The Best Paid TEFL Internships In South Korea
Last Updated on March 10, 2024
South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad—and for good reason. With competitive salaries, free housing, a vibrant cultural scene, and world-class infrastructure, it’s an ideal place to gain teaching experience while exploring life in East Asia. But for new teachers, navigating the application process, visa requirements, and school expectations can be overwhelming. That’s where paid TEFL internships come in.
These programs offer a streamlined path into the Korean classroom, combining TEFL certification, guaranteed job placement, and in-country support. Whether you're looking for your first teaching role or want a supported introduction to life in Korea, these internships offer a well-rounded way to get started.
Why Choose a TEFL Internship in South Korea?
Teaching English in Korea is often seen as one of the most rewarding ways to live abroad—but getting started isn’t always easy. Between strict visa requirements, interview-heavy hiring, and cultural differences in the education system, jumping in alone can be intimidating. TEFL internships remove that guesswork.
They give you everything you need to succeed: training, job placement, and support from people who know the system inside and out. Internships are also a great way to test the waters—especially if you're not ready to commit to a full government program or long-term contract right away. You’ll still earn a salary, get free housing, and receive help with every step of the transition, from visa paperwork to your first day in the classroom.
- Structured entry into a high-demand job market
- Guaranteed placement with trusted schools
- TEFL certification included (online or blended formats)
- Monthly salary and housing provided
- Help with E-2 visa process and onboarding
- Ideal for new teachers or recent graduates
Unlike government programs like EPIK or GEPIK, private internships offer greater flexibility with start dates, school types, and locations—without sacrificing pay or benefits.
What to Expect From a TEFL Internship in South Korea
A TEFL internship in South Korea offers much more than just a certificate and a job—it’s a full support system designed to help you settle in and thrive. From the moment you enroll, you’ll be guided through the process step-by-step, starting with a TEFL course (usually completed online before departure), followed by a guaranteed teaching contract.
Most internships run for 6 to 12 months and include free housing or a housing allowance, a monthly salary in the range of 2.1–2.3 million KRW, and full support with the E-2 visa process, which can otherwise be tricky to navigate on your own. Some providers also offer airport pickup, help setting up your phone and bank account, and even basic Korean language or cultural orientation to help you settle in smoothly.
You’ll most likely teach at a hagwon (private language academy) or kindergarten, where students attend classes in the afternoons or early evenings. Class sizes are usually small, and curriculum materials are provided, so you can focus on classroom interaction rather than creating everything from scratch.
Placements are commonly located in or near major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, or Incheon, though some internships place teachers in quieter cities where demand for English is growing fast.
Here’s what’s typically included:
- A TEFL certification course (usually online)
- A guaranteed 6–12 month teaching contract
- Monthly salary (typically 2.1–2.3 million KRW)
- Free housing or housing allowance
- E-2 visa sponsorship and processing support
- Airport pickup and arrival orientation
- Ongoing in-country assistance
Internships typically place teachers in private language academies (hagwons) or kindergartens, with work hours in the afternoon and evenings. Most placements are in cities such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, or Incheon.
Best Paid TEFL Internships in South Korea
🇰🇷 TEFL Org – South Korea Internship
TEFL Org’s internship in South Korea includes a 120-hour online TEFL course, followed by a guaranteed 12-month placement at a private language school (hagwon). The program offers competitive pay (2.1–2.3 million KRW/month), free housing, and E-2 visa support, making it a strong option for new teachers looking for stability and structure.
With start dates throughout the year, it's a flexible way to enter the Korean job market without the strict requirements of government programs. The package includes help with paperwork, airport pickup, and ongoing support once you’re on the ground.
🇰🇷 The TEFL Academy – South Korea Internship
The TEFL Academy offers a Level 5 TEFL course, followed by a 6–12 month teaching placement in South Korea. Most roles are in hagwons or kindergartens, with salaries starting around 2.2 million KRW/month, plus housing included.
Interns receive extensive pre-departure support, help with the E-2 visa, and in-country assistance throughout their stay. It’s a strong fit for those who want a smooth, fully guided experience into one of Asia’s most lucrative TEFL markets.
🇰🇷 i-to-i TEFL – South Korea Internship
i-to-i’s South Korea internship combines online TEFL training with a 12-month teaching contract in a Korean hagwon. Interns earn a monthly salary (up to 2.3 million KRW), receive free accommodation, and get full support with E-2 visa processing, job matching, and cultural onboarding.
This program is ideal for first-time teachers who want the structure of a long-term contract without navigating the application process alone. i-to-i also includes pre-departure coaching and airport pickup for a smoother transition.
🇰🇷 Premier TEFL – Korea Internship
Premier TEFL offers a 120-hour online TEFL course bundled with a guaranteed teaching placement in Korea. The internship spans 12 months and includes a monthly salary, free housing, airport pickup, and help with the E-2 visa process.
What makes this program stand out is its emphasis on preparation and support—from pre-departure briefings to in-country guidance once you arrive. It’s perfect for teachers who want a highly structured and reassuring pathway into Korea’s competitive ESL market.
🇰🇷 TEFL UK – Korea Internship
TEFL UK’s South Korea internship is designed to help first-time teachers land a solid job with full support. After completing the online TEFL course, interns receive a guaranteed placement, typically in a hagwon, with free housing, E-2 visa sponsorship, and a competitive salary.
The program also provides orientation support, local mentorship, and help with adjusting to life in Korea. It’s a well-rounded package aimed at easing the transition for new teachers looking to hit the ground running.
How to Choose the Right Internship in South Korea
- Placement location: Do you want to experience fast-paced life in Seoul, or would you thrive better in quieter, more affordable cities like Daejeon, Gwangju, or Busan?
- TEFL course format: Some programs include a fully online course, while others offer blended or in-person options. Choose based on how you learn best.
- School type: Most internships place you in private language academies (hagwons), but some may include kindergartens or after-school programs—each has different expectations and schedules.
- Salary and housing: Make sure the monthly pay is competitive and that housing is included or clearly supported.
- Contract length: While many internships last 12 months, some offer shorter commitments (6–9 months)—perfect if you're unsure about long-term plans.
- Support level: Look for visa sponsorship, airport pickup, orientation, and on-the-ground support. These services can make or break your experience.
Who These Internships Are Best For
- First-time teachers seeking real experience and a smooth landing
- Degree-holders who aren’t eligible for public school programs like EPIK
- Adventurous professionals exploring life abroad for a year
- Travelers who want to combine cultural immersion with stable income
Final Thoughts
With generous benefits, high demand, and excellent infrastructure, South Korea is a dream destination for many new TEFL teachers. Internships take the guesswork out of getting started—offering a structured, supported path into the classroom. If you're ready to teach, travel, and build a life abroad with confidence, this is one of the best places to begin.
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