Which ESL School Type Is Right for You?

Korea has four main types of ESL teaching positions. Each offers a different experience, salary, and lifestyle. Find the one that fits your goals.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Click a category to highlight it across all school types. Green = favorable, Yellow = moderate, Red = challenging.

Category	🏫Hagwon (Private Academy)	🏛️EPIK (Public School)	🎓University	🌍International School
Monthly Salary	₩2.1M–2.8M KRW	₩1.8M–2.7M KRW	₩2.2M–3.5M KRW	₩2.5M–5.0M KRW
Work Hours	1 PM – 9 PM (30–35 teaching hours/week)	8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (22 teaching hours/week)	9 AM – 5 PM (12–16 teaching hours/week)	8 AM – 4 PM (25–30 teaching hours/week)
Vacation	10 days (national holidays + ~5 personal)	18–26 days (school breaks + national holidays)	4–5 months (winter + summer breaks)	8–12 weeks (aligned with international school calendar)
Housing	Single studio apartment (furnished) or housing allowance (~500,000 KRW)	Furnished apartment provided (rent-free)	On-campus housing or housing allowance (~500,000–700,000 KRW)	Housing allowance or on-campus housing (varies)
Contract Length	1 year	1 year (renewable)	1 year (renewable, some tenure-track)	2 years (standard)
Class Size	5–15 students	20–35 students	15–30 students	12–20 students
Curriculum	School-specific (textbook-based or custom)	National curriculum (co-taught with Korean teacher)	Professor-designed (high autonomy)	IB, AP, British, or American curriculum
Visa Type	E-2 (Teaching)	E-2 (Teaching)	E-1 (Professor) or E-2 (Teaching)	E-7 (Special Occupation) or E-2

🏫

Hagwon (Private Academy)

Private after-school academies. The most common ESL employer in Korea with the widest variety of teaching styles and student ages.

Monthly Salary: ₩2.1M–2.8M KRW
Work Hours: 1 PM – 9 PM (30–35 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 10 days (national holidays + ~5 personal)
Housing: Single studio apartment (furnished) or housing allowance (~500,000 KRW)
Contract Length: 1 year
Class Size: 5–15 students
Curriculum: School-specific (textbook-based or custom)
Visa Type: E-2 (Teaching)

Pros

Highest number of openings year-round
Often higher base salary than public schools
Smaller class sizes (5–15 students)

Cons

Later working hours (afternoon/evening)
Less vacation than public schools
Quality varies significantly between schools

Best for: Teachers who prefer small classes, flexible curricula, and don't mind evening hours

🏛️

EPIK (Public School)

English Program in Korea (EPIK) places teachers in public elementary, middle, and high schools across the country.

Monthly Salary: ₩1.8M–2.7M KRW
Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (22 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 18–26 days (school breaks + national holidays)
Housing: Furnished apartment provided (rent-free)
Contract Length: 1 year (renewable)
Class Size: 20–35 students
Curriculum: National curriculum (co-taught with Korean teacher)
Visa Type: E-2 (Teaching)

Pros

Regular daytime hours (weekdays only)
Generous vacation during school breaks
Government-backed job security

Cons

Lower starting salary than hagwons
Larger class sizes (20–35 students)
Less control over curriculum

Best for: Teachers seeking stability, work-life balance, and cultural immersion outside Seoul

🎓

University

Teaching English at Korean universities, typically to college students in conversation, writing, or test-preparation courses.

Monthly Salary: ₩2.2M–3.5M KRW
Work Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (12–16 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 4–5 months (winter + summer breaks)
Housing: On-campus housing or housing allowance (~500,000–700,000 KRW)
Contract Length: 1 year (renewable, some tenure-track)
Class Size: 15–30 students
Curriculum: Professor-designed (high autonomy)
Visa Type: E-1 (Professor) or E-2 (Teaching)

Pros

Lowest teaching hours of any position
Extensive vacation (university breaks)
Adult students (motivated, higher level)

Cons

Highly competitive (MA preferred or required)
Fewer positions available
May require published research

Best for: Experienced teachers with advanced degrees who value academic freedom and long vacations

🌍

International School

Accredited international schools following Western curricula (IB, AP, British) with diverse, multinational student bodies.

Monthly Salary: ₩2.5M–5.0M KRW
Work Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM (25–30 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 8–12 weeks (aligned with international school calendar)
Housing: Housing allowance or on-campus housing (varies)
Contract Length: 2 years (standard)
Class Size: 12–20 students
Curriculum: IB, AP, British, or American curriculum
Visa Type: E-7 (Special Occupation) or E-2

Pros

Highest salary potential in ESL
Western-style work environment
Professional development opportunities

Cons

Requires teaching license + experience
Very competitive (2+ years experience typical)
Higher workload (grading, parent meetings)

Best for: Licensed teachers seeking the highest pay and a Western-style professional environment

Detailed Breakdown

🏫

Hagwon (Private Academy)

학원 (사립 학원)

Private after-school academies. The most common ESL employer in Korea with the widest variety of teaching styles and student ages.

Salary Range

₩2.1M – ₩2.8M KRW/month

Higher in Seoul; some offer overtime pay

Work Hours

1 PM – 9 PM (30–35 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

10 days (national holidays + ~5 personal)

Housing

Single studio apartment (furnished) or housing allowance (~500,000 KRW)

Pros

Highest number of openings year-round
Often higher base salary than public schools
Smaller class sizes (5–15 students)
More creative freedom in lesson planning
Some specialize in areas like test prep or conversation

Cons

Later working hours (afternoon/evening)
Less vacation than public schools
Quality varies significantly between schools
Potential for overtime or unpaid work
Less job security than government positions

Best for: Teachers who prefer small classes, flexible curricula, and don't mind evening hours

🏛️

EPIK (Public School)

EPIK (공립학교)

English Program in Korea (EPIK) places teachers in public elementary, middle, and high schools across the country.

Salary Range

₩1.8M – ₩2.7M KRW/month

Based on qualifications & experience level; severance pay included

Work Hours

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (22 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

18–26 days (school breaks + national holidays)

Housing

Furnished apartment provided (rent-free)

Pros

Regular daytime hours (weekdays only)
Generous vacation during school breaks
Government-backed job security
Free housing provided
Settlement allowance (300,000 KRW)
Medical insurance and pension included

Cons

Lower starting salary than hagwons
Larger class sizes (20–35 students)
Less control over curriculum
Placement location may not be your preference
Co-teaching required (depends on Korean teacher)
Intake periods limited (Feb/Aug)

Best for: Teachers seeking stability, work-life balance, and cultural immersion outside Seoul

🎓

University

대학교

Teaching English at Korean universities, typically to college students in conversation, writing, or test-preparation courses.

Salary Range

₩2.2M – ₩3.5M KRW/month

Varies widely; some include research stipends

Work Hours

9 AM – 5 PM (12–16 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

4–5 months (winter + summer breaks)

Housing

On-campus housing or housing allowance (~500,000–700,000 KRW)

Pros

Lowest teaching hours of any position
Extensive vacation (university breaks)
Adult students (motivated, higher level)
Academic prestige and networking
Opportunity for research and publishing
Often includes return airfare

Cons

Highly competitive (MA preferred or required)
Fewer positions available
May require published research
Semester-only contracts at some schools
Can be isolated from other foreign teachers
Administrative duties during breaks

Best for: Experienced teachers with advanced degrees who value academic freedom and long vacations

🌍

International School

국제학교

Accredited international schools following Western curricula (IB, AP, British) with diverse, multinational student bodies.

Salary Range

₩2.5M – ₩5.0M KRW/month

Top-tier schools can exceed 5M KRW; often tax-advantaged

Work Hours

8 AM – 4 PM (25–30 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

8–12 weeks (aligned with international school calendar)

Housing

Housing allowance or on-campus housing (varies)

Pros

Highest salary potential in ESL
Western-style work environment
Professional development opportunities
Smaller class sizes with resources
International community and networking
Teaching license experience recognized globally

Cons

Requires teaching license + experience
Very competitive (2+ years experience typical)
Higher workload (grading, parent meetings)
May require subject specialization
Limited positions (mainly Seoul/Busan)
Higher expectations for professionalism

Best for: Licensed teachers seeking the highest pay and a Western-style professional environment

Not Sure Which Is Right for You?

Take our quick 5-question quiz to find your ideal school type.

Question 1 of 50%

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Ready to Start Teaching in Korea?

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Click a category to highlight it across all school types. Green = favorable, Yellow = moderate, Red = challenging.

Category	🏫Hagwon (Private Academy)	🏛️EPIK (Public School)	🎓University	🌍International School
Monthly Salary	₩2.1M–2.8M KRW	₩1.8M–2.7M KRW	₩2.2M–3.5M KRW	₩2.5M–5.0M KRW
Work Hours	1 PM – 9 PM (30–35 teaching hours/week)	8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (22 teaching hours/week)	9 AM – 5 PM (12–16 teaching hours/week)	8 AM – 4 PM (25–30 teaching hours/week)
Vacation	10 days (national holidays + ~5 personal)	18–26 days (school breaks + national holidays)	4–5 months (winter + summer breaks)	8–12 weeks (aligned with international school calendar)
Housing	Single studio apartment (furnished) or housing allowance (~500,000 KRW)	Furnished apartment provided (rent-free)	On-campus housing or housing allowance (~500,000–700,000 KRW)	Housing allowance or on-campus housing (varies)
Contract Length	1 year	1 year (renewable)	1 year (renewable, some tenure-track)	2 years (standard)
Class Size	5–15 students	20–35 students	15–30 students	12–20 students
Curriculum	School-specific (textbook-based or custom)	National curriculum (co-taught with Korean teacher)	Professor-designed (high autonomy)	IB, AP, British, or American curriculum
Visa Type	E-2 (Teaching)	E-2 (Teaching)	E-1 (Professor) or E-2 (Teaching)	E-7 (Special Occupation) or E-2

🏫

Hagwon (Private Academy)

Private after-school academies. The most common ESL employer in Korea with the widest variety of teaching styles and student ages.

Monthly Salary: ₩2.1M–2.8M KRW
Work Hours: 1 PM – 9 PM (30–35 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 10 days (national holidays + ~5 personal)
Housing: Single studio apartment (furnished) or housing allowance (~500,000 KRW)
Contract Length: 1 year
Class Size: 5–15 students
Curriculum: School-specific (textbook-based or custom)
Visa Type: E-2 (Teaching)

Pros

Highest number of openings year-round
Often higher base salary than public schools
Smaller class sizes (5–15 students)

Cons

Later working hours (afternoon/evening)
Less vacation than public schools
Quality varies significantly between schools

Best for: Teachers who prefer small classes, flexible curricula, and don't mind evening hours

🏛️

EPIK (Public School)

English Program in Korea (EPIK) places teachers in public elementary, middle, and high schools across the country.

Monthly Salary: ₩1.8M–2.7M KRW
Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (22 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 18–26 days (school breaks + national holidays)
Housing: Furnished apartment provided (rent-free)
Contract Length: 1 year (renewable)
Class Size: 20–35 students
Curriculum: National curriculum (co-taught with Korean teacher)
Visa Type: E-2 (Teaching)

Pros

Regular daytime hours (weekdays only)
Generous vacation during school breaks
Government-backed job security

Cons

Lower starting salary than hagwons
Larger class sizes (20–35 students)
Less control over curriculum

Best for: Teachers seeking stability, work-life balance, and cultural immersion outside Seoul

🎓

University

Teaching English at Korean universities, typically to college students in conversation, writing, or test-preparation courses.

Monthly Salary: ₩2.2M–3.5M KRW
Work Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (12–16 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 4–5 months (winter + summer breaks)
Housing: On-campus housing or housing allowance (~500,000–700,000 KRW)
Contract Length: 1 year (renewable, some tenure-track)
Class Size: 15–30 students
Curriculum: Professor-designed (high autonomy)
Visa Type: E-1 (Professor) or E-2 (Teaching)

Pros

Lowest teaching hours of any position
Extensive vacation (university breaks)
Adult students (motivated, higher level)

Cons

Highly competitive (MA preferred or required)
Fewer positions available
May require published research

Best for: Experienced teachers with advanced degrees who value academic freedom and long vacations

🌍

International School

Accredited international schools following Western curricula (IB, AP, British) with diverse, multinational student bodies.

Monthly Salary: ₩2.5M–5.0M KRW
Work Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM (25–30 teaching hours/week)
Vacation: 8–12 weeks (aligned with international school calendar)
Housing: Housing allowance or on-campus housing (varies)
Contract Length: 2 years (standard)
Class Size: 12–20 students
Curriculum: IB, AP, British, or American curriculum
Visa Type: E-7 (Special Occupation) or E-2

Pros

Highest salary potential in ESL
Western-style work environment
Professional development opportunities

Cons

Requires teaching license + experience
Very competitive (2+ years experience typical)
Higher workload (grading, parent meetings)

Best for: Licensed teachers seeking the highest pay and a Western-style professional environment

Detailed Breakdown

🏫

Hagwon (Private Academy)

학원 (사립 학원)

Private after-school academies. The most common ESL employer in Korea with the widest variety of teaching styles and student ages.

Salary Range

₩2.1M – ₩2.8M KRW/month

Higher in Seoul; some offer overtime pay

Work Hours

1 PM – 9 PM (30–35 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

10 days (national holidays + ~5 personal)

Housing

Single studio apartment (furnished) or housing allowance (~500,000 KRW)

Pros

Highest number of openings year-round
Often higher base salary than public schools
Smaller class sizes (5–15 students)
More creative freedom in lesson planning
Some specialize in areas like test prep or conversation

Cons

Later working hours (afternoon/evening)
Less vacation than public schools
Quality varies significantly between schools
Potential for overtime or unpaid work
Less job security than government positions

Best for: Teachers who prefer small classes, flexible curricula, and don't mind evening hours

🏛️

EPIK (Public School)

EPIK (공립학교)

English Program in Korea (EPIK) places teachers in public elementary, middle, and high schools across the country.

Salary Range

₩1.8M – ₩2.7M KRW/month

Based on qualifications & experience level; severance pay included

Work Hours

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (22 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

18–26 days (school breaks + national holidays)

Housing

Furnished apartment provided (rent-free)

Pros

Regular daytime hours (weekdays only)
Generous vacation during school breaks
Government-backed job security
Free housing provided
Settlement allowance (300,000 KRW)
Medical insurance and pension included

Cons

Lower starting salary than hagwons
Larger class sizes (20–35 students)
Less control over curriculum
Placement location may not be your preference
Co-teaching required (depends on Korean teacher)
Intake periods limited (Feb/Aug)

Best for: Teachers seeking stability, work-life balance, and cultural immersion outside Seoul

🎓

University

대학교

Teaching English at Korean universities, typically to college students in conversation, writing, or test-preparation courses.

Salary Range

₩2.2M – ₩3.5M KRW/month

Varies widely; some include research stipends

Work Hours

9 AM – 5 PM (12–16 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

4–5 months (winter + summer breaks)

Housing

On-campus housing or housing allowance (~500,000–700,000 KRW)

Pros

Lowest teaching hours of any position
Extensive vacation (university breaks)
Adult students (motivated, higher level)
Academic prestige and networking
Opportunity for research and publishing
Often includes return airfare

Cons

Highly competitive (MA preferred or required)
Fewer positions available
May require published research
Semester-only contracts at some schools
Can be isolated from other foreign teachers
Administrative duties during breaks

Best for: Experienced teachers with advanced degrees who value academic freedom and long vacations

🌍

International School

국제학교

Accredited international schools following Western curricula (IB, AP, British) with diverse, multinational student bodies.

Salary Range

₩2.5M – ₩5.0M KRW/month

Top-tier schools can exceed 5M KRW; often tax-advantaged

Work Hours

8 AM – 4 PM (25–30 teaching hours/week)

Vacation

8–12 weeks (aligned with international school calendar)

Housing

Housing allowance or on-campus housing (varies)

Pros

Highest salary potential in ESL
Western-style work environment
Professional development opportunities
Smaller class sizes with resources
International community and networking
Teaching license experience recognized globally

Cons

Requires teaching license + experience
Very competitive (2+ years experience typical)
Higher workload (grading, parent meetings)
May require subject specialization
Limited positions (mainly Seoul/Busan)
Higher expectations for professionalism

Best for: Licensed teachers seeking the highest pay and a Western-style professional environment