By Jess Jefferies — China Country Specialist, Premier TEFL
Where you teach in South Korea has a big impact on your salary and savings. Seoul offers the highest headline pay and the most jobs, but smaller cities often mean lower costs and bigger savings. This 2026 guide ranks the highest-paying cities for English teachers — written for native English speakers planning their move.
Highest-paying cities at a glance
| City | Avg. Monthly Salary (KRW) | Approx. USD | Typical Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 2.5M–3.5M | $1,850–$2,600 | Housing, airfare, bonus |
| Busan | 2.3M–3.2M | $1,700–$2,370 | Housing, airfare |
| Incheon | 2.2M–3.0M | $1,630–$2,220 | Housing, bonus |
| Daegu | 2.1M–2.9M | $1,550–$2,150 | Housing, airfare |
| Daejeon | 2.0M–2.8M | $1,480–$2,070 | Housing, bonus |
Salary comparison chart
Average mid-range monthly salary by city (USD):
Where can native English speakers save the most?
Seoul pays the most but has the highest rent and living costs. Because most teaching jobs include free housing, teachers in mid-size cities like Daegu and Daejeon often save more of their salary. See our full cost of living in South Korea guide.
Who earns the top salaries?
- Teachers at international schools and universities.
- Experienced teachers with 2+ years in-country.
- Those holding a bachelor's degree plus a 180-hour government regulated level 5 TEFL diploma.
- Teachers who choose private hagwons over public schools — compare in our EPIK vs hagwon guide.
The highest-paying cities in detail
Salary is only part of the picture. Each city offers a different balance of pay, cost of living, lifestyle, and savings potential for native English speakers. Here is a closer look at where the money goes furthest.
Seoul
As the capital, Seoul offers the widest range of positions and the highest headline salaries, with experienced teachers at private academies and international schools earning at the top of the range. It is the best choice for teachers who want a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle, endless dining and nightlife, and world-class public transport. The trade-off is higher rent if housing is not provided, and a higher day-to-day cost of living, so raw salary does not always translate into the biggest savings. Districts like Gangnam and Mapo are popular with foreign teachers.
Busan
South Korea's second city sits on the coast and offers a more relaxed pace than Seoul, with beaches, seafood, and a strong sense of community. Salaries are only slightly lower, while rent and living costs are noticeably cheaper, which makes Busan one of the best cities for balancing lifestyle and savings. It is especially popular with teachers who want city amenities without the intensity of the capital.
Incheon
Home to South Korea's main international airport and just west of Seoul, Incheon is ideal for teachers who want easy weekend travel across Asia and quick access to the capital at a lower cost. The Songdo district is a modern, purpose-built area popular with international schools and families. Housing is often included, and completion bonuses are common.
Daegu and Daejeon
These mid-size inland cities offer the strongest savings potential of all. Salaries are competitive, but rent and daily costs are significantly lower than in Seoul or Busan. Because most jobs include free housing, teachers here often bank the largest share of their pay. Both cities have friendly, tight-knit expat communities and are well connected by the high-speed KTX rail network, so weekend trips to Seoul or Busan are quick and affordable.
Contract lengths: what to expect
Almost all teaching contracts in South Korea run for 12 months, and this is the standard for both EPIK public schools and private hagwons. A one-year commitment is tied to the E-2 visa, and completing the full term unlocks several valuable benefits that make finishing your contract financially worthwhile.
- Severance pay: On completing a 12-month contract you receive one extra month's salary as a legally required severance bonus.
- Pension refund: National pension contributions are refundable to eligible native English speakers when they leave the country at the end of their contract.
- Airfare and settlement: Many contracts include entry and exit flights plus a small settlement allowance in the first month.
- Renewal bonus: Teachers who re-sign for a second year often receive a renewal bonus and improved terms.
Shorter contracts are rare and usually only appear as temporary summer or winter camp roles. University positions can offer longer or renewable contracts with lighter teaching loads, but they typically require a master's degree and previous experience.
Expected work schedules: EPIK vs hagwons
Your daily routine depends heavily on whether you work in a public school through EPIK or in a private hagwon. Understanding the differences helps native English speakers choose the setting that best fits their lifestyle and savings goals.
EPIK public schools
EPIK teachers follow the regular Korean school calendar and work standard daytime hours, typically 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. You teach around 22 lessons per week, with the remaining desk time used for planning and co-teaching preparation. The biggest advantages are generous holidays of roughly 18 to 21 paid vacation days, national holidays, and quieter “desk-warming” periods during the summer and winter school breaks when few classes run. EPIK is the best fit for teachers who value structure, predictable hours, and long holidays.
Private hagwons
Because hagwons teach students after regular school and on weekends, their hours fall in the afternoon and evening, commonly 1pm to 9pm or 2pm to 10pm. Teaching loads are higher at around 30 lessons per week, and paid vacation is shorter, usually about 10 days per year plus national holidays. In exchange, hagwons often pay slightly more, offer more choice of location, and let teachers avoid early starts. Kindergarten-focused hagwons are the exception, running earlier daytime hours similar to public schools. Always confirm the exact schedule, total teaching hours, and vacation days in writing before signing.
New to teaching in Korea?
Start with our full guide: How to Teach English in South Korea: 2026 Guide for Native English speaker Teachers.
Get qualified to teach in South Korea
A recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate is essential for the best-paying roles. Get certified with Premier TEFL and start your Korea application for 2026.
