TALK Program Korea: What It Was & Where to Teach Instead

Introduction

If you’ve looked into teaching English in South Korea, chances are you’ve come across mentions of the TALK Program — a once-popular initiative known for its rural placements, flexible contracts, and accessibility to undergraduates.

Officially called Teach and Learn in Korea, the TALK Program offered a unique entry point for those who didn’t yet meet the standard eligibility for programs like EPIK. It gave participants the chance to teach English part-time in small-town public schools, often while still in university.

However, as of July 2021, the TALK Program was officially discontinued by the Korean Ministry of Education.

While the program is no longer accepting applicants, there are still plenty of ways to live and teach Korea — even without prior experience or teaching credentials. This guide will walk you through what the TALK Program used to offer, why it ended, and what your best alternatives are today.

If you’re dreaming of a meaningful job abroad and want a foot in the door, you still have plenty of options. Let’s explore.

What Was the TALK Program?

The TALK Program (Teach and Learn in Korea) was a government-run initiative that allowed native English speakers to teach in rural elementary schools across South Korea. It was launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Education with the goal of improving English education outside of major cities — especially in areas that had limited access to native-speaking teachers.

🎓 Who It Was For

Unlike most teaching programs in Korea, TALK accepted undergraduates and recent graduates — making it a rare opportunity for younger applicants who hadn’t yet earned a full degree or had limited experience.

Participants needed to:

• Be a citizen of a native English-speaking country
• Have completed at least two years of university
• Be in good health and of good standing
• Have a strong interest in Korean culture and education

🧑‍🏫 What the Job Involved

TALK participants worked as part-time English teachers, typically teaching 15–20 hours per week in elementary schools. They worked alongside Korean co-teachers and were encouraged to use games, songs, and storytelling to build students' confidence and language skills.

Most placements were in smaller towns and countryside areas, offering a very different experience from urban life in Seoul or Busan.

💼 What Was Included

• A monthly stipend (₩1.5M–₩1.6M KRW)
• Free housing and round-trip airfare
• One-week orientation in Korea
• Paid vacation and national holidays
• Cultural excursions and mentorship

The TALK Program gave many teachers their first taste of life abroad — and was often a stepping stone to full-time programs like EPIK or GEPIK.

Next: Why did this popular program come to an end?

Why Did the TALK Program End?

The TALK Program officially ended in July 2021, after more than a decade of bringing native English speakers to rural Korean schools. While the program was beloved by many, several factors contributed to its closure.

🏛️ Government Restructuring

Over the years, Korea’s Ministry of Education shifted its priorities toward streamlining teacher recruitment and strengthening existing full-time programs like EPIK. TALK's shorter contracts and part-time nature made it harder to maintain long-term consistency across schools.

📉 Decreased Demand in Rural Areas

As Korea’s population has gradually declined — especially in rural towns — student numbers dropped, and many schools either closed or merged. The need for temporary English teachers in smaller communities became more limited.

👨‍🏫 Preference for Full-Time, Licensed Teachers

There’s been a gradual shift toward hiring more experienced and full-time English instructors, especially those with a bachelor’s degree and TEFL/TESOL certification. Programs like EPIK have expanded eligibility and are now better equipped to meet national teaching goals.

📆 The Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many international programs, and the TALK Program’s final cohorts were postponed or canceled due to travel restrictions, visa delays, and remote schooling — all of which accelerated its phase-out.

While TALK ended quietly, its legacy lives on. Many former participants have gone on to long-term teaching careers in Korea, and the doors it opened are still available — just through different routes.

Next: Let’s look at who the TALK Program was best suited for — and what kind of teachers should look for similar programs today.

Who TALK Was Ideal For

One of the biggest appeals of the TALK Program was its accessibility. It lowered the barrier to entry for teaching in Korea, especially for younger applicants or those just starting out in their careers.

If any of the following describe you, there’s a good chance you would’ve loved the TALK Program — and might still be a great fit for its modern-day alternatives.

🎓 University Students and Recent Grads

• You hadn’t finished your degree yet but wanted international experience
• You were looking for a gap year before grad school or work
• You wanted a way to travel and earn money during or right after college

🏡 Rural and Culture-Seeking Teachers

• You were excited about living in rural Korea, far from city crowds
• You wanted an immersive cultural experience and a slower pace of life
• You were drawn to smaller class sizes and more relaxed teaching styles

🧳 First-Time Travelers or Teachers

• You had little to no teaching experience
• You weren’t sure if TEFL would be a long-term path
• You wanted to try teaching without a multi-year commitment

Even though the TALK Program no longer exists, many of its best features still live on — you just have to know where to look.

Next: Let’s explore the best programs and jobs that offer a similar experience today.

Where to Teach Instead

Although the TALK Program has ended, there are still plenty of ways to teach in South Korea — including opportunities that match TALK’s spirit: rural placements, community focus, and accessible requirements.

Here are some of the best options to consider:

✅ EPIK Program (English Program in Korea)

• Most direct alternative to TALK
• Now accepts more first-time teachers and those with TEFL certification
• Nationwide placements, including rural areas
• Great for those with a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate
• Learn more: EPIK Program Guide

✅ GEPIK & GOE

• Regional government programs for Gyeonggi-do and Gyeongsangnam-do
• Ideal if you want to teach in the suburbs or coastal towns
• Fewer applicants, with similar benefits to EPIK
• GEPIK Program | GOE Program

✅ SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education)

• For those set on teaching in Seoul — Korea’s capital and largest city
• Operates under the EPIK system, but with placements only in Seoul public schools
• More competitive due to high demand
• Ideal for applicants who prefer city life and working with young learners
• Learn more: SMOE Program Guide

✅ HEC Program (Hwacheon EduCare)

• After-school teaching program in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
• Perfect for those who want rural living + creative teaching
• Competitive salary, smaller class sizes, relaxed schedule
• Learn more: HEC Program Guide

✅ Private Language Schools (Hagwons)

• Accept applicants year-round with no prior experience required
• Urban and rural locations available
• Good stepping stone if you’re still working toward EPIK eligibility
• Browse openings: Teaching Jobs in Korea

Whether you’re looking for city life, nature, or something in between — there’s still a place for you in Korea’s classrooms.

Next: What should you do if you don’t quite meet the requirements yet? Let’s talk TEFL.

TEFL Tips for TALK-Style Jobs

One of the best ways to qualify for programs that replaced or resemble the TALK Program is by completing a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification. It’s often the key that opens the door to EPIK, regional programs like GOE and GEPIK, and many private school positions.

🎓 Why TEFL Matters Now

• TALK used to accept undergrads, but most current programs require a bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certification helps you stand out if you have no teaching experience
• It’s required for most public school programs unless you hold a teaching license or related degree

📘 What to Look For

• At least 100 hours (many programs require this minimum)
• Includes in-classroom or practical components (even if online)
• Recognized by accredited institutions
• Bonus: Look for TEFLs geared toward teaching in Korea

🔗 Helpful Resources

• Best Online TEFL Courses for Korea
• TEFL Courses in South Korea
• Teach English in Korea Jobs

Even a short online TEFL course can make a big difference. It shows commitment, improves your confidence, and can qualify you for better jobs — even if you’re just starting out.

Next: Let’s wrap things up with a few final thoughts and links to get you started.

Final Thoughts & Resources

While the TALK Program may be part of Korea’s teaching history now, the opportunities to teach, travel, and live abroad are more accessible than ever. Whether you were drawn to TALK for its rural placements, flexible requirements, or cultural immersion — there’s still a path forward.

With programs like EPIK, GEPIK, GOE, SMOE, and HEC, you can still enjoy the adventure of teaching in Korea — and now with better pay, more support, and even greater impact in the classroom.

Take the time to explore your options, get TEFL certified if needed, and apply early — the right placement could be waiting for you in a small town, coastal city, or bustling neighborhood somewhere across South Korea.

You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” program — just take the first step. Korea still wants passionate teachers, and your next adventure could be just around the corner.