60 DAY TEFL · GUIDES THAT ACTUALLY ANSWER THE QUESTION

acceptance check

Is an online TEFL accepted in South Korea?

CHECK VACANCY
2026 update

the short answer

Yes, in most cases — if the course is accredited and at least 100-120 hours, delivered by a recognised provider with a verifiable certificate. Hagwons are generally flexible; EPIK and public-school placements tend to be stricter and sometimes ask for teaching-practice hours. The action: get a 120-hour+ accredited TEFL, then check the current vacancy or programme handbook before you commit, since requirements shift yearly.

Key facts

Accepted?Usually, if 100-120+ hrs, accredited
TEFL hours120 hours recommended minimum
DegreeBachelor's degree required for E-2 visa
VisaE-2 teaching visa, criminal check needed
Typical pay$1,300-$2,300/month, housing often included
Hardest partApostille/notarised documents, not the TEFL itself
Who this suitsDegree holders wanting structured hagwon or EPIK jobs

step one, always

Get the certificate before you apply

Get the accredited TEFL course

We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. You still choose the course.

typical, not guaranteed

Your timeline

  1. 1

    Pick an accredited 120-hour course

    Choose a course with graded assessment and a verifiable certificate number.

    1-4 weeks
  2. 2

    Gather documents

    Degree, apostille, background check, sealed transcripts — the slowest stage.

    2-6 weeks
  3. 3

    Apply to hagwons or EPIK

    EPIK runs on fixed intake cycles; hagwons hire year-round.

    2-8 weeks
  4. 4

    Visa processing

    E-2 visa issuance once a contract and documents are confirmed.

    2-6 weeks
  5. 5

    Arrive and start

    Orientation, then classroom placement.

    1-2 weeks
Start the 120-hour / Level 5 course

What South Korean employers actually check

Hagwons (private academies) are the biggest employer of foreign English teachers in Korea, and most accept a 100-120 hour accredited online TEFL alongside a bachelor's degree. What they check is whether your certificate has a verifiable number and came from a course with real assessment, not just a video you clicked through.

EPIK (English Program in Korea) and other public-school placements are more selective. Some intake rounds have asked for 100+ hours and looked more favourably on candidates with observed teaching practice, though this isn't a fixed universal rule and changes by intake. Always read the current EPIK handbook for the round you're applying to rather than relying on last year's version.

The hiring mistakes that cost people offers

The most common mistake is buying a 20 or 40-hour certificate from a deal site expecting it to pass. Recruiters increasingly ask for the provider name and certificate number, and thin courses get quietly rejected. The second mistake is leaving the apostille and background-check process until after applying — it routinely takes 4-6 weeks and stalls otherwise-ready candidates.

A third mistake is assuming any TEFL guarantees an E-2 visa. The visa depends on your degree, your criminal record check, and your specific contract — the certificate is one requirement among several, not a golden ticket.

How to choose the right course for Korea

Go for a 120-hour accredited course with a real final assessment and a certificate you can verify online. Typical accredited online courses are often a few hundred pounds/dollars on promotion; a full CELTA costs more and includes observed teaching, which some public-school and international-track roles value more highly.

If you're specifically targeting EPIK or a competitive public placement, check that round's current requirements directly — hour minimums and teaching-practice preferences have shifted before and will likely shift again.

what people actually ask

FAQs

Do hagwons accept a 100-hour online TEFL?

Many do, provided the course is accredited and has genuine assessment, but individual hagwons set their own bar. Always confirm with the specific school before assuming any certificate is sufficient for their contract.

Does EPIK require teaching practice?

Not always, but some intake rounds have favoured candidates with observed or practical teaching components. Rules change by round and by year, so read the current EPIK guidance for the exact intake you're applying to.

Is a 40-hour TEFL enough for Korea?

It's risky. Many hagwons and nearly all public-school programmes prefer 100-120+ hours, and a 40-hour course can be seen as too thin. Spend a little more time and money on a fuller course to widen your options.

Can I get an E-2 visa without a degree?

No, the E-2 visa for foreign English teachers in Korea requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. A TEFL certificate does not substitute for the degree requirement under current rules.

Which matters more, hours or provider reputation?

Both matter. A recognised provider with 120 hours and real assessment beats a longer course from an unverifiable source. Recruiters check both the hour count and whether the certificate can actually be verified.

keep going

Read next

Browse accredited TEFL courses →CELTA vs Level 5 TEFL, compared →Teaching English in South Korea →
Get certified — then apply →