What is the average English teacher salary in South Korea?

Teaching English in South Korea is one of the most rewarding ways to live abroad—not just culturally, but financially too. While salaries may seem modest at first glance, most teaching jobs come with generous perks like free housing, airfare reimbursement, pension contributions, and even completion bonuses. When you factor in the relatively low cost of living and these added benefits, it’s no surprise that many teachers are able to save a significant portion of their income or use it to fund weekend trips and longer adventures across Asia.

Whether you're a recent graduate or looking for a mid-career change, South Korea offers one of the best teacher lifestyle packages in the region. And with so many school types and job options, your salary can vary quite a bit depending on your experience, location, and qualifications—especially if you’re TEFL-certified.

🏫 1. Public School Salaries (EPIK, SMOE, GEPIK, GOE)

Public schools in South Korea—hiring through programs like EPIK, SMOE, GEPIK, and GOE—offer stable salaries and some of the most attractive benefit packages for first-time teachers. Monthly pay typically ranges from ₩1.5 to 3 million KRW ($1,125–$2,250 USD) depending on your qualifications and experience.

EPIK, the largest of these programs, uses a tiered pay system. Teachers with a TEFL certificate, a teaching license, or prior experience can land higher salaries. Those placed in rural or less-popular regions may also receive additional stipends as incentives.

Perks go beyond pay: public school teachers usually receive free housing, airfare reimbursement, contributions to national pension and health insurance, and 18–21 vacation days a year—far more than most hagwons offer. If you’re looking for a structured, predictable teaching environment with time off to explore Korea or travel, public school positions are a great choice.

🏢 2. Private Academy (Hagwon) Salaries

Private academies, known as hagwons, are one of the most common places for foreign teachers to work in South Korea. Salaries typically range from ₩2.1 to 2.5 million KRW ($1,575–$1,875 USD) per month, with many schools also providing free housing and flight reimbursement.

Hagwons hire year-round and are especially open to teachers without experience. However, vacation time is limited, often just 7 to 10 days per year. Schedules can vary—some schools focus on young children and start in the morning, while others cater to older students and run classes in the afternoon and evening.

The biggest caveat? Not all hagwons are created equal. School quality, management style, and workload can vary widely. It's important to research each school, read reviews, and clarify contract details before signing. Still, hagwons remain a solid entry point into Korea’s ESL market, especially for those seeking faster job placement or more flexible locations.

🏫 3. Kindergarten Jobs: Higher Hours, Competitive Pay

Teaching at a kindergarten in South Korea can be both rewarding and demanding. Salaries typically range from ₩2.1 to 2.6 million KRW ($1,575–$1,950 USD) per month, placing these jobs slightly above average in terms of compensation. Many schools also include housing, flight reimbursement, and sometimes lunch as part of the benefits package.

Kindergarten jobs often involve longer working hours, usually from around 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with some schools combining kindergarten in the morning and elementary classes in the afternoon. These positions require a lot of energy and creativity, but they’re a great fit for teachers who love working with young children and want a predictable daytime schedule.

Because early childhood education is highly valued in Korea, schools tend to be well-resourced, and the curriculum is often structured to help new teachers adjust. Just keep in mind that younger students require more hands-on attention and a lively teaching approach.

🎓 4. International School & University Salaries

International Schools

Teaching at an international school in South Korea is one of the highest-paying options for foreign educators. Salaries usually range from ₩2.5 to 3 million KRW ($1,875–$2,250 USD) per month, with premium schools offering even more. These schools follow international curricula—such as the U.S., U.K., or IB systems—and typically require a teaching license and at least 2 years of formal teaching experience.

Expectations are higher than in public or private language schools, both in terms of classroom delivery and after-school responsibilities like lesson planning, grading, and extracurriculars. But in return, you’ll often receive comprehensive benefits including housing, flights, professional development, and a well-resourced teaching environment.

Universities

University jobs are coveted for their light teaching loads (usually 10 to 16 hours per week) and long paid vacations (up to 12 weeks in some cases). Salaries fall between ₩2.3 and 3.5 million KRW ($1,725–$2,625 USD) depending on the institution and your credentials.

These positions are more competitive and often require a Master’s degree or prior university-level teaching experience. One drawback: housing is typically not provided, and teachers must arrange their own accommodation—often with a large upfront “key money” deposit of several million KRW.

For those with the right qualifications, university jobs offer the best work-life balance in Korea.

👥 5. Private Tutoring: Extra Income on the Side

Private tutoring is a popular way for English teachers in South Korea to supplement their income. The going rate typically falls between ₩25,000 and ₩50,000 KRW ($20–$40 USD) per hour, with more experienced or in-demand tutors charging even higher.

However, there’s an important caveat: tutoring is not allowed under the E-2 teaching visa. Doing so is technically illegal and can result in visa penalties or deportation if discovered. That said, many teachers—especially those on working holiday or F-series visas (F-2, F-4, F-6)—can legally take on private students without issue.

Tutoring offers a lot of flexibility, with lessons often held in public spaces like cafés or at the student’s home. Some teachers also tutor online. It’s an ideal option for those looking to make extra money in a more casual setting, especially once you’ve built up a local network or reputation.

For teachers with the right visa and experience, tutoring can be a lucrative and low-commitment income stream.

📈 6. Factors That Affect Your Salary

Not all English teaching jobs in South Korea pay the same—and several key factors can influence how much you earn. Understanding these variables can help you set realistic expectations and even negotiate a better offer.

• Location plays a major role. Big cities like Seoul and Busan often come with slightly higher salaries, but also a higher cost of living. In contrast, rural placements may pay a bit less but include perks like housing stipends or location bonuses. You’ll often save more money outside the major cities.

• Experience and qualifications matter. If you’ve taught before, have a teaching license, or completed a TEFL certificate, schools may offer you a higher starting salary or better benefits. Some public school programs have tiered pay levels based on experience.

• TEFL certification isn’t just a resume booster—it can directly impact your earnings. Many schools will only consider TEFL-certified applicants, and some government programs offer salary bumps for those with 120+ hour certificates.

• School type is also a factor. Public school programs like EPIK, SMOE, and GEPIK tend to offer stability, benefits, and vacation time, while hagwons (private academies) may pay slightly more upfront but with longer hours and fewer perks.

If you’re looking to maximize your earnings, aim for a TEFL-certified role in a well-reviewed school, consider a location that matches your lifestyle and budget, and don’t be afraid to ask questions during the hiring process.

💡 7. Can You Save Money Teaching in Korea?

Absolutely—South Korea is one of the best places in Asia to save money while teaching English. Thanks to generous benefits and a relatively low cost of living, many teachers manage to put away a solid chunk of their income every month.

One of the biggest advantages? Free housing. Since most schools provide a rent-free apartment or housing stipend, you’re saving on what would otherwise be your biggest monthly expense. Combine that with affordable meals, efficient public transport, and low healthcare costs, and your paycheck goes a lot further than you might expect.

How much can you realistically save? Most teachers report saving $500 to $1,000+ USD per month—sometimes more if they’re disciplined. Others use their income to pay off student loans, travel around Asia, or simply enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Of course, savings depend on your spending habits. Seoul’s nightlife and shopping temptations can drain your wallet quickly, while rural areas with fewer distractions make it easier to save. Either way, South Korea offers a rare combo of strong salaries, low expenses, and high living standards, making it an ideal place to boost your bank balance—or fund your next adventure.

📝 Conclusion: A Great Deal for the Right Teacher

Whether you’re fresh out of university or a seasoned teacher looking for your next chapter, South Korea offers one of the best salary-to-cost-of-living ratios in the ESL world. With competitive base pay, rent-free housing, and extra perks like airfare and national holidays, it’s easy to live well—and still save.

That said, your actual earnings and experience will depend on a few key choices. Getting TEFL certified, choosing the right school, and thinking carefully about location can all make a big difference in your pay, work hours, and lifestyle. And with the added bonus of Korea’s fast-paced cities, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, it’s more than just a job—it’s a life experience.

If you're ready to teach, travel, and grow, South Korea doesn’t just offer a paycheck—it offers a path.

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