China, Japan, or South Korea: Where Should You Teach English Abroad?

When it comes to teaching English abroad, East Asia shines. From China’s storied culture, Japan’s fusion of modern and traditional, and the abundance of cultural phenomena hailing from Korea, there’s much to consider when deciding which would optimize your lifestyle as a TEFL teacher.

Read on to find out whether you should teach in China, Japan, or South Korea! 

The Red Dragon, the Land of the Rising Sun, and the Land of Morning Calm. As if China, Japan, and South Korea couldn’t be any more alluring. But, what are the actual benefits of teaching in these intriguing countries? 

• High salary & benefits: Each country offers a great salary and job benefits for TEFL teachers. Although costs of living are higher when compared to other Asian countries, the salary and benefits can make for not only a comfortable lifestyle but also excellent saving potential. 
• Bustling job market: Each country has significant economic output, and the demand for English speakers is high. As a result, the availability of TEFL jobs in China, Japan, and South Korea is also high. 
• Cultural immersion: Teaching English in East Asia grants you insight and immersion into a vastly different culture. From the food, architecture, landscapes, and more, you’ll embrace a refreshingly different environment.

Teaching English in China is popular among both graduates and experienced teachers alike. Not only does China’s culture intrigue people, but its availability of entry-level TEFL jobs and potential for professional development appeals to teachers of all levels. 

Average salary

The average monthly salary for teaching English in China ranges from around $1,800-$3,800 USD depending on qualifications and experience. Entry-level teachers at public schools and private language schools can expect to earn around $1,800 USD a month. Experienced teachers with a CELTA, teaching license, or years of experience can earn upwards of $3,000 USD per month working at an international school. 

Read more: What Salary Will You Earn Teaching English Abroad in China?

Cost of living

As an enormous country, the cost of living in China varies significantly from one city to the next. Generally, cost of living - excluding rent - in larger cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou lie at around $600 USD per month.

However, in addition to the excellent salary, most TEFL teachers in China benefit from free accommodation and airfare reimbursement. Alongside a high salary, teachers can live a lavish lifestyle and save up significantly when provided with free housing and flights. This makes China one of the best countries to teach English from a financial perspective. 

Job demand

Due to the need for English speakers, the demand for TEFL teachers is high in China, making it much easier to find work. Whether you opt for a teach abroad program that guarantees a job placement or search for work independently, the TEFL market in China is bustling. 

Lifestyle and work culture

The work culture and lifestyle of English teachers in China typically varies by school type. Public school teachers in China tend to have lighter work schedules, with fewer teaching hours and more holidays, while private language or international school teachers may face heavier work loads in a faster-paced environment. However, teachers at international schools and public schools typically receive higher pay.

Outside of work, teachers can embrace any lifestyle that suits them. China’s dynamic cities, thriving expat communities, natural wonders, and more allows teachers to switch from a stimulating lifestyle to a slower pace of life in an instance.  

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in China

Teaching in Japan is also highly popular among TEFL teachers, but often for different reasons to China. Most TEFL teachers head to Japan to embrace anime, anomalous vending machines, authentic suchi, samurai heritage, and much more over financial or career incentives. 

Average salary

The salary for teaching English in Japan can range from $1,300-$3,000 USD per month depending on your experience, qualifications, and school type. Popular programs - like the JET program - offer first time teachers $27,000 USD per year, or around $2,250 USD monthly. However, as a competitive program, most placements are at public schools in more rural locations. 

Many TEFL teachers will find placements in an Eikaiwa - private language academies - and will make around $1,300-$1,800 USD per month depending on location, school type, and experience level. 

Read more: What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Japan?

Cost of living

The cost of living in Japan is generally higher than in China, averaging at around $900-$1,000 USD per month excluding rent. Unlike China or South Korea, most TEFL jobs in Japan don’t include free accommodation and airfare. In Tokyo, a 1-person apartment outside the center costs around $600 USD per month, which can take up a large portion of teacher salaries. 

Job demand 

Japan has a low level of English speakers, creating a high demand for TEFL teachers. However, jobs in larger cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, are very competitive. Teachers lacking experience or qualifications like a CELTA or teaching license can still find work in Japan, however, they may need to adjust their expectations by teaching English in smaller cities and rural areas. 

Read more: The 6 Best Programs to Teach English in Japan

Lifestyle and work culture

Japan is known for its intense work ethic, and teaching English isn’t an exception to the rule. While salaries and benefits are often lower than in China, many teachers are still drawn to teaching in Japan for the experience of immersing themselves in its unique culture. 

English isn’t as widely spoken, so learning basic Japanese phrases goes a long way, not only to get around but to have meaningful interactions with locals. Outside the classroom, TEFL teachers can immerse themselves in everything they love about Japanese culture, from Japanese calligraphy, teahouses, sushi, anime, and more.

Read more: Top Things to Know Before Teaching in Japan

From excellent job benefits like free housing and airfare, to iconic K-pop groups and delicious meals, South Korea is one of the most popular TEFL destinations for a plethora of reasons!

Average salary

The average monthly salary for teaching English in South Korea ranges from $1,500-$2,200 USD for less experienced teachers. If you’re an experienced teacher holding advanced qualifications in CELTA, a degree in education or a teaching license, you can earn between $3,000-$5,000 USD per month at an international school in Korea.

Read more: What Salary Will You Earn Teaching English in South Korea?

Cost of living

The cost of living in South Korea is generally higher than China and Japan, averaging at around $800-$1,000 USD per month excluding rent. However, teachers in South Korea benefit not only from a good salary, but also free accommodation and reimbursed airfare. When living in Korea with free housing, you could expect to save up $500+ USD per month. 

While the free housing is typically modest, it’s possible to get an accommodation allowance instead. However, inexperienced or teachers new to Korea benefit from the instant housing support upon arrival.

Job demand 

The demand for English teachers in Korea is high, and you’ll find most opportunities presenting themselves in private language academies, also known as Hagwons. Teachers can also find work in public schools, especially through the EPIK program, however, many of these placements are in smaller cities and towns. 

Lifestyle and work culture

Work hard, play hard encapsulates Korean work culture. While teachers work hard, they frequently engage in social activities, and Korea has some of the highest consumers of alcohol in the world per capita! With thriving K-pop, Korean BBQs, K-Dramas, and more, there’s plenty to relish in Korea. 

While you’ll find a consistent structure across public schools, there’s greater variability across private Hagwons. 

• Public schools in Korea: Public school teachers generally have a more relaxed lifestyle, spending only a few hours a day of their 8am-4pm schedule teaching and the rest preparing lessons. 
• Private Hagwons: Teachers at private Hagwons typically work a schedule of either 9am-5pm or 2pm-10pm. The academic environment is competitive and students often face a lot of pressure, particularly during exam season. This can lead to a more intense workload for teachers, especially when parents are paying for private education.

Read more: What It's Like Teaching in South Korea

Each country offers TEFL teachers a combination of similar benefits, from their deep rooted heritage and drool worthy dishes to the salary, benefits, and lifestyle opportunities. It can be hard to know where to teach abroad when one isn’t “better” than the other. 

• Teach in China if… a high salary, budgeting, and ease of securing a position matter most to you.
• Teach in Japan if… you think cultural immersion and unique experience outweighs saving potential.
• Teach in South Korea if… you want competitive pay, appreciate structure, and are looking to experience a mix of modern city life and rich traditions.

China, Japan, and South Korea are all popular destinations for teaching abroad, and with good reason. No matter where you decide to take your teaching journey, each country can offer you an exceptional level of cultural immersion, professional development, and spiritual enrichment.

Read more about teaching English in Asia:

• The Best Countries in Asia to Teach Abroad
• Can You Really Teach English Abroad and Get Free Housing & Airfare? Here's What to Know
• Travel and Save Money: Ultimate Guide to Budgeting as a TEFL Teacher Abroad