South Korea vs Cambodia: Where to Teach English

Dreaming of teaching abroad but can’t decide between sleek, structured South Korea and the relaxed rhythms of Cambodia? These two destinations offer wildly different lifestyles, career paths, and cultural experiences. South Korea is known for its modern infrastructure, strong salaries, and well-organized school systems. It’s a place where teachers are respected professionals, and the career ladder can feel more like a fast-moving escalator—especially if you’re motivated, qualified, and ready to adapt to Korean work culture.

Cambodia, on the other hand, draws a different kind of teacher. Here, the pace of life is slower, the rules looser, and the barriers to entry much lower. It’s a country where you can show up with a TEFL certificate and enthusiasm—and often land a job within days. The classroom environment is more relaxed, the cost of living is low, and the whole experience feels more like a life adventure than a traditional career move.

Whether you’re in search of stability and structure or freedom and spontaneity, South Korea and Cambodia represent two very different chapters in the same story: using your English skills to explore the world, build community, and grow in ways you never expected.

Eligibility and Legal Requirements

If you're looking for a clear, structured path into teaching abroad, South Korea might feel like a well-paved road. To get a legal teaching position here, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any subject, a passport from an English-speaking country, and a national-level clean criminal background check. Most schools also expect a 120-hour TEFL certificate, especially in competitive programs like EPIK or SMOE. Once you land a job, you’ll receive a sponsored E-2 work visa, and you must also pass a health check after arrival.

Cambodia, by contrast, operates with far fewer gatekeepers. It’s one of the few countries in Asia where you can legally teach English without a degree. A TEFL certificate is typically expected, and you’ll need to show strong English skills—native or fluent. While some schools do request background checks or health records, enforcement is loose, and many teachers arrive on a tourist visa and convert it into a business visa after securing work.

The tradeoff? South Korea’s tight system means more job security and standardized benefits. Cambodia’s casual approach means easier entry but also less protection if things go sideways.

South Korea:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Native speaker passport required
• TEFL recommended or required
• E-2 visa sponsorship
• Criminal background check and medical exam

Cambodia:

• Degree not required (but preferred)
• Open to non-native fluent speakers
• TEFL recommended
• Business visa often arranged after arrival
• Minimal bureaucracy and flexible enforcement

Compare:
South Korea offers a reliable, well-regulated pathway that suits those who value structure and career-building. Cambodia welcomes a broader range of teachers, including non-degree holders and digital nomads, making it ideal for those who value flexibility and an easy entry point.

Job Market and Types of Positions

South Korea’s teaching market is one of the most structured in Asia. Positions are available through public school programs like EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE, as well as thousands of private academies known as hagwons. These institutions often follow a clear hiring calendar—public schools recruit 6–9 months in advance, while hagwons hire year-round. International schools and universities are more competitive but offer excellent pay and benefits for those with advanced qualifications. Private tutoring exists but is legally restricted under most visa types.

Cambodia’s teaching job market is far more informal. Jobs are found through walk-ins, expat Facebook groups, or word of mouth, and interviews often happen on the spot. Language centers dominate, but there are also roles in NGOs, local private schools, and international schools in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Volunteer opportunities are widespread, especially in rural areas. Private tutoring is not only common—it’s encouraged as a way to supplement income. Turnover is high, and hiring is flexible throughout the year.

Compare:
South Korea’s government-run programs and steady demand vs Cambodia’s informal hiring landscape with lower entry barriers.

Salary and Benefits

South Korea offers some of the best teacher compensation packages in Asia. Entry-level salaries typically range from $1,800 to $2,200/month in hagwons and public schools, while international schools and universities can push earnings well above $2,500/month. Most full-time positions include free housing, paid airfare, national health insurance, pension contributions, and severance pay at the end of the contract. Paid holidays range from 10 to 20 days annually, depending on the school type.

In Cambodia, salaries vary widely. Most teachers at private schools and language centers earn between $800 and $1,200/month. International schools may pay up to $1,500, but these roles are highly competitive. On the flip side, there’s greater freedom to take on private tutoring—often earning $10–$25/hour—with fewer restrictions. Benefits like housing or insurance are rare, and paid holidays are minimal unless you’re in a high-end school. However, Cambodia’s low cost of living means your income stretches far, and you keep more of what you earn thanks to minimal taxation.

Compare:
South Korea’s higher pay and structured perks vs Cambodia’s modest salaries with greater financial independence.

Cost of Living and Lifestyle Affordability

Living in South Korea offers a sleek, high-tech lifestyle—but it comes at a price. Rent in major cities like Seoul or Busan can take a bite out of your salary if housing isn’t provided. Groceries, public transportation, and entertainment are reasonably priced, and efficient infrastructure makes urban life convenient. While some daily expenses may feel high, especially compared to Southeast Asia, the generous salaries and benefits packages mean you can still save money—especially if your school provides free housing and reimburses flights.

Cambodia, on the other hand, is one of the most affordable countries in Asia. Rent, utilities, food, and transportation are all inexpensive, even in the capital. A meal out can cost as little as $2, and renting a one-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap might run you $250 to $400/month. There are fewer creature comforts and conveniences than in Korea, but your money goes a long way. Even teachers on modest salaries can live well, travel frequently, and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle.

Compare:
Cambodia’s ultra-low cost of living vs South Korea’s strong earning potential and modern infrastructure.

Teaching Environment and Work Culture

South Korean schools emphasize discipline, structure, and academic achievement. Students are generally respectful but can be under intense pressure to perform—especially at hagwons, where long hours and after-school tutoring are the norm. The work culture is fast-paced and hierarchical, and teachers are expected to be punctual, polished, and professional. Lessons are often guided by a set curriculum, and while that means less planning from scratch, it can also mean less creative freedom.

In Cambodia, the classroom environment is far more relaxed. Students are friendly and eager to learn, though classroom management can sometimes be a challenge, especially in larger or under-resourced schools. Workloads vary depending on the institution: international schools have stricter standards, while language centers and NGOs may be more flexible. Teachers often have more autonomy, but resources can be limited and expectations less defined. It’s a good match for adaptable, self-starting educators who thrive on variety.

Compare:
South Korea’s academic pressure and structured classrooms vs Cambodia’s more relaxed but variable teaching setups.

Cultural Fit and Everyday Life

In South Korea, daily life blends modern convenience with deep-rooted tradition. As a foreign teacher, you’ll generally be treated with respect, though social expectations can feel formal. There’s a strong emphasis on politeness, punctuality, and appearance, which extends to both professional and personal interactions. English is widely taught, but language barriers still exist—especially outside major cities. Learning basic Korean will help immensely with day-to-day life and deepen your cultural experience. While some expats struggle to break into local social circles, South Korea has a well-established expat community, particularly in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.

Cambodia is casual, warm, and often disarmingly open. Foreign teachers are welcomed in both urban and rural communities, and it's easy to make local friends even if you don’t speak Khmer. Social life tends to be spontaneous and less bound by hierarchy or etiquette. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot all have active expat scenes with events, meetups, and coworking spaces. While the infrastructure is less developed, the sense of community and freedom can be a refreshing change for those looking to slow down or live more organically.

Compare:
South Korea’s modern yet formal social culture vs Cambodia’s casual, open, and community-driven vibe.

Long-Term Living and Career Growth

South Korea offers clear pathways for long-term stays, especially for teachers who want to build a career. With experience, you can move up into better-paying roles at international schools, universities, or private institutions. Renewing your visa is straightforward if you stay employed, and permanent residency is possible after several years—especially if you marry a local or secure a long-term professional visa. Many teachers save thousands of dollars annually thanks to subsidized housing and benefits, and some even build side hustles like online tutoring or YouTube channels.

Cambodia is far more relaxed—but also less predictable. Long-term visas are easy to renew, and there’s no cap on how many years you can stay. However, there’s no clear path to citizenship or permanent residency, and job contracts can be informal or short-term. For entrepreneurial types, Cambodia offers freedom and low barriers to entry, whether you’re freelancing, teaching part-time, or running a small business. It’s not the best country for climbing a formal career ladder, but it’s excellent for those seeking flexibility, affordable living, and a slower pace of life.

Compare:
South Korea’s clear PR path and career ladder vs Cambodia’s informal but flexible lifestyle for freelancers and digital nomads.

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might prefer South Korea if:

• You want job stability, benefits, and a defined career path
• You enjoy fast-paced cities, modern infrastructure, and high-speed internet
• You value structure and professionalism in the workplace
• You’re aiming to save money or teach long-term in Asia

You might prefer Cambodia if:

• You’re looking for an affordable, flexible place to get started teaching
• You enjoy laid-back living, social spontaneity, and a warm local community
• You want to mix teaching with freelancing or online work
• You’re more focused on lifestyle freedom than structured career progression

No matter your choice, both countries offer meaningful opportunities for teachers ready to explore life abroad. It comes down to your priorities—structure vs freedom, saving vs simplicity, formality vs flexibility.

👉 Dive deeper into each country:

• Teach English in South Korea
• Teach English in Cambodia