China vs South Korea: Where to Teach English

Torn between teaching English in China or South Korea? These two East Asian powerhouses offer distinct opportunities for teachers—from lifestyle and salary to visa rules and career growth. Whether you're drawn to bustling city life, cultural immersion, or the potential to build a long-term overseas career, both destinations have a lot to offer. But they offer it in very different ways.

One path might lead you into fast-paced urban energy, rapid development, and sprawling opportunity. The other into a society that prizes order, structure, and polished professionalism. Choosing between them means thinking not just about where you'll work—but how you'll live.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

To legally teach English in both China and South Korea, you’ll need a few non-negotiables: a bachelor’s degree in any subject, a clean criminal background, a medical check, and a TEFL or TESOL certificate with at least 120 hours of training. These aren’t just preferences—they’re part of the government’s work visa requirements in both countries.

Another key point is nationality. In both China and South Korea, English teaching positions that involve a legal work visa are generally limited to passport holders from seven countries: the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. If you're from a non-native country, options become more limited—but not always impossible, especially in China.

China operates under the Z visa system, while South Korea uses the E-2 visa for foreign English teachers. Both visas require employer sponsorship, but the documentation process tends to be more intensive and time-sensitive for Korea. You'll need apostilled documents, a national-level background check, and sometimes even in-person interviews at Korean consulates.

China, by contrast, can feel more inconsistent—some provinces are stricter than others, and private schools occasionally bend the rules. While that's not always a good thing, it does mean that China has more flexibility in hiring non-traditional candidates. For instance, non-native speakers may find openings for subject teaching or assistant roles if they’re qualified in other ways.

As for experience? Neither country makes it a hard requirement, but the expectations differ. South Korea leans toward polished candidates who can adapt to hierarchical work culture. In China, it’s more about enthusiasm, flexibility, and a willingness to learn on the job.

Compare:

• China offers more flexibility, especially for non-native speakers or those with unconventional backgrounds
• South Korea is stricter but more predictable, with streamlined visa processes for qualified applicants
• Both reward a strong attitude and adaptability, but Korea emphasizes professionalism, while China values versatility and cultural curiosity

Job Market and Demand

Both China and South Korea have strong demand for English teachers, but the shape of their job markets looks very different.

In China, the sheer scale of the country translates into an enormous variety of teaching opportunities. You’ll find jobs in public schools, kindergartens, training centers (also called language schools), international schools, and universities. These are spread not just across major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but also in second- and third-tier cities that are rapidly developing and eager to bring in foreign teachers. Training centers and kindergartens in particular are always hiring, and many schools are open to teachers without prior classroom experience.

South Korea’s job market is more centralized and heavily oriented around hagwons—private academies where students go after school for extra lessons. These are the most common teaching jobs and are available year-round. If you prefer a government-backed program, Korea also offers teaching positions in public schools through EPIK (nationwide), GEPIK (Gyeonggi province), and SMOE (Seoul). These are highly structured programs with a clear application process and solid benefits. Outside of that, there are also international schools and university positions, though these tend to require more experience and are more competitive.

Where China offers more volume and variety, South Korea offers more structure and predictability. In Korea, it’s easier to know what you’re getting into, especially if you go through a public school program. In China, job quality can vary widely depending on the school, the city, and how well it’s managed.

Compare:

• China’s market is larger and more varied, with constant openings across cities, ages, and institutions
• South Korea’s market is more organized, with clear application timelines and set expectations
• Both countries offer stable demand, but China favors flexibility and scale, while Korea emphasizes consistency and quality control

Salary and Benefits

When it comes to pay, both China and South Korea offer competitive salaries for English teachers—but the structure and perks around those salaries are quite different.

In China, salaries vary widely depending on the city, institution type, and your experience. Entry-level teachers at public schools or training centers might earn around $1,400–$2,500 per month, while those at kindergartens or international schools can take home up to $4,000 or more. Universities often offer lower pay but come with lighter workloads and longer holidays. Housing is sometimes included, but more often, you're given a housing allowance or expected to arrange your own apartment. Some jobs also include flight reimbursements, contract bonuses, or even meals—though benefits are rarely standardized.

South Korea’s salaries are generally a bit lower than China’s top-tier roles, but the benefits are where Korea shines. Even entry-level jobs often include free furnished housing, round-trip airfare, contract completion bonuses, and enrollment in Korea’s pension and health insurance systems. These perks make your take-home pay go a lot further. Most teachers earn between $1,500 and $2,000 a month, though international schools and universities can pay higher. Private tutoring is lucrative in Korea—but legally restricted on the E-2 visa, so it's often done under the radar.

While China allows for higher earning potential, especially with experience or side gigs, Korea’s stability and guaranteed perks can offer more financial peace of mind—especially for first-time teachers.

Compare:

• China offers higher salary ceilings, especially for teachers with experience or international school roles
• South Korea provides better benefits overall, including free housing, flights, health insurance, and pensions
• Tutoring in China is legal and widespread; in Korea, it’s technically restricted but commonly done informally

Cost of Living

One of the biggest factors in how far your salary will go is the local cost of living—and here, China often comes out ahead.

China generally offers a more affordable lifestyle, especially if you’re living outside major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen. Rent, food, transport, and even entertainment tend to be budget-friendly, particularly in smaller cities where salaries may be slightly lower but daily costs drop significantly. Teachers who secure a good salary and keep expenses modest can save a large portion of their income, even after covering rent.

South Korea has a higher baseline for everyday living. Utilities, groceries, and eating out all tend to cost more than in China, and while public transport is still very affordable and efficient, it’s not quite as cheap. The upside is predictability—there are fewer surprise fees or inconsistent costs. And because many teaching jobs in Korea include free housing, you may be able to save just as much if you’re careful with your spending.

For teachers who like to eat out regularly or shop for imported goods, South Korea may feel more polished but pricier. In China, local markets and street food keep your food budget low—and often delicious.

Compare:

• China is cheaper overall, especially outside Tier 1 cities
• South Korea offers more consistent quality and infrastructure, but you’ll pay more for it
• Both countries allow teachers to save money, but in China, you’re more likely to save even without housing included

Work Environment and Expectations

Your day-to-day teaching experience can vary dramatically depending on where—and how—you work, and the differences between China and South Korea are worth noting.

In China, the work environment is incredibly diverse. You might be teaching large classes of 50 students in a public school, or leading small-group lessons in a private kindergarten. Some roles come with a rigid curriculum and office hours; others are more flexible and allow for creativity in the classroom. Training centers often run during evenings and weekends to cater to students outside of school hours, which means your schedule may not follow the typical 9-to-5 rhythm. Workloads range from 15 to 35 hours per week, and while administrative expectations can vary, many schools offer basic teaching support and materials.

In South Korea, expectations are more standardized—especially in hagwons and public schools. Class sizes tend to be smaller, which allows for more focused instruction, but schools often expect high levels of professionalism. That means arriving early, dressing neatly, staying for office hours, and sometimes attending school events. Hagwons typically run from the afternoon into the evening, while public schools stick to regular daytime hours. There’s a strong emphasis on punctuality and respect for hierarchy, and teachers are often evaluated based on student feedback and performance.

In both countries, you may encounter an educational culture that leans toward memorization and test prep, especially in public school systems. However, younger learners and international school settings give you more room to bring in songs, games, and creative lesson planning.

Compare:

• China’s work culture is more varied and flexible, but also less predictable
• South Korea offers a structured, professional environment with clearly defined roles
• Both countries value results, but creativity is more welcomed in kindergartens and private institutions than in public schools

Lifestyle and Cultural Experience

Moving abroad isn’t just about where you work—it’s about how you live. And when it comes to day-to-day lifestyle, China and South Korea offer completely different experiences.

Living in China means navigating a country full of contrasts: ancient temples tucked between skyscrapers, regional dialects alongside Mandarin, spicy hotpot in the west and delicate dumplings in the east. Life in big cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, or Chengdu is fast, loud, and always evolving. Smaller cities slow things down but still offer modern comforts. Language can be a barrier—outside major expat hubs, few locals speak fluent English—but that also makes every interaction a chance to learn. While things can feel chaotic at times, there's a certain freedom in how people live, move, and work in China.

South Korea, by comparison, is sleek, orderly, and connected. Public transport is spotless, cafés are everywhere, and high-speed internet is the norm. There's a strong group culture, whether you’re sharing meals, hiking mountains, or celebrating holidays. From K-pop to kimchi, Korea’s cultural exports are global—but there’s still a deeply traditional side. Hierarchies matter, from the classroom to the workplace, and adapting to social norms takes some time. That said, South Korea is generally easier to navigate as a foreigner—signs are often in English, people are helpful, and everything works like clockwork.

Both countries are safe, exciting, and rich in culture—but they reward different personalities. China thrives on spontaneity and contrast, while Korea offers structure and sophistication.

Compare:

• China offers more regional diversity—in food, customs, and pace of life
• South Korea is cleaner, safer, and more convenient, especially for new expats
• China feels open-ended and unpredictable; Korea feels orderly and tightly woven
• Both require cultural adaptation—but Korea’s rules are stricter, while China’s chaos can feel oddly freeing

Travel and Exploration Opportunities

One of the biggest perks of teaching abroad is the chance to explore your host country—and both China and South Korea deliver, just in very different ways.

China is vast. With mountains, deserts, tropical beaches, mega-cities, and ancient villages, you could spend years traveling within its borders and still have more to see. The high-speed rail network is world-class, connecting even remote towns to major cities in just a few hours. Domestic flights are cheap, especially if you book in advance, and getting around is surprisingly efficient given the scale. Whether you're hiking in Yunnan, wandering through Xi’an’s old city walls, or sipping tea in Hangzhou, every region offers a new adventure.

South Korea is small by comparison, but its compact size works to your advantage. You can hop on a train and be across the country in a few hours. Weekend getaways to Busan’s beaches, the mountains of Gangwon-do, or the volcanic beauty of Jeju Island are easy to plan. And with Incheon Airport as a major hub, budget flights to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond are readily available. It's a great base for regional exploration if you're looking to experience more of Asia.

Time off is also worth considering. Public school jobs in both countries tend to offer more paid vacation—especially in China, where winter and summer breaks can be several weeks long. Private academies (hagwons in Korea and training centers in China) usually give less time off, sometimes only one or two weeks per year, plus public holidays.

Compare:

• China is a massive playground for explorers, with endless domestic travel options and diverse landscapes
• South Korea is efficient and accessible, perfect for spontaneous weekend trips and short breaks
• Both offer strong regional travel access, but China gives you depth, while Korea offers ease

Visa Process and Legal Stay

Getting the right visa is a critical step in teaching abroad—and both China and South Korea have well-established systems in place, though they differ in consistency and complexity.

To teach legally in China, you’ll need a Z visa, which is tied to your employer. The process involves gathering a number of documents: a notarized bachelor’s degree, a TEFL or TESOL certificate, a clean criminal background check, a health exam, and an official job offer from a licensed school. Once you arrive in China, you’ll convert the Z visa into a residence permit. The challenge? Requirements can vary by city or province. Some regions are flexible, others are rigid—and navigating the process often comes down to how organized your employer is.

South Korea, on the other hand, is far more standardized. The E-2 visa process is clear and consistent, no matter where you’re headed. You’ll need apostilled copies of your degree and background check, a completed medical form, and an official job contract. Schools are used to sponsoring foreign teachers, and the process is typically smooth if you follow the timeline closely. It does require patience—especially with document apostilles and embassy processing—but there are fewer surprises.

In both countries, your visa is tied to your employer, which means you can’t legally teach elsewhere or switch jobs without a formal transfer. Long-term residency is difficult to secure unless you marry a local or change professions. Most teachers renew their visa annually, often through the same employer or a new one.

Compare:

• South Korea’s visa system is clear, structured, and predictable, with tight timelines
• China’s system is bureaucratic and region-dependent, often requiring more back-and-forth
• Neither country makes it easy to stay long-term, but renewals are common and straightforward with a cooperating employer

Career Growth and Long-Term Opportunities

If you're thinking beyond a one-year contract and looking to build a career—or at least a multi-year chapter—in Asia, both China and South Korea can open doors, just in very different ways.

In China, the opportunities for growth are broad and often entrepreneurial. Teachers frequently branch out into private tutoring, curriculum development, teacher training, or even content creation (YouTube channels, blogs, online courses). The booming EdTech sector and expanding international school market mean that experienced teachers can climb into leadership roles, switch into business or marketing positions within education companies, or even start their own ventures. It’s a dynamic environment for self-starters who can navigate some red tape.

South Korea offers a more traditional pathway for professional development. You can move from a hagwon to a public school, then potentially to a university or international school. Promotions within hagwons are rare, but public schools and international institutions sometimes offer coordinator or head teacher roles. The structured nature of Korean education makes it a solid option for those who want clearly defined job expectations and a reliable resume boost. However, side hustles and freelancing are far more restricted, and opportunities to branch out beyond the classroom are limited under the E-2 visa.

Neither country offers an easy route to permanent residency or citizenship for foreign teachers, but many stay for several years, build experience, and either transition to other sectors or relocate to other countries with stronger long-term options.

Compare:

• China offers freedom, flexibility, and room to experiment, especially if you’re entrepreneurial
• South Korea provides structure and professional growth within established institutions
• Both countries are better for short-to-medium-term stays, though it’s not uncommon for teachers to stay 2–5 years or return again later

Which Country Is Right for You?

Choosing between China and South Korea isn’t just about job titles or salaries—it’s about what kind of life you want to live while teaching abroad. Both countries offer incredible opportunities, but they speak to different types of people, goals, and teaching styles.

If you're someone who thrives on variety, loves exploring new environments, and doesn’t mind a bit of unpredictability, China might be your playground. The job market is huge, the travel options are endless, and the cost of living makes it easy to stretch your salary—especially if you're savvy with side gigs like tutoring or content creation.

On the other hand, if you prefer structure, clean systems, and a strong sense of community, South Korea has a lot to offer. It’s easier to settle into life there thanks to excellent infrastructure, built-in job perks, and a modern lifestyle that blends tradition with tech. The social expectations are higher, but so is the support.

Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you reflect:

You might thrive in China if:

• You’re independent, adaptable, and eager to explore a wide variety of teaching jobs
• You want to save more money or supplement income with tutoring or side gigs
• You enjoy cultural variety and fast-changing environments

You might thrive in South Korea if:

• You prefer structure, clear rules, and a strong support system
• You value safety, tech convenience, and a balance of modern and traditional culture
• You want solid benefits, predictable work conditions, and a cohesive community

Final Thoughts

Whether you're captivated by China’s raw scale and ever-evolving landscape or drawn to South Korea’s sleek modernity and cultural balance, both destinations offer more than just a job—they offer a new way of life. You’ll find students eager to learn, communities to connect with, and challenges that stretch you far beyond the classroom.

China rewards the adventurous: those willing to navigate a bit of chaos in exchange for personal freedom, professional diversity, and limitless travel. South Korea suits those who appreciate order, consistency, and the comfort of a well-oiled system.

In the end, it’s not about which country is better—it’s about which one fits who you are and where you’re headed next. Both can open doors, build skills, and change your perspective on the world. The real win is stepping through and saying yes to the journey.

Read next:

• Teach English in China
• Teach English in South Korea