Teach English in Seoul: Get Hired with No Degree? Starting Salary ~$2,100/Month + Housing

So, you’ve binge-watched too many K-dramas, fallen in love with Korean street food, or maybe you’re just craving an adventure far away from your hometown. Teaching English in Seoul sounds like a dream, right?

But here’s the twist: what if you don’t have a college degree? Is it still possible?

Short answer? Yes… with some creative thinking.
Let’s break it down.

Why Seoul?

First things first—why Seoul?

Seoul is a crazy mix of ancient traditions and futuristic vibes. You’ve got temples sitting next to towering skyscrapers, 24/7 cafes, buzzing K-pop scenes, and some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.

And let’s be honest—the salary and perks don’t hurt either.

• Starting salary: ~$2,100/month
• Free housing or housing allowance
• Low cost of living (outside Gangnam-style)
• Paid vacation
• Health insurance

Now the big question: can you land one of these jobs without a degree?

Can You Really Teach English in Seoul With No Degree?

Technically, South Korea’s E-2 visa (the standard teaching visa) requires a bachelor’s degree. That’s the official line.

BUT—and this is a big but—there are other paths.

Option 1: Work on a Different Visa (Not E-2)

If you have:

• F-series visa (F-4 for Koreans with foreign citizenship, F-6 for marriage visa, etc.)
• Working holiday visa (H-1) – available for citizens of certain countries, age 18–30

Then you’re not bound by the degree rule.

With a working holiday visa, you can legally work part-time and potentially teach English in hagwons (private academies), cafes, or freelance.

Option 2: Teach at Private Language Centers (Hagwons)

Some hagwons might be willing to hire you part-time or on tourist/working holiday visas if:

• You’re fluent in English (native-level)
• You have teaching experience or TEFL certification
• You’re already in Korea (huge bonus)

This isn’t technically legal under a tourist visa, so tread carefully. Some people start by freelancing and transition once they get proper paperwork or another visa.

Pro-tip: Small local hagwons are often more flexible than chains like YBM or Chungdahm.

Get TEFL Certified (Even Without a Degree)

If you don’t have a degree, a TEFL certification is your best friend.

It tells employers, “Hey, I may not have a diploma, but I know how to teach English like a boss.”

Some solid options:

• Premier TEFL
• TEFLPros
• ITTT

Go for at least a 120-hour certification—that’s the sweet spot for most employers.

Also: online TEFLs are totally fine (and affordable).

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get?

Here are your main options:

1. Hagwons (Private English Academies)

• Age: Kids to adults
• Hours: Afternoons/evenings
• Salary: $2,000–$2,300/month
• Bonus: Often provide housing

These are the bread and butter for most English teachers in Seoul. Some are strict about degrees, others are chill—especially if you’re already in Korea.

2. English Cafes / Conversation Lounges

Think Starbucks meets language school. You get paid to chat in English with students.

• Flexible hours
• Casual vibe
• Great for working holiday visa holders
• Pay: ~$15–$25/hour

Examples: Gogetters, English Cafe P, Play English

3. Freelance / Private Tutoring

• You set the rate and hours
• Totally flexible
• Pay: ~$25–$50/hour

Only recommended if you’re already in Korea and know how to navigate the scene (and maybe speak a little Korean).

Get to Korea First (Seriously)

Here’s the reality: Most employers prefer people who are already in Korea.

Why?

• They can interview you in person (or on KakaoTalk)
• No visa delays
• You’re already committed

So if you’re serious about this, consider:

• Entering on a working holiday visa
• Taking a short-term Korean language course (D-4 visa)
• Staying with a friend or in a guesthouse while job-hunting

Yes, it’s a bit of a leap. But you’re young. It’s part of the adventure.

Housing: Free Rent = More Savings

One of the biggest perks?

Free housing.

Many hagwons and some other employers will provide:

• A studio apartment
• Fully furnished (bed, fridge, washing machine)
• Within walking distance of work

No rent = more of your $2,100 salary goes to food, travel, and fun.

If housing isn’t provided, you might get a monthly housing allowance instead.

Cost of Living in Seoul

Here’s a rough breakdown so you can daydream responsibly:

With free housing, you can easily save $500–$800/month.

But Wait, What About Korean Language?

You don’t need to be fluent in Korean to teach English.

BUT it helps with:

• Navigating life (ordering food, opening a bank account)
• Bonding with students
• Understanding what your students are whispering about you

Apps like Duolingo, Talk To Me In Korean, and HelloTalk are great starting points.

Also, many community centers offer free or cheap Korean classes!

Real Talk: Challenges You Should Expect

Not to scare you, but here’s the honest part:

• Culture shock is real.
• Hagwons can be intense—some are amazing, others are… not.
• Long hours, demanding parents, and kids with more energy than caffeine

But if you’re chill, open-minded, and genuinely like people—it’s 100% worth it.

How to Start Right Now (Even From Home)

You don’t need to wait till you land in Korea to get started. Here’s what you can do now:

✅ Step 1: Get TEFL Certified

Invest in a 120-hour course online. It pays for itself quickly.

✅ Step 2: Update Your Resume

• Emphasize any teaching, tutoring, or youth work experience
• Include your TEFL certification
• Mention if you’re already in Korea or have plans to go soon

✅ Step 3: Join Facebook Groups + Job Boards

Here are some goldmines:

• “ESL Jobs in Korea” Facebook Group
• Dave’s ESL Cafe (yes, it’s old school but still alive)
• WorknPlay
• Gone2Korea
• Seoul Craigslist (surprisingly useful)

✅ Step 4: Apply Like Crazy

Don’t wait for the “perfect” job post. Apply widely, customize your email, and follow up.

Hear It From Real Teachers

“I came on a working holiday visa with no degree, found a part-time job at a conversation cafe, then later got hired full-time. It’s totally possible if you hustle a bit.” – Jess, 23, Canada

“The housing was tiny, but free. I saved $6,000 in a year and had the time of my life.” – Alex, 24, Australia

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Look, you’re young. You’ve got time to take risks, chase dreams, and try something different.

Teaching English in Seoul without a degree isn’t the easiest path, but it’s totally doable.

With a bit of planning, a dash of bravery, and maybe a few bowls of tteokbokki—you can do it.

Quick Recap: Your Checklist

✅ TEFL Certification
✅ Working Holiday Visa (or another legal route)
✅ Apply to hagwons, cafes, tutoring gigs
✅ Join online communities
✅ Book your flight and GO!

Bonus: Resources to Bookmark

• Dave’s ESL Cafe
• TEFL Certification Courses
• GO! Go! Hanguk (study/language visa help)
• HelloTalk App – for language exchange

Ready to trade your 9–5 dreams for Seoul city lights?
Get TEFL certified, pack your bags, and let the adventure begin.

Your future students are waiting. ‍✨