Vietnam vs South Korea: Where to Teach English

Choosing between teaching English in Vietnam or South Korea is more than just a job decision — it’s about lifestyle, savings, long-term goals, and cultural alignment. Both countries are top destinations for ESL teachers in Asia, but they offer very different experiences. Vietnam is known for its flexibility, low cost of living, and vibrant street culture, while South Korea stands out for its high salaries, modern infrastructure, and structured school system.

Some teachers are drawn to the freedom and creative teaching environments in Vietnam, where private language centers and tutoring gigs offer a flexible lifestyle. Others are more at home in South Korea’s polished classrooms and organized public school programs, which come with clear expectations and solid benefits. It’s not just about where you want to teach — it’s about how you want to live.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

Vietnam is one of the more accessible places to start your teaching journey. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field and a TEFL certificate (120 hours or more), but schools are generally flexible — especially if you speak clearly and show a passion for working with students. Non-native English speakers can also find jobs here, especially with strong English skills and a good attitude. The visa process is relatively straightforward, and it’s not uncommon for teachers to arrive on a tourist visa before securing a work permit through a language center.

South Korea, on the other hand, has a more rigid system. To get an E-2 teaching visa, you must be a citizen of one of seven approved English-speaking countries (US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa), and hold at least a bachelor’s degree. A clean national-level criminal background check and health screening are mandatory. TEFL certification isn’t always legally required, but many employers — especially public school programs like EPIK — expect it. If you're not a native English speaker or don’t meet the visa requirements, legal options are very limited.

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Vietnam’s more relaxed entry path is ideal for first-timers and non-native speakers, while South Korea favors native English speakers with clean documentation and a polished application.

Job Market and Demand

Vietnam has a thriving ESL market, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Language centers dominate the landscape, offering classes to young learners and adults in the evenings and on weekends. Public school jobs are available but less common, and international schools mostly seek experienced, certified teachers. The hiring process is ongoing throughout the year, which makes Vietnam appealing to those arriving without a job lined up. Even new teachers can find work relatively quickly, especially in urban areas with growing demand.

South Korea’s job market is more formalized, with most hiring done through structured programs like EPIK (public schools) or via private academies known as hagwons. The main hiring seasons are spring and fall, with strict application deadlines and multi-step processes that can take several months. While more competitive, the Korean market is also more stable, offering long-term contracts, consistent pay, and strong support — especially for first-time teachers coming through government programs.

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Vietnam’s flexible, year-round hiring is ideal for spontaneous teachers or late planners, while South Korea’s organized cycles favor those who plan ahead and meet strict criteria.

Salary and Benefits

In Vietnam, salaries vary widely depending on the type of school and your experience. Language center jobs typically offer $1,200–$2,000 per month, with international schools paying significantly more. Benefits like housing, airfare, or health insurance are less common, but the low cost of living means many teachers save or live comfortably on even modest incomes. Tutoring and online teaching can boost your monthly earnings significantly, especially in cities.

South Korea offers some of the best salary and benefits packages in Asia for ESL teachers. Most public school jobs pay $1,800–$2,200 per month, with free housing, flight reimbursement, health insurance, and end-of-contract bonuses included. Hagwons may pay slightly more or less, depending on hours and reputation. With these benefits and low tax deductions, many teachers save $800–$1,200 a month, even with a relatively active lifestyle.

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South Korea wins on base pay and benefits, while Vietnam offers more flexibility, extra income streams, and a strong savings rate thanks to low daily costs.

Cost of Living

Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries in Asia to live well on a teacher’s salary. Rent for a modern apartment in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi typically ranges from $250 to $500 per month. Street food is everywhere and incredibly cheap — you can eat out daily without breaking the bank. Local transport is dominated by motorbikes and apps like Grab, making it convenient and inexpensive to get around. Utilities, internet, and even gym memberships are all budget-friendly, allowing teachers to enjoy a high quality of life for very little.

South Korea, while more expensive, still offers good value — especially considering the benefits that often come with teaching jobs. Rent is significantly higher than in Vietnam, but many teachers receive free housing through their contracts. Groceries and dining out cost more, but Korea’s efficient infrastructure, public transport, and healthcare system offset some of the expense. The cost of living is higher in Seoul and Busan but still manageable for teachers, especially with a decent savings buffer built into their salaries.

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Vietnam offers unbeatable affordability for everyday life, while South Korea balances higher costs with superior infrastructure and covered essentials like housing and healthcare.

Teaching Culture and Work Environment

Teaching in Vietnam often comes with a relaxed, flexible atmosphere — particularly in language centers. You’re likely to have considerable autonomy in how you deliver lessons, and while schools expect results, there’s generally less pressure around rigid structure. Class sizes can vary, and students are usually friendly and eager to learn, especially young learners. However, resources can be hit or miss, and schools may expect teachers to adapt quickly.

In contrast, South Korea’s teaching culture is far more formal. Whether in public schools or hagwons, there’s a clear hierarchy, structured curriculum, and high expectations from both students and parents. You’ll likely have set lesson plans, co-teachers in public schools, and administrative duties beyond the classroom. Korean students are often disciplined and driven, but the academic pressure can create a more intense environment for both learners and teachers.

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Vietnam gives teachers more room to experiment and adapt, while South Korea provides structure, clear expectations, and strong support — but with a higher workload and pressure to perform.

Lifestyle and Social Life

Vietnam offers a vibrant, unpredictable lifestyle that suits teachers looking for excitement and freedom. Daily life revolves around cafés, motorbikes, and open-air street food stalls. The expat community is large and social, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with plenty of opportunities for networking, travel, and nightlife. Dating is casual and accessible, and while English is not widely spoken by locals, basic Vietnamese goes a long way in daily interactions. For travel lovers, Vietnam is a great base for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia on a budget.

South Korea, meanwhile, delivers a more polished, high-tech lifestyle with conveniences like efficient public transport, widespread Wi-Fi, and a rich modern culture. K-pop, K-beauty, and Korean cuisine draw global fans — and expats get to enjoy it all firsthand. Seoul and Busan have thriving nightlife and dating scenes, though cultural differences can make it harder to integrate deeply. English signage and tech help with daily life, but the language barrier still exists outside urban centers.

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Vietnam offers a more laid-back, spontaneous lifestyle with easy travel and a lively expat scene, while South Korea provides sleek modern living, pop-culture immersion, and strong infrastructure — but can feel more socially rigid for newcomers.

Long-Term Opportunities

Vietnam is one of the most flexible countries in Asia for long-term living. While the visa process can be bureaucratic, many teachers stay for years by renewing business or work visas, teaching online, or freelancing with minimal interference. There are growing opportunities for digital nomads, especially in cities like Da Nang and Hanoi. While permanent residency isn’t easy to get, it’s relatively simple to “settle in” without fully formalizing everything.

South Korea’s long-term path is more structured. Teachers typically stay through E-2 visas tied to specific schools, and while it’s possible to renew year after year, switching employers or freelancing is difficult without the right paperwork. Options for permanent residency exist, especially through marriage, high income, or long-term employment, but the requirements are strict. South Korea is a better fit for those looking for a secure, well-defined professional path — not for those hoping to build a flexible freelance lifestyle.

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Vietnam supports a freer, more adaptable long-term setup for freelancers and expats, while South Korea offers stability and career progression — but with tighter legal boundaries and fewer lifestyle loopholes.

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might prefer Vietnam if:

• You want more freedom and flexibility with visas and work
• You're looking for a low-cost base to save or live well
• You enjoy street life, spontaneity, and Southeast Asia travel
• You're a first-time teacher or non-traditional applicant

You might prefer South Korea if:

• You value stability, structure, and reliable contracts
• You want to earn more and receive full benefits
• You’re excited by tech, fashion, K-pop, and modern city life
• You’re a certified, native English speaker ready for a formal job

Final Thoughts

Vietnam and South Korea both offer incredible opportunities — just in very different flavors. Vietnam gives you flexibility, freedom, and a fast-growing ESL scene. South Korea gives you structure, savings, and a polished lifestyle with strong professional backing.

Still deciding? Check out the full guides for each country to dive deeper:

• Teach English in Vietnam
• Teach English in South Korea