Why Get a U.S. Teaching License as an International Educator in South Korea
| by Hannah Sparling
Becoming an international educator comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. You get to travel and see the world! But you also may be far away from home, friends, and family. You get to experience a whole new culture, language, and customs! But some of it may feel unfamiliar or even a little uncomfortable at first.
Here’s some reassuring advice from Moreland University graduate Garrett Richardson, who moved to South Korea to teach economics: “Always remember that you’re just one flight away from home, so don’t worry. Just take a chance.”
If you’re ready to take Richardson’s advice, this post covers some of the top benefits of becoming an international teacher in South Korea as well as how earning a U.S. teaching license can set you up for higher pay, stronger job security, and expanded career options.
Why Choose South Korea as an International Educator
South Korea, the Land of the Morning Calm, ranks No. 18 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best countries, earning high marks for a strong job market, economic and political stability, great food, and well-developed public education and health systems. For international teachers, in particular, here are 3 reasons to consider South Korea as a top choice:
Competitive Salary & Benefits
Teachers aren’t in it for the money, but wouldn’t it be nice to make a positive difference in student lives and have a positive bank account balance? South Korea is No. 6 on Go Overseas’ list of the highest paying countries for teaching English abroad. Teacher salaries can range from $1,700 USD to $2,650 USD per month, per Go Overseas, with the best salaries at international schools.
Schools in Korea are also known for offering perks like free housing (that salary stretches a whole lot further when you’re not paying rent), health insurance, professional development, roundtrip flights, and more.
Taking into account all the benefits South Korea offers teachers, some are able to save up to 75% of their pay, according to GoAbroad.com.
Phenomenal Travel Opportunities
South Korea has 11 cities with more than 1 million people each and one of the best public transit systems in the world. If you stay in South Korea on your off days, you could explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong, the National Museum of Korea, or Bukhansan National Park, to name just a few. Or you could hop on a short flight and visit Japan, China, Russia, and more.
When you live in a new place for an extended period of time, you get the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the culture and community.
The Chance to Make a Difference
Teaching is more than just a job. Whether you’re living in high-tech Seoul, which has more than 10 million people, or a rural village with just a few hundred residents, you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive, lasting impact on student lives. You can encourage their creativity and curiosity, support their academic success, and inspire them to build their own vibrant futures.
How a U.S. License Benefits Teachers in South Korea
While a U.S. teaching license may not be required for every teaching job in South Korea, it does come with many benefits. It sets you apart from other applicants and unlocks opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Increased Earning Potential
South Korea has a variety of school types, but international schools consistently offer the highest teacher salaries, according to Go Overseas. These positions also tend to require a teaching license rather than a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate alone.
So, you could get a teaching job in South Korea without your U.S. license. But with it, you could get a better, higher-paying job.
Competitive Advantage for Jobs
South Korea is No. 1 on Teach Away’s list of the best countries to teach abroad in 2026. Because it’s such an attractive location, top schools in South Korea are likely to draw plenty of applicants, but a U.S. teaching license can help your resume stand out. Hiring managers are looking for highly qualified candidates, and your license can give you a competitive advantage when it comes to applying for teaching positions, interviewing, and securing offers.
Advanced Classroom Skills
Earning your license will make you a better teacher. In Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, candidates spend six weeks learning about classroom management, for example — how to manage classroom behavior, set norms and expectations, handle off-task behavior, and more. There are modules on learning in the digital age, student assessments, lesson planning, and more. The final 12 weeks of the program are student teaching, putting everything into practice with ongoing feedback from instructors and peers.
Moreland grad Seul Lee, a first-grade homeroom teacher at an international school in South Korea, said completing the TEACH-NOW program and earning her U.S. license gave her the foundation and mindset she needed for her career.
“I feel like it actually opened up a lot of opportunities for me, even right now,” she said. “Since I got the license, I feel more confident in myself and I feel like I am a better teacher than I was before. I got my growth mindset because of this. I got my confidence as a teacher.”
How to Earn Your U.S. Teaching License from South Korea
You’ll complete 4 main steps to earn your teaching license from South Korea. The best part? If you choose the right program, you could earn your license 100% online — no travel required.
- Step 1: Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not have to be in education, so if you already have a bachelor’s, great! You can move on to step 2. (Note: If your degree is from outside the U.S., you’ll complete a transcript evaluation to confirm it’s an equivalent match.)
- Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Some programs last a few years, but others are faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program is accredited, online, and can be completed in as little as 9 months from anywhere in the world.
- Step 3: Pass the required licensure exams. Because South Korea does not issue U.S. teaching licenses directly, you will go through a U.S. state or the District of Columbia to earn your credential. We recommend going through Washington, D.C. If you choose that route, you’ll take the Praxis exams required for D.C. teachers.
- Step 4: Complete a background check and apply for your license.
For an overview of the licensure process, download our Guide to U.S. Teacher Certification in South Korea. You’ll learn the steps you’ll take to become a U.S. licensed teacher along with tips for choosing the right EPP and passing your exams.
Become a U.S. licensed teacher in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
You can apply for free in about 15 minutes, and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
If you have questions, click here to book a 1:1 chat with a member of our admissions team. We’d love to connect.
