Thinking about teaching English in Korea? Below, we answer the most common questions about visa requirements, salary, housing, work hours, benefits, and daily life in Korea.
✔ Requirements & Visa (자격 요건 및 비자)
1. Which nationalities are eligible to teach English in Korea?
A: To obtain an E-2 teaching visa, strict Korean immigration laws require citizenship from one of the following 7 countries:
- USA
- Canada
- UK
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
Note: If you are a Canadian citizen from Quebec, you must provide proof that your education was conducted in English from middle school onwards.
2. Can I teach in Korea without a bachelor's degree?
A: Generally, No.
A standard E-2 visa requires a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree (3 or 4-year program) from an accredited university. The major of your degree does not matter.
*Exception: TaLK scholars (Associate degree) or F-visa holders (Residency visa) may be exempt.
3. Is a TEFL/TESOL certification necessary?
A: It is highly recommended.
While a degree is the minimum legal requirement, a 100+ hour TEFL/TESOL certificate:
- Increases your chances of getting hired by preferred schools.
- Often qualifies you for a higher salary bracket.
- Is mandatory for the EPIK (Public School) program.
4. What is the process for obtaining an E-2 visa?
A: Once your documents arrive in Korea, the process typically takes 4 to 7 weeks.
- Job Offer: Signing a contract with a school.
- Document Submission: Sending apostilled Degree and Criminal Record Check (CRC) to Korea.
- Visa Issuance: The immigration office issues a Visa Issuance Number (VIN).
- Consulate Visit: You apply for the actual visa at the Korean consulate in your country.
5. Why is a photo required in the application process?
A: In Korean hiring culture, a professional headshot is standard practice. Since most interviews are conducted remotely, a professional photo helps schools gain a first impression of your demeanor and professionalism.
✔ Salary & Benefits (급여 및 혜택)
6. What is the salary range for English teachers?
A: As of 2026, the average monthly salary depends on your experience:
- Entry Level: 2.3 ~ 2.5 million KRW
- Experienced: 2.6 ~ 3.0 million KRW+
7. How often will I receive my salary?
A: Teachers are paid monthly.
Most contracts stipulate payday on a specific date (e.g., the 10th of the following month).
8. Is housing provided?
A: Yes, rent-free housing is the industry standard.
Schools provide a single studio apartment (Officetel) near the school. It comes furnished with a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner, and stove.
*You are only responsible for monthly utility bills (Gas/Electric/Internet).
9. Is airfare to Korea covered?
A: Yes, in most cases.
Most contracts include One-way airfare reimbursement (upon arrival) or a flight ticket provided upfront. Some schools also offer return airfare upon completion of the 12-month contract.
10. Is health insurance provided?
A: Yes.
By law, E-2 teachers are enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHIS).
- Cost: Approx. 3.5% of your salary is deducted, and the school matches this amount.
- Coverage: Medical visits and prescriptions are very affordable (e.g., a doctor's visit costs ~$5 USD).
11. What is the cost of living in Korea?
A: Very affordable.
Since you have no rent to pay, your disposable income is high.
- Average Savings: Teachers typically save $800 – $1,500 USD per month.
- Utilities: $50 – $100/month.
- Transport: Subway/Bus is ~$1.00 per ride.
12. Are there any fees for your recruiting service?
A: No!
OK Recruiting is 100% free for teachers. Our fees are paid entirely by the hiring schools. You should never pay an agency to find a job in Korea.
✔ Work Life & Schools (업무 및 학교 유형)
13. How to find teaching jobs in Korea?
A: You can find verified teaching jobs through a reliable recruiting agency like OK Recruiting. We update our job board daily with positions from vetted schools.
14. What are the working hours and school types?
A: While Public Schools (EPIK) have standard day shifts (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM), Private Academies (Hagwons) have four main types of shifts:
- Preschool / Kindergarten: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM)
- Kindergarten + Elementary: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM)
- Elementary: 1:00 PM (or 2:00 PM) – 9:00 PM (or 10:00 PM)
- Adult English: Block shifts or Split shifts (Varies by academy)
Note on Teaching Teens: Because of Korea's education system, most teenagers focus strictly on college entrance exams. For this reason, there are very few private English institutes that teach English conversation to teens only.
15. How many vacation days do I get?
A: The legal minimum for private academies is 11 days of paid vacation per year, plus Korean National Holidays. (Public schools typically offer more vacation days).
16. Are shorter contracts available?
A: Rarely.
The standard contract length is 12 months (1 year). This corresponds with the E-2 visa duration. Completing a 1-year contract also qualifies you for a Severance Pay bonus (one month's extra salary).
17. Do I need to speak Korean?
A: No.
You are hired to teach English in English. Speaking Korean in class is often discouraged to maximize student immersion. However, learning basic "Survival Korean" is highly recommended for your life outside the classroom.
18. What support is available for first-time teachers?
A: You are not alone. OK Recruiting and your school provide:
- Pre-departure: Visa document guidance.
- Arrival: Airport pickup arrangements and housing setup.
- Training: Schools typically provide curriculum training and observation periods before you start teaching solo.
✔ Living in Korea (생활 및 꿀팁)
19. How can I prepare for cultural differences?
A: Korea is modern but traditional.
- Respect: Bowing is the standard greeting.
- Hierarchy: Respect for age and seniority is important.
- Safety: Korea is extremely safe, but always be respectful of local laws and customs.
20. Can I bring my pet to Korea?
A: Yes, but it is challenging.
- Process: Requires strict rabies tests, microchipping, and quarantine.
- Housing: Finding pet-friendly housing is difficult. You must inform OK Recruiting in advance so we can filter schools that allow pets.
21. What should I pack?
A: Pack for 4 seasons.
- Essentials: Deodorant (hard to find specific brands), toothpaste, and clothes/shoes if you wear larger sizes.
- Meds: Bring a supply of personal prescriptions.