Teacher Salary in South Korea
Published: | by Samantha Cleaver, Ph.D.
If you want to combine teaching with travel and cultural experiences, South Korea is a great option. In addition to public and private schools, there are 66 international schools spread across the country, according to the International Schools Database.
In South Korea, teachers with U.S. credentials are in demand to teach ESL and other subjects. As you consider moving abroad, it’s important to understand what salary and benefits you can expect. This post covers the ins and outs of teacher salaries in South Korea along with factors that may impact pay and quality of life as an international educator.
Average Teacher Salary in South Korea
South Korean teacher salaries are robust. According to Go Overseas, teachers can earn between $1,500 USD and $2,500 USD per month, in a country with an already affordable cost of living. As an international teacher in South Korea, you can expect to save a large portion of your monthly income or invest it in travel, paying off student loans, and other goals.
There are a few key details that will affect your salary in South Korea, including location, school type, and your experience and credentials.
Teacher Salaries in South Korea by School Type
Foreign teachers have options when it comes to where they teach. South Korea has a variety of public schools, private language schools, and international schools. Each has a different structure for pay and benefits.
Public Schools
The average monthly salary for a teacher in a public school is $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month, according to Go Overseas. You might teach as part of the government’s EPIK program (English Program in Korea), where you would be an assistant English teacher in a public K-12 school.
EPIK teachers teach for a max of 22 hours per week and receive benefits like housing, roundtrip airfare, a bonus for completing the contract, and more.
Private Schools
In South Korea, private schools are called Hagwons. Many students attend Hagwons after regular school hours, including in the evenings and on weekends. Also known as “cram schools,” teachers in a Hagwon can expect to teach from noon until late into the evening.
Hagwon salaries are higher than public schools, $1,650 to $2,200 USD per month, according to Go Overseas, and you can expect to teach around 30 hours per week.
Hagwons are year-round operations and are always hiring, which makes them a great option for teachers who are not on the typical school year schedule or who want to join mid-year.
International Schools
Teachers in international schools earn the highest salaries in South Korea, $1,700 to $2,500 USD per month to teach 20-25 hours per week, according to Go Overseas. International schools often require a teaching license as well as teaching experience. And, because the salaries are higher, the jobs are often more competitive.
How Much Foreign Teachers Earn in South Korea
If you’re teaching abroad in South Korea, you might earn anywhere from $1,500 USD per month at a public school to $2,500 USD per month at an international school, according to data from Go Overseas. Your specific salary will also vary depending on your credentials, whether you have a teaching license, for example, and your experience.
Additional Benefits Teachers Receive in South Korea
Like other teachers in Asia, South Korean teachers receive robust benefits packages that make it even easier to live and save. Depending on the school, you could receive:
- Rent for an apartment or furnished housing provided
- Airplane tickets to and from your home country
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation days
- A salary bonus when you complete your contract
How Teacher Qualifications Affect Salary
In South Korea, education and qualifications matter. A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement, and depending on what and where you teach, you may also need a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) credential or a teaching license.
| Feature | Public Schools | Hagwons | International Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | $1,500 to $2,000 USD | $1,650 to $2,200 USD | $1,700 to $2,500 USD |
| Required Experience | 0-2 years | 0-2 years | 1-2+ years |
| Required Credential | Native English speaker Bachelor’s degree TEFL license | Native English speaker Bachelor’s degree TEFL license | Bachelor’s degree Teaching license Experience with IB or AP curricula preferred |
Sources: Teaching Nomad and Go Overseas
Is Teaching in South Korea Worth It?
South Korea’s high salaries and lower cost of living make it a great option for teachers who want a teach-abroad experience that provides a good quality of life and the ability to travel or save money. Whether you’re looking for a public or international school, South Korea has options that provide a rich cultural experience and the opportunity to teach and see the world.
If you’re ready, you could earn your U.S. license from South Korea — or from anywhere in the world — in as little as 9 months.
FAQs
How much do English teachers make in South Korea?
English teachers in South Korea typically earn between $1,500 and $2,500 USD per month, according to Go Overseas, with the exact salary depending on location, type of school, and your experience and qualifications.
These salaries are well within the cost of living in South Korea, and schools often provide robust benefits as well.
How much do elementary school teachers make in South Korea?
The average salary for a primary school teacher in South Korea is around $34,000 USD per year, according to the Economic Research Institute. Experienced teachers earn more, and actual salaries will vary based on credentials and experience.
It’s also important to note that teachers in South Korea often receive benefits including housing, flights, and more.
Do teachers in South Korea get free housing?
Yes, teachers in South Korea are often provided furnished housing in teaching dormitories or one-bedroom apartments, according to CIEE.
Can foreigners teach in South Korea without certification?
Different schools have different requirements for teachers. In some schools, a bachelor’s degree and a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate will be sufficient. Other schools, namely international schools, require a teaching license.
How much do international school teachers earn in Korea?
International school postings are the highest paying options in South Korea. International schools typically pay between $1,700 and $2,500 USD per month to teach 20-25 hours per week, according to Go Overseas.
Can you save money teaching in South Korea?
Yes, you can save money while teaching in South Korea. The cost of living is low, and teacher salaries are more than enough to meet basic needs.
