Can I teach in Korea without a degree?

No. A bachelor's degree from an accredited university is legally required for the E-2 visa. No exceptions.

How much can I save teaching in Korea?

Most teachers save $800-1,200 per month with free housing. Rural placements typically allow more savings than Seoul.

Can I choose where I'm placed?

EPIK allows preference requests but no guarantees. Private schools let you choose specific jobs. Rural areas are easier to get than Seoul.

Do I need to speak Korean?

No Korean required for most positions, but learning basics helps daily life. Some advanced positions prefer Korean ability.

Can I extend my contract?

Yes, most programs offer contract renewals. Public school contracts can be renewed multiple times with the same school or different placements.

How to Teach English in South Korea

To teach English in South Korea, you need a bachelor's degree, clean criminal background check, and health certificate. Apply for jobs online, get an E-2 visa, and expect to earn 2.1-2.7 million won monthly with free housing. Most teachers start in March or September.

Check Your Qualifications. You need a bachelor's degree from an English-speaking country (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa), clean criminal background check, and apostilled health certificate. Native English speakers only.
Get Required Documents. Obtain apostilled copies of your degree, FBI background check (or equivalent), and health certificate. This process takes 4-6 weeks, so start early.
Apply for Jobs. Use EPIK (public schools), GEPIK (Gyeonggi province), or private recruiters like Korvia, Adventure Teaching, or Teach Away. Submit applications 3-4 months before your preferred start date.
Interview and Accept Position. Most interviews are via Skype or Zoom. EPIK interviews happen in January/February for March start and June/July for September start. Accept your placement and receive your visa documents.
Apply for E-2 Visa. Take your contract, apostilled documents, and passport photos to the Korean consulate. Processing takes 5-7 business days. Visa costs $45.
Prepare for Departure. Book your flight (many programs reimburse airfare), pack appropriate clothing for Korean seasons, and research your placement city. Arrive 1-2 weeks before your start date.
Complete In-Country Requirements. Get a medical check, open a bank account, register for alien registration card (ARC), and complete orientation training. Your school will help with these steps.

Can I teach in Korea without a degree?: No. A bachelor's degree from an accredited university is legally required for the E-2 visa. No exceptions.
How much can I save teaching in Korea?: Most teachers save $800-1,200 per month with free housing. Rural placements typically allow more savings than Seoul.
Can I choose where I'm placed?: EPIK allows preference requests but no guarantees. Private schools let you choose specific jobs. Rural areas are easier to get than Seoul.
Do I need to speak Korean?: No Korean required for most positions, but learning basics helps daily life. Some advanced positions prefer Korean ability.
Can I extend my contract?: Yes, most programs offer contract renewals. Public school contracts can be renewed multiple times with the same school or different placements.