Talk to a real personAt least 100 hours
The rule that puts you on pay Level 2.
- 120 hours is the safe choiceIt's the international standard, and it clears EPIK's minimum with room to spare.
- TEFL, TESOL or CELTAThe name doesn't matter. The hours do. TEFL vs TESOL
EPIK Spring and Fall 2027
EPIK TEFL requirements: which certificate do you need?
To teach in a Korean public school through EPIK, you need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL of at least 100 hours. Here's exactly what EPIK asks for, whether an online TEFL counts, what the 20 in-class hours mean and the documents to send, plus a 30-second check to see if you're ready to apply.
Well over 100 hours
Accredited by OTCAC
Used for Korean teaching visas
30-second check
Are you ready to apply to EPIK?
Answer four questions to see where you stand and what to do next.
Are you a citizen of an E-2 country?The US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa
Do you have a bachelor's degree?In any subject, or will you have one before you start
Do you have a TEFL certificate?EPIK asks for at least 100 hours
Does it include in-class hours?EPIK strongly advises at least 20
Answer the questions
Your result will show up here.
The TEFL rules, explained
What EPIK actually asks for in a TEFL
Online is accepted
With one thing to know.
- Online-only courses countEPIK accepts a 100-hour certificate however you took the course.
- In-class hours get priorityEPIK strongly advises at least 20 in-class hours, and applicants who have them are favored.
Some provinces ask for more
Check before you choose.
- Busan and some officesSome education offices, such as Busan, have asked for more in-class hours than the national rule.
- Seoul is separateSeoul public schools hire through their own program, with their own rules.
Need in-class hours? Our TEFL courses are fully online, which EPIK accepts. If you want in-class hours to strengthen your application, ask us about our 24-hour practicum before you apply, and check with your recruiter that it suits your preferred province.
Pay levels
How your TEFL sets your EPIK pay level
EPIK places you on a pay level based on your qualifications and experience. Most new teachers start on Level 2, which is where the TEFL comes in.
Not currently hiredLevel 3
A bachelor's degree only, with no TEFL. EPIK isn't currently hiring at this level.
Where most startLevel 2
A bachelor's degree plus a TEFL of 100+ hours. Starts at about ₩2.2 million a month.
With experienceLevel 2+
Your TEFL plus teaching experience, or other extra qualifications.
Licensed teachersLevel 1 and 1+
A teaching license, a relevant master's or longer experience, reaching ₩3.0 million or more with allowances.
Exact criteria and amounts change each intake and vary by education office, so check the current EPIK guidelines or ask your recruiter. In dollars, ₩2.2 million is about $1,640 at about ₩1,340 to the dollar.
Free furnished housingOr a housing allowance
₩300,000 settlement allowanceWhen you arrive
Entrance and completion allowancesAbout ₩1.3 to ₩1.8 million to cover flights
26 paid vacation daysPlus Korean public holidays
Up to 22 teaching hours a weekMonday to Friday, 8 hours a day at school
Health insurance and pensionEPIK pays 50% of both, plus severance
Your document checklist
What to send with your EPIK application
You send most documents as PDFs first, then the originals and apostilled copies at the final stage.
Usually required
Bachelor's degree
An apostilled copy of your diploma, plus sealed transcripts from your university.
Usually required
Criminal background check
A national-level check, apostilled. Order it early, as it can take weeks.
Required for Level 2
TEFL certificate, 100+ hours
A copy of your certificate showing the course hours. 120 hours is a safe choice.
Required
Two letters of recommendation
PDFs at first, then ink-signed originals at the final stage.
Required
Lesson plan and personal essay
Part of your application. A TEFL teaches you how to write the lesson plan.
Required
Passport and photos
From an E-2 country, valid for your whole contract.
When to apply
EPIK 2027 application timeline
EPIK processes applications in the order they arrive, so the earlier you apply, the better your chance of a placement.
- 1
Now
Get your TEFL and order documents
Finish a 100+ hour TEFL and order your background check and degree apostille, which take the longest.
- 2
Spring 2027: from August 1, 2026
Apply for a late February start
Interviews and document checks run from about October to January, then visa paperwork.
- 3
Fall 2027: from about February 1, 2027
Apply for a late August start
Interviews and document checks run from about April to July. Orientation comes just before you start.
Hagwons, Korea's private academies, hire all year too. Read our full guide to teaching English in Korea
Meet the TEFL requirement
TEFL courses for EPIK
Every course is well over EPIK's 100 hours, accredited by OTCAC and comes with a QR-verified certificate. Most EPIK teachers work in elementary schools, so our 168-hour course is the best fit.
Meets the rule
120-hour Practical TEFL
$59one-off
- A personal tutor and full narrated video
- 2 written assignments graded by your tutor, with helpful feedback
- Resubmit after feedback, and your certificate says "with Practical Assignments"
- 24 months to finish
Elementary schools
168-hour Practical TEFL
$69one-off
- Everything in the 120-hour Practical, including tutor-graded lesson plans
- 40 hours on young learners and 8 on adults
- Full narrated video for the 120 and 168-hour units
- 24 months to finish
With every Practical course, a personal tutor grades 2 written lesson plan assignments with helpful feedback within 24 hours, and you can resubmit after feedback. Pass them and your certificate says "with Practical Assignments". Compare all courses
Most complete
220-hour Practical TEFL
$79one-off
- Everything in the 168-hour course, including tutor-graded lesson plans
- 40 hours of Business English
- 220, 168 and 120-hour certificates
- 24 months to finish
The $49 120-hour Premium TEFL also meets the 100-hour rule, but a Practical course adds the tutor and lesson plan feedback that help with your EPIK application. Compare all courses
Accredited by OTCAC (20210112A)
CPD-verified provider (002991)
UK registered learning provider (UKPRN 10089401)
FAQ
EPIK TEFL requirements: your questions
What TEFL do I need for EPIK?
EPIK asks for a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate of at least 100 hours, together with a bachelor's degree, to place you on pay Level 2. A 120-hour course is the safest choice, and EPIK strongly advises one that includes at least 20 in-class hours.
Does EPIK accept online TEFL courses?
Yes. EPIK accepts a 100-hour certificate however the course was taken, including online. It gives priority to applicants with in-class hours, and some education offices, such as Busan, have asked for more in-class hours, so check the current rules for the province you want.
What are the 20 in-class hours?
Hours of face-to-face teacher training or teaching practice, rather than online study. EPIK strongly advises at least 20. If you need them, ask us about our 24-hour practicum before you apply.
Can I apply to EPIK without a TEFL?
With a degree alone you'd be on Level 3, which EPIK isn't currently hiring at, so in practice you need a 100+ hour TEFL. A teaching license or relevant experience can also qualify you for higher levels.
How much does EPIK pay?
Most new teachers start at about ₩2.2 million a month, about $1,640, and experienced or licensed teachers can earn ₩3.0 million or more with allowances. Housing is free, and there are settlement, entrance and completion allowances on top.
When should I apply to EPIK?
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake opened on August 1, 2026, for a late February start, and the Fall 2027 window is expected to open around February 1, 2027. EPIK processes applications in order, so apply early.
Do I need to apostille my TEFL for EPIK?
EPIK asks for apostilled copies of your degree and background check. Requirements for the TEFL certificate can vary by recruiter and office, so check what yours asks for. Our certificate can be notarized and apostilled if you need it.
Which TEFLmasters course is best for EPIK?
The 168-hour course. Most EPIK teachers work in elementary schools, and it adds 40 hours on teaching young learners, including phonics, to the 120-hour Practical course. It's well over EPIK's 100-hour minimum.
EPIK rules change between intakes. Always check the current requirements on the official EPIK website or with your recruiter before you apply. Information checked October 12, 2026.
Photos from Unsplash by Daniel Bernard, Erika Giraud, Minku Kang, Luke Ow and Robson Hatsukami Morgan.