TEFL Salary in South Korea: What Teachers Actually Earn
Last updated: 2026-08-05 · Data source: aggregated live research (Numbeo, employer job boards), see sources below
₩2.1M–₩3.0M/month (~$1,500–$2,150) plus free housing on EPIK — real savings potential since accommodation costs are covered.
Typical TEFL salary by employer type
| Employer type | Monthly range | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| EPIK Level 2 (bachelor's + 100hr TEFL) | ~$1,600–$1,750/month | ₩2.2M–₩2.4M |
| EPIK Level 1 (teaching licence / master's) | ~$1,750–$2,150/month | ₩2.4M–₩3.0M |
| Hagwon (regional city) | ~$1,450–$1,900/month | ₩2.0M–₩2.6M |
| Hagwon (Seoul) | ~$1,650–$2,150/month | ₩2.3M–₩3.0M |
| International school | ~$1,700–$2,500/month | — |
Figures are ranges aggregated from named sources below, current as of 2026-08-05. Always confirm current pay directly with the specific employer.
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Get Started with TEFL Institute →Cost of living for teachers
Numbeo puts a single person's monthly costs excluding rent in Seoul at roughly ₩1.51M (~$1,057). Because EPIK and most hagwons provide free furnished housing, your real out-of-pocket cost is much closer to that ex-rent figure — meaning a ₩2.1M–₩3.0M salary leaves genuine room to save, and more again outside Seoul where day-to-day costs are lower.
Savings potential
Commonly cited savings potential is roughly $500–$1,000+ a month in Seoul, and typically more in regional or rural placements where living costs run lower than the capital's — on top of free housing, which is the single biggest cost EPIK/hagwon teachers don't have to budget for.
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FAQs
How much do TEFL teachers earn in South Korea?
₩2.1M–₩3.0M/month (~$1,500–$2,150) plus free housing on EPIK — real savings potential since accommodation costs are covered.
What is the cost of living for a TEFL teacher in South Korea?
Numbeo puts a single person's monthly costs excluding rent in Seoul at roughly ₩1.51M (~$1,057). Because EPIK and most hagwons provide free furnished housing, your real out-of-pocket cost is much closer to that ex-rent figure — meaning a ₩2.1M–₩3.0M salary leaves genuine room to save, and more again outside Seoul where day-to-day costs are lower.
Can you save money teaching English in South Korea?
Commonly cited savings potential is roughly $500–$1,000+ a month in Seoul, and typically more in regional or rural placements where living costs run lower than the capital's — on top of free housing, which is the single biggest cost EPIK/hagwon teachers don't have to budget for.
Does International school pay more than other TEFL employers in South Korea?
Yes — international school roles typically pay ~$1,700–$2,500/month, the highest tier on our South Korea salary table.