Seoul vs Busan: Where to Teach English

For anyone planning to teach English in South Korea, choosing the right city can shape everything—from your daily rhythm to your long-term outlook. Seoul and Busan are the two most popular destinations, each offering distinct experiences that go far beyond just where you live. Seoul pulses with the energy of a global capital: fast-paced, career-driven, and full of opportunity. Busan, on the other hand, flows at a more coastal pace—still lively, but with a different kind of depth.

Both cities are packed with teaching jobs and modern comforts, but they attract very different kinds of teachers. Whether you’re looking to grow your career in a high-powered environment or settle into a more balanced life with sea views and mountain hikes, the decision between Seoul and Busan is more than just geography—it’s about finding the place that fits your goals, energy, and personality.

Job Market and Hiring Options

In terms of sheer numbers, Seoul leads the pack. As the capital and most populous city, it has the broadest ESL market in the country. You’ll find opportunities in public schools through programs like EPIK, along with an abundance of hagwons (private language institutes). There’s also a stronger presence of international schools and after-school tutoring, offering more room to grow professionally or supplement your income.

Busan has a healthy ESL scene too, though it’s smaller and slightly less competitive. Public school roles are often placed through EPIK rather than a city-specific program, and hagwon positions are common throughout the city’s neighborhoods. While Busan doesn’t have the same volume of jobs as Seoul, it's still relatively easy to secure a teaching role—especially if you're flexible about the age group or school type.

Seoul’s market might be ideal for teachers with specific goals (like university jobs or advancement into curriculum development), while Busan works well for teachers who value consistency and ease over hyper-competition.

Salaries, Savings Potential, and Benefits

Base salaries for English teachers in both cities follow similar standards set by the school type and your experience. In Seoul, the higher cost of living is typically reflected in slightly higher base pay—especially in international schools or more elite hagwons. Teachers in Seoul also have better odds of picking up private students or tutoring on the side, which can significantly boost income.

Busan pays slightly less on average, but this doesn’t always mean you’ll save less. Thanks to lower rent and living expenses, your money can go further—especially if you’re content living modestly and prioritizing quality of life over extra income. Contract benefits like housing allowances, airfare reimbursement, and bonuses tend to be consistent in both cities.

For teachers focused on building savings or reducing expenses, Busan may be the better bet. But for those chasing career mobility or supplemental earnings, Seoul has the edge.

Housing and Daily Expenses

Housing is often one of the biggest differences between the two cities. In Seoul, apartments are more expensive and tend to be smaller—especially if you want to live near central districts like Gangnam, Itaewon, or Hongdae. While many schools offer housing or a stipend, teachers in Seoul often spend more out of pocket upgrading to larger or better-located homes.

In Busan, rent is more affordable and apartments generally offer more space for the same price. Neighborhoods like Gwangan, Seomyeon, and Haeundae offer easy access to the beach or city center without the premium price tag found in Seoul. It’s also easier to live closer to nature without sacrificing urban convenience.

Daily costs like food, transport, and entertainment are slightly cheaper in Busan as well. A teacher who cooks at home, uses public transport, and enjoys the beach on weekends can live very comfortably without needing to stretch their salary.

Teaching Culture and School Environment

Classroom dynamics vary across Korea, but Seoul’s academic intensity tends to show through in most school environments. Students often have packed schedules, and parents may expect results from their child’s English education. Teachers may feel more pressure to stick to structured lessons, deliver measurable outcomes, and manage behavior in a fast-paced academic setting.

Busan’s classrooms, while still focused on results, tend to be more relaxed. Students may be just as eager to learn, but there's often less pressure in terms of parental expectation and school rigor. Teachers in Busan sometimes report having more room for creativity, experimentation, and building genuine connections with students.

That said, individual experiences vary widely by school. A hagwon in Busan could be stricter than a public school in Seoul, depending on its management. But in general, Seoul leans toward high performance and structure, while Busan offers a slightly lighter teaching atmosphere.

Lifestyle and City Personality

Seoul hums with energy at every hour of the day. It's a sprawling, modern metropolis packed with cafes, cultural venues, tech-driven infrastructure, and neighborhoods that cater to every taste—from artsy indie enclaves to sleek business districts. For teachers who crave constant activity, late-night eats, and a bustling environment, Seoul rarely disappoints. It’s ideal for people who enjoy variety and thrive on convenience, networking, and the pace of city life.

Busan, in contrast, offers a gentler rhythm. Life leans into the sea breeze—more beach bars than cocktail lounges, more hiking paths than skyscrapers. While still a sizable city, its vibe is more spacious and breathable. You can spend the morning teaching and the afternoon on the beach or in the mountains without commuting far. Teachers who prioritize balance, outdoor living, or a slightly more relaxed social calendar tend to fall in love with Busan’s charm.

Both cities have thriving nightlife and cultural scenes, but the tone is different: Seoul is for the social explorer; Busan for the slow-burner who builds a life step by step.

Transportation and Urban Navigation

Seoul’s transportation system is world-class. Its subway network is vast, punctual, and easy to navigate—even for newcomers. You can live almost anywhere and get to work within 30–45 minutes without a car. Buses are reliable, taxis are plentiful, and intercity trains connect you to the rest of Korea at lightning speed. It’s one of the few megacities where owning a car feels unnecessary.

Busan’s subway system is smaller but still covers major districts and teaching hubs. Buses help fill in the gaps, and the city’s compact size makes commuting less of a grind. Scooters are also more common here, especially among teachers living closer to the beach or outskirts. Busan’s intercity train station gives you access to Seoul and other cities when you want to escape, and ferries connect to islands and Japan.

For daily ease of movement, Seoul wins on scale and efficiency. But Busan’s size and simplicity mean your commute might actually be shorter—just with fewer route options.

Community, Friendships, and Expat Support

Seoul’s expat population is massive and ever-changing. Teachers, students, entrepreneurs, and creatives from all over the world gather in events, co-working spaces, and nightlife hotspots. There’s always something happening, and meeting people is easy—though deeper friendships may take effort in such a fast-paced environment.

Busan’s expat scene is smaller but often more intimate. You’ll see familiar faces, and social groups tend to be more tight-knit. Teachers who stay for a while usually end up with close circles, built through regular events, shared hobbies, and community engagement. It’s a place where it’s easier to feel known.

If you’re highly social or enjoy big-city anonymity, Seoul has the variety. But if you’re looking to form lasting friendships and integrate more deeply into a community, Busan may feel more like home.

Nature, Beaches, and Weekend Escapes

One of Busan’s biggest draws is how effortlessly it blends city life with nature. Beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli are iconic, and they’re just a subway ride away. You’ll also find seaside temples, mountain trails, and ferry rides to nearby islands—all without needing to leave the city limits.

Seoul is surrounded by nature too, but in a different way. The Han River runs through the heart of the city, and hiking trails snake through mountains like Bukhansan and Inwangsan. The city’s parks are well-kept, and weekend getaways via KTX (high-speed rail) can take you to Jeonju, Gangneung, or even Busan in a couple of hours.

Busan is unbeatable for easy, local access to the outdoors—especially if you love the coast. Seoul offers greater variety and longer-distance trips, but you’ll need to plan ahead.

Long-Term Living and Career Growth

Seoul provides more room to grow professionally. If you’re aiming for higher-paying positions—like at international schools, universities, or in curriculum development—Seoul is where you’ll find them. There are also more opportunities for private tutoring, side gigs, and networking within Korea’s educational ecosystem.

Busan doesn’t have quite the same career ladder, but what it offers is stability. Many teachers stay for years, drawn by the livability, affordability, and lower stress. It’s a place to build a sustainable lifestyle, even if the professional ceiling isn’t as high.

If your goal is to climb the career ranks or branch into education-adjacent roles, Seoul has the edge. If you care more about quality of life, saving money, or putting down roots in a quieter space, Busan delivers.

Final Thoughts: Which City Is Right for You?

Seoul might suit you if…

• You want to grow your career in education or earn extra through tutoring.
• You thrive in fast-paced, urban environments with endless options.
• You enjoy big-city life, nightlife, and networking.

Busan could be perfect if…

• You prefer a relaxed pace with access to nature and the beach.
• You value stability, comfort, and community over high ambition.
• You want a balance of city perks and outdoor lifestyle.

Wherever you end up, both cities offer strong job markets, welcoming communities, and the chance to experience Korea in full color. The key is choosing the one that aligns with how you want to live, teach, and grow.