa and paperwork needed to legally teach English in South Korea.

Here’s the lowdown for securing your work visa and permit:

E-2 Visa (Foreign Language Instructor Visa) 

To teach English in South Korea, you’ll need an E‑2 visa, which requires a bachelor’s degree, a job offer from a Korean school, and “native‑English” status from an approved country. Your employer sponsors you by providing a contract and the necessary documents. 

Prepare the following:

• An apostilled diploma
• Sealed transcripts,
• National background check
• Health statement
• Your passport

Submit these to your local South Korean consulate. If approved, your visa will be valid for one year and is renewable if you continue teaching.

Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Within 90 days of arrival, apply for an ARC at your local immigration office. This card serves as your work permit, ID, and health insurance access. You’ll complete a brief health exam (TB, HIV, drug screening) during the process. 

An ARC is required to open a bank account, get a phone plan, and use other essential services. Keep it up to date to maintain legal employment and residency status.

How to Land a Teaching Job in South Korea

Landing a teaching job in South Korea takes focus and follow-through.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Explore Your Options: Choose between public school programs (EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE) for set schedules and benefits, hagwons for year‑round hiring and specialized classes, or international schools and after‑school programs in hotspots like Seoul or Busan.
• Customize Every Application: Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role, spotlighting tutoring or volunteer experience, cross‑cultural skills, and any Korean you know. If asked, submit a warm, professional intro video or photo.
• Showcase Your Credentials: Emphasize your TEFL/TESOL certification and keep your apostilled degree and background check on hand to speed up hiring and visa steps.

Be patient — new positions open monthly, and reputable recruitment agencies can help. With persistence and preparation, you’ll soon sign your contract and embark on your teaching adventure!

Boost Your Resume with a TEFL/TESOL Certification

While a TEFL course is not legally required to get the E-2 visa, most employers strongly prefer it (and public school programs like EPIK require 120 hours of TEFL if you don’t have a degree in education).

Beyond the certificate, a quality TEFL course gives you practical teaching skills and confidence to manage a classroom abroad.

The International TEFL Academy’s Incheon course is an intensive four‑week, 120‑hour program on Yeongjong Island near Seoul. You’ll learn proven teaching methods and lesson‑planning skills, then apply them in about 16 hours of supervised classes with local students. 

Upon completion, you’ll hold an internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certificate and benefit from cultural orientation to help you navigate Korean classrooms and customs from day one.

Volunteer Teaching Options in South Korea

Volunteering in South Korea offers grassroots insight, local friendships, and real classroom practice. It also boosts your résumé if you later pursue paid teaching roles.

Remember to factor in your own travel costs and program fees (which generally cover housing, training, and in-country support).

Here are a couple of programs to get you started:

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) – Teaching in Seoul

IVHQ offers an immersive teaching volunteer project in Seoul that makes English lessons more accessible to underprivileged kids. Volunteers are placed in an after-school community center in the Guro District of Seoul, working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds (including kids of migrant workers) who have limited access to English education. 

As a volunteer, you might assist local staff with lesson planning, tutor children in basic English, and organize fun educational activities. The program includes accommodation in a volunteer house (located at a local temple) and has start dates year-round with durations from 1 to 12 weeks. 

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) – After-School Support in Seoul

IVI partners with local initiatives in Seoul to support children’s education. Volunteers assist at community centers or shelters that provide after-school programs for children. Your role can involve helping local staff with homework tutoring, leading simple English conversation practice, and organizing games or creative activities. It’s not just about teaching English – it’s also about offering general care, mentorship, and cultural exchange. 

Programs are typically flexible in length and include guidance and support throughout your stay. This is a wonderful way to give back and experience daily life in Seoul beyond the typical expat bubble.

Cultural Etiquette and Living Tips for Foreigners in Korea

Before you settle in, it’s important to remember you’re a guest in a country with its own customs and social norms. Adapting to South Korean culture will enrich your experience and help you integrate smoothly.

Here are some key etiquette and living tips for first-time expat teachers in South Korea:

• Learn Key Korean Phrases: Picking up a few Korean words shows respect and makes life easier. Simple greetings like “Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요, hello) and “Gamsahamnida” (감사합니다, thank you) will win smiles. Learning Hangul (the Korean alphabet) is quick and helps with signs, menus, and chatting with students.
• Respect Hierarchy: South Korean culture emphasizes age and status. Offer or receive items with two hands (or support one arm with the other) and bow politely to principals or senior staff. Use formal titles (e.g., “Teacher” or “Principal”), and if you need to raise concerns, do so discreetly to avoid causing embarrassment
• Footwear & Attire: Remove shoes when entering homes, and often schools, using indoor slippers as provided. Dress neatly at work: collared shirts, modest tops, and slacks or skirts. Save flashy or revealing outfits for your free time.
• Dining & Social Customs: At group meals (회식), let the eldest begin eating or toasting. Hold your glass with both hands and turn slightly away when sipping. Pour for others and allow them to return the favor. Share dishes using serving utensils and sample everything offered — even spicy kimchi — to show appreciation.
• Budgeting & Housing: With most teaching contracts covering housing and health insurance, your biggest costs are utilities and personal spending. If you rent privately, learn about the jeonse (large deposit) system. Public transit and local meals are very affordable, so limit splurges on imported goods or nightlife to maximize savings.
• Building Community: Connect online via expat Facebook groups or language exchanges, and join sports teams or hobby clubs. Equally important is forging friendships with South Korean coworkers and neighbors; attend festivals, take classes, or join local meetups to truly immerse yourself.

Ignite Your Teaching Journey in South Korea!

Moving to South Korea as an English teacher is a life-changing adventure.

By preparing with the right visa and paperwork, boosting your credentials through a reputable TEFL certification, or even test-driving the experience as a volunteer, you’re setting the stage for a truly rewarding journey abroad. South Korea offers a unique blend of professional opportunity and cultural richness that few other places can match.

So take the leap, do your research, and get excited to immerse yourself in a country brimming with technological innovation, vibrant pop culture, and time-honored traditions. Your journey to a fulfilling teaching career and an exciting international lifestyle in Korea is just around the corner.

Happy teaching, and here’s to your adventure in South Korea!