Is a 120-hour TEFL certificate enough for teaching in Korea?

Yes. 120 hours is the accepted standard for English teaching positions in South Korea. It meets the requirements for EPIK public schools and is widely accepted by private academies (hagwons). You do not need a 150 or 200-hour course for Korea — those are upsells with no practical benefit for the Korean job market.

Does EPIK accept these specific TEFL courses?

Yes. EPIK does not require a specific provider — they require a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate of at least 100 hours from an accredited institution. Both Bridge TEFL and The TEFL Institute meet this requirement. OK Recruiting has successfully placed EPIK teachers certified by both providers.

Are there any discount codes available?

Yes. For Bridge TEFL, use code OKRECRUITING10 at checkout to get 10% off — bringing the price from $399 to $359.10. This code is available exclusively through OK Recruiting. For The TEFL Institute, the course is already discounted to $215 (from $545). No coupon needed.

Are these TEFL courses accredited?

Bridge TEFL is accredited by ACCET, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is a member of AQUEDUTO. The TEFL Institute is accredited by ACDL and ODLQC, both established bodies in Ireland and the UK. Both certificates are accepted by Korean employers, EPIK, and immigration authorities.

How long does it take to complete either course?

Both courses are self-paced. Bridge TEFL typically takes 8–12 weeks when studying part-time. The TEFL Institute offers a fast-track option that some students complete in just a few weeks. If you have an upcoming application deadline, The TEFL Institute's mobile app format is the more flexible choice for accelerated completion.

Best 120-Hour TEFL Courses for Teaching in Korea (2026) | OK Recruiting

Trusted by OK Recruiting Teachers

Best 120-Hour TEFL Courses
for Teaching in Korea

Compare carefully. Choose confidently.
Both options below are accepted by EPIK, hagwons, and other English language institutions.

Don't pay extra for 150+ hour courses — they offer no practical advantage for the Korean market.

✓ Globally accepted certificates

✓ Accredited providers only

✓ Exclusive discount included

Choose your path

Two Great Options. One Clear Difference.

Most Established

Bridge TEFL

120-Hour Master Certificate

Nearly 40 years of experience. US Department of Education recognized. Top pick for EPIK applications.

$399 $359 10% OFF

✓ACCET accredited
✓Tutor feedback returned within 1 business day
✓Eligible for college credit transfer
✓Member of AQUEDUTO quality assurance network
✓Use code OKRECRUITING10 at checkout

Best for EPIK applicants and teachers who want the most credentialed, US-recognized option.

Enroll in Bridge TEFL →

Best Value

The TEFL Institute

120-Hour Advanced Course

Most affordable accredited option. Study offline via dedicated mobile app. Fast-track completion possible.

$545 $215 SAVE 62%

✓ACDL & ODLQC accredited
✓Dedicated mobile app with offline study support
✓Fast-track option — complete in just a few weeks
✓Tutor support with written assignment feedback
✓No coupon needed — discount applied automatically

Best for Teachers on a budget or short timeline who prefer studying offline on their phone.

View TEFL Institute Deal →

Before you decide

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bridge TEFL	TEFL Institute
Price (2026)	$359 (with code)	$215 (auto discount)
Duration	120 hours	120 hours
Accreditation	ACCET (US Dept. of Ed.)	ACDL & ODLQC
EPIK accepted	✓	✓
Hagwon accepted	✓	✓
College credit eligible	✓	—
Offline mobile app	—	✓
Tutor feedback speed	Within 1 business day	Standard turnaround
Completion time	8–12 weeks (part-time)	A few weeks (fast-track)
Founded	1986 (~40 years)	2010s (10+ years)

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 120 hours really enough for teaching in Korea? −

Yes — 120 hours is the accepted standard for Korea. It fully meets EPIK requirements and is recognized by hagwons nationwide. 150 or 200-hour courses offer no practical advantage in the Korean market and are simply upsells.

Which course is better — Bridge or The TEFL Institute? +

Choose Bridge TEFL if you want a US-accredited credential, detailed daily tutor feedback, and a certificate eligible for college credit. It carries more weight with EPIK evaluators and established hagwon chains.

Choose The TEFL Institute if your priority is price or speed. At $215 it's the most affordable accredited option, and the mobile app lets you study offline anywhere. Both certificates carry equal weight with most Korean employers.

Do I need a TEFL certificate for the E-2 visa? +

Not legally — the E-2 visa only requires a bachelor's degree and qualifying citizenship. However, most reputable schools expect TEFL certification, and EPIK awards additional evaluation points to certified applicants. In practice, applying without one significantly limits your options.

Is the OKRECRUITING10 code really exclusive? +

Yes. The 10% Bridge TEFL discount via code OKRECRUITING10 is available through OK Recruiting's partnership with Bridge — apply it at checkout to bring the price from $399 to $359.10. For The TEFL Institute, the discount is already applied automatically.

How long does it take to complete? +

Both courses are self-paced. Bridge typically takes 8–12 weeks studying part-time. The TEFL Institute offers a fast-track format that some students complete in just a few weeks — ideal if you have a job offer lined up and need to move quickly.

Transparency Disclosure: This guide is independently researched and curated by OK Recruiting.
We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you enroll through the links on this page — this does not influence our recommendations.