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Teach for EPIK Korea - English Program in Korea
Now Accepting Applications for the English Program in Korea (EPIK) for Summer 2010!

Teach English in Korea for EPIk - Fall 2010 EPIK School Banner

Learn More About ESL Teaching Jobs in Korean Public Schools!

Teach English for the EPIK Program in Korea

Reach To Teach is an official partner of the EPIK program (English Program in Korea). EPIK is a program that is run by the Korean government that offers qualified ESL teachers a great opportunity to teach English in Korea. The EPIK program in Korea offers a unique experience to gain valuable ESL teaching experience in public schools across Korea.

What is the English Program in Korea?

EPIK stands for English Program in Korea, a program sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education. The EPIK Program was established in 1995 with the mandate to improve the English speaking abilities of students and teachers in Korea and to develop cultural exchanges. Through the EPIK Program over 1000 teachers are placed in ESL teaching jobs every year. Reach To Teach works with the Korean Ministry of Education to place English Language Instructors (ELIs) in Korean public schools throughout the country.

Teaching Locations at Public Schools in Korea

The EPIK program has divided the available locations according to the different Provincial Offices of Education (POEs). There are a number of POEs in Korea. EPIK teachers can work in almost any province of Korea, but location preference is granted on a first come-first served basis. Once your application documents are received EPIK officials will decide which POE you will work for, which will then determine which specific school you will be placed at. As a teacher you will work at primary and secondary schools within a designated POE, but you may also be asked to work at other educational facilities within the EPIK program. If you have a specific location preference within the EPIK program, it is important that you submit your application as soon as possible.

Reach To Teach will be happy to discuss the various location options with you!

Are you eligible to teach for the EPIK Program in Korea?

All applicants to the EPIK program must have:

  1. Completed a full academic degree at an accredited college or university
  2. Be a citizen of a country where the primary language is English
  3. Be a native speaker of English
  4. Meet the requirements for an E-2 or F-4 visa. Read more information about applying for a Korean Visa
EPIK Teacher Randi EPIK Teachers in Korea

Salary for EPIK teachers


A teachers' salary is based on a combination of qualifications and experience. Comprehensive salary guidelines have been put in place for English teachers working for EPIK. The table below lists the different salary qualifications in more detail:

EPIK Requirements Monthly Pay (Million KRW)
Metropolitan City Province
Busan / Incheon Other Cities Jeju Other Provinces
Level 1 plus 2 consecutive years of teaching experience within the same Provincial Office of Education 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.7
2 years of teaching experience with one of the following:
  • Master's degree
  • Teacher's, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA (100+hrs) Certificate
  • Major in Education, English Education or English Language / Literature
  • Contract renewal as a Level 2+ at the same POE
 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.5
  • Master's degree in any discipline, with Bachelor's in Education, English Education, or English Language / Literature
  • Master's degree in Education, English Education, or English Language / Literature, with Bachelor's in any discipline
  • Contract renewal as a Level 2 at the same POE
 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.3
Must have one of the following:

  • Teacher's, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA (100+hrs) Certificate
  • Major in Education, English Education, or English Language / Literature major
  • Bachelor's degree plus 1 yr full-time English teaching experience Master's degree in any discipline
 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.2
Bachelor's degree in any discipline 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1

Start dates and working hours for Public Schools in Korea

You must sign a one-year contact in order to teach English in Korea for the EPIK program. The EPIK program has two start dates per year at the beginning of each semester. The 1st arrival date is at the end of February and the 2nd is at the end of August.

A typical working day is 8 hours, with approximately 22 hours/week of actual teaching time. Overtime pay is available if teachers are asked to work additional hours. You will only work Monday to Friday and will have plenty of time to enjoy your weekends!

EPIK Student in Korea ESL student in Korea

The benefits of working for the EPIK Program in Korea

All EPIK teachers will be entitled to the following benefits:

  1. Free housing provided by the EPIK Program (utilities not included)
  2. Entrance Allowance of 1.3 mil won to purchase a one-way ticket
  3. Exit Allowance of 1.3 mil won or a renewal Bonus of 2.0 mil won for resigning
  4. 10 days of ESL training in Seoul
  5. Settlement allowance of 300,000 won (This is a “signing bonus” which you receive when you arrive in Korea. This will help you settle in and buy various things you will want as you move into your new apartment!)
  6. Paid vacation for 21 working days plus 13-15 National Holidays
  7. Medical insurance and pension, 50% of which is covered by the EPIK Program
  8. Higher salaries for teachers who choose to work in more rural locations

EPIK Program - What is an ELI?

An ELI is an English Language Instructor hired by the Korean Ministry of Education. As an ELI, you will work together with your Korean co-teachers in the classroom. ELIs conduct English language classes for primary and secondary public school students in the Korean public school system. The EPIK program is part of the Korean government's initiative to promote and strengthen English language education.

You may also find that ELI's are often referred to as GETs - Guest English Teachers

The responsibilities of Teaching English at Public Schools in Korea

All English teachers with jobs in Korean Public Schools work under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by a specific Provincial Office of Education (POE). Teachers are responsible for conducting English classes in cooperation with Korean teachers. As an ELI you will assist with the development of teaching materials, and other activities related to learning English.

EPIK Program Training in Seoul

All EPIK program English Language Instructors (ELIs) will attend a mandatory 10 day professional training session in Seoul. The training is conducted by the Center for In-service Education at the Korean National University of Education. The orientation period is not included in the term of employment and as such is unpaid. Teachers will learn about the Korean Public School system, their role as English teachers, living in Korea, among other useful topics. Attendance at orientation is a required condition of employment. Training week is also a great time to meet new people!

The Reach To Teach Community

EPIK English Program in Korea

Reach To Teach has a great community of English teachers in Korea. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of moving halfway across the world, you are not alone. With new teachers arriving each month there will be many opportunities to meet new and interesting people. We have many regular events that include happy hours, hike events, dinner parties, paintball and even white water rafting!

See our Teacher Events and Monthly ESL Newsletters pages for further information.

Get Advice from the Experts!

All of us at Reach To Teach have all taught English abroad. We understand the anxiety that comes with considering a move halfway across the world. With that in mind, remember that all questions are good questions! We want you to feel as comfortable as possible with your decision. Leaving your home country to teach English in Korea is an exciting and adventurous choice. It’s important to be sure you have as much information as possible so you can concentrate on enjoying your year (or more!) teaching English in Korea.

If you have any questions about teaching English in Korea, from your monthly salary to how Korean BBQ is, please contact our Director of Recruiting for Korea, Gillian Benjamin. You are also welcome to contact any of our other teach abroad Recruitment Coordinators!

Apply Now to Teach English in Korea for the EPIK Program