Country Guide · South Korea
International school teacher salaries in South Korea
South Korea is a popular destination for international teachers, offering modern cities, excellent infrastructure and a lively expat community. Packages vary widely depending on school tier, city and whether housing is included. This guide focuses on what matters most: salary bands, benefits, tax, cost of living and realistic savings potential.
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
Typical salary band*
~ 3.0 – 5.0 million KRW / month
Established international schools (often with housing support).
Contracts
2-year contracts are common
Renewal and step increases vary by school.
Income tax
Progressive, with social contributions
Clarify gross vs net, pension and health insurance.
Typical salary ranges in South Korea
South Korea has a mix of international schools, bilingual schools and other education roles. International school packages often look very different to language-academy roles (hagwons), so comparing like-for-like matters.
Lower-fee schools & non-international roles
Some lower-fee schools and non-international roles may sit around 2.2–3.0 million KRW per month, sometimes with limited benefits. These roles can work, but savings and quality-of-life depend heavily on workload and whether housing is supported.
Always confirm teaching hours, paid holidays, and whether housing is included.
Established international schools & leadership
Many established international schools offer 3.0–5.0 million KRW per month for experienced teachers, often plus housing or a housing allowance, flights and medical cover. Leadership roles and the most competitive schools may sit above this range.
Housing support is often the biggest factor in overall value.
*All figures are indicative and based on public ranges and teacher experiences; they are not guarantees from any specific school.
Common benefits in South Korea international school packages
Benefits vary by school tier and whether the role is an overseas hire. The best packages can be excellent; more basic packages can look competitive on paper but feel tight once rent and deductions are included.
Housing or allowance: common in international school packages, especially for overseas hires.
Flights: start/end of contract flights or an annual flight allowance is common in stronger packages.
Medical: national health insurance is typical; some schools add private top-up cover.
Pension: national pension contributions may apply depending on contract type and nationality; confirm eligibility and deductions.
Tuition for dependants: commonly discounted, sometimes fully covered in top-tier schools (policies vary).
Relocation support: shipping allowance or settling-in support is sometimes included for overseas hires.
Cost of living and savings potential
South Korea’s day-to-day costs can be reasonable, but rent can swing dramatically depending on neighbourhood and whether housing is provided. Seoul is typically the most expensive area; other cities may offer better value.
Rough monthly costs
A single teacher can live comfortably in most cities with sensible budgeting. The biggest variable is housing (and sometimes the deposit system), so packages that provide accommodation can feel significantly more valuable than the same salary without it.
If you’re self-renting, confirm whether your school supports deposits/lease setup.
Savings: teacher experiences
Many teachers report strong savings when housing is provided and spending is kept under control. Without housing support, savings can still be possible, but Seoul rent can quickly eat into take-home pay.
Best lever: housing + deductions clarity, then lifestyle.
Who is South Korea a good fit for?
South Korea can be a great fit for teachers who want modern infrastructure, an active social scene and a strong travel hub for Asia. It may be particularly appealing if you:
Want a well-connected base with easy regional travel (Japan, SEA and beyond).
Prefer a structured working culture and clear systems in day-to-day life.
Are happy to ask detailed questions about deductions, housing and workload before signing.
Compare your South Korea offer
If you have an offer from a school in South Korea, use My Offer vs. The World to see how it compares with anonymous packages from teachers in other countries and regions.
🎯 My Offer vs. The World
Explore more on Wondering Staffroom
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Join the mailing listFrequently asked questions
- What is a typical salary for international school teachers in South Korea?
- Many teachers report salaries around 3.0–5.0 million KRW per month at established international schools, with higher packages for leadership roles and some roles below that range in lower-fee or less established schools.
- Is South Korea a good place to save money as a teacher?
- It can be. Savings potential is usually strongest when housing is provided or heavily subsidised, and when teachers budget carefully in higher-cost areas such as Seoul. Many teachers still manage to save while travelling and enjoying city life.
- Do international schools in South Korea usually provide housing?
- Many international schools offer housing or a housing allowance, especially for overseas hires. The value of this benefit varies significantly by city and school, so it’s worth clarifying the exact amount and what it realistically covers.
- How does income tax work for teachers in South Korea?
- South Korea has a progressive income tax system, and employment often includes mandatory contributions such as national pension and health insurance (depending on role and contract type). Clarify whether your quoted salary is gross or net.
- How does Wondering Staffroom’s data help with South Korea?
- Our South Korea insights draw on anonymous teacher submissions and public information to build a clearer, teacher-led picture of what different schools and regions really offer.
Nothing on this page is financial advice. All figures are indicative only and based on public ranges and teacher experiences.
