When do EPIK applications open?

There’s no denying how popular South Korea is. From the global appeal of K-pop to the constant stream of South Korean TikTok trends , Korean culture is everywhere, and more TEFL graduates than ever are packing their bags to see what it’s all about.

A lot of these graduates turn to EPIK (English Programme in Korea), which helps qualified teachers find job opportunities in the Land of Morning Calm . EPIK places teachers in one-year teaching jobs across Korea, working as English Language Assistants (ELAs) in the country’s public education system. 

So if South Korea is the ‘where’, and EPIK is the ‘how’, what about the ‘when’? In this article, we’ll tell you when to send your EPIK application, and remind you just how exciting this programme is!

What is EPIK?

In 1995, South Korea’s government realised it had a problem. English was (and still is) the language of business, but a lot of  Koreans didn’t speak it . After the Korean War, South Korea was quite cut off from the world, but it realised it had to be more open to foreign ideas (and languages) to have a stronger economy. 

Fast-forward to now: South Korea is a major player, and English is taught in schools. EPIK has been vital in bringing that change, inviting English speakers worldwide to teach their language and build bridges between South Korea and the rest of the world. The positive effects have gone both ways – South Korea’s English proficiency has improved rapidly, and the country’s culture has gone truly global.

By placing English teachers in Korean classrooms, EPIK creates opportunities for students to learn from English speakers, and for teachers to experience life and work in South Korea. Thousands of teachers participate every year , and the programme is getting closer to placing an EPIK teacher in every Korean public school.

When do EPIK applications open?

The EPIK programme has two intakes : one for the Fall (Autumn) term, and another for the Spring term. Dates change every year, but usually:

• From February, you can apply for the Fall term (which typically starts in late July/early August)
• From August, you can apply for the Spring term (which typically starts in late January/early February)

Applications are on a rolling basis, and only close when the teaching positions have been filled. The earlier you can apply, the better. If your application passes screening, you can have your interview within a few weeks. Pass that, and you’ll be on your way to sending your documents, sorting out your E-2 teaching visa , getting an offer from a school, and finding out where you’ll be going to teach!

EPIK requirements

What do English teachers need on their CV/Resume to teach through EPIK? Here are the requirements:

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the USA, South Africa or New Zealand
• You must be a citizen of Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the USA, South Africa or New Zealand
• You must have at least a 100-hour TEFL certificate * (though the industry standard is 120 hours , and is the minimum requirement for most English teaching jobs)
• If English isn’t your first language, you need proof that your education was in English from junior high/7th grade/Year 8/S1.

EPIK has a list of required documents to include in your application. For example, if you have visible tattoos, you must submit pictures, and if you’re already teaching through EPIK, you must send a recommendation letter from your current school to reapply.

*Tip : You won’t need a TEFL certificate for EPIK if your degree is in Education, but a TEFL certificate will make you more qualified for teaching jobs in the future. 

Where can EPIK take me?

One of the best parts of EPIK is that it lets teachers live and work in South Korea. You need to be open-minded, though, as you can be sent anywhere in the country. EPIK will choose locations and roles for you, from Gangwon in the north to the island of Jeju, off the south coast. 

Of course, the world-famous Seoul is a major draw, and plenty of EPIK teachers go there. Lydia, who teaches in suburban Seoul through the EPIK programme, showed us her six city highlights (including a delicious plum tea!) over on our TikTok :

As great as Seoul is, life in South Korea is just as varied and exciting outside its biggest city. Busan, Incheon and Daegu are all buzzing modern cities, but there’s also a lot to be said for smaller, off-beat locations like Jeonju, where TEFL teacher Ilsa Strough is based. 

On the ‘I Taught English Abroad’ podcast , Ilsa told us: 

“I can take a 40-minute bus anywhere in Jeonju, and I like that. It's easy to get around, even though I go to the main area. We have a big Hanok village , which is famous, so a lot of people do day trips here from Seoul. But there's so much more to the city: there's a lot of nature, we're near a really famous mountain that people like to hike, there's a lot to do. 

“It's easy to get that city feel, but also to escape the busy areas and feel like you're in a small town.”

It’s worth remembering that South Korea isn’t that big (the UK is 2.4 times bigger ). Wherever EPIK places you, you’ll be within easy reach of public transport and can zip around the country taking in the sights. And with paid holidays as part of the EPIK programme, you can earn money while exploring South Korea!

Why is EPIK good for TEFL teachers?

Paid holidays aren’t the only advantage of the EPIK programme, so what else can EPIK teachers expect?

Gain teaching experience

While you won’t be running English classes, the EPIK programme is still an excellent opportunity to gain experience teaching in a foreign country. By assisting teachers, you’ll help to improve standards, provide conversation practice for young learners, and learn about Korean culture. 

As a country, South Korea has excellent living standards and a super friendly attitude towards teachers, so you’ll easily settle in and enjoy yourself.

Benefits and salary

Not only do you get to have amazing experiences, but you also get paid to be there . Salaries on EPIK range between 2.05 and 2.8 million KRW per month   - equivalent to £1,097 - £1,499 / $1,472 -  $2,011.

Your wage will depend on your experience, qualifications, location, and whether or not you’re a new EPIK teacher. (Second-year teachers who stay at a school for an extra year usually earn the most of anyone on the EPIK programme.)

You’ll also get some other benefits too, like:

• Partial medical coverage
• Settlement allowance (around 300,000 KRW (£170/$210) and an end-of-contract bonus 
• Renewal bonus
• Orientation
• Paid holidays

EPIK looks great on your CV

EPIK has a solid reputation as one of the world's most recognised teaching programmes. Compared to many others that don’t need a degree, the requirements are pretty strict. So if you get in, it’s definitely worth shouting about! 

Along with the chance to use some of your qualifications, an EPIK experience shows you’re not afraid of trying new things and places, and are willing to learn from other teachers. Not only that, but South Korea’s education system is recognised worldwide for its quality. Being part of it, for however long, is great for any CV. International teaching experience can be the difference between getting your next teaching job and missing out against other well-rounded candidates.

Growing your network through EPIK

The EPIK programme is a great way to meet people. The first orientation sessions will introduce you to aspiring teachers from all over, with exactly the same motivations as you! You’ll have plenty to talk about, and there’ll be opportunities to make lasting friendships (which can often lead to job opportunities down the line).

On a professional level, EPIK places you in a South Korean public school, so you can meet experienced teachers too, which is ideal for two reasons:

1. They can help you settle into the area and usually have the best local tips.

2. You can get advice from people who’ve been in your shoes. How to manage classes, what to expect teaching full-time in South Korea, best approaches for teaching Korean students - there’s loads you can learn from experienced Korean teachers. 

With the right mindset, you can absorb knowledge that will guide the rest of your career and leave a positive impression that could lead to jobs later on.

Start your EPIK application today!

If your heart’s set on an EPIK adventure, remember that applications are on a rolling basis, and when they’ve filled up all for one intake, they’ll consider candidates for the next one. Don’t rush – make the best case for yourself, show how much you want to live and work in South Korea, and explain why you’re right for EPIK.

Get your application sorted, and before you know it, you’ll live the South Korean experience you’d always dreamed of, whether that means screaming lyrics to a K-pop band or exploring an ancient Buddhist temple. However your EPIK experience looks, you’ll be building your CV, gaining vital experience, and making friends along the way. 

If you’re looking for an immersive teaching programme that’ll let you explore South Korea and build a career in TEFL, EPIK couldn’t be a better choice.

For more info, check out our comprehensive EPIK guide , which tells you everything you need to know about the programme. 

Interested in teaching English in South Korea but not sure EPIK is the way to go? Try our jobs and salary guides . The TEFL Org Jobs Centre is also constantly updated, so bookmark it for updates on roles in South Korea (and everywhere else!)

Whether it’s a classroom in South Korea or teaching online you’re after, a TEFL certificate will get you there. Sign up for our 120-hour Premier Online TEFL course now.