English Program in Korea (EPIK) – Government School Native English Teacher

Overview

EPIK (English Program in Korea) is a public school English teaching program in Korea sponsored by the Korean government that places teachers into various cities as well as provinces around South Korea. English Program in Korea is the most inclusive English program in Korea and has the most location choices out of all the public school teaching programs in Korea, spanning across all of South Korea. Applicants have the option of choosing a preference for their location.

About to finish your final semester in college and want to start paying off loans ASAP? English Program in Korea allows individuals still in college to start the application process so they can start teaching in South Korea right away.

Being an English teacher in South Korea is not an easy task! The lessons, curriculum, and day to day routines that you, as a teacher, create at school can have a lasting effect on your students. Be prepared! Prepare teaching materials
Assist your co-teacher in teaching English
Assist with extracurricular activities
Create testing materials and new curriculum

Applicants interested in applying to EPIK are required to submit both initial application documents as well as final placement documents. As EPIK operates on a first-come first-serve basis, those that prepare earlier have a higher chance of obtaining a position! So it’s best to get started now! Learn more about EPIK Required Documents >

Apostilled Bachelor’s Diploma
Apostilled National Criminal Background Check
University Transcripts
Plus Others
One of the best parts of teaching for a public school program such as EPIK is knowing that your salary, benefits, and working conditions are all backed by the Korean government and Ministry of Education, leaving you to focus on being the best teacher you can possibly be. Happy teachers equal happy students!

Learn more about the EPIK Contract >

1-Year Contract
Mon-Fri | 8:40 AM – 4:40 PM
22 Teaching Hours Per Week
National Holidays & Paid Leave
The following are EPIK benefits offered to each teacher placed in the EPIK program. Some EPIK benefits such as the Entrance Allowance and Settlement Allowance are only available to 1st year teachers. Please inquire with your recruiter as to which EPIK benefits you will be eligible for.

Free Single Furnished HousingEPIK Teachers are entitled to rent-free single housing furnished with basic furniture and appliances. If your school cannot provide housing, they will provide a housing stipend of 400,000 KRW a month. Key money however, will not be provided.

Entrance AllowanceEPIK provides reimbursement for the cost of your plane ticket to Korea in the form of the Entrance Allowance. The 1,300,000 KRW entrance allowance is given in your first month after you have arrived in Korea.

Special Note: Those that are renewing a contract with their current school or transferring to another school within Korea are not eligible for the Entrance Allowance.
Settlement AllowanceWorried about how much it will cost to settle down in your new housing? Don’t worry, EPIK has you covered. EPIK provides a one-time 300,000 KRW Settlement Allowance to help you buy things like supplies and other furnishings for your apartment.

Renewal AllowanceFor those that wish to teach for another year at the same school will receive a Renewal Allowance of 2,000,000 KRW. This benefit only applies to those that continue at the same school. Those transferring to another school within the EPIK program are not eligible.

Severance PaymentAnytime you complete a 1-year contract you are entitled to an additional full month of extra salary pay as a bonus for completing a contract. The amount is cumulative depending on how many contracts you complete while in Korea, and will be paid to you upon your exit of your school.

Exit AllowanceEPIK teachers will receive 1,300,000 KRW to cover the costs of their plane ticket back to their home country. The payment will be provided in the form of reimbursement after leaving South Korea and sending a scan of their flight itinerary and boarding pass to their school.

Paid VacationEPIK teachers are entitled to 18 days of paid vacation per contract (weekends are excluded). Generally, vacation is allowed to be taken during the summer in August and in the Winter in January when the students are on break.

Sick DaysEPIK Teachers are allowed to take up to 11 sick-days. Missing consecutive days will require a doctor’s note. Sick days are not able to be “rolled-over” to a renewing contract.

Medical InsuranceIn accordance with the National Medical Insurance Act, your employer will pay fifty-percent of your medical insurance premiums each month, with the remaining being automatically deducted from your paycheck. Provided medical insurance is full-coverage and include health, vision, & dental. Teachers do not have to worry about enrolling, as they are automatically enrolled upon the start of their teaching contract.

EPIK OrientationNewly arriving EPIK teachers get to enjoy a special and all-expenses paid 9-day orientation. There, EPIK will help teachers to assimilate into South Korea by offering teaching strategies classes as well as Korean language and cultural classes. Lodging and meals are all paid for.

EPIK – English Program in Korea – Public School Jobs in Korea