GOE Program Korea: Teach English in Gyeongsangnam-do Schools

Looking to teach English in Korea but want something different than the usual Seoul or Busan lifestyle?

The GOE Program might be exactly what you're looking for.

Short for the Gyeongnam Office of Education, GOE places native English teachers in public schools across Gyeongsangnam-do — a stunning coastal province in the south of Korea known for its mountains, beaches, cherry blossoms, and slower pace of life.

Whether you’re a first-time teacher or making the switch from a hagwon, GOE offers:

• 📅 Year-round hiring (no need to wait for EPIK deadlines)
• 💸 One of the highest public school starting salaries in Korea
• 🌿 Placements in scenic cities and countryside towns
• ✈️ Flight reimbursement, housing, paid vacation, and full benefits

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the GOE Program — from salary and benefits to eligibility and how to apply — so you can decide if it’s the right teaching opportunity for your next big adventure.

What Is the GOE Program?

The GOE Program is a government-run public school teaching program operated by the Gyeongnam Office of Education. It places native English teachers in elementary and middle schools throughout Gyeongsangnam-do — the southern coastal province of South Korea.

Unlike EPIK or GEPIK, GOE offers something a little different:

• 🌊 A focus on rural towns, small cities, and coastal communities
• 📦 A more relaxed lifestyle with lower cost of living
• 🗓️ Rolling applications — positions open year-round, not just in spring or fall
• 📍 Direct placements — you’ll know your exact location before you arrive

🗺️ Where is Gyeongsangnam-do?

Gyeongsangnam-do (often shortened to Gyeongnam) borders Busan and stretches across the southern coast of Korea. The region is known for:

• 🌸 Jinhae Cherry Blossoms
• ⛰️ Mountain ranges and hiking trails
• 🏖️ Beaches and islands like Namhae and Geoje
• 🏯 Rich traditions, temples, and historic towns

🧳 A Great Fit for Teachers Who Want:

• A more authentic, immersive Korean experience
• To avoid the hustle of big cities
• More freedom to travel, save, and focus on personal goals
• One of the highest public school pay scales in Korea

Whether you're starting fresh or looking to make a change, GOE gives you the opportunity to teach, travel, and live more intentionally in one of Korea’s most naturally beautiful regions.

Next: let’s look at the unique benefits that make the GOE Program stand out.

Why Teach with GOE?

The GOE Program offers a unique teaching experience that blends career opportunity with adventure and lifestyle freedom. If you're looking for a position that gets you away from crowded cities and into nature — without sacrificing pay or benefits — GOE delivers.

Here’s why teachers love it:

📅 Year-Round Hiring

• Unlike EPIK, GOE doesn’t lock you into strict spring or fall intakes
• New positions open every month, making it perfect for those who want to start teaching ASAP
• Great option if you’ve missed EPIK deadlines or want flexibility in your timeline

📍 Know Your Placement Before You Commit

• With GOE, you interview directly with schools
• You’ll know the exact city or town before sending your final documents
• No surprise placements — ideal for teachers who value transparency

🌿 Escape the Crowded City Life

• GOE placements are primarily in small cities and rural areas
• Perfect if you want a more peaceful, culturally immersive experience
• Focus on your hobbies, Korean language, or wellness without urban distractions

🚄 Easy Access to Major Hubs

• Gyeongnam borders Busan, Ulsan, and Daegu
• Many towns are just a short ride from KTX bullet train lines
• Travel across Korea (or hop a ferry to Japan!) during your vacation time

💼 Open to New and Experienced Teachers

• GOE hires both first-time teachers and those with classroom experience
• Prior public school experience is rewarded with higher salary tiers
• Recruiters can help you transfer from hagwons or other public programs

🌊 Whether you want to explore Korea's countryside, live closer to nature, or enjoy a slower pace without sacrificing salary — GOE offers a rare balance of freedom, structure, and opportunity.

Next up: what you’ll earn, and what benefits are included.

GOE Salary & Benefits

GOE offers one of the highest public school salary structures in South Korea, along with the standard benefits you’d expect from a government-backed teaching program. If you’re hoping to save money, travel, or pay off student loans while abroad, GOE is a strong choice.

💰 Monthly Salary (by Level)

Your pay depends on your experience and qualifications. Here’s a breakdown:

• Level 3 (Entry): ₩2.1M KRW (~$1,575 USD)
  Bachelor’s degree only

• Level 2: ₩2.2M KRW
  + TEFL/TESOL (100+ hours) or degree in Education

• Level 2+: ₩2.3M KRW
  + 1 year full-time teaching experience

• Level 1: ₩2.5M KRW
  + 2 years full-time teaching experience

• Level 1+: ₩2.7M KRW
  + 2 years with the same GOE office

🏠 Free Housing or Allowance

• Most schools provide a furnished single apartment
• If not, you’ll receive a ₩400,000/month housing allowance
• Teachers cover utilities and key money if required

✈️ Flight Reimbursement

• Inbound flight covered via entrance allowance (₩1.3M KRW)
• Return flight reimbursed after contract completion

💼 Allowances & Bonuses

• ₩300,000 KRW settlement allowance (first-time teachers)
• ₩2.0M KRW renewal allowance for those re-signing at the same school
  (₩700K upfront + ₩1.3M after contract ends)
• 1-month severance bonus at end of contract

🏖️ Vacation & Sick Leave

• 26 paid vacation days per year (plus weekends and holidays)
• 11 paid sick days (doctor’s note required for consecutive absences)
• All Korean national holidays off

🏥 Health Insurance & Pension

• Enrolled in National Health Insurance (50/50 split)
• National pension contributions, refundable for many nationalities
• Coverage includes health, dental, and vision

🎓 Orientation

• GOE provides a short in-country orientation before you begin teaching
• Includes policy briefings, classroom strategies, and cultural sessions

With higher pay than most public programs, generous vacation, and strong benefits, GOE is ideal for teachers who want both a rewarding job and a chance to explore Korea in depth.

Ready to see what your workday would actually look like?

Work Schedule & Teaching Duties

GOE offers a structured and predictable work schedule — perfect for teachers who want work-life balance while still gaining meaningful classroom experience.

🕘 Weekly Work Hours

• Monday to Friday, 8:40 AM – 4:40 PM
• No nights, weekends, or split shifts
• You’ll enjoy free evenings and all weekends off

📚 Teaching Hours

• Up to 22 teaching hours per week
• Remaining time is for lesson planning, grading, or office hours
• Overtime is rare but paid if required

👥 Co-Teaching Structure

• Most GOE schools follow a co-teaching model
• You’ll work with a Korean English teacher (co-teacher) who helps with:
  • Translating and classroom management
  • Cultural support
  • Joint lesson planning (depending on the school)

🏫 What & Who You’ll Teach

• Most placements are in elementary and middle schools
• High school positions are less common
• Class sizes typically range from 20–35 students
• Lessons focus on speaking, conversation, and cultural exchange

🧑‍🏫 Classroom Responsibilities

• Lead English activities and games
• Support textbook-based instruction
• Create supplemental materials or cultural presentations
• Build relationships with students and co-workers

GOE gives you the space to grow as a teacher — with fewer classroom hours than private academies and a more relaxed school culture. It's a great environment to build confidence, especially for first-time educators.

Next up: Are you eligible for the GOE Program?

GOE Eligibility Requirements

To teach through the GOE Program, you'll need to meet a few core requirements — many of which are similar to EPIK or GEPIK. The main difference? GOE has a tiered salary system based on your qualifications and experience.

🌍 Citizenship

Applicants must hold a passport from one of the following 7 native English-speaking countries:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa

Canadian citizens from Quebec must prove they were educated in English from junior high onward.

🎓 Education

• A bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in any subject from an accredited university
• Applicants currently in their final semester can apply but must graduate before placement

📜 TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certification

• A 100+ hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate is required unless:
  • Your degree is in Education, English, or TESOL
• Both online and in-person certifications are accepted
• Practical teaching components (like practicum hours) are a bonus

🕵️‍♀️ Clean Criminal Record

• A national-level background check is required
• Must be completely clean — even minor misdemeanors can disqualify applicants
• The background check must be apostilled or notarized and recent (within 6 months)

❤️ Health

• Must be in good physical and mental health
• A self-health check is submitted during the application
• A full physical exam is required after arrival in Korea

🎂 Age Limit

• Must be under the Korean retirement age of 62

💼 Salary Tier Eligibility

The more qualifications and experience you bring, the higher your starting pay.
Some examples:

• Level 2: BA + 100-hour TEFL or degree in education
• Level 2+: Add 1 year of teaching experience
• Level 1: Add 2 years of experience or a master’s in education
• Level 1+: 2+ years teaching in GOE specifically

If you're a native speaker with a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate, you're already qualified for entry-level GOE positions — and the rest can be built with time.

Next: Let’s go over how to apply, step-by-step.

Application Process & Timeline

Unlike EPIK, which has strict deadlines tied to the academic calendar, the GOE Program accepts applicants year-round. This makes it a great option if you're ready to start teaching sooner — or if you missed a semester intake elsewhere.

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Apply through a recruiter
   Most applicants go through recruiters like Korvia, who are official GOE partners.
   They’ll guide you through paperwork, interviews, and school matching.

2. Submit your online application form
   This includes personal details, teaching background, and availability.
   You’ll also upload your resume, passport scan, and initial documents.

3. Interview with a GOE coordinator
   If your application looks strong, you’ll be scheduled for an interview (usually on Zoom).
   Be prepared to explain your interest in Korea, experience, and sample lesson ideas.

4. Receive a job offer + school placement
   If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer with specific school details and city/town location.

5. Submit final documents
   Once your offer is accepted, you’ll need to send apostilled documents like your diploma, CRC, and TEFL certificate.

6. Receive your Notice of Appointment (NOA)
   This official contract allows you to apply for your E-2 teaching visa at your nearest Korean consulate.

7. Book your flight & attend orientation
   After your visa is issued, you’ll book a one-way flight to Korea and attend a short GOE orientation before starting work.

8. Begin your new job!
   Move into your housing, meet your co-teachers, and begin teaching at your assigned public school.

📅 Start Dates & Hiring Cycle

• GOE has positions available every month, not just in March or September
• Great for last-minute applicants or hagwon teachers looking to switch
• Hiring timeline: about 2–3 months from application to arrival, depending on document speed

Pro tip: Start your background check and TEFL course early so you’re ready when an opportunity pops up.

Next, we’ll take a look at where you might be placed — and what those cities and regions are like.

Where Will You Be Placed?

One of the highlights of the GOE Program is the chance to live and teach in some of Korea’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. While GOE does include a few larger cities, most placements are in smaller cities, towns, and countryside communities across the southern Gyeongsang province.

🏙️ Cities in Gyeongnam

You may be placed in mid-sized cities with solid infrastructure and easy access to public transport:

• Changwon – the capital city of Gyeongnam (pop. 1.1 million)
• Jinju – riverside city with universities and cultural sites
• Geoje – island city known for its beaches and coastal hikes
• Yangsan – suburban city near Busan, great for commuters
• Tongyeong – laid-back port city with ocean views
• Miryang, Sacheon, Gimhae – smaller cities with great local life

🏞️ Countryside & Coastal Counties

If you want a quieter, immersive Korean experience, you may be placed in one of Gyeongnam’s beautiful rural counties:

• Namhae – stunning island known for nature and relaxation
• Hadong – peaceful and traditional, nestled in the mountains
• Hapcheon – scenic region with temples and lakes
• Geochang, Sancheong, Uiryeong – remote towns with a slower pace of life

🌍 Lifestyle Perks

• Live near beaches, hiking trails, temples, and cherry blossom festivals
• Lower cost of living than Seoul, with more spacious housing
• Easy weekend trips to Busan, Ulsan, Daegu, or even Japan via ferry

If you love nature, want to experience the real Korea, or just need a peaceful place to focus on teaching and personal goals — GOE’s locations are ideal.

Next: Who is the GOE Program best suited for?

Who Is GOE Best For?

The GOE Program isn’t for everyone — but it’s an incredible opportunity for the right kind of teacher. If you're looking for something more flexible, more scenic, and less crowded than the usual big-city placements, this might be your perfect fit.

🌿 Nature-Lovers & Adventure Seekers

• You want to live near beaches, hiking trails, mountains, and national parks
• You’d rather explore local culture than fight through traffic in Seoul
• You’re excited about island life, cherry blossoms, and weekend getaways

📅 Applicants Who Want to Start ASAP

• You missed the EPIK deadlines but don’t want to wait for the next intake
• You're ready to start teaching within 1–3 months
• You want a rolling application system instead of a once-a-year rush

🧑‍🏫 First-Time Teachers with TEFL

• You’ve recently finished a TEFL course and want to jump into teaching
• You’re enthusiastic, flexible, and ready to learn on the job
• You’re looking for a structured, stable position that still gives you room to grow

🔁 Hagwon Teachers & Public School Transfers

• You want to move from a hagwon to a public school system
• You’re looking for more paid vacation and better work-life balance
• You’re ready for a change of pace and scenery

💸 Teachers Focused on Saving or Paying Down Debt

• GOE’s higher salary tiers and lower living costs help you save more
• Free housing + benefits mean fewer out-of-pocket expenses
• Fewer temptations to overspend compared to Seoul or Busan

If you’re flexible, curious, and ready to teach in one of Korea’s most naturally beautiful regions, GOE might be your ideal program.

Next: Let’s wrap up with final thoughts and helpful links to keep your journey going.

Final Thoughts & Related Guides

The GOE Program is one of South Korea’s most underrated public school teaching opportunities. It offers year-round hiring, above-average salaries, and beautiful coastal or countryside living — all with the structure and support of a government-backed program.

Whether you're a new teacher with a TEFL certificate or a hagwon teacher looking for a more balanced lifestyle, GOE gives you the freedom to teach, save, explore, and live at your own pace.

If the idea of cherry blossoms in spring, coastal hikes in summer, and a classroom full of curious students excites you — this could be the start of something big.

🔗 Helpful Resources

• 👉 EPIK Program Korea
• 👉 Teaching Jobs in South Korea

✨ Adventure, purpose, and peace of mind — GOE lets you start your Korea journey on your terms.