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Budgets - South Korea

From flights and insurance to rent, meals, and teaching supplies - this guide covers everything you need to budget for your TEFL/TESOL course and first month teaching in South Korea.

Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it.

     

    Pre-Departure Costs

    FLIGHTS REIMBURSED *

    Flight prices vary depending on where you travel from and when you book. Please be advised that a certain amount in accordance with your flight price will be reimbursed by your employer after you start teaching or at the end of your contract.

    * Flights will be partially or fully reimbursed depending on the price and your contract

    $450 - $1,300

    TRAVEL INSURANCE

    You will need to purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover you from the time you depart from your home country and whilst you are setting up your South Korean health insurance.

    Costs vary depending on policy and benefits.

    $100 - $200

    (3 months)

    DOCUMENTATION

    $270 - $930
    Degree notarization and legalization *

    * Legalization includes notary (where needed) and apostille service. Cost varies widely depending on the location and service used.    		 $150 - $300
    Criminal Background Check notarization and
    legalization *

    * Legalization includes notary (where needed) and apostille service. Cost varies widely depending on the location and service used.    		 $30 - $200
    Shipping Costs of sending documents to South Korea $50 - $100
    Visa application fee $40 - $330
    TOTAL $700 - $2,510

     

     

    In-class TEFL/TESOL course, Placement & Support - 1 month in Incheon, South Korea

    ACCOMMODATION, RENT & DEPOSIT

    Your rent will cover your stay at the accommodation for the duration of the TESOL course. One should expect a double or a triple shared room. Payment is to be made before departure, if not included in your program fee. 

    * Price subject to change.

    You will pay a deposit of $100 upfront which will be returned to you at check-out.

    $550

    ENGLISH SCHOOL CAMP SUPPLIES

    As you will learn on the course, having colorful, creative engaging materials for teaching enhances the experience for your students. During the teaching practical days, you will need to make flashcards, props and possibly some worksheets.

    Most teachers spend about 15,000 KRW ($13 USD) on their camp supplies for flashcards, worksheets, activities, and games. You will be able to use these materials once you start teaching at your placement as well.

    You will have access to a printer and some materials at the school where we will be doing the course.

    $10 - $20

    STARTUP ITEMS (TOILETRIES, PHONE, MISCELLANEOUS)

    In South Korea, you can find all toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc. at many convenience stores.

    $50

    OPTIONAL EXPENSES (NIGHTLIFE, WEEKEND TRIPS,
    & SHOPPING)

    * Budget is for 4 weekends

    $100 - $120

    DAILY EXPENSES (FOOD, TRANSPORTATION AROUND INCHEON AND TO THE TESOL COURSE)

    There may be a time after the course when you are required to wait for your VCN number from the Korean immigration Office to be released. We have added an extra 2 weeks to the budget to accommodate for this in the unlikely event that it should happen.

    Per day: $20



    For 42 Days: $840
    TOTAL $1,550 - $1,590

    PLEASE BE AWARE – VERY IMPORTANT

    The above budget outlines an approximate budget for participants to follow.

    It outlines the 2 months before the first paycheck. Please be advised that applicants will be reimbursed for their flight to South Korea by their employer. In most cases, this will be within the first 60 days, but it can also be at the end of their contract. This will be written into the employment contract that you receive.

     

    Placement only costs

    ACCOMMODATION, RENT & DEPOSIT

    $550

    DAILY EXPENSES (FOOD, TRANSPORTATION AROUND TOWN)

     

    Per day: $20


    For 42 Days: $840

    STARTUP ITEMS (TOILETRIES, PHONE, MISCELLANEOUS)

    In South Korea, you can find all toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc. at many convenience stores.

    $50

    OPTIONAL EXPENSES (NIGHTLIFE, WEEKEND TRIPS,
    & SHOPPING)

    $100 - $120
    TOTAL $1,540 - $1,560

     

     

    First month in-country costs

    TRANSPORTATION TO PLACEMENT

    At the end of the course, the placement team will advise you on the best way to get to your placement. They will assist you in purchasing the bus or train ticket to your new school and accommodation.

    $50

    DAILY EXPENSES (FOOD, TRANSPORTATION AROUND TOWN)

    Budget is for 45 days to plan for delays in the ARC Application process.

    $20 Per day


    $900 for 45 days

    SETTLING IN COSTS

    Items to furnish their apartment and get comfortable e.g. bedding, cleaning supplies, and basic cooking utensils.

    $120 - $150

    MEDICAL TEST

    Done in South Korea

    $80 - $100

    ARC APPLICATION

    (Alien Registration Card)

    $25
    TOTAL $1,175 - $1,225

     

     

    Budget Totals

    Pre-Departure

    Flights, insurance, documentation (Notarization and Apostille)

    $810 - $2,530


    (country dependent)

    In-class TEFL/TESOL course, Placement & Support


    1 month in Incheon, South Korea

    $1,550 - $1,580

    Placement Only


    Budget for approximately 4 weeks before your first paycheck.

    $1,540 - $1,560

    First month at placement

    $1,175 - $1,225

     Please Note: The amounts shown above are estimated for someone who has frugal spending habits. We highly recommend that you bring no less than $2800 for your program start. This will provide an additional $800 USD cushion.

     

    We realize that moving abroad to teach English in South Korea is expensive at first, but remember that with TravelBud your teaching job is guaranteed.

    • You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your monthly income of $1600 – $1900 USD secured.
    • Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered and you’ll start to learn how to cut down on your monthly expenses (for example, eating out less and finding the most affordable grocery store in your placement town).
    • You will be able to enjoy your time teaching and travelling in Korea and save a good portion of your salary ($500 – $800+ USD per month) to fund your bucket-list travel adventures, pay off student loans, and return home with some savings to your name.