Teach in South Korea – English Programme In Korea (EPIK)

The EPIK (English Program in Korea) is a prestigious government-sponsored program run by the National Institute for International Education under the Korean Ministry of Education. It places qualified native English speakers in public schools across South Korea to enhance students’ English proficiency, promote conversational skills, and foster cultural exchange.

Position – English Teacher (English Language Assistant / EPIK Teacher)

Location: Various public schools (elementary, middle, or high school) throughout South Korea, including urban, suburban, and rural areas across multiple provinces and metropolitan cities.

Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term contract (typically 1 year or 52 weeks, renewable by mutual agreement).

Start Dates: Spring (February/March) or Fall (August/September) intakes.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Korean co-teachers to plan and deliver engaging English lessons, focusing primarily on speaking and listening skills.
• Conduct English conversation classes for students and, where appropriate, school staff.
• Assist in developing and preparing teaching materials and resources for English language education.
• Participate in extracurricular activities, English camps, after-school programs, or school events as assigned.
• Support the overall English education goals of the school and contribute to a positive, interactive learning environment.
• Adapt teaching methods to suit different age groups and proficiency levels (most positions are in elementary schools, but middle and high school placements are also available).
• Attend mandatory orientation/training sessions upon arrival and any required in-service professional development.

Note: Instructional hours typically do not exceed 22 hours per week, with a standard workday of approximately 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday (excluding Korean national holidays and weekends).

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the following countries where English is the primary language: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, etc.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited university in one of the designated countries above (applicants must have studied and graduated at the university level in one of these countries, with schooling from at least junior high level in an eligible country).
• Language: Excellent command of the English language (native-level proficiency).
• Health: Mentally and physically healthy (medical check required as part of application).
• Additional Preferences/Requirements (may affect salary level):
  • Teaching license or certificate, degree in Education, TESOL, a related field, or a CertTESOL or CELTA certificate (100+ hours of documented teaching practice preferred).
  • Prior teaching experience – formal full-time classroom experience can qualify for higher pay levels.
• Enthusiasm for Korean culture, adaptability, and willingness to engage in cultural exchange.

Compensation and Benefits for EPIK Teachers in South Korea (as at Spring 2026)

• Monthly Salary: Competitive, tiered pay scale ranging from approximately KRW 2.05 million to KRW 2.8 million (roughly USD 1,500–2,100 depending on exchange rates), determined by qualifications, experience, education level, and placement location (higher in non-metropolitan areas).
• Housing: Free furnished single accommodation (apartment/studio) provided by the school/education office, or housing allowance in some cases.
• Allowances & Bonuses:
  • Entrance/Settlement Allowance: KRW 1,800,000 (paid after first month).
  • Exit/Contract Completion Bonus: KRW 1,300,000 (or equivalent to one month’s salary in some cases) upon successful completion.
  • Severance pay equivalent to one month’s salary upon contract completion.
• Airfare: Round-trip flight reimbursement or entrance allowance to cover travel costs.
• Medical Insurance: Employer covers approximately 50% of National Health Insurance premiums.
• Paid Vacation: At least 26 days of paid vacation per year (plus Korean national holidays ≈14 days), generally aligned with school breaks.
• Other Perks: Orientation and training upon arrival (including cultural and teaching preparation), professional development opportunities, and support from local education offices.

This is a rewarding opportunity to live and work in South Korea while making a meaningful impact on students’ English abilities and building cross-cultural connections. EPIK teachers enjoy stable government employment, a supportive co-teaching environment, and excellent work-life balance to explore Korea’s vibrant culture, food, travel destinations, and more.

For the most up-to-date details, eligibility confirmation, application process, and current openings, visit the official EPIK website: www.epik.go.kr. Applications are accepted for specific intake periods.