For public-school English teaching through EPIK, applicants must meet EPIK's citizenship, education and degree criteria, and the programme uses TEFL/TESOL/CELTA or teacher-licence qualifications in its pay-scale structure. Other Korean employers can have different requirements.
Use EPIK rules if EPIK is your target
EPIK is a structured public-school programme affiliated with Korea's Ministry of Education, so its eligibility rules are clearer than generic 'teach in Korea' advice. Applicants should read the current intake requirements directly from EPIK.
Check your eligibility before paying for extra training
EPIK requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and has designated-country/English-education rules. Its current pay scale shows a bachelor's degree plus a 100+ hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate as one Level 2 route for candidates without an education-related degree.
EPIK route
Public-school placements through a central application process, with published eligibility, salary and application timelines.
Other employers
Private academies and international schools recruit separately and may have different qualifications and visa conditions.
Evidence to check
- EPIK citizenship/education eligibility
- Bachelor's degree
- 100+ hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA or other qualifying credential where applicable
- Visa and document requirements
Where LCT UK training may add value
If EPIK is your goal, compare the hours and content of LCT TEFL/TESOL programmes with EPIK's current published requirements before enrolling.
Using general Korea teaching blogs instead of checking the current EPIK intake criteria.
Practical next steps
- Read EPIK eligibility.
- Check whether your education background qualifies.
- Choose TEFL hours that satisfy the published requirement if needed.
- Prepare documents according to the EPIK timeline.
Bottom line
South Korea has several English-teaching routes. For EPIK, follow EPIK's own eligibility and pay-scale rules; for other employers, verify their separate visa and qualification requirements.
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Sources and further reading
This information is general educational guidance. For regulated teaching, visas, work permits, licensing or registration, confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and employer. Read our editorial standards.