Question 1

What is the E-2 visa and do I need to sponsor it?

Accepted Answer

The E-2 is South Korea's Conversation Instructor visa for native English-speaking teachers. As the employer, you submit the visa invitation documents to immigration — your teacher then completes a medical exam and background check in their home country. Processing takes 2–6 weeks. Schools handle this routinely.

Question 2

What salary package should I offer to attract ESL teachers to Korea?

Accepted Answer

Competitive Korea packages offer KRW 2,100,000–2,800,000/month plus free furnished accommodation. Packages that include health insurance enrollment, severance pay (1 month per year), and a return flight generate the most applications. Hagwon positions are most competitive when housing is fully covered.

Question 3

What qualifications do ESL teachers need for a Korea E-2 visa?

Accepted Answer

The E-2 visa requires a bachelor's degree and citizenship from one of seven eligible native-English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa). A TEFL or CELTA certificate is preferred but not legally required. A criminal background check is mandatory.

Question 4

How many applications will I get for a South Korea ESL listing?

Accepted Answer

Korea is one of the most popular destinations on ESLGorilla. Standard listings receive 20–60+ direct applications. Featured listings with complete packages (housing, flight, severance) consistently generate the highest volume and most experienced applicants.

Hire ESL Teachers in South Korea 2026 | EPIK, Hagwons & International Schools

Why Schools Choose ESLGorilla

ESL Jobs by Region

How It Works for Recruiters

For ESL Teachers