Teach in South Korea: Salary, Taxation & Cost of Living

Let’s check out the average teaching salaries you can expect if you’re teaching in South Korea. We’ll explain how tax works for foreigners and examine the average cost of living.

Salaries vary widely. Senior teachers and leadership posts at top international schools commonly advertise total packages roughly equivalent to USD ~40k–70k+ per year (approximately USD3k–6k/month), especially where housing, tuition remission and flight allowances are included. Mid-tier and entry roles are often lower. 

Packages and teaching contracts at most international schools in Korea usually include annual return flights to your home country (or equivalent). You can typically also expect to receive housing stipends (or provided on-site housing). Most schools offer health insurance (often worldwide, though some packages are being vastly reduced). Many schools will include tuition costs for your children.

Mid-tier packages can vary, but usually include similar benefits.

Tax System & Deductions

South Korea’s tax system applies to all residents and non-residents. There are specific rules for foreign workers that are important for expats to understand. Your school should be able to provide helpful information for you and assist you with lodging tax returns, etc.

Tax Residency: You’re considered a tax resident if you stay in South Korea for 183 days or more in a calendar year. Or, if you have a permanent home there. Starting January 1, 2026, Korean tax residency will include those who have resided in Korea continuously for 183 consecutive days over two calendar years, not just 183 days in a single calendar year.

Income Tax: South Korea uses a progressive income tax rate system ranging from 6% to 45%. Most international school teachers typically fall within the 15% to 24% bracket, depending on your income level.

Withholding Tax: Employers usually withhold income tax monthly from your paycheck so you remain compliant.

Social Security Contributions: Expats working on full-time contracts must contribute to the Korean National Pension, Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, and Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance. These contributions are split between employer and employee.

Tax Treaties: South Korea has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. It’s important to check if your home country has one and how it applies to you. For example, Australians working in South Korea only have to pay tax in South Korea (assuming they are non-residents of Australia for tax purposes). They don’t have to pay any tax in Australia on overseas earnings.

Tax Benefits and Deductions: Some schools offer benefits such as housing allowances and flight reimbursements, which may be tax-exempt or taxable depending on their structure. For example, if your school books flights for you, the tax isn’t typically payable. But if you’re paid a set amount to cover your flights, this one-off payment is likely to be taxable.

Professional Tax Advice: Navigating Korean tax law can be complex. So, it’s worth chatting to your school’s HR team to ensure compliance and maximise benefits (or an independent tax specialist if necessary).

Housing Benefits

• Most Jeju international schools offer free or subsidised housing, significantly increasing your savings potential.
• Some Seoul-based and Busan schools also offer housing allowances, though teachers in major cities may need to secure their own housing. Depending on the school, you’ll likely receive help with this. For example, the school will put you in touch with a recommended real estate agent.

I work at a well known international school in Seoul with three young kids. The package is very generous – I can regularly save more than 40% of my salary – and so can my partner who also teaches at the school.

current teaching family based in seoul, south korea

Cost of Living

As you’d expect, living costs vary depending on which part of South Korea you live in.

Seoul & Busan can be quite expensive, with rent ranging from $2,000 – $4,000 USD per month for a family-sized apartment.

While Jeju Island used to be more affordable, costs have recently skyrocketed due to limited availability. Grocery costs have also significantly increased. For example, in 2024, a large block of cheese cost around USD$ 20, and watermelons have been known to be as high as US$50 when not in season.

• Food & Dining: Local Korean cuisine, such as what you’d get from street food stalls or casual eateries, is generally affordable and delicious – if you enjoy Korean food! But international restaurants and imported groceries can be expensive, especially in Seoul and other major cities.
• Utilities: Utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet are reliable and moderately priced. High-speed internet is widely available, and monthly bills are reasonable for expat families.
• Transportation: South Korea boasts an excellent, affordable public transportation system with extensive metro networks, buses, and taxis. The T-money card (which you can purchase and top up at any local convenience store, like 7-11 or CU) makes using public transit easy. Popular rideshare apps include KakaoTaxi, which is widely used and convenient. Many international schools also provide shuttle services or support daily transport for students.
• Healthcare: Healthcare is of high quality in major cities, and most international schools offer health insurance.
• Savings Potential: With housing and tuition benefits, teachers can save $15,000 – $30,000 per year (often more), depending on their lifestyle.

Visa & Work Permits

If you’re moving to South Korea to work at an international school – teaching a full curriculum such as IB, Cambridge, AP, British etc, you will almost always need an E-7 visa.

The E-7 is the visa category for foreign professionals and is the correct visa for subject-qualified teachers working in accredited international or foreign schools. It’s not the same as the E-2 visa, which is only for conversational English instructors at language academies (hagwons).

Who Needs an E-7 Visa?

You will need an E-7 visa if you are:

• Teaching academic subjects (e.g., maths, science, English literature, humanities, PE, arts, etc.)
• Employed by an international school, foreign school, or international kindergarten
• Working in a role that requires teacher qualifications, registrations, or subject-specific expertise

What Schools Must Provide

Your employer (the school) sponsors the visa. They’re responsible for submitting:

• A confirmed job offer and employment contract
• Proof of the school’s registration as an international or foreign educational institution
• Documentation showing your role meets E-7 skilled-worker requirements

International schools are familiar with this process and typically handle most of the paperwork.

What Teachers Must Provide

You’ll usually need:

• A recognised Bachelor’s degree (education or subject-specific)
• A teaching licence/registration from your home country (e.g., QTS, AITSL, US State Certification, etc.)
• A clean national criminal background check
• Apostilled or authenticated documents (degree and police check)
• Passport-size photos for your application
• A valid passport

Some schools also require a medical check once you arrive in Korea to finalise your Alien Registration Card (ARC).

Why You Must Use an E-7 (Not an E-2)

The E-2 visa is legally restricted to conversation-based language instruction. It does not allow you to teach academic subjects or work in a full-curriculum school. Teachers at international schools must be on an E-7 to remain compliant with Korean immigration law.

After Arrival: Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Once in Korea, you’ll visit the local immigration office to apply for your ARC, which acts as your Korean ID and is required for:

• Opening a bank account
• Signing a phone contract
• National health insurance
• School access systems

Your school typically helps schedule this appointment. Some schools may even arrange for a representative to visit the school to coordinate this process for you and other new staff members.

F-3 Dependent Visas for Spouses and Children: MAJOR CHANGES IN 2025

South Korea has implemented significant changes to F-3 dependent visa procedures in 2025. These changes substantially restrict how family members can join E-7 visa holders and require careful advance planning.

What Changed in April 2025

Starting April 2025, in-country F-3 dependent visa applications are NO LONGER permitted, except in very limited humanitarian circumstances (such as pregnancy, recent childbirth, or serious illness). Family members can no longer enter Korea on tourist visas or visa waiver status and then convert to F-3 status inside the country.

This means families must now apply through one of two pathways:

1. Apply together with the primary visa holder using the Visa Issuance Confirmation Number (VICN) method, so everyone arrives in Korea together
2. Apply separately after the primary visa holder is already in Korea, requiring family members to apply at a Korean consulate abroad

Note that your school should help with this process – and organise all visas together for you and your dependents at the same time before arriving to Korea.

New Documentation Requirements (Effective April 2025)

All F-3 applications now require apostilled marriage certificates (for spouses) and apostilled birth certificates (for children). These documents must also be translated into Korean or English by a certified translator if not already in those languages.

Additionally, applicants must provide a Letter of Guarantee from the sponsoring school or company and proof of accommodation/residence in Korea (such as a lease agreement, company accommodation confirmation, or hotel booking).

Financial Requirements (Effective July 1, 2025)

Starting July 1, 2025, primary visa holders must demonstrate sufficient income to support their families, with specific monthly income thresholds based on family size. For example, a family of four must show monthly income of at least KRW 3,048,887 (approximately USD 2,195).

Income thresholds by family size:

• Family of 2 (teacher + spouse): KRW 2,038,071/month
• Family of 3 (+ 1 child): KRW 2,543,479/month
• Family of 4 (+ 2 children): KRW 3,048,887/month
• Family of 5 (+ 3 children): KRW 3,554,096/month

In cases where the income falls short by less than 10%, the shortfall can be made up by holding bank deposits of at least five times the shortfall amount.

Visa Renewal Requirements

F-3 visa renewals must now occur simultaneously with the primary visa holder’s E-7 renewal. This means families must coordinate their visa extension appointments together, and renewals cannot be processed separately. Again, your school should handle all of this for you to avoid any issues.

Work Restrictions for Spouses

F-3 dependent visa holders are not permitted to work. A spouse wanting to work in Korea will need their own employer sponsorship to obtain a separate work-eligible visa.

Processing Times

Due to these stricter requirements, processing times for families entering Korea with dependents have increased from approximately three months to four months. Schools should factor this extended timeline into relocation planning.

What This Means for Teaching Families

The 2025 changes make bringing family members to South Korea more complex and require:

• Earlier planning: Start gathering apostilled documents well before your intended start date
• Financial documentation: Ensure your salary package meets the income thresholds for your family size
• Coordination with your school: Work closely with your school’s HR team, as they’ll need to provide guarantee letters and accommodation proof
• Strategic timing: Consider whether to bring family members immediately (requiring simultaneous VICN applications) or have them join later (requiring consulate applications abroad)

Important Note: Visa requirements change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with your sponsoring school and the Korean consulate or immigration office. Schools experienced with hiring international teachers are generally well-versed in these procedures and can provide detailed guidance.

The visa process was pretty smooth with our international school, although we had a few issues with teaching certificates because we weren’t British. I don’t think HR had dealt with many teachers who weren’t UK trained, so weren’t sure how to deal with non UK teaching accreditation. This meant a lot more back and forth than necessary – and spending money on additional documentation which in the end we didn’ t need (out of pocket costs). Once we submitted our documents the school coordinated everything. On arrival they sorted the ARC for us without any problems.

ex-teacher at jeju international school (australian trained)

Jeju Island: A Unique Teaching Destination

Jeju Island offers a distinctive location for international teaching in South Korea. Home to the Jeju Global Education City (JGEC), it’s the only place in the country where local Korean students can legally attend international schools without holding dual citizenship.

This attracts families from across Korea who are looking for an international curriculum for their children without having to relocate abroad. Four main international schools on Jeju currently exist. These include NLCS Jeju, Branksome Hall Asia, Korea International School and St. Johnsbury’s Academy.

Given the attraction for local Korean students from the mainland, all offer boarding. However, many Korean families (particularly mothers) relocate to Jeju Island for their child’s schooling. This influx of families has seen a sharp rise in the cost of living in Jeju in recent years. This has also impacted the demand for rentals, affecting availability and costs.

Pros: Quality of Life, Earnings & Facilities

• Well-funded schools: International schools in Jeju are known for their strong financial backing, offering modern campuses and advanced technology. But teacher packages have been significantly reduced in recent years.
• Competitive salaries: Teaching packages in Jeju often match or exceed those offered in Seoul or Busan. Especially when boarding duties are included. Housing is frequently provided, and additional stipends can significantly boost your take-home pay.
• Extra earning potential: Because the schools on Jeju also operate as boarding schools, teachers can apply to take on roles in boarding. These roles often include stipends, bonuses, fully subsidised housing (including utilities and food at the school canteen), helping you to boost your savings.
• Family-friendly island: Jeju is a stunning location that offers a slower pace of life. If you’re a family who loves the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails, beaches and nature spots to explore. There are also lower pollution levels than on the mainland.

We spent three years in Jeju at an international school. While we loved the island itself, the school enviroment was not great for our kids. Everyone says if your kids are older don’t go as it’s too tough, but it can be hard no matter what age your child is at. It’s a very challenging environment academically and friendships are also tough as there is very little integration between local kids and teacher kids. We also found very little support from the school to try to change things. Our kids are much happier and thriving in their new school with a great range of friends and far less pressure academically.

ex trailing spouse at an international school on jeju island (three kids)

Cons: Isolation, Limited Services & Cultural Differences

• Geographical isolation: Jeju has direct flights to Seoul and other major cities, but it’s still an island. This can lead to feelings of isolation. Plus, if you want to travel internationally, there are limited direct flights. You’ll often need to fly to Seoul and change airports. This is a 45-minute drive or a 60-minute train commute, which can be painful, especially when travelling as a family!
• Fewer expat amenities: Compared to Seoul, Jeju has fewer international grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Families used to big-city conveniences may find the transition challenging, especially in the first year.
• Limited social scene: The expat community is smaller and more spread out. You’ll often spend a lot of time with your immediate colleagues. Be aware that school communities can be rife with rumours and gossip.
• School calendar and boarding expectations: Boarding schools often run longer academic calendars. This can include weekends and evenings. This can be hard for young families. Some schools on the island that provide Saturday activities don’t offer childcare for teachers’ children. If you’re both working at the school, this can be challenging.
• Academic pressure and cultural norms: Given the academic culture in Korea, many Korean students face intense academic pressure, with long study hours and limited sleep. This can create a stark contrast for expat children, who may arrive with very different routines and expectations around childhood. For example, a typical, energetic 5-year-old who sleeps 12 hours and thrives on movement may seem disruptive in a classroom. Peers are likely to be quieter, overtired, and trained to sit still for long periods. This mismatch can lead to misunderstandings with teachers and peers. And make social integration and classroom behaviour management challenging for some families.

Come to Jeju Island when your children are young or do not come. Certainly, if your children are of secondary school age, it is best avoided – regardless of what looks like a good deal on paper, you will regret it.

current teacher at an international school located on jeju island, south korea

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The Role of Hagwons in South Korean Education Culture

Let’s look at how hagwons (also known in South Korea as ‘academies’) work in South Korea. Specifically, how they impact international schools and expat students.

What Are Hagwons?

Hagwons (학원) are private after-school academies offering supplementary lessons in subjects like math, science, English, music, and test prep. They are deeply embedded in South Korea’s educational landscape.

Most South Korean children will attend at least one, while some attend multiple hagwons. This can mean staying out as late as 10pm (or even midnight), especially in high school years.

The pervasive culture of academic competition in Korea shapes parental expectations, peer dynamics, and school environments, even within some international schools. This is especially true if the schools have a high proportion of South Korean students.

What This Means for Expat Families

1. Academic Pressure Will Be Felt

Even in schools that emphasise student well-being, expat students are likely to feel pressure if their peers attend multiple hagwons. They’re likely to start comparing themselves on academic performance. Many international schools, particularly on Jeju Island, attract students whose families can place more emphasis on rigorous academics over holistic development.

2. Social Integration Challenges

In areas with a high concentration of hagwon-attending students, children who don’t participate may find it difficult to relate to peers. That’s because many students’ time outside school revolves around studying. Birthday parties, playdates, and extracurriculars can take a backseat to hagwon schedules. And when these events do occur, many students can struggle with free play, given limited opportunities to do so. This makes for a challenging dynamic between kids who are used to playing independently versus those who are used to more structured play.

3. Mental Health & Burnout

While international schools in Korea talk about the importance of student wellbeing, the culture may still contribute to student anxiety or a fear of falling behind. It’s important to watch for signs of stress and support your child’s adjustment, especially during the first year.

My daughter had a Korean friend over and became frustrated because she wouldn’t play with her. This girl was so used to structured play, where her parents would schedule in activities for her, that she didn’t know what to do when she was given the freedom to play independently and creatively. It was really sad and a big eye opener for me.

trailing spouse at an international school on jeju island, south korea

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Teach in South Korea: Tips for Families

• Ask About School Philosophy: When choosing an international school, ask how they handle student wellbeing and academic balance. Schools with many counsellors are not uncommon in South Korea. 
• Find Like-Minded Communities: Seek out school communities where other families share similar values around childhood and the importance of play. Try to get in touch with other families before accepting a role, where possible, to hear their stories.
• Be Prepared for Adjustment: Depending on your child (along with their age), it’s likely to take to adjust. Moving to a culture that values academic achievement so highly can be a lot for most kids (and parents).
• Talk Openly With Your Child: Normalise conversations about stress, academic pressure, and peer influence.

Challenges & Things to Know

• Language Barrier: While many younger Koreans speak some English, Korean is essential for daily life outside expat and international school circles. Using translation apps will make everyday tasks much easier.
• Air Quality: South Korea experiences seasonal air pollution, especially in spring due to yellow dust and fine dust particles. Monitor air quality indexes and consider air purifiers indoors, particularly if you have young kids or respiratory issues.
• Digital Access: Most global websites and social media platforms (Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) are accessible, but some Korean-specific apps and services require Korean phone numbers and ID. You may need some help getting these set up from Korean speakers.
• Education System Differences: Korean education culture is highly competitive; even international schools reflect this intensity. Expect differences in teaching styles, homework load, and social pressures compared to home countries.
• Bureaucracy: Processes like opening bank accounts, registering your address, or obtaining visas involve paperwork and can take time. Local support from the school or employers is very helpful.
• Cultural Norms: Respect for hierarchy, indirect communication, and group harmony are important in Korean society. This can affect everything from workplace interactions to school dynamics and socialising. This can lead to bullying, particularly in a boarding environment where students are culturally ‘required’ to defer to their elders.

While Jeju Island is a great location, the schools on Jeju aren’t great at developing well-rounded students. One of the biggest challenges for families is the acceptance of expat children in schools (especially older kids).

current teacher in south korea (with teaching partners and two kids)

Teach in South Korea: Is It Right for You?

Choosing to teach in South Korea can offer professional growth, cultural immersion, and a high standard of living. International schools provide competitive salaries, strong benefits, and access to a rich heritage that combines ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology.

South Korea is a good option if you:

• Value solid financial packages combined with career development opportunities
• Are prepared to navigate a highly structured education system with high academic expectations
• Value safety and excellent healthcare

However, the education environment can be intense, with long study hours and a strong emphasis on academic achievement. If you choose to teach in South Korea, carefully consider how your kids will adapt socially and emotionally to these pressures. And how supportive schools are likely to be (based on feedback from past and current teaching families).