Requirements by School to Teach English in Korea

There are a few different types of schools in Korea (each with varying requirements) and it's worth looking at what it takes to land a job at each.



Private Schools/Hagwons

The requirements to teach at a Hagwon in Korea are pretty straightforward and the most basic of all teaching opportunities in Korea:

• Native speaker from an approved country
• Bachelor's degree in any subject
• Clean criminal record
• Clean health check

Public Schools

Public schools in Korea can be quite selective about their teaching requirements (and usually have plenty of applicants from which to choose), but here are the most common:

• Native speaker from an approved country
• Bachelor's degree in any subject
• ESL or TEFL teaching certification
• Clean criminal record
• Clean health check

Universities / Colleges

Universities are the most selective of all schools in Korea and their requirements for teachers ensure they can provide experienced and capable professors for their students.

• Native speaker from an approved country
• Master's degree in a related subject
• Previous experience in a similar teaching environment
• Clean criminal record
• Clean health check

International Schools

Due to their curriculum, almost all legitimate international schools (note: not every school with 'international' in its title is a true international school) require their teachers to be certified in their home country. This is not an ESL or TEFL certification but instead a license to teach in schools back home.

• Native speaker from an approved country
• Bachelor's degree in any subject
• Certified teaching degree/license (not ESL or TEFL)
• Clean criminal record
• Clean health check

The Job Application Process in Korea Explained

This is covered in far greater detail on our visa section but assuming you've met the requirements to teach in Korea, the general hiring and application process is as follows:

1. Interview and receive offer from school
2. Compile necessary paperwork and signed contract and send to your school
3. Apply for visa at your nearest Embassy or Consulate
4. Receive visa and travel to Korea
5. Perform health check upon arrival
6. Start work!

FAQs About the Requirements to Teach in Korea

What if I'm not a native speaker?

Unfortunately, being a non-native speaker in South Korea is a deal-breaker and unless you hold a passport from one of the seven English-speaking countries mentioned above, you're not going to be able to teach legally in the country.

Is there a minimum or maximum age for teachers in Korea?

As long as you have graduated from an accredited university there is no minimum age for teaching English in Korea. However, when it comes to a maximum age, a lot of teachers have found it increasingly difficult to get a job the closer they get to retirement age (around 60 years old).

Though not explicitly stated by the government, many schools prefer younger teachers and older applicants should keep that in mind when applying.

Do I need a TEFL or TESOL certification to teach in Korea?

No, regular applicants to Hagwons or non-public schools are not required to have a teaching certificate of any kind. However, such certificates are mandatory for public school programs like EPIK and SMOE and are beneficial no matter where you are teaching.