Teach English in
South Korea
Program Highlights
Are you interested in taking a gap year, saving some money, or experiencing life abroad? A Working Holiday in South Korea is a great way to do all of this — while gaining valuable international work experience.
At Languages Canada, a government-recognized organization under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, we support young Canadians who want to live and work in South Korea on a Working Holiday visa.
We work with trusted schools and partners across South Korea providing Canadians with teaching opportunities. Our placement and support services come at no cost to you.
Depending on the role and placement, opportunities typically include:
- Paid positions in public and private schools
- Support with securing a job in Korea
- Guidance with the visa application
- Pre-departure orientation and resources
- Ongoing support while you are in Korea
- The chance to travel, explore, and immerse yourself in Korean culture
Application Timeline
Spring Intake (March Start)
Application period: August – November
Interviews: October – December
Arrival in Korea: Late February
Program starts: March
Fall Intake (September Start)
Application period: February – May
Interviews: April – June
Arrival in Korea: Late August
Program starts: September
How You Can Teach English in South Korea
As an English Teaching Assistant or Teacher, you will collaborate with Korean teachers to support English education in public schools. Your role will focus on conversational English and cultural exchange, allowing you to act as a cultural ambassador while gaining valuable professional experience.
- 12-month contracts in schools across Korea
- Full-time roles: 8 hours per day, 5 days per week
- Monthly salary: approx. 2.1–2.9 million KRW + Free Housing (Average cost of living for a single person is ≈ 1,000,000 KRW, excluding rent)
- Comprehensive benefits: healthcare, paid vacation, settlement allowance
- Pre-departure guidance in Canada, orientation upon arrival
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university (any discipline)
- Certification: TESOL/TEFL certification (minimum 100 hours; can be completed prior to start) OR a degree in Education
- Experience: Prior teaching experience is an asset, but not required
- Must be a native English speaker or have studied from junior high (Grade 7) in a country where English is the primary language, for at least 10 years
- Interest in teaching, working with children, and education
- Valid Canadian passport
Compensation & Benefits
- Monthly Salary: 2.1–2.9 million KRW (approx. 2,000–2,500 CAD)
- Free Housing (a leased house, apartment, or studio-type room is provided by your school)
- Flight Allowance (one way ticket to be reimbursed at contract start)
- Settlement Allowance: 300,000 KRW (one-time payment)
- Entrance Allowance: 1,800,000 KRW (varies by location)
- Contract Completion Bonus: Up to 1,800,000 KRW at the end of the contract
- Renewal Bonus: Up to 2,000,000 KRW for contract extensions
Participant Experiences & Life in Korea
Hear directly from Canadian and international teachers about classroom life, housing, travel, and adapting to life in Korea.
What to Expect: FAQ
Your Application Journey
Applying for a teaching position in South Korea involves several stages, and the process usually takes 3–4 months from start to finish, depending on the intake period and how quickly your documents are prepared.
1. Submit Your Application
Begin by applying through this page. We review your profile, confirm your eligibility, and help determine whether this program aligns with your goals and qualifications.
2. Complete Your Full Application Package
If selected to move forward, you will complete the full application package, including your personal statement, lesson plan, references, and supporting qualifications.
3. Attend Your Interview
Qualified applicants will be invited to an online interview to assess communication skills, teaching readiness, and motivation for living and working in South Korea.
4. Prepare Your Final Documents
After passing the interview, you’ll begin preparing your official documents, including your criminal record check, degree authentication, and other required paperwork.
5. Receive Your Placement
Once documents are approved, your school placement will be confirmed. Placements are based on school needs, qualifications, and location preferences where possible.
6. Apply for Your Visa
After placement confirmation, you will receive your contract and visa documents to submit your teaching visa application through the Korean consulate.
7. Prepare for Departure
Once your visa is issued, it’s time to book your flight, prepare for arrival, and get ready for your move to South Korea.
8. Arrive & Begin Orientation
Arrive in Korea, attend your orientation, settle into your accommodation, and begin your teaching journey at your assigned school.
Visa Requirements for Canadians to Teach English in South Korea
Canadian citizens who plan to teach English in South Korea will be required to obtain an E-2 teaching visa. Once you successfully pass an interview and receive a job offer, the steps below will be required to move forward with your visa application.
Candidates who begin preparing these documents early may be prioritized for upcoming teaching opportunities, as schools often move quickly when new positions open.
Required Documents for an E-2 Visa (Canada)
- Bachelor’s Degree (or higher): You will need a four-year degree from an accredited university. A notarized copy with an apostille will be required.
- RCMP National Criminal Record Check: This will need to be issued by the RCMP and include fingerprints and a photo. The document will need to be notarized and apostilled.
- Health Declaration / Questionnaire: You will complete a self-assessment form required by Korean Immigration. A full medical exam will be completed after arrival in South Korea.
- Passport Photocopy: You will need a colour copy of the information page of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Resume / CV: You will submit an up-to-date resume outlining your education and work experience.
- Signed Teaching Contract: This will be provided by your hiring school once you accept a teaching offer.
- Passport-Style Photos: You will need 5 recent passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm), depending on consulate requirements.
Apostille Requirement for Canadians
Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, Canadian documents will need to be apostilled rather than consularly legalized. At minimum, your degree copy and RCMP criminal record check will require notarization followed by an apostille before being submitted to South Korea.
Why Prepare Early?
Although these documents will only be required after passing an interview, candidates who already have some or all documents prepared may be matched more quickly when new teaching opportunities become available. Starting early can significantly reduce processing time and help ensure a smooth transition from job offer to departure.
Next Steps After Document Preparation
Once your documents are complete, they will be sent to South Korea for immigration review. After approval, you will receive a Visa Issuance Number, which you will use to submit your final E-2 visa application at the Korean consulate responsible for your province.