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Discover The EPIK Programme: Your Gateway To Teaching English In South Korea
June 5, 2025
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is EPIK?
- What is an ELA?
- Where will I teach?
- Requirements
- Application procedure
- How much do you earn?
- Is it hard to get into?
From K-pop to K-beauty to K-drama, the world is going mad for K-everything! Interestingly, South Korea has been popular with TEFL teachers long before the rest of the world discovered Korean exports. But this newfound interest in South Korean culture has seen an explosion of fascination in South Korea as a destination for teaching English.
But besides the allure of the country itself, South Korea has made a name for itself as a nation that appreciates TEFL teachers. Teachers flock to South Korea for the high salaries, paid-for accommodation and flight reimbursements.
What is the EPIK programme in South Korea?
The EPIK programme is one way TEFL teachers find positions in public schools around South Korea.
EPIK stands for English Programme in Korea. It’s a programme run by the South Korean Ministry of Education. It places teachers in public schools around Korea on one-year contracts. EPIK teachers work as ELAs, or English Language Assistants. The aim is not only to teach English but also to be part of a cultural exchange between your country and South Korea.
What is an ELA? What does an ELA do?
ELAs work with Korean teachers to teach English in public school classrooms. The Korean teachers are the main teachers. The ELAs help carry out activities, supervise homework and tests, and maximise opportunities for conversation with learners.
ELAs may also be required to participate in extra-curricular activities and English camps.
As a native speaker, the ELA must focus on interacting with the students so that they are exposed to authentic English and a neutral English accent. ELAs are a source of authentic, natural language in the Korean classroom.
Read more: What Is An English Language Assistant?
A large part of the EPIK programme is cultural exchange. Korean students learn about your culture while you’ll learn about Korean culture.
Teachers on the EPIK programme teach 22 – 25 hours a week but are on the school premises for 8 hours a day. When not teaching, teachers can do administrative work and lesson preparation.
Where will I teach with the EPIK programme?
Teachers in the EPIK programme are placed in primary and secondary public schools around the country. Applicants can state their location preference but aren’t guaranteed their choice.
Read more: What Is A Hagwon? Unpacking The Secrets of South Korea’s Popular Learning Centres
What are the requirements for EPIK?
To be eligible for the EPIK programme, you need to satisfy the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland or South Africa
- Indian citizens are eligible for positions if they meet all other requirements and hold a valid teaching certificate in English education (this requirement cannot be fulfilled by a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate).
- Korean citizens with legal residency in one of the designated countries listed above are eligible to apply, but must provide proof of English education beginning from the 7th year/grade and through university.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree from a university in one of the above countries
- Applicants from countries like South Africa, Quebec, etc., where significant portions of the population might not speak English as their primary language, must provide proof that their schooling from the 7th year/grade and through university was conducted in English. Letters from the schools will be sufficient proof and must be submitted with the applicant’s initial application.
- Have a TEFL qualification of at least 100 hours from an accredited provider, or a BA/MA in Education or a teaching licence. The TEFL qualification may be completed during the application process, so applicants may apply before they have obtained the certification as long as it will be finalised no later than 6 weeks before the final expected arrival date in Korea.
Hot Tip: Check Out Our Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course
- Have a clear criminal background check (also known as a Police Clearance Certificate)
- Have a clean medical check
What is the application procedure for EPIK?
There are two intakes for the EPIK programme:
- August for the Spring term of the following year
- February for the Autumn term of the same year
You can apply directly through EPIK, but many people choose to apply through a recruiter.
Once you have filled in the application form and sent it in, you’ll be invited for a Skype interview.
After that, you apply for a visa at the Korean embassy.
What are the required documents for the EPIK programme?
- A valid passport
- Photo
- Apostilled criminal background check
- Apostilled degree and transcripts
- Apostilled birth certificate
- TEFL certificate
- 2 letters of recommendation
Here is the timeline of an EPIK application, as given on the official EPIK website:
How much do you get paid as an EPIK teacher? What are the benefits of the EPIK programme?
EPIK teachers are paid between 2 and 2.8 million Korean Won (KRW) ($1,500 and $2,000) a month. Your salary depends on your experience and qualifications, as well as which province you’re placed in.
Flights to and from South Korea are paid for.
Teachers must attend an orientation on arrival. Lodging and meals during this time are provided.
Accommodation is provided in a house or apartment. There is no rent, but teachers need to pay their utility bills. Also included in your salary package is 50% of your National Health Insurance premiums, which gives you access to impressive medical care and facilities.
To help you settle in when you arrive in Korea, teachers are further given:
- a settlement allowance of 300,000 KRW ($220) (paid within the first month),
- an entrance allowance of 1,3 million to 1.8 million KRW ($950 to $1,300) (paid in the first 6 months), and
- an exit allowance of 1,3 million to 1.8 million KRW ($950 to $1,300) (paid at the end of the contract)
At the end of your contract, you’ll receive severance pay equal to one month’s salary or a renewal bonus if you decide to renew your contract.
Is it hard to get into EPIK?
EPIK is a competitive programme. Satisfying the requirements is a must, as is a strong application, a good interview and a positive attitude. Approximately 70 – 80% of applications are accepted for interviews. More and more, applicants are being encouraged to have a TEFL qualification to show they are invested in teaching English as a foreign language.
If you think the EPIK programme sounds like your jam, sign up for a Level 5 TEFL course with The TEFL Academy to make sure you put your best foot forward in your EPIK application.
Tips for getting accepted into the EPIK programme
- Check out online EPIK reviews to make sure EPIK is the right fit for you.
- Your application form must showcase your teaching skills and qualifications.
- Highlight your interest in Korean culture.
- Watch YouTube videos of former EPIK teachers for their top tips.
- Apply early!
Jal bwa! Good luck!
Meet The Author
Kirsten Colquhoun is the Content Manager for The TEFL Academy. A graduate of Cambridge University and DELTA-qualified, she first started teaching kindergarten in Thailand in 2003. A South African, she has also taught in China, the UK, Spain, Qatar and South Africa, but these days she is a teacher trainer and freelance writer and editor.Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is EPIK?
- What is an ELA?
- Where will I teach?
- Requirements
- Application procedure
- How much do you earn?
- Is it hard to get into?
From K-pop to K-beauty to K-drama, the world is going mad for K-everything! Interestingly, South Korea has been popular with TEFL teachers long before the rest of the world discovered Korean exports. But this newfound interest in South Korean culture has seen an explosion of fascination in South Korea as a destination for teaching English.
But besides the allure of the country itself, South Korea has made a name for itself as a nation that appreciates TEFL teachers. Teachers flock to South Korea for the high salaries, paid-for accommodation and flight reimbursements.
What is the EPIK programme in South Korea?
The EPIK programme is one way TEFL teachers find positions in public schools around South Korea.
EPIK stands for English Programme in Korea. It’s a programme run by the South Korean Ministry of Education. It places teachers in public schools around Korea on one-year contracts. EPIK teachers work as ELAs, or English Language Assistants. The aim is not only to teach English but also to be part of a cultural exchange between your country and South Korea.
What is an ELA? What does an ELA do?
ELAs work with Korean teachers to teach English in public school classrooms. The Korean teachers are the main teachers. The ELAs help carry out activities, supervise homework and tests, and maximise opportunities for conversation with learners.
ELAs may also be required to participate in extra-curricular activities and English camps.
As a native speaker, the ELA must focus on interacting with the students so that they are exposed to authentic English and a neutral English accent. ELAs are a source of authentic, natural language in the Korean classroom.
Read more: What Is An English Language Assistant?
A large part of the EPIK programme is cultural exchange. Korean students learn about your culture while you’ll learn about Korean culture.
Teachers on the EPIK programme teach 22 – 25 hours a week but are on the school premises for 8 hours a day. When not teaching, teachers can do administrative work and lesson preparation.
Where will I teach with the EPIK programme?
Teachers in the EPIK programme are placed in primary and secondary public schools around the country. Applicants can state their location preference but aren’t guaranteed their choice.
Read more: What Is A Hagwon? Unpacking The Secrets of South Korea’s Popular Learning Centres
What are the requirements for EPIK?
To be eligible for the EPIK programme, you need to satisfy the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland or South Africa
- Indian citizens are eligible for positions if they meet all other requirements and hold a valid teaching certificate in English education (this requirement cannot be fulfilled by a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate).
- Korean citizens with legal residency in one of the designated countries listed above are eligible to apply, but must provide proof of English education beginning from the 7th year/grade and through university.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree from a university in one of the above countries
- Applicants from countries like South Africa, Quebec, etc., where significant portions of the population might not speak English as their primary language, must provide proof that their schooling from the 7th year/grade and through university was conducted in English. Letters from the schools will be sufficient proof and must be submitted with the applicant’s initial application.
- Have a TEFL qualification of at least 100 hours from an accredited provider, or a BA/MA in Education or a teaching licence. The TEFL qualification may be completed during the application process, so applicants may apply before they have obtained the certification as long as it will be finalised no later than 6 weeks before the final expected arrival date in Korea.
Hot Tip: Check Out Our Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course
- Have a clear criminal background check (also known as a Police Clearance Certificate)
- Have a clean medical check
What is the application procedure for EPIK?
There are two intakes for the EPIK programme:
- August for the Spring term of the following year
- February for the Autumn term of the same year
You can apply directly through EPIK, but many people choose to apply through a recruiter.
Once you have filled in the application form and sent it in, you’ll be invited for a Skype interview.
After that, you apply for a visa at the Korean embassy.
What are the required documents for the EPIK programme?
- A valid passport
- Photo
- Apostilled criminal background check
- Apostilled degree and transcripts
- Apostilled birth certificate
- TEFL certificate
- 2 letters of recommendation
Here is the timeline of an EPIK application, as given on the official EPIK website:
How much do you get paid as an EPIK teacher? What are the benefits of the EPIK programme?
EPIK teachers are paid between 2 and 2.8 million Korean Won (KRW) ($1,500 and $2,000) a month. Your salary depends on your experience and qualifications, as well as which province you’re placed in.
Flights to and from South Korea are paid for.
Teachers must attend an orientation on arrival. Lodging and meals during this time are provided.
Accommodation is provided in a house or apartment. There is no rent, but teachers need to pay their utility bills. Also included in your salary package is 50% of your National Health Insurance premiums, which gives you access to impressive medical care and facilities.
To help you settle in when you arrive in Korea, teachers are further given:
- a settlement allowance of 300,000 KRW ($220) (paid within the first month),
- an entrance allowance of 1,3 million to 1.8 million KRW ($950 to $1,300) (paid in the first 6 months), and
- an exit allowance of 1,3 million to 1.8 million KRW ($950 to $1,300) (paid at the end of the contract)
At the end of your contract, you’ll receive severance pay equal to one month’s salary or a renewal bonus if you decide to renew your contract.
Is it hard to get into EPIK?
EPIK is a competitive programme. Satisfying the requirements is a must, as is a strong application, a good interview and a positive attitude. Approximately 70 – 80% of applications are accepted for interviews. More and more, applicants are being encouraged to have a TEFL qualification to show they are invested in teaching English as a foreign language.
If you think the EPIK programme sounds like your jam, sign up for a Level 5 TEFL course with The TEFL Academy to make sure you put your best foot forward in your EPIK application.
Tips for getting accepted into the EPIK programme
- Check out online EPIK reviews to make sure EPIK is the right fit for you.
- Your application form must showcase your teaching skills and qualifications.
- Highlight your interest in Korean culture.
- Watch YouTube videos of former EPIK teachers for their top tips.
- Apply early!
Jal bwa! Good luck!
Meet The Author
Kirsten Colquhoun is the Content Manager for The TEFL Academy. A graduate of Cambridge University and DELTA-qualified, she first started teaching kindergarten in Thailand in 2003. A South African, she has also taught in China, the UK, Spain, Qatar and South Africa, but these days she is a teacher trainer and freelance writer and editor.