The Best Places To Teach English In South Korea

From neon-lit megacities to mountain-backed villages, South Korea offers a wide spectrum of places to live and teach. Some areas come with nonstop energy and job competition, while others offer quieter surroundings and close-knit communities. Whether you're into beach walks after class, weekend hikes in the mountains, or late-night eats in a buzzing metropolis, there’s a corner of Korea that suits your style.

Where you choose to teach can shape your entire experience—affecting everything from your work environment and salary to your social life and daily routine. Some regions are packed with hagwons and expats, others offer public school placements where you might be the only foreign teacher in town. The key is to find a location that matches your goals, energy level, and sense of adventure.

This article walks through the best places to teach English in Korea—highlighting what makes each one unique so you can find your perfect fit.

🌆 Seoul: Big City Energy & Endless Opportunity

Teach English in Seoul – As Korea’s capital and largest city, Seoul is where opportunity meets intensity. With the country’s highest concentration of hagwons, public schools, and international institutions, it offers more job openings than anywhere else in Korea. Salaries tend to be on the higher side, and many schools provide full benefits, including housing and airfare.

Life in Seoul is fast-paced and full of contrast—ancient palaces sit beside modern skyscrapers, and quiet temple gardens hide just blocks away from high-end shopping streets. You'll never run out of things to do, whether it's exploring street food alleys, hiking in Bukhansan, or catching live K-pop shows.

Seoul is ideal for teachers who want it all: convenience, culture, nightlife, and professional growth. The competition can be fierce, but for many, the rewards are more than worth it.

🌊 Busan: Beach City With a Chill Vibe

Teach English in Busan – Set on the southeastern coast, Busan blends big city convenience with a laid-back coastal lifestyle. It’s Korea’s second-largest city, but it feels noticeably more relaxed than Seoul, thanks to its sunny beaches, ocean breeze, and slower pace of life.

Busan has a strong demand for English teachers, especially in public schools and hagwons. The expat community here is well-established and social, with regular language exchanges, beach meetups, and cultural events. You'll find everything from bustling fish markets to scenic hiking trails within easy reach.

If you want the professional advantages of a large city—but with less pressure and more beach days—Busan might be your perfect match.

🌉 Incheon, Suwon & Sejong: Greater Seoul Alternatives

Not everyone wants to live in the heart of Seoul—and that’s where cities like Incheon, Suwon, and Sejong come in. These spots offer easy access to the capital while giving you a bit more breathing room and a lower cost of living.

Teach English in Incheon – Just west of Seoul, Incheon is a major port city with Korea’s largest international airport. It’s packed with hagwons and has a strong demand for public school teachers. Rent is cheaper than in Seoul, and you’ll still be just a subway ride away from the action.

Teach English in Suwon – Suwon is a blend of old and new, known for its UNESCO-listed fortress and tech-driven economy. It’s a comfortable place to live, with solid transportation links and a family-friendly vibe.

Teach English in Sejong – Built as Korea’s new administrative capital, Sejong is modern, clean, and still expanding. It's less hectic than older cities, with new schools constantly opening and an increasing demand for English teachers.

These cities are great options if you want access to Seoul without the sky-high rent or breakneck pace.

🏞️ Gyeonggi Province: Suburban Life With City Access

Teach English in Gyeonggi – Wrapping around the edges of Seoul, Gyeonggi-do is the most populous province in Korea and home to countless commuter cities like Ilsan, Bundang, and Uijeongbu. It offers a comfortable, suburban lifestyle with all the benefits of being close to the capital—without the price tag or overcrowding.

Teaching jobs are abundant here, especially in hagwons and public schools, and many positions come with shorter commutes and a quieter work environment than downtown Seoul. You'll still have access to everything Seoul offers—cafés, concerts, museums—but can retreat to a calmer, more spacious home life at the end of the day.

Gyeonggi is perfect for teachers who want the best of both worlds: city access and a more balanced daily rhythm.

🏛️ Daejeon, Cheongju & Central Korea

If you’re looking for a middle ground—literally and figuratively—central Korea offers a blend of modern convenience and slower-paced living. The region is well-connected to the rest of the country by high-speed rail, making weekend getaways a breeze.

Teach English in Daejeon – Often called Korea’s "Silicon Valley," Daejeon is a hub for research, education, and technology. It has a strong network of universities, a relaxed vibe, and plenty of teaching jobs with less competition than in bigger cities.

Teach English in Cheongju – Affordable and welcoming, Cheongju is a pleasant mid-sized city that offers a slower pace without sacrificing convenience. It’s a great option for those who want to save money and avoid the hustle.

Teach English in Chungbuk & Chungnam – These provinces are more rural, offering peaceful surroundings and tightly-knit communities. Public school placements are common, and you’ll have the chance to build meaningful relationships both in and out of the classroom.

Central Korea suits teachers looking for a quieter life with good transportation, low living costs, and a chance to really connect with the local culture.

🎨 Gwangju, Jeonju & The Southwest

Southwest Korea offers a rich blend of tradition, creativity, and local charm. While often overlooked by newcomers, this region is full of cultural depth and relaxed city life—ideal if you want a more grounded and authentic teaching experience.

Teach English in Gwangju – As a center of art, history, and social activism, Gwangju has a strong community vibe and a progressive spirit. It’s home to universities, museums, and music festivals, with steady demand for teachers and a supportive expat network.

Teach English in Jeonju – This charming city is the birthplace of bibimbap and famous for its traditional hanok village. It’s a slower-paced place that rewards those who appreciate cultural immersion and old-Korea aesthetics.

Teach English in Jeollabuk & Jeollanam – These provinces offer a mix of inland and coastal towns with growing opportunities, especially in public schools. Expect a quieter lifestyle, lower living costs, and the chance to experience Korea beyond the tourist trail.

This region is best for teachers who value culture, calm, and meaningful community connections over nightlife and noise.

🏭 Daegu, Pohang & The Southeast

The southeastern region of Korea is a mix of industrial strength, cultural tradition, and coastal charm. It’s home to major manufacturing cities, universities, and a growing number of teaching placements—especially in public schools and hagwons.

Teach English in Daegu – As Korea’s fourth-largest city, Daegu is a busy inland hub known for its hot summers, conservative culture, and strong academic focus. There’s consistent demand for teachers, and the cost of living is lower than in Seoul or Busan. The city has great public transport, mountain hikes, and a reputation for fashion and traditional medicine.

Teach English in Pohang – Set on the east coast, Pohang is an industrial city anchored by the steel giant POSCO. Despite its workhorse image, it offers scenic beaches, coastal temples, and a small but friendly expat community. A good pick for teachers who want a quieter seaside life with solid job options.

Teach English in Gyeongbuk – This province surrounds Daegu and includes a variety of placements in both urban and rural areas. Expect a slower pace, traditional values, and the chance to teach in schools that truly appreciate having a native English speaker on staff.

The southeast suits teachers who want a mix of structure, scenery, and savings.

⚙️ Changwon & Gyeongnam

South of Busan, the cities and towns in Gyeongsangnam-do (Gyeongnam) offer a quieter, more spacious alternative to Korea’s major metro areas. With a strong economy, good infrastructure, and growing demand for English teachers, this region is a hidden gem for those seeking balance and comfort.

Teach English in Changwon – A well-planned city known for its cleanliness, wide roads, and green spaces, Changwon offers a high quality of life with less crowding and noise. It’s popular among families and professionals, with good public services, modern housing, and a reliable teaching market.

Teach English in Gyeongnam – This large coastal province includes cities like Jinju, Tongyeong, and Sacheon, along with scenic countryside and port towns. Jobs are available in both urban centers and smaller communities, making it a flexible choice depending on your lifestyle goals.

This region is ideal for teachers who want affordability, comfort, and access to both the sea and the mountains—without the overwhelm of Korea’s biggest cities.

🌄 Gangwon Province: Mountains, Beaches & Nature

Teach English in Gangwon – Tucked along Korea’s northeastern edge, Gangwon-do is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged mountain ranges, pine forests, and scenic coastline, this region is known for year-round natural beauty—from hiking and camping in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Teaching positions in Gangwon tend to be more rural or located in smaller towns, which means fewer crowds and a slower pace of life. Public school placements are more common here, and you may find yourself as the only foreign teacher in your area—something that can be both a challenge and a deeply rewarding experience.

If you’re drawn to wide-open landscapes, crisp mountain air, and the chance to fully unplug from big-city life, Gangwon might be exactly what you’re looking for.

🏝️ Jeju Island: Laid-Back Island Life

Teach English in Jeju – Often called the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju is a volcanic island famed for its waterfalls, coastal trails, and breathtaking mountain views. With fresh seafood, palm trees, and a relaxed island vibe, it feels like a world apart from the mainland.

Teaching jobs here can be competitive due to the island’s popularity, and positions are more commonly found in private hagwons than public schools. Still, for those lucky enough to land a role, Jeju offers a unique balance of natural beauty and local charm. You'll find a slower pace of life, friendly communities, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Jeju is perfect for teachers looking to escape the hustle, recharge in nature, and enjoy a peaceful, picturesque setting while still earning a solid income.

📝 Conclusion & Next Steps

Whether you're drawn to the buzz of big cities, the calm of the countryside, or the rhythm of the ocean, South Korea has a place that fits your teaching goals and lifestyle. Each region offers something unique—different work cultures, living costs, and daily rhythms—so choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Think about what matters most to you: career growth, cultural immersion, comfort, or adventure. Whether it's the high-rise energy of Seoul, the beachy vibe of Busan, or the mountain trails of Gangwon, there’s a spot in Korea that can make your teach-abroad experience unforgettable.

👉 Find Teaching Jobs in Korea
👉 Explore Online TEFL Certification