Eligibility and Requirements
Before you start daydreaming about going to Kpop concerts and karaoke nights, let’s cover the boring-but-important stuff: who can actually teach English in Korea. Knowing this upfront will save you from a lot of “wait, what?” moments.
In this post, I’ll explain who can teach English in South Korea and what you need to prepare before applying. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned educator, knowing these requirements will save you from frustrating surprises and help your application go smoothly.
Country
The easiest way to know if you qualify is by checking your country of citizenship. You need to be a citizen of one of these English-speaking countries: the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
Fun fact: Under the CEPA agreement, Indian citizens with the right qualifications can also teach in public schools through the EPIK program.
Want to double-check? Your local Korean embassy or consulate has the most up-to-date information
Education
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university. Yep, any field. Just make sure you can provide a notarized copy of your degree.
If you’re from regions like South Africa or Quebec, where English isn’t always the primary language, you’ll need to show that your education from junior high through university was conducted in English.
A Clean Background Check
You’ll need a criminal background check from your home country. It should be recent (usually within six months) and free from charges or convictions. Basically, schools want to know you’re a responsible, law-abiding human being.
A Health Check
You must be in good physical and mental health. As part of the visa process, you’ll undergo a health check once you arrive in Korea. This ensures you’re ready for long school days and plenty of classroom adventures.
Passport
A valid passport is required, ideally with at least one year remaining before it expires. Extra time never hurts—it gives you a little breathing room for all your adventures in Korea.
What’s Next?
Now that you know whether you’re eligible to teach in South Korea, it’s time to think about where you want to teach. In Korea, there are three main types of schools where you can teach English: international schools, public schools, and private academies (hagwons). Based on my personal experience, I’ll be focusing on public schools and hagwons, since those are the paths I know best and can give you the most helpful insights on.
Each offers a unique schedule, teaching style, and student vibe, so knowing the differences will help you pick the place where you’ll thrive—and maybe even have the most fun.
In the next post, I’ll break down public schools vs. hagwons, including perks, challenges, and what a typical day looks like.
