Comparison
New teacher debating starting in Korea vs. waiting two years to qualify for higher pay in China.
Korea is the most beginner-friendly market in Asia; China pays the most for experienced teachers. Korea takes new graduates through public school programs like EPIK. China requires two years of post-graduation work experience and rewards it with significantly higher pay, especially at international schools.
EPIK, hagwons, and university roles. E-2 visa support is standard.
Public schools: 2.0M to 2.7M KRW per month with housing. Hagwons: 2.1M to 2.8M KRW with housing or stipend. Universities: 2.3M to 3.5M KRW with shorter contact hours.
E-2 visa for most roles. Requires a bachelor's degree, a clean criminal record check, and citizenship from one of seven approved countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa). A 120-hour TEFL certificate is standard, sometimes required.
First-time teachers who want a structured contract with housing handled. Korea's system is the most beginner-friendly path into ESL.
International schools, training centers, and universities. Pay is the highest in Asia.
International schools: 25k to 45k RMB per month. Training centers: 18k to 30k RMB. Public schools: 12k to 22k RMB. Universities: 10k to 20k RMB with long vacations. Most contracts include housing or stipend.
Z visa. Requires bachelor's, two years of post-graduation work experience, a 120-hour TEFL, and a notarized criminal record check. Citizenship from one of seven native English countries is standard. Age cap of 60 is typical.
Experienced teachers who want to maximize savings. Two years of teaching in China can clear 30k USD in savings if you live carefully.
Great Positions All Over Korea
eslteachingjobinasia.com · Various
Great Positions All Over Korea:
eslteachingjobinasia.com · Various
Kindergarten & Elementary English Teacher
Hanmaeum English Academy · Seoul, South Korea
Hagwons in & around Seoul, Private elementary school, Alternative International schools and various positions all over Korea!
SeoulESL - ESL Consulting · Yeoksam, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
We are looking for a dedicated and passionate native English teacher to work with us in Korea in 2026
VOU Agency · South Korea
Teaching Jobs Korea || Ft Placement Options Nationwide Korea || 2026 Listings || Apply Today
Teaching JOBS Korea · South Korea
Jobs at K12 Schools 2026
Teachingsurfing · China
ESL Teacher - Training Center
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Competitive Salaries Up to 30K at a Top-Rated School in China
Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) International Group,China. · China
High Paid Native Teacher Position | Weekend Off + Flight Reimbursement
Horizon Recruitment · China
Kindergarten teaching position in Hangzhou
ShenzhenNew Silk Road Education Hangzhou Branch · China
WANTED: Kindergarten English Teachers (Beijing)
Beijing RZD Culture · China
South Korea
No. Most schools want monolingual English in the classroom. Picking up basics for daily life helps but is not a hiring requirement.
South Korea
Public schools (EPIK) recruit in two main intakes for March and September starts. Hagwons hire year-round but the biggest wave is February to April.
China
Not for K-9 students inside China. Adult-focused online teaching to Chinese learners through global platforms is allowed but pays much less than the old VIPKid era.
China
Tier 1 (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) pays 30 to 50 percent more, but cost of living absorbs much of that. Tier 2 cities often have better savings rates.