If you’re looking to teach English in South Korea, one of the most important steps is knowing where to find trustworthy and up-to-date job postings. Whether you’re a certified teacher aiming for international schools or a recent graduate interested in a year of adventure, the process usually begins online — through dedicated ESL job boards, recruiter websites, or community forums.
This guide breaks down the best platforms to find English teaching jobs in Korea, explains how they differ, and offers insights on how to use them effectively. It’s written for native English speakers targeting the Korean education job market — whether you’re from the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, or beyond.
What Types of Teaching Jobs Are Posted Online?
Before diving into job boards, it helps to understand what’s typically advertised online:
Hagwon (private academies): The most common listings. Jobs year-round, mostly in urban areas.
Public schools: Through government programs like EPIK, GEPIK, and SMOE.
International schools: Fewer in number, require licenses and experience.
Universities: Competitive roles, often not listed publicly.
Private tutoring: Less commonly advertised due to legal restrictions, but may be found on forums or expat groups.
Top Websites to Find English Teaching Jobs in Korea
These sites consistently offer updated, legitimate listings for native English teachers in South Korea:
1. Dave’s ESL Cafe (Korea Job Board)
This is a classic — and still one of the most widely used.
Website: Site here
Strengths: Trusted by schools for decades, easy to browse, regularly updated
Types of Jobs: Hagwon, public school, and recruiter posts
What to Know: The design is outdated, but the listings are legitimate. Read carefully — some recruiters post the same job multiple times.
2. Gone2Korea
This site functions both as a recruiter and job board.
Website: Site here
Strengths: Clean, modern interface; helpful blog articles for newcomers
Jobs Offered: Primarily public school positions through EPIK and GEPIK
Bonus: Offers free visa processing support
Gone2Korea works best if you’re applying from abroad and need guidance throughout the process.
3. Korean Horizons
Another recruitment agency with a great reputation among first-time teachers.
Website: Site here
Strengths: Transparent communication, assistance with interviews and paperwork
Target Roles: EPIK public school jobs, especially outside Seoul
Support: Help with getting documents apostilled, preparing for arrival
They focus heavily on Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces, which are great if you want a quieter, more cultural Korean experience.
4. WorknPlay (WnP Korea)
A professional job board tailored for teaching and content creation roles in Korea.
Website: Site here
Strengths: A blend of job postings, articles, and school profiles
Types of Jobs: Hagwon, preschool, content editor/teacher hybrid roles
Unique Feature: Allows teachers to create resumes viewable by employers
WnP is great for those who want more flexibility and visual insight into employers.
5. KoreaBridge
Part job board, part expat community — active for over two decades.
Website: Site here
Strengths: Jobs plus expat resources and event listings
Good For: Community vibe; many posts by schools directly
Caution: Vet each job — some older listings may not be verified
Also includes apartment listings, freelance gigs, and classifieds.
6. TeachAway
Although global, TeachAway does feature Korea listings for licensed teachers.
Website: Site here
Focus: International schools and government programs
Best For: Certified teachers seeking long-term career growth
Bonus: Blog resources and online TEFL certification available
Use this site if you’re aiming for competitive schools with higher salary ranges and full expat packages.
Recruiters vs Direct Hire: Which Is Better?
Most jobs in Korea, especially at hagwons and public schools, are obtained through recruiters. They work as intermediaries between schools and teachers — at no cost to you.
Pros of Recruiters:
Help with visa and paperwork
Match you with schools that suit your background
Handle communication with Korean employers
Provide pre-arrival advice and relocation support
Cons of Recruiters:
Some may prioritize filling spots over your preferences
You may not know the exact school until late in the process
Less transparency in salary negotiation or vacation terms
If you prefer control and transparency, you can apply directly through sites like EPIK, SMOE, or school websites. However, this usually requires more preparation on your part.
What to Watch Out For
Not all listings are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
Contract Red Flags:
Avoid vague job descriptions, unpaid training periods, or unclear vacation policies.Housing Details:
Clarify if housing is provided, its condition, and whether utilities are included.Working Hours:
Hagwons often operate between 1–9 PM. Confirm teaching hours vs office hours.Reputation:
Look up the school on forums like Reddit or Facebook groups to check reviews.Visa Process:
A legitimate employer will help you apply for an E-2 visa (not tourist or student).
Using Social Media and Communities
Sometimes the best job leads come through online communities:
Facebook Groups:
“ESL Jobs in Korea”
“Korea English Teachers”
“Expats in Korea”
Reddit:
r/Korea
r/TEFL
r/TeachingInKorea
Teachers often post real reviews, give interview advice, and share housing tips. Just be mindful of privacy and personal data when messaging strangers.
Final Word: Use Multiple Platforms and Stay Smart
Finding an English teaching job in Korea isn’t hard — in fact, the demand is strong year-round. But finding a good job — one with fair pay, ethical management, and solid housing — takes time and research.
The best strategy is to use multiple sites. Compare listings, contact reputable recruiters, and join a few expat communities to gather firsthand reviews.
Teaching in Korea can be a life-changing experience — but your journey starts with where and how you apply. Choose platforms that prioritize teacher welfare, be honest about your goals, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before signing anything.
A well-researched beginning sets the tone for a positive and rewarding time in South Korea.