By Jess Jefferies — China Country Specialist, Premier TEFL
China, Vietnam, and South Korea are three of Asia's most popular destinations for English teachers, but they offer very different experiences in terms of salary, savings, lifestyle, and requirements. This comparison helps you decide which is the best fit for you.
Quick comparison table
| Factor | China | Vietnam | South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. monthly salary (USD) | $2,000–$4,100 | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,600–$2,600 |
| Cost of living | Low–Medium | Very low | Medium |
| Potential savings | High | Medium | High |
| Degree required? | Yes | Preferred, not always | Yes |
| TEFL required? | Yes (120h) | Yes (120h) | Preferred |
| Housing provided? | Often | Rarely | Usually |
| Flights reimbursed? | Often | Rarely | Usually |
Average monthly salary comparison
Mid-range monthly salary by country (USD):
Teaching in China
China offers the highest salaries and strong savings potential, with housing and flights often included. It suits teachers who want to maximise earnings and experience a fast-changing, dynamic country. See our guides on the highest-paying cities in China and the cost of living in China. You'll need a Z Visa to teach legally.
Teaching in Vietnam
Vietnam has the lowest cost of living of the three, a relaxed lifestyle, and lower barriers to entry. Salaries are more modest, but the low expenses mean you can still enjoy a comfortable life. It's ideal for first-time teachers and those prioritising lifestyle over savings.
Teaching in South Korea
South Korea offers structured programmes (like EPIK), reliable benefits, housing, and flight reimbursement. Savings potential is strong thanks to included perks. It suits teachers who value stability, organisation, and a well-established teaching infrastructure.
Which country is best for you?
- Best for high salary & savings: China
- Best for low cost & lifestyle: Vietnam
- Best for structure & benefits: South Korea
Frequently asked questions
Which country pays English teachers the most China, Vietnam or South Korea?
China generally pays the highest salaries, especially in Tier 1 cities, and often includes housing and flight allowances that boost savings.
Where is it cheapest to live as an English teacher?
Vietnam has the lowest cost of living, making it easy to live comfortably even on a modest salary.
Do I need a degree and TEFL for all three countries?
China and South Korea require a bachelor's degree; a 120-hour TEFL certificate is required or strongly preferred in all three. Vietnam is the most flexible on degree requirements.
Get TEFL certified for any destination
A recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate qualifies you to teach in China, Vietnam, South Korea and beyond. Get certified with Premier TEFL and choose the destination that fits your goals in 2026.
Visa and legal requirements compared
Getting your paperwork right is the single most important step in teaching abroad legally, and each country handles it differently. legally teaching abroad a Z Visa, which is the only visa category that permits paid teaching work. To qualify you need a bachelor's degree, a clean criminal background check, and a recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate, after which your employer applies for a Foreigner's Work Permit Notification and you convert your visa to a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival. Vietnam is more relaxed: many teachers begin on a business visa and later obtain a work permit and temporary residence card, and while a degree is preferred it is not always strictly enforced. South Korea runs highly structured programmes such as EPIK and GEPIK for public schools, alongside private hagwon jobs on an E-2 visa, both of which require a degree, an apostilled criminal record check, and a health check.
The practical takeaway is that China and South Korea demand more documentation up front, but that structure also brings clearer contracts and stronger legal protection. Vietnam offers the fastest route to the classroom, which suits teachers who want flexibility over long-term security.
Job availability and hiring seasons
Demand for English teachers is strong across all three countries, but the hiring rhythms differ. China recruits year-round thanks to its vast network of private language centres, international schools, and universities, with the biggest intakes ahead of the academic year in August and September and a smaller wavein August and September, followed by programmes follow a stricter calendar, with major intakes in spring (February to March) and autumn (August to September), so applications often need to be submitted several months in advance. Vietnam hires continuously, with private language centres in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang advertising throughout the year, making it one of the easiest places to land a first role at short notice.
If you want the widest choice of employers and the highest ceiling on salary, China gives you the most options. If you value a predictable, government-backed placement, South Korea's programmes are hard to beat. For spontaneity and a low barrier to entry, Vietnam remains the go-to.
Lifestyle, culture and everyday life
Salary and savings matter, but so does the day-to-day experience of living abroad. China offers enormous variety, from the fast pace of Shanghai and Beijing to quieter Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where your money goes further and the pace of life is gentler. Modern infrastructure, high-speed rail, and widespread mobile payments make daily life convenient once you adjust. Vietnam is known for its warm climate, affordable street food, thriving cafe culture, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that many teachers find easy to settle into. South Korea blends cutting edge technology with deep tradition, excellent public transport, and a famously safe, well-organised society, though the work culture can be more demanding and structured.
Each destination rewards a different temperament. Teachers who thrive on energy and ambition often gravitate to China, those seeking balance and value lean toward Vietnam, and teachers who appreciate order, safety and convenience frequently choose South Korea.
How to choose the right country for you
Start by ranking what matters most: maximum earnings and savings, lowest cost of living, or the security of a structured programme. If building savings quickly is your priority, China's higher salaries combined with subsidised housing and flight allowances make it the strongest choice. If you are teaching for the first time or want the freedom to travel on a modest budget, Vietnam's low costs and flexible entry requirements are ideal. If you want a dependable contract with clear benefits and a well-trodden path, South Korea's EPIK-style programmes deliver stability and support.
Whichever destination you choose, a recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate is the qualification that unlocks the best-paid, most reputable jobs in all three markets. Getting certified before you apply keeps your timeline on track and makes you a far stronger candidate with employers across Asia.
Focusing on South Korea? Read our South Korea TEFL market report, our authoritative 2026 analysis of salaries, job demand and the future of English teaching in South Korea.
