Thailand vs South Korea: Where to Teach English

Looking to teach English in Asia but can’t decide between Thailand and South Korea? Both countries offer exciting opportunities to teach, travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture—but the experiences are very different. Thailand is famous for its relaxed vibe, tropical climate, and friendly locals, while South Korea offers structure, high pay, and fast-paced urban life. Choosing between the two means balancing lifestyle, salary, visa requirements, and what you want from your adventure abroad.

Thailand tends to appeal to those seeking freedom and spontaneity—whether that means weekend island trips, teaching in a village school, or finding your way with a TEFL and a smile. South Korea, by contrast, attracts teachers looking for stability, benefits, and a career-building path in a country that values education and professionalism. Both are great choices—but for very different reasons.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

To teach legally in either country, you’ll need to meet specific visa and qualification requirements—but the level of enforcement and flexibility differs a lot.

Thailand generally requires a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification for a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit. However, in practice, many schools—especially private language centers—are flexible with requirements. Some teachers even work on tourist visas while job hunting, though this is technically illegal and not advisable long-term. Thailand is also one of the few countries where non-native English speakers can realistically get hired, especially with strong English proficiency and a recognized TEFL.

South Korea, on the other hand, has strict eligibility criteria. To obtain an E-2 visa, you must be a native English speaker (passport holder from the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa), have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, and pass a national criminal background check. A TEFL certificate is not always required, but it is increasingly preferred—especially for public school programs like EPIK. Health checks and drug tests are also part of the visa process.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand:

  • Bachelor’s degree + TEFL often required
  • Flexible enforcement in many cases
  • Open to non-native English speakers with strong English and credentials
  • Easier to get started, even while in-country

• South Korea:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Must be a native speaker with a clean background check
  • Health checks and formal paperwork mandatory
  • Harder to enter informally or switch jobs without paperwork

Thailand offers a softer entry point with more freedom, while South Korea demands more upfront but rewards it with stability and structure.

Job Market and Opportunities

Both Thailand and South Korea have active ESL job markets, but the way you find work—and what kind of work you’ll do—varies quite a bit.

In Thailand, teaching jobs are available year-round, especially in private language centers and smaller schools. Public schools tend to hire at the start of each semester (May and November), but even then, the process is informal. It’s common for teachers to secure jobs after arriving in Thailand, doing walk-in interviews or responding to local job boards. Positions range from rural schools in small towns to international schools in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There are also lots of opportunities for private tutoring or switching into online teaching once you’re based there.

In South Korea, the hiring process is more formalized, with most teachers landing jobs before arrival. Public school programs like EPIK (and regional counterparts like GEPIK or SMOE) have fixed application periods and require advance planning—usually several months ahead. Private academies (hagwons) hire year-round, but still typically require overseas interviews, visa paperwork, and a contract. Most teaching jobs are in cities, with Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Incheon leading the way. Rural placements do exist through government programs, but they're less common.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand:

  • Year-round hiring with walk-in interviews common
  • More flexibility to job-hop or try different teaching settings
  • Mix of rural and urban demand
  • Easier to find work once you're on the ground

• South Korea:

  • Formal hiring cycles (especially for public schools)
  • Jobs usually secured from abroad with pre-arranged housing and contracts
  • Urban-focused market with structured roles
  • Higher competition for public school and university jobs

If you’re someone who thrives with flexibility and likes exploring options on the fly, Thailand’s informal job market will feel freeing. But if you prefer structure, pre-arranged contracts, and a clear plan, South Korea might be a better match.

Salary and Benefits

There’s a big difference in pay and perks between these two countries—though it’s not as simple as “Korea pays more.”

South Korea generally offers higher salaries, typically ranging from $1,800–$2,500/month depending on the type of school. On top of that, many contracts include free housing (or a stipend), reimbursed airfare, paid vacation, severance pay, and health insurance. If you live modestly, it’s possible to save a significant portion of your income—even more if you do private tutoring on the side.

Thailand, by contrast, offers lower base salaries. Public school jobs might pay around $900–$1,300/month (in Thai Baht), while international schools and universities can pay more. Some jobs offer housing or a stipend, but it’s not guaranteed. Health insurance is often minimal, and you’ll likely be responsible for your visa renewals and travel costs. However, Thailand’s low cost of living—especially outside major cities—means you can still live comfortably, even on a modest salary.

Comparison Summary:

• South Korea:

  • Higher average salaries
  • Extensive benefits: housing, flights, pension, severance, and health insurance
  • Realistic to save $500–$1,000/month

• Thailand:

  • Lower pay overall
  • Fewer guaranteed benefits
  • Comfortable lifestyle on less, but savings potential is lower

If saving money and having everything taken care of upfront appeals to you, Korea wins on salary and perks. If your goal is more lifestyle-focused—relaxing, traveling, and enjoying each day—Thailand offers better value per dollar spent.

Cost of Living

Cost of living can shape your day-to-day experience as much as your paycheck, and here’s where Thailand really shines.

Thailand is famously affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of Bangkok can be as low as $200–$300/month, while in Bangkok it might range from $400–$600 for something modern and central. Street food is delicious and cheap—$1–$3 per meal—and local transportation (like buses, motorbike taxis, or the BTS in Bangkok) costs next to nothing. Utilities and internet are also low, and there’s no shortage of budget-friendly weekend getaways, massages, or social activities. You won’t get rich on a Thai teaching salary, but you’ll likely feel like you’re living well.

South Korea is more expensive overall, but still reasonable by international standards—especially considering what you get in return. If housing is provided (which it often is), your biggest monthly expense is taken care of. Groceries can be pricey, especially if you want imported items, but Korean restaurants are affordable and everywhere. Public transportation is efficient and cheap, especially in major cities. Utilities and internet are moderately priced, and leisure activities like cafes, karaoke rooms, and hiking are abundant and affordable. Korea offers a great quality of life for the price, even if your daily purchases cost more than in Thailand.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand:

  • Very low cost of living, especially outside Bangkok
  • Affordable food, rent, transport, and leisure
  • Comfortable lifestyle even on a modest salary

• South Korea:

  • Higher living costs, but offset by better pay and benefits
  • Cost of food and housing higher—unless housing is included
  • More purchasing power and savings potential if budgeting wisely

Thailand is ideal if you want to live well without needing a high salary. Korea works better if you’re looking to earn and save while still enjoying a high standard of living.

Teaching Environment and Work Culture

Your experience inside the classroom—and how you're treated by your school—can vary dramatically between these two countries.

In Thailand, the teaching environment is generally relaxed and informal. Class sizes can be large (often 30–50 students), and the focus is often on fun, conversational English rather than strict academics. Foreign teachers are typically seen as the “fun” teacher, with a lot of freedom to design lessons and activities, but sometimes little guidance or resources. While the workload is manageable, schools may not always communicate clearly or plan far in advance, which can be frustrating. However, the atmosphere tends to be low-pressure and friendly.

In South Korea, classrooms are more structured and discipline is emphasized. Whether you're working in a hagwon (private academy) or a public school, there’s a clear curriculum and expectations to follow. Class sizes are usually smaller (20–30 students), and parents and administrators take education seriously. Teachers often face long hours—especially in hagwons—and there’s a strong work ethic across the culture. You’ll be expected to dress professionally, arrive early, and sometimes participate in school events or ceremonies. Foreign teachers are respected but must earn that respect through consistency and effort.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand:

  • Casual teaching style with minimal pressure
  • Large classes and limited resources
  • Flexibility in lessons but sometimes poor organization

• South Korea:

  • Structured work culture with clear expectations
  • Smaller classes, more academic focus
  • High standards for professionalism and work ethic

If you’re drawn to a fun, flexible teaching role with room for creativity, Thailand might be your style. If you prefer structure, discipline, and clear goals, Korea’s classrooms will feel more aligned.

Lifestyle and Free Time

How you spend your time outside the classroom often defines your teaching experience. Both Thailand and South Korea offer vibrant lifestyles—but they cater to very different personalities.

Thailand is tailor-made for a laid-back, outdoor-loving lifestyle. On weekends, you might find yourself island-hopping, hiking through national parks, or enjoying a slow coffee in a leafy café. The weather is hot and humid year-round (with a rainy season), which suits those who love tropical climates. Bangkok offers world-class nightlife and rooftop bars, while places like Chiang Mai and Pai are havens for digital nomads, creatives, and nature lovers. The expat community is large, friendly, and easy to connect with, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Dating is casual, and many teachers find the social scene welcoming and active.

South Korea leans toward a faster pace. Cities like Seoul and Busan are buzzing with 24-hour cafes, high-speed trains, neon-lit shopping streets, and a deep appreciation for pop culture, fashion, and nightlife. Winter brings snow and skiing, while spring and autumn are breathtakingly beautiful. Korea’s infrastructure makes it easy to explore—whether it's day trips to mountains, temples, or coastal towns. Language can be a barrier, but many younger Koreans speak some English, and expat communities are active, especially in Seoul. Dating is common but tends to follow more traditional social norms.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand:

  • Tropical lifestyle with endless travel opportunities
  • Affordable fun: beaches, jungles, motorbikes, and street food
  • Laid-back, social, and easy to integrate

• South Korea:

  • High-tech, fast-paced urban life
  • Four distinct seasons, with lots to do in each
  • Structured, modern, and culturally rich lifestyle

Choose Thailand if you’re looking for warmth, spontaneity, and easy social immersion. Go for Korea if you’re drawn to vibrant cities, seasonal change, and a more futuristic urban vibe.

Long-Term Prospects

If you’re planning to stay more than a year, it’s worth considering what each country offers in terms of stability, growth, and life beyond teaching.

Thailand is flexible, but not always predictable. Many teachers stay for years by renewing their Non-B visa and work permit through their school, while others pivot into freelancing, online teaching, or launching their own businesses (often through Thai partners). It’s also a major hub for digital nomads, thanks to the low cost of living and laid-back environment. However, pathways to permanent residency or citizenship are limited and slow-moving, and visa rules can change without much notice.

South Korea, by contrast, offers more formal and secure long-term options. If you stay employed and follow visa regulations, you can renew your E-2 teaching visa with little trouble. Teachers who remain for several years (especially those in international schools or universities) can apply for the F-2-7 visa, which allows more freedom and eventually leads to permanent residency. Korea also has clear pension systems and tax agreements that make it easier to save and plan for the future. While freelancing or remote work isn’t always permitted on teaching visas, the stability of long-term contracts makes career planning easier.

Comparison Summary:

• Thailand:

  • More flexible for switching jobs, freelancing, or remote work
  • Fewer clear long-term immigration or career pathways
  • Ideal for lifestyle-first expats or digital nomads

• South Korea:

  • Clear path to long-term visas and permanent residency
  • Career growth in schools and other professional sectors
  • Strong infrastructure for saving and settling down

If you want freedom and the chance to build a flexible, travel-heavy life, Thailand is a top choice. If long-term planning, savings, and career advancement matter more, Korea has the edge.

Which Country Is Right for You?

Still deciding? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help clarify which country might better match your personality, teaching goals, and lifestyle preferences.

You might prefer Thailand if you…

• Want a relaxed lifestyle with lots of freedom and spontaneity
• Are looking to travel often and live well on a modest salary
• Prefer flexible visa rules and less bureaucratic hassle
• Are open to teaching in informal settings or smaller cities
• Thrive in a social, easygoing, and warm-weather environment

You might prefer South Korea if you…

• Value financial stability, benefits, and structured career growth
• Are comfortable working in a high-expectation academic culture
• Want a clear path to long-term residency or professional advancement
• Are excited by fast-paced city life, technology, and modern amenities
• Prefer well-organized systems and predictable job contracts

Both countries offer incredible opportunities to teach, explore, and grow—but the right choice depends on what kind of experience you're after. Whether you're drawn to the beaches and freedom of Thailand or the structure and ambition of South Korea, you’ll find a new chapter full of discovery.

Explore more:

• Teach English in Thailand
• Teach English in South Korea