The Top Programs For Teaching English in South Korea

South Korea remains one of the most rewarding destinations for teaching English abroad. The country combines excellent pay and benefits with modern infrastructure, vibrant cities, and deeply rooted traditions.

If you're looking for a secure, well-supported teaching job, government-sponsored programs are the way to go. These roles come with clear contracts, furnished housing, paid vacation, and full visa sponsorship—making the transition into life in Korea much smoother.

Whether you want the fast-paced energy of Seoul or the quiet charm of a coastal town, South Korea’s public school programs place teachers across the country. They’re especially appealing to first-time educators, those seeking cultural immersion, or anyone who wants to live abroad without taking on all the job-hunting logistics alone.

This guide walks you through the top structured programs that place English teachers in public schools throughout South Korea.

🏫 EPIK – English Program in Korea

What It Is

EPIK (English Program in Korea) is South Korea’s largest and most established public school teaching program, run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education. It places native English-speaking teachers into elementary, middle, and high schools across the country as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs).

Where You’ll Teach

EPIK offers nationwide placements—from major cities like Busan and Daegu to smaller towns and rural communities. While you can request a location, final placement is determined by need, availability, and qualifications.

Benefits

• Salary: 1.8 to 2.7 million KRW/month (about $1,350–$2,000 USD), depending on your experience and location
• Free furnished housing or housing allowance
• Airfare reimbursement (inbound and outbound)
• Paid vacation: 18+ days per year, plus national holidays
• One-time settlement allowance
• Renewal bonuses and pension contributions
• Full visa sponsorship (E-2 visa)

Best For

Ideal for first-time teachers who want a structured teaching job, full benefits, and cultural immersion. EPIK is also great for those who want flexibility in placement but still want the security of a government-backed role.

If you’re new to teaching abroad and want a solid foundation in Korea, EPIK is one of the best ways to get started.

🏙 SMOE – Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education

What It Is

SMOE is a branch of South Korea’s public school teaching system, specifically focused on placing English teachers in Seoul’s public schools. While it used to operate separately, it now functions through the EPIK application process, but with placements exclusive to Seoul.

Where You’ll Teach

If you're accepted, you’ll teach in elementary, middle, or high schools within Seoul, one of Asia’s most modern and dynamic cities. Expect large student populations, modern facilities, and access to public transit.

Benefits

• Salary: Similar to EPIK – 1.8 to 2.7 million KRW/month
• Free housing, airfare reimbursement, and settlement allowance
• Paid vacation and national holidays
• Co-teaching model with a Korean English teacher
• Urban lifestyle perks like cafes, nightlife, and international communities

Best For

SMOE is perfect for teachers who want the energy, convenience, and international vibe of living in Seoul—while still enjoying the job security and benefits of a government-run program. Because it’s limited to the capital, placements are more competitive, so strong credentials and early applications are key.

🏘 GEPIK – Gyeonggi English Program in Korea

What It Is

GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea) was once an independently run program placing teachers in public schools across Gyeonggi-do—the province that surrounds Seoul. While it’s now largely absorbed under the EPIK umbrella, some schools and education offices in the region still recruit separately or operate semi-independently.

Where You’ll Teach

Placements are in Gyeonggi-do, a massive province that includes suburban cities and satellite towns like Suwon, Yongin, Ilsan, Uijeongbu, and Anyang. Many of these areas are within commuting distance of Seoul, offering a great balance between urban access and local immersion.

Benefits

• Salary: Typically 1.9 to 2.7 million KRW/month
• Free housing, settlement allowance, and airfare reimbursement
• Fewer rural placements than EPIK, with greater access to amenities
• Possibility of more frequent or earlier application cycles via local education offices

Best For

GEPIK is a great option for teachers who want access to Seoul without the cost or pace of living in the city center. It's especially appealing to those who want more urban conveniences while still being part of a public school program with solid benefits.

🌄 GOE – Gyeongsangnamdo Office of Education

What It Is

GOE (Gyeongsangnamdo Office of Education) is a regional public school teaching program that places native English teachers in Gyeongsangnam-do, a province in South Korea’s southeast. Unlike EPIK, GOE recruits directly through its own system, making it a more hands-on and localized process.

Where You’ll Teach

Placements include cities like Jinju, Changwon, Miryang, and various smaller towns or rural communities. The region is known for its coastal views, rolling hills, and more relaxed pace of life.

Benefits

• Salary: Comparable to EPIK – around 2.0 to 2.5 million KRW/month
• Free housing, airfare reimbursement, and settlement allowance
• Longer vacation than other programs in some contracts
• Direct communication with the GOE office throughout the process

Best For

GOE is well-suited to teachers who want a quieter lifestyle, more authentic Korean immersion, and a lower cost of living. It’s also a solid choice for those who prefer dealing directly with the education office instead of a large, national program.

🏞 HEC – Hwacheon EduCare Program

What It Is

The Hwacheon EduCare (HEC) Program is a local government-backed teaching initiative in Hwacheon County, located in Gangwon-do near the DMZ. It’s a unique program that blends traditional public school placements with after-school teaching in community centers, offering a more immersive and community-based experience.

Where You’ll Teach

HEC teachers work in a mix of public schools and “EduCare” after-school centers, serving elementary-aged children in Hwacheon, a quiet, mountainous town known for its lakes, festivals, and proximity to nature.

Benefits

• Salary: Comparable to rural EPIK placements (~2.0 million KRW/month)
• Free furnished housing
• Completion bonuses and cultural activity support
• Hands-on assistance from the local education office
• Tight-knit teaching community—you’ll likely know most of the other foreign teachers in town

Best For

The HEC Program is ideal for teachers who want a slower pace of life, tight community connections, and a chance to experience traditional Korean culture in a rural setting. It’s especially appealing to those who value purpose-driven teaching in a supportive, small-town environment.

🕰 TALK Program (Teach & Learn in Korea) – Discontinued

Overview

The TALK Program was a government-sponsored teaching scholarship designed for undergraduate students or recent grads to teach part-time in rural South Korean schools. It served as an entry-level alternative to EPIK, especially for those who hadn’t yet completed a bachelor’s degree.

Participants worked fewer hours than EPIK teachers, received a modest stipend, and often lived in smaller communities where they co-taught basic conversational English.

Status

The program was officially discontinued in 2021 due to restructuring within Korea’s education initiatives. However, many outdated listings and third-party sites still reference it, leading to some confusion among prospective applicants.

Note

If you're an undergraduate hoping to teach in South Korea, your best bet is to complete your degree and apply through EPIK or explore alternative options like volunteer teaching, summer camps, or in-country TEFL programs with placement support.

📈 Public Program Comparison Table

Program	Region	Salary (KRW)	Housing	Airfare	Vacation	Best For
EPIK	Nationwide	1.8–2.7M	Yes	Yes	Yes	Most applicants
SMOE	Seoul	2.0–2.7M	Yes	Yes	Yes	Urban lifestyle
GEPIK	Gyeonggi-do	1.9–2.7M	Yes	Yes	Yes	Near Seoul
GOE	South-East	2.0–2.5M	Yes	Yes	Yes	Quieter cities
HEC	Hwacheon	~2.0M	Yes	Yes	Yes	Rural immersion

🎯 Choosing the Right Program

• Prefer a big city with convenience? → SMOE or GEPIK
• Want variety in location and strong support? → EPIK
• Looking for a more peaceful or scenic experience? → GOE or HEC
• Seeking cultural immersion and a small-town vibe? → HEC

🌟 South Korea’s Teaching Programs Make It Easy to Start

Teaching English in South Korea through a government-backed program is one of the most reliable ways to live and work abroad. These programs offer competitive pay, free housing, and plenty of support, making them ideal whether you're just starting your teaching career or looking for a meaningful international experience.

From buzzing cities to serene countryside towns, there's a program that matches your lifestyle and goals. With the right fit, you won’t just teach—you’ll grow, explore, and build a life you’ll never forget in Korea.