Have you been dreaming about moving abroad to explore new countries? Would you love to have some adventures and meet new people? One reason stopping people from trying out the expat life is the worry of having to “rough it” in some shared dorm room while living off instant noodles and a meagre backpacker salary.
If this is your worry too, we’ve got some great news for you. Working abroad doesn’t have to be like broke student times at all – especially if you decide to work in Korea. South Korea has long been a secret tip for aspiring expats, and not only because of its stunning landscapes, bustling metropolises and insanely good food. South Korea also has some of the highest paying jobs for people who love to travel.
Did we pique your curiosity? Great! Because below, we have put together a list of 9 of the best paying jobs in South Korea for English speakers!
A snapshot of the highest paid jobs—by type
Here’s an overview of the most popular jobs in South Korea for English speakers:
- Teaching English as a foreign language: Teaching jobs have long been some of the most lucrative jobs abroad, and Korea is no exception. Many schools will often provide airfare and accommodation to teachers, in addition to generous salaries and bonuses. Teaching English to children as well as adults is possible in all the major cities and even in smaller towns. TEFL certificates are often required, but many programs offer training as well as job placements, so read on if you haven’t got your TEFL certification yet.
- Sales: English speakers are always sought after for sales positions. There are some great opportunities to be found if you have sales skills.
- Work as an Au Pair: If you love children and really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, then working as an Au Pair might be the perfect fit. Live with a Korean family, look after their adorable children and learn the language while you’re at it.
The highest paid ways to work in South Korea this year
1. Teach English with International TEFL Academy
International TEFL Academy is one of the most popular work abroad programs and GoAbroad's 2018 People's Choice Award Winner for Best International Education Organization. If you haven’t got your TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate yet, TEFL Academy is one of the best options. Not only do you receive a lifetime TEFL certificate, but the organization also helps you find housing and a teaching job.
On average, teachers with TEFL Academy earn enough to save around $500–$1,000 every single month, depending on their lifestyle. A bachelor’s degree is required, but it doesn’t have to be in teaching or English.
- Where? Multiple cities in Korea
- Salary range: $1,850 - $2,150
- Get more job info here
2. Teach English with i-to-i TEFL
Another great program which places people in teaching jobs in South Korea is i-to-i TEFL. They are one of the top TEFL course providers and allow you to work through the required 120 hours of the TEFL course online, while you get ready for the trip of a lifetime. You will get access to a dedicated tutor throughout your course, to answer all your questions. And, if you want to practice even more, you can add some hands-on classroom training.
After you’ve received your certification, you’ll get access to i-to-i TEFL’s job board, so you can find your dream job in South Korea.
- Where? Busan, Changwon, Daegu, Seoul, Ulsan
- Salary range: $2,000 - $3,500 depending on location
- Get more job info
3. Teach English with GeoVisions
GeoVisions is a household name when it comes to work abroad placements, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a teaching job in Seoul or other major Korean cities, with incredible benefits, look no further. Accommodation is included, and salaries range from $1,800 to $3,000. You’ll be working an average of 30-40 hours per week, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore and have fun. And if you do get to work overtime, it’s paid at $20+ per hour, so a great way to save up extra money for your travel fund. On top of that, you’ll receive a full month’s salary upon completion of the program. And best of all, you’ll most likely be exempt from income tax!
- Where? Major cities in Korea
- Salary range: $1,800 - $3,000
- Get more job info
4. Teach English with TravelBud
TravelBud is another excellent choice for you if you’d like to explore Korea and teach English as a foreign language. They offer 24/7 support once you’re in the country and can place you in major cities as well as more rural areas if you’re not a city person.
TravelBud takes their role seriously and vet every single partner school they work with. If you don’t have your TEFL or TESOL certificate, you can take the course either online or in-person.
On top of their competitive salaries, TravelBud throw in free accommodation, free airfare and end-of-contract bonuses.
- Where? Multiple cities in South Korea
- Salary range: $2,000 - $2,500 plus bonus
- Get more job info
5. Teach English in Public Schools with Korean Horizons
Korea Horizons is another excellent English teaching program that places you in public schools around the country. Past students are raving about their experience and it’s easy to see why. On top of a very competitive salary, you’ll receive accommodation in your own furnished apartment. To help you settle in, you even get a bonus, so you can buy all the necessary bits and pieces to make you feel at home.
You’ll receive 5 weeks of holidays every year, which will give you plenty of time to go on adventures with your new friends. In addition, you’ll be able to learn Korean and get extra bonuses if you decide to stay on beyond one year.
- Where? Multiple cities around the country
- Salary range: $1,800 - $2,600
- Get more job info
6. Teach English with Greenheart Travel
Greenheart Travel is one of our most popular work abroad providers. As they have worked alongside the Korean government for years, they are qualified to help you navigate the application and visa process with ease.
You’ll be able to connect to an alumni network of current and past teachers to ask questions, help you settle in and make friends. Greenheart Travel includes all the competitive bonuses your heart desires, such as free housing, paid vacation, reimbursed airfare and completion bonuses. Plus, you’ll get step-by-step guidance during the application process, to make your transition easier.
- Where? Gyeonggi
- Salary range: $1,600 – $2,200
- Get more job info
7. Sales Job with Military AutoSource
If teaching isn’t your jam, but you’ve got your heart set on Korea, don’t worry. Sales roles are international jobs in Korea that are growing in popularity. Military AutoSource is a sales training program in which you’ll work on a US military base while living in Korea. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be in the military for this program! But you do need to have a sense of adventure and should be competitive. Ideally, you’ll also be resilient, action-oriented, and able to bounce back from setbacks.
Experience is not required, and a high school degree is enough to apply for this sales program. The salary is very competitive, and accommodation and transport are provided. Sales skills are always sought after, and this is a world-class sales program that you’ll be able to boast about on your resume afterward.
- Where? Gunsan, Pyeongtaek, Seoul, Uijeongbu
- Salary range: $50,000 to $150,000 annually
- Get more job info
8. Teach English with XploreAsia
Working in a brand-new country is exhilarating and exciting, but it can also be quite daunting at the beginning. You’ll have to settle into a foreign neighborhood, navigate a new city and deal with culture shock. XploreAsia take their role as facilitators extremely seriously and offer a full week of on-the-ground cultural orientation to help you transition into your new life in South Korea.
They also offer a 120-hour TESOL course both online and in-person, as well as all the usual benefits like flight reimbursement, paid accommodation and medical insurance.
- Where? Seoul
- Salary range: $1,600 - $2,300, plus completion bonus
- Get more job info
9. Teach English with CIEE
And last but not least, CIEE is another incredible teaching program. It’s different from the above programs in that it focuses solely on schools in Seoul. The Korean capital is a bustling metropolis and you’ll be able to explore every corner on your yearlong placement.
CIEE includes the 150-hour TEFL course in their program, as well as pre-departure visa and application help through their support staff. To help you settle into the new culture and city, they even organize a 2-day cultural orientation in Seoul.
CIEE even include Korean-national medical insurance benefits as well as international travel insurance and 24-hour worldwide assistance provided through the CIEE iNext travel card.
- Where? Seoul
- Salary range: $1,700 - $2,400
- Get more job info
Your wallet will love these jobs in South Korea!
There you have it, 9 high-paying and rewarding jobs in South Korea. Long gone are the days were working abroad meant roughing it, you can now improve your resume, earn great money, and even save tons of money to pay off those student loans or fill up the travel fund.
Which job will you choose?