Which Cities Pay the Most in South Korea for TEFL Teachers

Updated 8 October 2026: pay checked against the EPIK 2027 scale; unsourced city salaries and premiums removed.

English teachers in South Korea typically earn ₩2.2 to ₩2.8 million a month in public schools through EPIK (about €1,430 to €1,820) and around ₩2.3 to ₩2.5 million in private academies (hagwons), usually with free housing. EPIK pays on one national scale set by your qualifications and experience, not by city. Seoul has the most jobs and the highest pay at universities and international schools, while cities such as Busan, Daegu and Daejeon cost less to live in, so you often save more there.

Korea is one of the few countries where the main public school programme publishes its pay scale, which makes it easier to compare offers honestly. This guide sets out the verified pay for each type of job, explains how city choice changes what you actually keep, and shows what you need to qualify.

Key takeaways

• EPIK public school pay is ₩2.2 to ₩2.8 million a month for the Spring 2027 intake, on a national scale by level.
• Hagwons typically pay around ₩2.3 to ₩2.5 million a month; universities roughly ₩2.5 to ₩4 million.
• Free housing or a housing allowance is standard, and Korean law gives one month’s severance pay after a contract of a year or more.
• You need a bachelor’s degree, citizenship of one of seven English speaking countries for the E-2 visa, and a TEFL. EPIK sets 100 hours; a 120-hour TEFL certificate is the safer standard.
• Pay differs more by job type than by city. City choice mostly changes your living costs.

How much do English teachers earn in South Korea?

Most English teachers in Korea earn between ₩2.2 and ₩2.8 million a month in public schools or around ₩2.3 to ₩2.5 million in hagwons, with housing provided. University and international school roles pay more but ask for more experience and qualifications.

Two features make Korean packages stronger than the headline figure suggests. Housing is normally provided, which removes the largest living cost. And under Korean labour law, completing a contract of a year or more earns one month’s base salary as severance.

Does EPIK pay differ by city?

No. EPIK pays every teacher on the same national scale, and your level on that scale depends on your qualifications and teaching experience, not on the city you are placed in. Placement location affects your living costs and lifestyle, not your base salary.

For how EPIK works, including intakes and applications, see our guide to what EPIK is.

Which Korean cities are best for English teachers?

Seoul offers the most jobs and the highest paying university and international school roles, but it is the most expensive city. Busan, Incheon, Daegu and Daejeon usually cost less to live in, so with the same salary and free housing you can often save more.

Seoul

The capital has the deepest job market across every school type, the most international schools and universities, and the largest expat community. It is the best choice if you want variety or plan to move up to higher paying roles.

Busan

Korea’s second city combines a large job market with beaches and a more relaxed pace. Living costs are generally lower than in Seoul.

Incheon

Home to the main international airport and within easy reach of Seoul by train, Incheon suits teachers who want access to the capital without its costs.

Daegu and Daejeon

These large regional cities have lower living costs and steady demand, which makes them strong choices if saving money is your main goal.

How much can you save teaching in Korea?

With free housing, many teachers save a meaningful share of their pay, especially outside Seoul. The amount depends on your lifestyle far more than your contract, so the most reliable estimate is your own: take the monthly salary, subtract a realistic budget for food, transport, phone and leisure in your city, and add the month of severance at the end.

Korea’s statutory national minimum wage is ₩10,320 an hour from 1 January 2026, which gives a useful floor when you check the hours behind any offer.

What do you need to teach English in Korea?

You need an E-2 teaching visa. That requires a bachelor’s degree, citizenship of the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, and a clean criminal record check.

• TEFL: EPIK sets 100 hours as its minimum; most employers ask for 120. Our guide to the best TEFL certification for South Korea compares the options.
• Degree: a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
• Age: public schools do not accept teachers over 62.
• Documents: apostilled degree and police check. See TEFL certificate legalisation explained.

The Visa Desk links to the official E-2 guidance, and our article on teaching in Korea without a degree covers the alternatives.

EPIK or hagwon: which pays better?

On base pay they are similar: EPIK runs ₩2.2 to ₩2.8 million and hagwons typically ₩2.3 to ₩2.5 million. The real differences are hours, holidays and stability.

Whichever you choose, check the contract for housing, hours, holidays, severance and who handles your visa. Our guide to getting your first TEFL job explains how to spot a risky offer.

Ready to teach English in South Korea?

The TEFL Institute Group is Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, with 161,000 teachers certified since 2017 and graduates in 80 countries. We are a Highfield Approved Centre (number 21335).

Start with the 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course to meet EPIK and hagwon requirements, or choose the 180 Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma (Ofqual 610/1571/4) if you plan to move on to universities or competitive schools.

Ian O’Sullivan, Founder

Founded The TEFL Institute Group in 2017 to bring honesty to TEFL training; more than 20 years in the field, now Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, with 161,000 graduates in 80 countries.