EPIK Program Korea: Salary, Requirements & How to Apply

If you're dreaming of teaching English abroad while exploring a vibrant culture, trying spicy street food, and soaking in mountain views after work - South Korea's EPIK Program might be exactly what you're looking for.

The English Program in Korea (EPIK) is one of the most popular ways for foreign teachers to live and work in South Korea. Backed by the Korean government, EPIK places English teachers in public schools across the country — from bustling cities to peaceful rural towns - offering a stable salary, free housing, and a generous vacation package.

Whether you're a licensed teacher, a TEFL-certified graduate, or simply someone looking to live abroad with purpose, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is the EPIK Program?

The EPIK Program - short for English Program in Korea - is a government-sponsored initiative that places qualified English teachers in public schools across South Korea. It was established in 1995 by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education, with the goal of improving English education and fostering cultural exchange.

EPIK places teachers in a wide range of locations:

• Major cities like Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Incheon
• Small towns and countryside areas
• Occasionally in Seoul (through the SMOE branch)

Teachers are known as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and work alongside Korean co-teachers to deliver engaging, communicative English lessons. EPIK teachers typically work at elementary, middle, or high schools, and placements vary based on your experience, timing, and preferences.

How EPIK Compares to Other Public School Programs

There are a few regional programs that fall under or alongside EPIK:

• SMOE – Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. SMOE now recruits primarily through EPIK.
• GEPIK – Gyeonggi English Program in Korea. Most GEPIK roles are now filled through EPIK.
• GOE – Gyeongsangnamdo Office of Education. A separate regional program, still hiring directly.
• HEC – A smaller program in Hwacheon County with local teaching placements.

💡 If you're accepted into EPIK, your exact location and school will be determined during the placement process — but you'll have opportunities to request certain preferences.

EPIK is widely considered the most reputable and accessible way to teach English in South Korea, especially for first-time teachers or those without a teaching license. It offers the structure, support, and benefits that make the move abroad as smooth as possible.

EPIK Salary & Benefits

One of the biggest draws of the EPIK Program is the competitive salary and benefits package — especially when paired with Korea’s low cost of living and free housing.

As of 2025, monthly salaries range from 2.0 to 2.7 million KRW (roughly $1,500 to $2,000 USD), depending on your qualifications, experience, and placement location. Rural areas often offer a small bonus stipend, while teachers with a teaching license or multiple years of experience are placed at a higher pay grade.

Here’s what else is included:

• 🏠 Free housing or a generous housing allowance
• 🧳 300,000 KRW settlement allowance to help you get started
• ✈️ Inbound flight reimbursement (and return flight after contract completion)
• 💵 Contract completion bonus equal to one month's salary
• 📅 18+ paid vacation days plus all Korean national holidays
• ❤️ 50/50 health insurance coverage and national pension contributions (with refund eligibility after your contract)

🔗 Want full details by pay level, benefit type, etc?
Check out our full guide:
👉 EPIK Salary & Benefits: What You’ll Earn in 2025

EPIK Program Requirements

To be eligible for the EPIK Program, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements - but the good news is, you don’t need to be a licensed teacher to qualify. Many first-time teachers, recent grads, and career changers are accepted each year.

Here’s a quick look at the basic qualifications:

✅ Minimum Requirements

• Citizenship from one of seven approved English-speaking countries
  (USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)
• A bachelor’s degree (in any subject) from an accredited university
• A clean national-level criminal background check
• A 120-hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate, unless you have a teaching license or an education degree
• Good mental and physical health
• Genuine interest in teaching, cultural exchange, and Korean life

🎯 Preferred (but not required):

• Teaching license or classroom experience
• Experience working with children or teens
• Basic Korean language skills
• Open-mindedness and flexibility — especially when it comes to school placement

🔗 Need a more detailed breakdown of accepted certificates, degrees, and documents?
Head to the full requirements guide:
👉 EPIK Requirements: Degree, TEFL, & Eligibility (2025)

EPIK Application Process

The EPIK application process can take 4 to 6 months from start to placement — so it’s important to prepare early, especially if you’re aiming for the March or August intake.

EPIK hires twice a year:

• Spring semester (starts in late February or March)
• Fall semester (starts in late August or early September)

📝 Application Steps

1. Apply through the EPIK portal or a trusted recruiter
   (e.g., Korvia — helpful if it’s your first time applying)

2. Submit your initial application with personal info, education, and experience

3. Prepare supporting documents

   • University diploma and transcripts
   • TEFL/TESOL certificate (120+ hours)
   • National background check
   • Passport scan
   • Two letters of recommendation
   • EPIK Lesson Plan and Personal Essay

4. Interview (video call)

   • Conducted by EPIK/NIIED or your recruiter
   • Questions about teaching, cultural adaptation, and your motivation

5. Final approval & placement

   • If accepted, you’ll receive a Notice of Appointment and begin the visa process
   • Placement details (city, school level) are assigned later in the process

🔗 Want step-by-step help with the paperwork, timing, and interview prep?
👉 EPIK Application Guide: Timeline & Documents (2025)

What It’s Like to Teach Through EPIK

Once you're placed, you'll start your new life in South Korea as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). Your job is to support Korean English teachers in the classroom — helping students with speaking, listening, and real-world communication skills.

What this looks like in practice depends on your school, co-teacher, and region — but here’s a general idea of what to expect.

🏫 School Environment

• Most EPIK teachers work in elementary or middle schools
• You’ll teach 3–5 classes per day, usually 45–50 minutes each
• You may work at one school or rotate between two or more
• Class sizes range from 15 to 35 students

👩‍🏫 Teaching Role

• You’ll co-teach with a Korean English teacher (your “co-teacher”)
• Your role is to make lessons engaging, interactive, and pronunciation-focused
• You might run warm-up games, role-plays, or short lessons
• Some teachers are given more freedom, especially in rural areas

📅 Work Schedule & Duties

• Work hours are typically 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
• You’ll also help with lesson planning, school events, or English camps
• No grading or parent meetings required
• You may get involved in school clubs, after-school activities, or festivals

🌏 Outside the classroom, you’ll have time to travel, make friends, join clubs, and experience everyday Korean life — whether you’re in a lively city or a quiet countryside village.

Pros and Cons of the EPIK Program

Like any teach abroad experience, the EPIK Program comes with its own mix of rewards and realities. For many teachers, it’s a life-changing opportunity — but it’s important to know what you’re signing up for.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide if EPIK is the right fit for you:

✅ Pros

• Stable, government-backed job with guaranteed salary and benefits
• Free housing and low living costs = potential to save
• 18+ paid vacation days plus national holidays
• Cultural immersion and the chance to live like a local
• Work-life balance with a Monday–Friday schedule and no grading
• Great for first-time teachers or those starting a TEFL career

⚠️ Cons

• Long application timeline (can take 4–6 months)
• Limited control over placement — you can request preferences, but it’s not guaranteed
• Some schools provide little guidance or structure
• You may be the only foreign teacher at your school
• Rural placements can feel isolating if you’re not prepared for it

💡 If you’re open-minded, flexible, and excited about living abroad with purpose, EPIK can offer an incredible balance of adventure, stability, and cultural exchange.

Is EPIK Right for You?

The EPIK Program is a fantastic entry point for people who want to teach, travel, and live abroad — especially in a structured, supported way. It’s not the only option for teaching in South Korea, but it’s one of the most accessible and stable.

So, who’s a good fit?

🧑‍🏫 EPIK Might Be Perfect For You If…

• You’re a recent graduate, career changer, or first-time ESL teacher
• You’re TEFL-certified (or plan to be) and excited to work with kids or teens
• You’re open to living outside major cities
• You want to experience Korean culture beyond just the tourist spots
• You’re looking for a government-backed job with solid benefits and vacation time

🛑 It Might Not Be the Best Fit If…

• You want full control over your placement or school
• You prefer teaching adults or test prep
• You need a fast start date (EPIK’s timeline takes several months)
• You want a more urban, expat-heavy work environment
• You’re looking for short-term or part-time contracts

🧭 Not sure if EPIK is right for you?
Browse the latest teaching jobs in South Korea — for jobs private language schools, international schools, etc.

Final Thoughts & Resources

If you’re looking for a rewarding, supported, and adventurous way to live abroad, the EPIK Program is one of the best ways to teach English in South Korea. With its government backing, structured onboarding, and cultural immersion, it’s no surprise that thousands of teachers apply every year.

Whether your goal is to build a teaching career, pay off student loans, or simply explore a new culture, EPIK offers a balance of stability and excitement that’s hard to beat.

✨ Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to submit your application, you’re already on your way to something unforgettable.