Paid 12 Month South Korea

TEFL Internship In South Korea - Full 12 Month Internship

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Overview

Overview

Teach English abroad in South Korea and experience a culture rich in ancient tradition set alongside high-tech cityscapes. From cherry blossoms and centuries-old temples to coastal villages and neon-lit megacities, living and working in Korea as an ESL teacher is just the POP — or should we say K-pop — that your resume/CV needs.

Essential information about this trip

  • 120 hour accredited online TEFL course
  • In school training
  • 12-month teaching placement
  • Rent-free accommodation
  • Visa assistance
  • Ongoing & emergency support
What you'll get

Fully Inclusive Programme

  • 120 hour accredited online TEFL course
  • In school training
  • 12-month teaching placement
  • Rent-free accommodation
  • Visa assistance
  • Ongoing & emergency support

Your Trip Itinerary

Day 1 1 day Getting There

Travel to Incheon International Airport (IIA) in Seoul where normally you will be picked up by our arrival team.

Days 2-4 3 days In School Training

You will receive onboarding training in your school. Pre-arrival you will join online courses to learn about Korean culture, language and society.

Days 5-364 360 days Your Teaching Experience

It's time to get into the classroom! You'll be confident after already completing 120 hours of certified teacher training. Expect around 22 hours (public schools) or 30 hours (private schools) of hands-on teaching during your 40-hour work week, with plenty of time on days off to explore Korea.

Day 365 1 day After Your Internship

Congratulations, you did it! Make sure to celebrate this achievement and decide if you'd like to see more of South Korea, traveling or teaching (or both).

What our interns say

South Korea Highlights

Current Intern Madelyn's Tips

Verified reviews

4.93 out of 5.

Across 1,570 global reviews from students who actually finished and started teaching.

5 97%
4 0%
3 0%
2 0%
1 0%
Google · 4.7 / 283 reviewsTrustpilot · 4.8
Premier TEFL

Real support, every step of the way

I've been offered so much support and so many resources whilst being in Korea. I found this most beneficial because it makes the move to a new country less scary. It's refreshing to know that I can send any of the team a message and they will be happy to help.

DanikaMar 2025
Premier TEFL

Insider insight from a team that's been there

Many of the contacts I had with the placement team had actually lived in South Korea so their insight was so valuable! They were able to give me firsthand insight into what life in Korea would be like and what to expect during the process.

NawwalMay 2025
Premier TEFL

Helpful from the very first call

Just a thank you for how helpful you and the placement team were in the months leading up to my departure to Korea and for checking in to see how things are going with me while I'm here :)

NiamhJul 2025
Premier TEFL

Wondering if I can ever leave

I wasn't sure if I wanted to stay for a whole year in one place but now I am wondering if I can leave after just 12 months. I have a great group of friends and love my routine here. The kids are incredible and I feel proud of how much they've learned. Korean culture is gentle and the people are so nice here, I really feel at home. Thank you!

Carrie Bright South KoreaOct 2025

Danika

March 2025

Real support, every step of the way

I've been offered so much support and so many resources whilst being in Korea. I found this most beneficial because it makes the move to a new country less scary. It's refreshing to know that I can send any of the team a message and they will be happy to help.

Premier TEFL

Nawwal

May 2025

Insider insight from a team that's been there

Many of the contacts I had with the placement team had actually lived in South Korea so their insight was so valuable! They were able to give me firsthand insight into what life in Korea would be like and what to expect during the process.

Premier TEFL

Niamh

July 2025

Helpful from the very first call

Just a thank you for how helpful you and the placement team were in the months leading up to my departure to Korea and for checking in to see how things are going with me while I'm here :)

Premier TEFL

Carrie Bright South Korea

October 2025

Wondering if I can ever leave

I wasn't sure if I wanted to stay for a whole year in one place but now I am wondering if I can leave after just 12 months. I have a great group of friends and love my routine here. The kids are incredible and I feel proud of how much they've learned. Korean culture is gentle and the people are so nice here, I really feel at home. Thank you!

Premier TEFL
Locations

Locations

After you settle in, you will spend your teaching placement in one of our stunning placements throughout South Korea. Locations are varied in cities and towns across Provinces including Gyeonggi, Gyeongsangnam-do, Chungcheong, Jeollanam-do, and Gangwon-do.

Cultural excursions

Past interns have shared their recommendations for free-time activities, with a long bucket list of sightseeing, food and travel to dive into during your placement.

  • Neighborhood - Seoul's Myeongdong

    Neighborhood - Seoul's Myeongdong

    The perfect place for shopaholics & foodies. Snack on Korean dumplings and other Asian treats while browsing the shops.

  • Food - Korean BBQ

    Food - Korean BBQ

    Life for TEFL teachers in South Korea is hot and spicy thanks to traditional BBQ available everywhere. A must try is Dwaeji Galbi (pork ribs).

  • Activity - Korean Bathhouse

    Activity - Korean Bathhouse

    Relax at a Korean bathhouse. These jjimjilbang (찜질방) are where locals come to unwind, have beauty treatments and recharge.

How it works

Before you go, you’ll have an application form to fill out and documents to submit, a video chat and then you’ll be on your way.

  1. Apply

    Apply

  2. Interview

    Interview

  3. Document

    Document

  4. Teach!

    Teach!

South Korea Guide

Paid TEFL Internship Guide South Korea

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Questions & answers

Things people ask, before signing up.

Can't find your answer? Talk to a course advisor

Is my start date/month flexible?

Yes, and we would encourage you to be flexible when choosing your preferred start month. For example, if it is taking longer than expected for your visa paperwork to process then our team will typically delay your start date to the next month.

How much should I budget for utilities?

Internet and cable generally costs about US$35 a month in Korea. Utilities can cost around US$40-150 a month, depending on the month and season, which will cover electricity, gas, water and apartment maintenance fees.

Will I be co-teaching?

If you choose to work in a public school, having a local co-teacher is very common. In private language schools you will be the main teacher of your class.

When will I get my flight reimbursement?

Usually your flight reimbursement contributions comes with your first pay check or within 30-60 days of your contract start date. Some schools pay back flights at the end of the contract.

Where are the most common placement locations?

Placements are nationwide across public and private schools in Korea, however the top 5 placement provinces are: Gyeonggi, Gyeongsangnam-do, Chungcheong, Jeollanam-do, Gangwon-do. Applicants can state a preference for location. Teachers will be placed according to availability and suitability.

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