The Top Agencies For Teaching English in South Korea

South Korea is one of the most sought-after destinations for teaching English abroad. The combination of good salaries, paid housing, and the chance to experience modern Korean life draws thousands of teachers each year. But navigating the job market—especially as a first-time teacher—can be overwhelming.

That’s where recruitment agencies come in.

Agencies connect you directly with schools, help with the paperwork, and guide you through the entire process. They’re especially useful when it comes to hagwons (private academies), where job listings are often scattered and inconsistent.

This guide highlights the top private recruitment agencies, not government programs like EPIK, SMOE, or GEPIK. Here, we focus on the companies that help you find the right school, get your visa approved, and land on your feet in Korea.

🤝 How Agencies Work

Recruitment agencies act as middlemen between schools and teachers. Whether you're applying from abroad or already in Korea, they help place you in a teaching position that fits your preferences.

Here’s how it usually works:

• You apply through the agency’s website.
• A recruiter contacts you, learns your goals, and helps you build your profile.
• They suggest open jobs (usually hagwons) that match your background and preferences.
• If you accept an offer, the agency guides you through the E-2 visa process, helps with your contract, and prepares you for arrival.

Services Often Include:

• Resume and application feedback
• School matching based on your preferences
• Interview coaching
• Visa paperwork support
• Airport pickup, housing assistance, and even post-arrival check-ins

The Best Part?

Agencies are free to use. They’re paid by the schools, so you get all the support without paying a fee.

Pros of Using an Agency:

• Speeds up your job search
• Gives you access to vetted schools
• Offers support if issues arise with the school
• Saves time (especially helpful for first-timers)

Cons:

• Not all agencies are created equal—some push you toward low-quality jobs
• Limited transparency with certain recruiters
• You still need to do your research and ask questions

A good agency can make your transition to teaching in Korea smooth and safe. A bad one? Stressful and confusing. That’s why this list focuses only on reputable, proven agencies.

🏆 Top Agencies to Consider

Korvia Consulting

Korvia is one of the most recognized recruitment agencies for teaching English in South Korea. Best known for its placements through public programs like EPIK, GEPIK, and GOE, Korvia also partners with private schools. Their services include:

• Full E-2 visa support
• Document review and checklist assistance
• Pre-departure orientation resources
• A robust teacher network and alumni support

Best for: First-time teachers who want guidance and structured support from start to finish.

Korean Horizons

Korean Horizons is an official partner of the EPIK program, placing teachers in public schools across Korea. Known for hands-on service, they also provide:

• Free airport pickup
• Assistance with document preparation
• Local support upon arrival
• Detailed guidance through interviews and housing

Best for: Teachers who want to teach in public schools and value high-touch, personalized support.

Gone2Korea

Gone2Korea specializes in hagwon (private academy) placements throughout South Korea. Their clear, easy-to-navigate job board is paired with a guided application process, including:

• School matching based on your preferences
• Interview coordination and prep
• Visa paperwork assistance
• Positions in cities and regional hubs

Best for: Teachers who want to work in a private school and prefer a more independent, job-board style approach.

Adventure Teaching

Adventure Teaching focuses on more than just job placement—they aim to match you with schools that align with your values and lifestyle goals. They recruit for both public and private schools and are known for:

• Strong onboarding and orientation materials
• Long-term teacher support
• Community-building approach
• Emphasis on meaningful cultural experiences

Best for: Teachers who want personal development and cultural engagement alongside a solid job placement.

Teach ESL Korea (TESLK)

Operating since 2007, TESLK is a veteran in the hagwon space. They work with a broad network of private academies and offer:

• Ongoing teacher support and job transition help
• Transparent contract negotiation
• Mid-contract transfer options
• Positions across Korea, especially in urban areas

Best for: Experienced teachers looking for a change or a long-term fit.

PlanetESL

Based in Seoul, PlanetESL has over 15 years of experience connecting teachers with private schools, particularly in South Korea’s major urban centers. Their services include:

• Customized job matching for urban placements
• Interview scheduling and contract review
• Pre-departure guidance and housing support
• Emphasis on long-term teacher retention

Best for: Teachers who want to be placed in Seoul or other big cities with detailed support from a long-standing agency.

ESL Consulting (SeoulESL)

Also known as SeoulESL, this agency has been active since 2005 and works with both public and private schools. They are known for:

• Thorough assistance with EPIK and hagwon placements
• Help preparing interviews and gathering documents
• Strong communication and professional onboarding
• Cultural orientation before arrival

Best for: Teachers who want access to a wide range of jobs and a mix of structured and flexible placement options.

Aclipse

Aclipse partners with large educational companies in Korea to recruit university graduates for full-time teaching roles. Their recruiters are often former teachers, and their services include:

• Job placement in major private school networks
• Personalized support throughout the hiring and relocation process
• Focus on recent college grads and career changers
• No application fees; employer pays the recruiter

Best for: Young professionals seeking structured, full-time teaching roles with built-in training.

TeachEnglishinKorea.org (TEIK)

TEIK is a smaller, boutique agency run by expats with first-hand experience. They focus on high-quality hagwon placements and pride themselves on honesty and teacher care. Expect:

• Direct communication with a small, dedicated team
• Carefully vetted schools and transparent contracts
• Ongoing teacher support, even after placement
• Realistic job expectations and lifestyle advice

Best for: Teachers who value personal relationships with recruiters and want extra assurance before accepting a job.

📌 What to Look for in a Good Agency

Not all ESL recruiters are created equal. A trustworthy agency can make your transition to life in South Korea smooth, while a bad one can leave you stuck in a job you weren’t expecting.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a reliable teaching agency:

• Responsiveness and clear communication
  Good agencies reply promptly and answer questions directly. If they seem vague or slow before you’re hired, that’s a red flag.

• Honest presentation of job offers
  A reputable recruiter will be upfront about job duties, salary, hours, and location. They won’t sugarcoat challenging placements or gloss over key contract details.

• Transparency about pay, housing, and location
  You should know exactly what you're signing up for—including whether housing is shared or private, what the neighborhood is like, and what your working hours will be.

• Post-arrival support
  Some agencies drop off the radar once you arrive. Look for recruiters who provide follow-up, orientation, or emergency support in-country.

❗ Red Flags and How to Avoid Bad Recruiters

While most well-known agencies are legit, there are still shady operators out there. Here are signs to watch out for:

• Vague job listings or sketchy promises
  If a recruiter can’t give clear details about your contract or school, be cautious. “High pay, no experience needed, no interview” usually means trouble.

• Pushing you into jobs too quickly
  If they rush you to sign before you’ve had a chance to research, they may be prioritizing their commission over your well-being.

• No contract or visa support
  Legitimate agencies help you apply for the E-2 visa and review contracts thoroughly. If they tell you to come on a tourist visa or "figure it out when you arrive," walk away.

✅ How to Vet an Agency:

• Look for reviews on Reddit (e.g., r/teachinginkorea) or expat Facebook groups
• Ask other teachers directly (LinkedIn, forums, etc.)
• Google the agency name + “review” or “scam” to see what comes up

A good recruiter should make you feel confident, not confused. Do your homework before signing anything.

🎯 Choosing the Right Recruiter for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all recruiter. The right agency for you depends on your goals, comfort level, and the type of job you're looking for.

Here’s how to narrow it down:

• Need support with public school programs like EPIK?
  → Choose a recruiter that specializes in government placements and offers detailed guidance through the visa and application process.

• In a hurry or aiming for a city placement?
  → Look for agencies that work heavily with private language schools (hagwons), which hire year-round and often have more openings in major urban areas.

• Seeking a values-driven or community-focused experience?
  → Some agencies prioritize teacher support, cultural fit, and long-term satisfaction—ideal if you're looking for more than just a job.

• Confident applying on your own?
  → You can browse job boards like Teast, reach out directly to schools, or sign up for recruiter mailing lists to keep control of the process while still exploring multiple options.

No matter your route, be sure to research carefully, ask questions, and make sure the agency’s priorities align with yours.

🌟 A Good Agency Makes All the Difference

You don’t have to navigate the Korean ESL job market alone.

While it’s possible to apply directly, a trustworthy recruiter can streamline the process, handle your paperwork, and help you avoid red flags. They’re especially helpful for first-time teachers or those navigating the E-2 visa for the first time.

Choose wisely—because the agency you pick shapes your first impression of Korea. With the right support, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth landing and a rewarding adventure abroad.