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 marketâespecially as a first-time teacherâcan be overwhelming.
Thatâs where recruitment agencies come in.
Agencies connect you directly with schools, help with the paperwork, and guide you through the entire process. Theyâre 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.
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.
Hereâs how it usually works:
Agencies are free to use. Theyâre paid by the schools, so you get all the support without paying a fee.
A good agency can make your transition to teaching in Korea smooth and safe. A bad one? Stressful and confusing. Thatâs why this list focuses only on reputable, proven agencies.
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:
Best for: First-time teachers who want guidance and structured support from start to finish.
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:
Best for: Teachers who want to teach in public schools and value high-touch, personalized support.
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:
Best for: Teachers who want to work in a private school and prefer a more independent, job-board style approach.
Adventure Teaching focuses on more than just job placementâthey 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:
Best for: Teachers who want personal development and cultural engagement alongside a solid job placement.
Operating since 2007, TESLK is a veteran in the hagwon space. They work with a broad network of private academies and offer:
Best for: Experienced teachers looking for a change or a long-term fit.
Based in Seoul, PlanetESL has over 15 years of experience connecting teachers with private schools, particularly in South Koreaâs major urban centers. Their services include:
Best for: Teachers who want to be placed in Seoul or other big cities with detailed support from a long-standing agency.
Also known as SeoulESL, this agency has been active since 2005 and works with both public and private schools. They are known for:
Best for: Teachers who want access to a wide range of jobs and a mix of structured and flexible placement options.
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:
Best for: Young professionals seeking structured, full-time teaching roles with built-in training.
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:
Best for: Teachers who value personal relationships with recruiters and want extra assurance before accepting a job.
Bridge is a recruitment agency that connects English teachers with a wide range of teaching jobs across South Koreaâincluding public schools, private academies (íě), international schools, universities, and business English roles. Based in Seoul, Bridge offers personalized placement services for both new and experienced teachers.
They provide support throughout the process and beyond:
Best for: Teachers seeking a variety of job types and who value reliable, ongoing communication and support.
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 werenât expecting.
Hereâs 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 youâre hired, thatâs a red flag.
Honest presentation of job offers
A reputable recruiter will be upfront about job duties, salary, hours, and location. They wonât sugarcoat challenging placements or gloss over key contract details.
Transparency about pay, housing, and location
You should know exactly what you're signing up forâincluding 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.
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 canât give clear details about your contract or school, be cautious. âHigh pay, no experience needed, no interviewâ usually means trouble.
Pushing you into jobs too quickly
If they rush you to sign before youâve 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.
A good recruiter should make you feel confident, not confused. Do your homework before signing anything.
Thereâs 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.
Hereâs how to narrow it down:
Need support with public school programs like EPIK?
â 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?
â 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?
â Some agencies prioritize teacher support, cultural fit, and long-term satisfactionâideal if you're looking for more than just a job.
Confident applying on your own?
â 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 agencyâs priorities align with yours.
You donât have to navigate the Korean ESL job market alone.
While itâs possible to apply directly, a trustworthy recruiter can streamline the process, handle your paperwork, and help you avoid red flags. Theyâre especially helpful for first-time teachers or those navigating the E-2 visa for the first time.
Choose wiselyâbecause the agency you pick shapes your first impression of Korea. With the right support, youâll set yourself up for a smooth landing and a rewarding adventure abroad.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.