TEFL Courses & Certification in South Korea

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19 TEFL Courses in South Korea

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International TEFL Academy
4.82
28
Do you want to teach English in Korea? Earn your accredited TEFL certification & receive lifetime job search guidance with International TEFL Aca...
See All 2 Programs

Premier TEFL
4.55
823
Ready to start your journey as a confident English teacher? The 120-Hour Premier TEFL Course gives you the skills and certification to teach abro...
See All 6 Programs

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)
4.39
115
Join Xplore’s In-Country TEFL/TESOL + Placement Program and kickstart your teaching career in South Korea with expert support and a guaranteed jo...
The TEFL Institute
4.87
226
Launch your teaching journey with the internationally recognized 120-Hour Advanced TEFL Course—your fast-track to teaching English online or abroad. Designed as the global industry standard, this accredited qualification gives you the essential skills and confidence to step into your first teaching
See All 4 ProgramsInternational TEFL and TESOL
5
3
Experience the vibrant blend of modern innovation and rich cultural heritage as you embark on teaching in South Korea. Use the coupon code GoAbroad15 upon checkout to receive 15% off any course. Take advantage of our Super Sale! Choose from a selection of accredited online TEFL courses, with price
TEFL Graduate
4.21
14
Give yourself an edge with our 120 or 150-hour TEFL course! Our programs are delivered entirely online, allowing you to study at your own pace from the comfort of your home. You'll have 24/7 access to the course materials, 365 days a year. Both our 120-Hour and 150-Hour TEFL courses are excellent o
Global Work & Travel
0
0
Experience more than just local living – enjoy a VIP lifestyle on an amazing journey combining teaching English and exploring South Korea! Earn a generous salary, receive a warm welcome, flight reimbursement, free accommodation, and benefits like medical insurance. This program is your ultimate chan
Teacher's Friend
4.6
5
Embrace your dream of living abroad! Unsure about which TEFL course is perfect for you? Let me be your friend, helping your choose based on your unique circumstances. Worried about course content? My pre-course modules are here to help. I'll help you build a strong foundation in basic grammar and T
See All 2 ProgramsTEFL Heaven
4.5
2
Set off on a complete teaching journey in South Korea with TEFL Heaven. We provide a guaranteed job placement at one of our trusted partner schools, with a salary ranging from $1600 to $1,800. We provide extensive support before your departure, round-the-clock assistance in South Korea during your
A Guide to Earning TEFL Certification in South Korea
Locations
Most TEFL courses in South Korea are offered in Seoul and Busan, the two biggest cities in South Korea. Seoul is the largest in South Korea with over 10 million residents. Since it is both the political capital as well as the commercial and industrial hub of South Korea, Seoul offers a high volume of English teaching positions. This makes it an excellent city for TEFL students who become certified teachers to find positions at language institutes, schools, companies, or giving private lessons. On top of the demand, Seoul offers a beautiful combination of ancient and modern culture, visible in some of the sights of the city such as Jongmyo, a World Heritage site, the exciting Namdaemun Market, and the historical temple Gyeongbokgung.
Busan is another excellent choice for TEFL certification in South Korea. For foreigners who may want a quieter, more laid-back city, and more opportunities to explore the outdoors, Busan is an obvious choice. Even though it is South Korea’s second largest metropolis, Busan is well-known for its accessibility to hiking trails, coastlines, and an abundance of nature activities. Some amazing sights for TEFL students to see in Busan include the Beomeo-Sa temple in front of the mountains, the Haeundae beach, and the Jagalchi Fish Market.
Courses & Programs
South Korea tends to be more strict than other countries in its requirements for TEFL courses. You will most likely not get an ESL position if you have a certification that is less than 100 training hours. Since gaining employment can be competitive in South Korea, especially in certain cities, you may want to consider adding a specialization to your English teaching certification, for example focusing on medical or business vocabulary or concentrating on teaching children.
Many TEFL programs in South Korea prefer citizens of countries whose main language is English, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. This is because earning a TEFL certification in South Korea requires you to be a native English speaker as well as have a bachelors degree, although no previous teaching experience is required. Most TEFL courses in South Korea are instructed over the course of one month, but some are spread out over a longer period of time to be part time for either six or eight weeks.
TEFL courses will train you on how to successfully instruct English grammar, writing, reading, and pronunciation. In addition, you will learn classroom management and lesson planning tips as well as guidance on communication styles that resonate with Korean learners. Comprehensive TEFL courses in South Korea also give an overview of historical teaching methods, demonstrate difference classroom techniques, and include training on how to market yourself as an English teacher. You will also learn how to navigate resources to find material that resonates with Korean students, as well as how to build relationships and help learners reach their goals.
Some courses offer a TEFL certification as well as a teaching placement in South Korea, and the organization will use connections with local schools to help you get a one-year contract once you’re certified. Teaching English at a language school in South Korea will typically mean working between 25 and 30 hours per week, while teaching in a private or public school will mean you’ll have much longer hours - working long days Mondays through Fridays.
Salary & Costs
Most TEFL certification courses in South Korea cost between $1,300 to $2,000, excluding housing. It is a good idea to have an extra $1,000 to $1,500 on hand when you start your TEFL course, for rent, personal expenses, and if you’d like to travel before or after your program. Once you are certified, you can expect to earn between $1,800 and $3,000 per month as a paid full-time English teacher in South Korea, depending on your position and location. Some positions may include flight reimbursement, an additional stipend for food, and a bonus paid upon completion of your contract.
The cost of living in South Korea can range significantly depending on the lifestyle and spending habits of the individual, but overall it’s a very affordable destination for English teachers. You can expect to pay $2.25 for a liter of milk, $4.50 for a cappuccino, and $7 for a simple meal. It is possible to live a very basic lifestyle for as little as $500 per month. Most English teachers end up spending about 60 percent of their monthly salary and saving the rest, allowing them to bank a good amount over the course of the year.
Accommodations & Visas
Most TEFL participants live in urban areas, as this is where most of the certification programs are based. Many people live in small apartments, either a studio apartment on their own or a multi-bedroom apartment with other teachers or TEFL program participants. After earning TEFL certification in South Korea and becoming a full time English teacher, many South Korean schools will provide housing for international teachers.
As a U.S. citizen you will be able to stay in South Korea for 90 days on a tourist visa, which will allow you to complete your TEFL course legally. Your TEFL program provider will not help to arrange your visa in most cases, since it is just a tourist visa.
GoAbroad Insider Tips
South Korea is one of the best destinations in the world for people who want to make a good amount of money teaching English abroad. Once TEFL certified you should not have trouble finding a position. By earning a TEFL certificate in South Korea, you will learn much about the classroom dynamics as well as the family and social structure in the country, which will give you an excellent basis for working in South Korea.
Since so many Koreans want to learn to speak English, there are a wide variety of teaching positions available in South Korea, including corporations, schools, private lessons, and institutes.
Often the greatest challenge for teachers is adjusting to the lifestyle of South Korea and dealing with culture shock. Learn as much as you can about the culture and day-to-day life in South Korea before you start your TEFL program, and try to keep an open and accepting mind once you are there.
If you’re not able to come to South Korea to take your course in-country for financial or timing reasons, you could consider obtaining your TEFL certification online. This is typically less expensive and allows you to complete the 100-hour training on your own time rather than at a set schedule each day. Getting TEFL certified online usually means you are unable to complete the in-classroom practice portion of a 120 hour course, so keep this in mind.
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Latest Program Reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed this course!
August 18, 2026by: Rachael Thomas-Jeremiah - Trinidad & TobagoProgram: 120-Hour TEFL Certification – Learn Anywhere with our App
The 120-Hour TEFL Certification was an excellent learning experience. The course was well-structured, informative, and comprehensive, covering important areas of teaching English as a foreign language. I particularly appreciated the practical strategies, clear explanations, and useful resources that can be applied in real classroom settings. The course helped strengthen my understanding of lesson planning, classroom management, teaching methodologies, and effective ways to engage learners with different needs and abilities. I found the flexibility of the course especially helpful, allowing me to work through the material at my own pace while still gaining substantial knowledge and practical skills. Overall, this certification has added value to my professional development and increased my confidence as an educator. I would definitely recommend the 120-Hour TEFL Certification to anyone interested in teaching English or expanding their teaching qualifications.

The TEFL job Coaching is a career booster!
August 12, 2026by: Rita Ibironke - GhanaProgram: Accredited 120 Hour TEFL Course | Teach English Abroad
I experienced an eye-opening job coaching session with Emos. The information that he provided on the job opportunities that are available in various countries, and his personal experiences, were really helpful. I have started my teaching journey already and I look forward to a more rewarding teaching career. Thanks, Emos & Premier TEFL!

Response to the Free TEFL Job Coaching Seminar
August 12, 2026by: Edith Machowski - AustriaProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I got a morale boost. It was very heartening to hear other people in the same boat as me. And questions were asked that I hadn't thought of. I was surprised there were so few attendees. The presenter (Emos) answered questions ably.
Response to the Free TEFL Job Coaching Seminar
August 12, 2026by: Edith Machowski - AustriaProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I got a morale boost. It was very heartening to hear other people in the same boat as me. And questions were asked that I hadn't thought of. I was surprised there were so few attendees. The presenter (Emos) answered questions ably.
Online Lecture - Great lecturer, great content, just lacking slightly in job finding information.
August 11, 2026by: Michael Hamer-Hodges - United KingdomProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
Regarding the online call about finding employment in TEFL, Pretty much perfect, answers were answered to all questions and in detail going above and beyond. if I had to critique, I'd argue the section on how to find the job (e.g. linkedin) was a tad rushed, but still provided highly useful information (Only commented because it's useless if I only say it was good!). Emos was very professional with his explanations and with guidance for how to navigate the online and physical market.
In the world of AI The Tefl Institute lends a human touch!
August 03, 2026by: Farah Clague - United KingdomProgram: 180-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma – Top Rated & 100% Online
As an experienced teacher, I found my TEFL Institute journey both rewarding and enriching. The course was well structured, engaging, and practical, offering fresh ideas and strategies that have enhanced my teaching practice. The webinars and tutorials were a standout feature, providing valuable insights, practical techniques, and excellent support throughout the course. A special thank you to Laura for her encouragement, and unwavering support, which made a real difference to my learning experience. I would also like to thank Olivia for the wonderful opportunity to lend my voice to the course. I highly recommend TEFL Institute to both aspiring and experienced teachers looking to develop their skills through a supportive, professional, and high-quality learning experience.
Informative material and supportive staff
July 28, 2026by: Veronica S. - United StatesProgram: World's Only: 300-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma Courses
Premier TEFL offers a solid 300-hr course and the lessons are very educational—I went from knowing hardly anything about teaching language to feeling like I could actually organize English lessons someday. And I did indeed land a job while I was still working on my TEFL certificate to teach Spanish, because some of the principles of teaching English generalize to teaching other languages. One thing that really makes this TEFL program stand out is the amount of support you get. Anytime you have questions or doubts, you can e-mail the staff and they are very responsive. The tutors, Anya and Laura, are available once a week for a live Zoom session, but you can e-mail them anytime and they will answer all your questions, and if they don't have an answer, they will direct you to another staff member who does. The support staff, like Olivia and Lisa, are also very helpful for your course needs and even check in to see how you're doing. Overall, I was very pleased with the value of this course and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning how to teach English.
Very useful and practical advice
July 17, 2026by: Sofia Wood - ItalyProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
Emos was very kind and helpful during the webinar and I could tell he genuinely cared about helping us as much as possible. The topics and resources discussed during the meeting were spot on! I’ll be sure to keep his email on hand in case I need to ask more questions
EMOS = Very Informative & Not Rushed.
July 14, 2026by: ROXANNE ANDERSON - CanadaProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
Thank you Emos for the links and sharing your experiences with us. Your presentation was clear and to the point (slides & speech). You gave everyone the opportunity to ask questions, I never felt rushed and offered your professional opinion/advice to help us navigate our TEFL journey no matter what stage we are at. I look forward to your next session. I am also very grateful to the TEFL Institute for providing these on-going forums which they allow their alumni to attend. It helps to have a little community to bounce things off & to learn from others. Respectfully, Roxanne Anderson Highfiled Level 5 Teaching Online & One-to-One Graduate

Great, practical session with personal Q+A
July 14, 2026by: Anastasia Prech - United StatesProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
Emos did a great job covering all the job coaching basics including sharing his real-life experience and helpful resources. Since our group wasn't too big, he could personally answer all of our questions in the Q+A at the end, which I really appreciated!
Valuable insights
July 14, 2026by: Rima GRAY - LithuaniaProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I would like to thank the coach Emos for a structured presentation of the session. This seminar was an excellent and highly practical experience. It provided a detailed information on the TEFL job search. The seminar provided highly valuable, up-to-date information on international TEFL market, specific hiring requirements, and current salary expectations.
Fantastic Information!
July 14, 2026by: Abigail Casey - IrelandProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I found the information session extremely helpful and Emos to prepare us for our future in applying for jobs as English teachers! I feel that I am more prepared now after attending the webinar and know more about the application process!
An excellent preparation for an online-teaching career
July 02, 2026by: Rita Ibironke - GhanaProgram: 120-Hour TEFL Certification – Learn Anywhere with our App
The study materials were straight to the point, rich in content and easy to grasp. The support staff member, Laura, responded to messages promptly. My practical course sessions with Michelle Benson gave me the kind of experience and heads up that I needed to improve my one-on-one and whole-class teaching skills. It has been a very rewarding journey for me.

I learnt a lot about teaching!
July 01, 2026by: Xinxu Li - ChinaProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I am very grateful to the TEFL team, especially Olivia Klimczyk, who offered me a lot of help in time and in high quality as well. I have learnt a lot about teaching English in a logical, organised, strategical and serious but interesting way!
A Smooth and Informative Experience
May 22, 2026by: Mark KavanaghProgram: 120-Hour TEFL Certification – Learn Anywhere with our App
I have not been there in person, but I did sign up for their online course. Everything about it feels professional, and the sessions come across as really interactive. The language they use is simple and easy to follow. It was honestly the right fit for me. Right after I registered, Annelies emailed to welcome me, and it instantly put me at ease. They also made it clear that they will be guiding me throughout the course and that they will be there whenever I need help.
Perfect for Aspiring English Teachers
May 22, 2026by: Mark FarrellI’ve just completed the 10 hour virtual TEFL course and it was genuinely interactive from start to finish, plus really enjoyable. Michelle created such an easy, relaxed atmosphere and guided us as we worked in pairs to put together our own lesson plan. It was also lovely meeting so many great people over Zoom, and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone considering a TEFL career. Michelle is a fantastic teacher and you will really have a great time on this course.
Highly Recommend for Future Language Teachers
May 21, 2026by: Eoin KeaneProgram: 120-Hour TEFL Certification – Learn Anywhere with our App
I have just finished the 120 hour TEFL course and I really loved it. Everything is explained so clearly in the modules, and the material is packed with useful information while still feeling very manageable, so progressing through it was straightforward. I would definitely recommend it to other people, and I cannot wait to put what I have learned here to use in the future.
A Fantastic Learning Experience
May 19, 2026by: Aoife ReillyI did the 10 hour virtual TEFL course with Michelle Benson. It ran over two days and was really intense and interactive, and I honestly loved it. At first I was unsure how it would work through Skype, but it ended up going way beyond what I expected. I came away with new friends, a better understanding of the English language than I thought I had, plus loads of practical tips and pointers I can bring into my own classroom. I cannot recommend Michelle enough, you will not be bored for even a moment. I would absolutely do it again. Thanks for everything Michelle! :) Lisa
Learned So Much Through This Course
May 17, 2026by: Adam FitzgeraldProgram: 120-Hour TEFL Certification – Learn Anywhere with our App
Taking this course has made me feel confident enough to start applying for TEFL roles overseas. I found the platform really straightforward to navigate and it was packed with useful resources, and the modules were informative, clearly well researched, and backed up with detailed bibliographies so I could keep exploring topics on my own. I would absolutely recommend this company.
Supportive and Easy to Learn From
May 15, 2026by: Conor MurrayProgram: 120-Hour TEFL Certification – Learn Anywhere with our App
My experience with TELF, the online language school, was fantastic. Everything they shared was really helpful, easy to follow, and explained in a way that made sense right away. Huge thanks to advisor Killian Bukulin for walking me through every program, taking the time to respond to my 1000 questions, and staying so friendly the whole way through. I would absolutely recommend TELF to anyone who wants to learn not only how to teach english, but also the methods behind teaching any new language.
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