Hong Kong vs South Korea: Where to Teach English

Looking to teach English abroad and torn between cosmopolitan Hong Kong and dynamic South Korea? These two Asian powerhouses offer distinct experiences in education, lifestyle, and long-term opportunities. Whether you're chasing career growth, cultural adventure, or simply a better paycheck, both destinations have something unique to offer.

Hong Kong dazzles with its skyline, fast pace, and international flair. It’s a city where East meets West in every aspect—from the food and architecture to the classroom and beyond. Teaching here often comes with strong salaries, modern infrastructure, and access to a highly motivated student base. It’s a great fit for professionals who want to level up their careers while living in one of Asia’s most dynamic hubs.

South Korea, by contrast, offers structure, stability, and cultural depth. With its government-sponsored programs, affordable living costs, and famously warm hospitality toward teachers, Korea is a favorite among first-time ESL educators. From the mountains of Gangwon-do to the streets of Seoul, there’s a strong support system in place and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture.

Choosing between the two is less about which one is “better” and more about which one fits your goals, lifestyle, and teaching aspirations. Let’s break it down.

Eligibility and Teaching Requirements

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, it's important to know what each country expects from its foreign teachers—and how those expectations can shape your options.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong tends to favor experienced, qualified teachers—especially for positions in public schools and international institutions. A bachelor’s degree is required across the board, and most schools will also expect a TEFL/TESOL certificate or teaching license. That said, there is more flexibility in terms of nationality, particularly for roles in private language centers or tutoring.

The most prestigious route into public schools is through the NET Scheme (Native-speaking English Teacher), which offers excellent pay and benefits. However, competition is high, and applicants with classroom experience, education degrees, or a strong academic background stand out most.

The work visa process is manageable but requires employer sponsorship, and approvals tend to be quicker if your school is part of a government-recognized program or has a history of hiring foreign teachers.

South Korea

South Korea is well-known for its structured, standardized pathway into teaching—especially through government-run programs like EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE. These programs have clear eligibility rules:

• You must be a native English speaker from one of seven designated countries (US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa).
• A bachelor’s degree is mandatory, though the field of study doesn’t usually matter.
• A TEFL/TESOL certificate (minimum 100 hours) is strongly recommended—and often required—for public school placements, especially if you don’t have prior teaching experience.
• A clean criminal background check and health exam are non-negotiable for visa approval.

Unlike Hong Kong, South Korea has strict rules around nationality and work eligibility, which can limit access for qualified non-native English speakers. That said, the clear requirements make it easy to know where you stand before applying.

Hong Kong: Great for experienced or certified professionals; offers more flexibility for non-traditional applicants
South Korea: Streamlined and beginner-friendly—but only open to native speakers with degree and TEFL

Where the Jobs Are

Teaching jobs in Hong Kong and South Korea come in a variety of forms, but the structure and accessibility of those jobs can differ quite a bit. From government programs to private institutions, knowing where the work is can help you decide what kind of teaching environment suits you best.

Hong Kong

The teaching landscape in Hong Kong is diverse but highly competitive. One of the most sought-after routes is the NET Scheme, which places native-speaking teachers in public primary and secondary schools. These jobs offer some of the highest salaries in the region, along with generous housing allowances, flight reimbursements, and paid holidays. However, entry requirements are strict, and there’s a strong preference for experienced, credentialed teachers.

Outside the NET Scheme, there’s a thriving private sector. Language centers, kindergartens, and after-school programs are common and often more flexible in their hiring. These positions typically pay less than NET roles but can still offer a good income, especially for teachers who take on private tutoring in the evenings or weekends. Hong Kong also has a small but competitive market for international school and university positions, though these usually require advanced degrees and proven teaching experience.

Most jobs are concentrated in urban areas, particularly on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories. While rural placements exist, they’re far less common than in countries like Korea.

South Korea

South Korea offers a much more structured approach to hiring. The most common entry points are through EPIK (for nationwide public schools), SMOE (for Seoul), and GEPIK (for Gyeonggi Province), though these programs often overlap or shift depending on the year. These government-run programs recruit large numbers of teachers each year, making Korea one of the easiest places for new teachers to get started.

Private hagwons (cram schools) are also a huge part of Korea’s ESL industry. These schools operate in nearly every city and town, offering positions year-round with varying pay, hours, and teaching conditions. While quality can vary between hagwons, many offer free housing, flight reimbursement, and steady pay.

There are also opportunities in international schools and universities, but these roles are more competitive and usually require a master’s degree or higher. Unlike Hong Kong, South Korea sees a significant number of teachers placed in rural areas, though the demand in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu remains strong.

Hong Kong: Competitive job market with strong opportunities in public programs, language centers, and international schools
South Korea: Structured, high-volume hiring via public school programs and a massive private hagwon network

Salary, Benefits, and Job Security

When it comes to pay and perks, both countries offer attractive packages—but the trade-offs between salary, cost of living, and job security are worth looking at closely.

Hong Kong

Teachers in Hong Kong, especially those in the NET Scheme or international schools, earn some of the highest salaries in Asia. NET teachers can expect to earn between HKD 30,000–75,000/month (roughly USD 3,800–9,500) depending on experience and position. On top of that, most receive a housing allowance, gratuity bonuses, medical insurance, and relocation support.

Private language centers and kindergartens offer slightly lower pay—usually in the range of HKD 18,000–30,000/month—but may still include some benefits like paid holidays or medical coverage. Many teachers supplement their income through private tutoring, which can pay very well in such a high-demand, high-income city.

However, job security depends heavily on your employer. While government and international school roles offer multi-year contracts and solid protections, some smaller centers may offer less stability.

South Korea

In South Korea, public school positions via EPIK and other government programs generally pay between KRW 2.2–2.7 million/month (roughly USD 1,600–2,000), depending on your qualifications and location. Hagwon jobs vary more widely, but many offer similar or slightly higher pay, with less vacation time.

The real value lies in the benefits. Most contracts include:

• Free furnished housing
• Airfare reimbursement
• Completion bonuses
• National healthcare
• Paid vacation (especially in public schools)

These perks allow many teachers—even on modest salaries—to save a good portion of their income, particularly if they’re placed in smaller cities with lower living costs. Job security is strongest in public schools and large hagwon chains, though smaller hagwons sometimes come with risks like late payments or contract disputes.

Hong Kong: High salaries, especially in public and international schools; solid benefits for qualified teachers
South Korea: More modest pay but excellent benefits and strong potential to save—even for new teachers

Cost of Living Breakdown

The cost of living can make or break your experience abroad. While both Hong Kong and South Korea offer modern conveniences and world-class infrastructure, they differ significantly in terms of daily expenses—especially when it comes to housing.

Hong Kong

There’s no getting around it: Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in Asia, particularly when it comes to rent. A modest studio apartment in the city center can easily cost HKD 12,000–20,000/month (USD 1,500–2,500), though prices drop slightly if you live further out in areas like New Territories or Lantau. Many teachers offset this with a housing allowance—especially those in the NET Scheme.

Other day-to-day costs are a mixed bag. Public transport is exceptionally efficient and cheap, with subways, trams, and ferries covering the entire city. Eating out ranges from pricey upscale dining to affordable street food, and local markets help cut down on grocery bills. High-speed internet and mobile plans are fast and reasonably priced, while entertainment and social outings can get expensive depending on your lifestyle.

South Korea

South Korea is far more budget-friendly, especially for new teachers. Most public school and hagwon positions include free furnished housing, which is a huge financial relief. Even if you’re renting on your own, a small apartment in a mid-sized city can cost as little as KRW 400,000–700,000/month (USD 300–500).

Eating out is extremely affordable, with delicious Korean meals often costing less than USD 5–8. Transport is also a bargain—metro rides in Seoul start at less than USD 1, and intercity travel via bus or KTX train is affordable and reliable. Utilities and internet are cheap by international standards, making it easy to live comfortably even on a modest salary.

While Seoul’s living costs are higher than smaller cities like Daegu or Gwangju, even the capital remains accessible—especially with housing provided.

Hong Kong: High rent and social expenses, but manageable with employer support and savvy budgeting
South Korea: Overall affordability, especially with free housing and cheap food and transport

Classroom Culture and Teaching Environment

The classroom experience in each country reflects deep cultural values and educational priorities. Your day-to-day job will feel different in Hong Kong versus South Korea—not just in structure, but also in student behavior and teacher expectations.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s education system is highly competitive, heavily influenced by both British and Chinese academic traditions. Students often face immense pressure to perform well on standardized exams, and this translates into high expectations in the classroom. Teachers are generally respected, but you’ll need to be professional, well-prepared, and capable of delivering results.

Class sizes in public schools tend to be large, but the NET Scheme encourages a co-teaching model, giving you the chance to work alongside local educators. Private language centers may have smaller classes but can require weekend or evening hours.

There’s usually room for creativity, especially in oral English and enrichment activities—but expect a fast-paced, results-driven environment, particularly in top-tier schools.

South Korea

South Korea also places a strong emphasis on academic achievement, with long school hours and a cultural obsession with education. Students are generally well-behaved, though they may be shy or hesitant to speak English in class. Teachers are viewed with respect, but you’ll need to be sensitive to hierarchy and etiquette—especially in public schools.

EPIK teachers typically work in a co-teaching setup, supporting the Korean teacher in delivering lessons. Hagwons offer more autonomy but often come with intensive schedules, including evening and weekend classes.

The Korean classroom can feel more structured and repetitive, especially if you're following a set curriculum. However, teachers who bring energy, patience, and cultural awareness often thrive—and students usually warm up once they feel comfortable.

Hong Kong: Academically intense, professional teaching culture with opportunities for creativity
South Korea: Structured and student-focused, with an emphasis on consistency, patience, and respect

Travel, Time Off, and Lifestyle Perks

One of the biggest perks of teaching abroad is how much it opens up your world outside the classroom. Whether it’s weekend hikes, foodie adventures, or long holidays exploring new countries, both Hong Kong and South Korea offer plenty to enjoy in your free time—but in very different ways.

Hong Kong

Despite its reputation as a business hub, Hong Kong is surprisingly green. Within an hour of downtown, you can be hiking scenic mountain trails, relaxing on quiet beaches, or wandering through fishing villages. For those who love urban energy by day and nature getaways by weekend, it’s a dream setup.

Teachers in the NET Scheme typically enjoy longer paid holidays than those in private centers, including summer and Christmas breaks. While language centers may offer less time off, public holidays are frequent, and quick getaways to places like Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan are just a short flight away thanks to Hong Kong’s world-class airport.

The lifestyle scene is diverse and international. You’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and hole-in-the-wall noodle shops on the same block. There’s a buzzing nightlife, a strong wellness culture, and endless opportunities for hobbies and networking, especially for expats.

South Korea

South Korea is a travel-lover’s paradise in a different way. While international flights are slightly pricier and less frequent than from Hong Kong, the real treasure is domestic travel. The country’s KTX high-speed trains make it easy to explore—from the beaches of Busan to the temples of Gyeongju to ski resorts in Gangwon-do.

Public school teachers get paid vacation, often around 18–21 days per year (plus national holidays), while hagwon teachers usually have less time off, though some larger chains offer additional perks. Either way, you'll have enough long weekends to make exploring worthwhile.

Culturally, Korea offers a unique blend of modern life and tradition. The food scene is fantastic, wellness options like jjimjilbangs (Korean spas) are everywhere, and there’s no shortage of karaoke bars, hiking clubs, or language exchanges. The nightlife is famously energetic, especially in cities like Seoul or Busan.

Hong Kong: World-class regional travel access, vibrant international lifestyle, and weekend escapes to nature
South Korea: Incredible domestic travel, deep cultural immersion, and a lifestyle packed with food, fun, and wellness

Long-Term Prospects and Career Growth

If you're thinking beyond a one-year contract and hoping to put down roots—or at least build a longer-term plan—it's worth considering how each destination supports growth, advancement, and staying power.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong rewards experience and credentials. If you enter through the NET Scheme or land a job at a top-tier international school, there’s a clear pathway to career advancement, higher salaries, and longer-term stability. Many teachers move into senior teaching roles, curriculum development, or administration, especially those with degrees in education or leadership experience.

Residency can be a bit more complex. While permanent residency typically requires seven consecutive years of living and working in Hong Kong, many teachers renew their visas through consistent contract employment with the same or related employers. Schools are familiar with the visa process, making renewals fairly smooth for committed teachers.

Thanks to its corporate-style structure, Hong Kong also offers opportunities to pivot into publishing, education management, or corporate training, especially if you’re career-driven and network well within the city’s international community.

South Korea

South Korea may not offer as many high-level career jumps, but it shines in stability and lifestyle consistency. Public school teachers often renew contracts for multiple years, and many move into mentorship, coordinator, or training roles within the EPIK system or at individual schools. Hagwons vary in this regard, but some allow long-term roles with rising responsibilities.

Permanent residency is harder to secure unless you transition to a different visa type (such as the F-2 or F-5), often after several years and meeting income or language requirements. Still, many teachers build fulfilling multi-year careers—especially those who embrace the culture and build strong relationships locally.

There are also chances to move into universities or international schools, though these require higher credentials and strong local networks.

Hong Kong: Excellent for long-term career growth in education or related fields; high-income potential
South Korea: Stable and consistent, with moderate upward mobility and a clear path for multi-year teaching

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might thrive in Hong Kong if...

• You’re experienced and want high pay with diverse roles
• You enjoy fast-paced, international city life
• You’re aiming for long-term career growth in Asia
• You want easy access to travel throughout the region

You might thrive in South Korea if...

• You’re new to teaching or want structured support
• You value strong benefits and savings opportunities
• You want immersive cultural experiences with modern comforts
• You prefer a slower pace with rich traditions and order

Final Thoughts

Both Hong Kong and South Korea offer rewarding teaching paths—but the lifestyle, work environment, and long-term potential feel very different. Hong Kong is ideal if you're ready to hit the ground running in a dynamic, high-earning role. South Korea, on the other hand, is one of the best places to begin your TEFL journey, with its balance of structure, affordability, and cultural depth.

Whichever you choose, you’ll gain far more than just a paycheck. You’ll grow as a teacher, immerse in a new culture, and build memories that last a lifetime.

📚 Explore More:

• Teach English in Hong Kong Guide
• Teach English in South Korea Guide