Have you ever wondered how much money you can make teaching English in Korea? It’s a question countless individuals ask. South Korea is one of the top choices for teaching English abroad, and it’s easy to see why. With good salaries, an exciting culture, and plenty of perks, it’s an opportunity many people look forward to. This guide breaks down salary ranges, factors that impact pay, and tips to help you earn more while teaching in Korea.
How Much You Can Earn Based on the Type of Institution
When it comes to English teacher salaries in Korea, your earnings depend on your position and the type of institution you work for. From public schools to private academies, universities, and other institutions, each role offers varying pay scales and perks.
Public Schools (Including EPIK Program)
- Average Monthly Salary: ₩1.5 million to ₩3 million ($1,100 to $2,200 USD)
- Teaching Hours per Week: Up to 22 hours
- Student Demographics: Kindergarten to 12th grade
- Common Benefits:
- Free furnished housing
- Round-trip airfare reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Settlement allowance
- Severance pay (equivalent to one month’s salary upon contract completion)
- Paid vacation (approximately 18-21 days)
EPIK is the main route for teaching in public schools. Pay depends on qualifications, location (rural areas may offer incentives), and teaching experience.
Private Academies (Hagwons)
- Average Monthly Salary: ₩1.9 million to ₩2.4 million ($1,400 to $1,750 USD)
- Teaching Hours per Week: Around 30 hours
- Student Demographics: Primarily elementary and middle school students; some cater to adults or high schoolers
- Common Benefits:
- Free furnished housing
- Round-trip airfare reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Severance pay
- Paid vacation (about 10 days)
Hagwon jobs offer higher salaries but longer hours. Teachers work in shifts, often in the afternoon or evening.
Kindergartens
- Average Monthly Salary: ₩2.1 million to ₩2.5 million ($1,600 to $1,900 USD)
- Teaching Hours per Week: Around 30 hours
- Student Demographics: Children aged 3 to 7
- Common Benefits:
- Free furnished housing
- Airfare reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Severance pay
- Paid vacation (varies by institution)
Kindergarten teaching is fast-paced and involves planning interactive activities for young learners. Some institutions classify kindergartens under “hagwons,” but their structure and schedules differ.
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International Schools
- Average Monthly Salary: ₩2.5 million to ₩3.5 million ($1,900 to $2,700 USD)
- Teaching Hours per Week: Around 25 hours
- Student Demographics: Expatriate and Korean students following international curricula (IB, AP, or A-Level)
- Common Benefits:
- Housing allowance or provided housing
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Annual airfare
- Paid vacation (aligned with school terms, often longer breaks)
Positions require prior teaching experience and teaching certifications (e.g., TEFL, CELTA, or state licenses). Pay is higher, but competition is tougher.
Universities
- Average Monthly Salary: ₩2.3 million to ₩5 million ($1,800 to $3,850 USD)
- Teaching Hours per Week: 10 to 15 hours
- Student Demographics: University students and adult learners
- Common Benefits:
- Housing allowance or provided housing
- Health insurance
- Severance pay
- Substantial paid vacation (2–4 months)
University positions are highly desirable due to fewer teaching hours and long vacations. Requirements include a master’s degree or higher, along with prior teaching experience.
Corporate Teaching Jobs
- Average Monthly Salary: ₩2 million to ₩3 million ($1,550 to $2,300 USD)
- Teaching Hours per Week: 20 to 25 hours
- Student Demographics: Corporate employees and business professionals
- Common Benefits:
- Housing allowance
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation (varies by company)
Corporate teaching focuses on business English and presentation skills. Contracts are often part-time or short-term, offering flexibility.
Private Tutoring
- Average Hourly Rate: ₩25,000 to ₩60,000 ($20 to $50 USD)
- Teaching Hours per Week: Flexible (depends on your schedule and clientele)
- Student Demographics: Children, high schoolers, and adults (varies by demand)
- Common Benefits: None (you are self-employed)
Private tutoring can be very lucrative, but it is restricted for teachers on an E-2 visa. Only those with an F-series visa (e.g., F-4, F-6) can legally tutor. Teachers caught violating this regulation may face fines or deportation.
NGOs or Volunteer Programs
- Average Monthly Salary: Varies widely (some positions are unpaid, while others may offer small stipends)
- Teaching Hours per Week: Depends on the organization
- Student Demographics: Often disadvantaged or rural communities
- Common Benefits:
- Housing or housing stipend (sometimes provided)
- Health insurance (depends on the NGO)
- Small travel allowances
These positions focus on outreach rather than high pay. They are great for those seeking meaningful work experience or giving back to the community.
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4 Factors That Affect Salary for Teaching English in Korea
The salary of an English teacher in Korea depends on several key factors, including job type, qualifications, location, and benefits. Earnings can vary significantly based on the following factors, making it important to carefully evaluate your options before accepting a position.
- Type of Job: The type of institution—whether it’s a public school, private academy, university, or corporate program—plays a major role in determining salary and benefits.
- Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree is required to teach English in Korea, but additional certifications like TEFL can increase your salary. Experienced teachers often earn more, as do those with specialized skills or degrees in education.
- Location: Teachers in Seoul and Busan may receive higher salaries, but the cost of living is also higher. Rural areas often offer extra financial incentives to attract teachers.
- Contract Benefits: Many positions include housing, airfare reimbursement, bonuses, and health insurance. These benefits can significantly boost your total compensation.
8 Tips to Increase Your Earnings as an English Teacher in Korea
Here are some practical ways to increase your earnings as an English teacher in Korea:
- Pursue Additional Certifications: Obtaining a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification can help you qualify for higher-paying positions, especially in hagwons or international schools.
- Gain Experience: The more teaching experience you have, the better your chances of securing higher salaries. Even prior experience in other countries or teaching English online can make a difference.
- Specialize Your Skills: Teaching niche subjects like business English, exam preparation (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), or advanced conversational skills often commands higher pay.
- Choose the Right Job: Positions at international schools, universities, or prestigious hagwons typically offer higher salaries compared to public schools.
- Work in High-Demand Areas: Rural areas or regions with teacher shortages may offer extra incentives, such as higher starting salaries or signing bonuses.
- Take on Private Tutoring: If your visa permits, private tutoring can be highly lucrative, with rates ranging from ₩50,000 to ₩100,000 per hour.
- Negotiate Your Contract: Highlighting your qualifications, certifications, and experience during contract negotiations can help you secure a better salary or additional benefits.
- Renew Contracts with the Same Employer: Some schools or academies offer raises or bonuses for teachers who renew their contracts, making it worth staying another year.
By focusing on these strategies, you can significantly increase your salary for teaching English in Korea while maximizing your career growth opportunities.
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Teaching English in Korea is About More Than Just a Salary
The answer to the question “how much can you make teaching English in Korea?” depends on your qualifications, experience, and the type of institution you choose. Salaries range from ₩2.0 to ₩6.0 million, making it possible to save money while enjoying an enriching cultural experience. But it’s important to consider that teaching jobs in Korea often offer more than just a stable income; job opportunities may also include benefits like free housing, bonuses, and opportunities to travel.
Whether you’re a first-time teacher or a seasoned educator, Korea can provide much more than a salary, it can offer you a fulfilling career path with room for growth. If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching English abroad while earning a competitive income, now is the perfect time to explore what teaching English in Korea has to offer!