KRAsia
Teaching in South Korea
South Korea combines strong compensation packages with excellent infrastructure and a high quality of life. International schools in Seoul and Busan compete for licensed teachers.
Why teach in South Korea
- Strong salary packages with housing typically included
- Excellent infrastructure—transport, healthcare, safety
- High quality of life with modern amenities
- Established expat teaching community
- Efficient public transport and walkable cities
Salary and benefits
Typical salary range
$2,200–$3,800/month
Contract length
2 years typical; severance required by law after 1 year
Savings potential
$1,000–2,000/month with housing provided
Cost of living
Medium. Housing usually provided; groceries and dining are moderate.
Typical benefits
- Housing or housing allowance
- Annual flights
- Health insurance
- Severance pay (required by law after 1 year)
- Pension contributions
Cost of living (approximate)
- 1-bedroom apartment (Seoul, if not provided)
- ₩800,000–1,500,000 (~$600–1,100/mo)
- Meal at local restaurant
- ₩8,000–15,000 (~$6–11)
- Monthly metro pass
- ₩60,000 (~$45)
- Utilities
- ₩80,000–120,000 (~$60–90)
Requirements
- Teaching license from home country
- Bachelor's degree (minimum)
- 2+ years experience preferred for international schools
- Clean criminal record; apostilled degree required
Common curricula
IB, AP, British (IGCSE, A-Levels), American. Schools specify their curriculum in job postings.
Main cities for teaching
Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu. Hiring season: October–March for March or August start.
Things to know
- Work hours can be long; research school culture before accepting
- Hagwons (academies) are different from international schools—different pay and benefits
- Seoul is expensive; Busan and smaller cities have lower costs
Frequently asked questions
- Do South Korean schools require a teaching license?
- International schools do. Hagwons (private academies) often accept TEFL + degree. This guide focuses on international schools.
- What's the work culture like at Korean international schools?
- Varies by school. Hours can be long. Research individual schools—reviews from current teachers help.
- Can I save money teaching in South Korea?
- Yes. With housing provided and moderate living costs, many teachers save $1,000–2,000 per month.
- Seoul vs Busan for teaching?
- Seoul has more schools and higher salaries. Busan has a lower cost of living and a more relaxed pace. Both are popular.
- When should I apply for South Korea teaching jobs?
- October–March for March or August start dates. Apply 4–6 months before your target start.
Research schools before you accept
Compare teacher reviews and salary data at international schools in South Korea. Sign up free—no paywall.