See the cherry blossoms in South Korea with TEFL jobs

28 March 2025 • Korea

With just under 16.4 million visitors in 2024 compared to China’s 132 million and Japan’s 36.9 million international visitors, South Korea remains a relatively unexplored hotspot in Asia.

But, with a fascinating contrast between the hypermodern and 5,000 years of culture and history, a world-famous cuisine, and the blooming cherry blossoms in spring – South Korea looks set to be one of the hottest places in the world for visitors and TEFL teachers alike.

Plus, with a large selection of TEFL jobs in South Korea up for grabs, travellers can explore and earn while learning a bit more about such a historic and beautiful country.

But what should you try to see while you are here?

Top things to see and do in South Korea

Spread across over 100,000 km2 of the Korean peninsula, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) has plenty to offer travellers and tourists throughout the year.

However, our favourite things about South Korea include:

1. Experience the cherry blossom

A sign of purity and beauty, visitors can experience cherry blossoms in South Korea from around late March to mid-April every year.

Painting the landscape in dreamy hues of pink and white, you could be wandering the tree-lined streets or riverbanks or joining in with specific festivals set up especially for the blooming season.

These festivals include local food, cultural performances, live music, and even illuminations of the cherry blossom trees themselves – so don’t miss it!

2. Tour The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)

Take tours of the geo-political barrier between North and South Korea – one of the last frontiers of the ongoing Cold War.

Go on a group tour with the military and visit highlights including:

• Imjingak Park
• DMZ Museum
• Dora Observatory
• Third Infiltration Tunnel

Giving you a much better understanding of this significant and continuing part of history.

3. Compare the old and the new

One of the most intriguing (and perhaps surprising) discoveries when in South Korea is the contrast between hypermodern cities, like Seoul, and the ancient, traditional temples, architecture, and grottos dotted throughout the country.

With Buddhist temples like Jeondeungsa founded in 381 AD and dynamic glass towers filled with the newest technological advances – you can explore both sides of the Republic of Korea.

4. Eat your way around

From bibimbap and tteok-bokki to fried chicken and classic Korean barbecue – there are plenty of new and trendy dishes to explore as you travel across the country.

Plus, thanks to its Buddhist history and the large array of rice-based dishes, there are plenty of options for dietary requirements of all types, from meat eaters to vegetarians and Coeliacs/gluten-free visitors alike.

Everyone can relax and explore their new surroundings through food!

5. Relax on the beach

When you are ready to unwind, why not visit the beautiful beaches of the south coast?

Explore cities like Busan, Jeju Island, and Sokcho which are renowned for their stunning shorelines as well as exciting city-specific attractions like the Busan Sky Capsule!

How to fund travel to and around South Korea 

While the country might have endless hidden and well-publicised gems you would love to explore – the cost of travelling can be a barrier for many, especially in our current economy.

But, what if instead of waving goodbye to the idea of seeing the cherry blossoms in South Korea, we could offer you a way to earn and travel to new and exciting locations across the globe?

TEFL jobs in South Korea make this a distinct possibility – and it’s open to anyone with a bachelor's degree!

The most popular Korean TEFL jobs include:

Teaching in Korean private schools

Want to teach TEFL in South Korea?

Why not consider the security of a 12-month contract, an any-month start date, and a wide possible range of learner ages by teaching English at a Korean private school?

Fluent English speakers who have a TEFL qualification can enjoy varied benefits and an excellent salary as well as learning more about Korean customs and culture and travelling!

It’s a real win-win!

Plus, with a choice of metropolitan and provincial teaching locations, you can choose to work near the sights you want to visit most – helping you to explore with ease!

Teaching in Korean public schools

If you are an applicant coming from a native-English speaking country, you can teach in Korea (TEFL teaching English) at one of the most prestigious public schools in the country with EPIK.

Sponsored by the Korean government, it offers very stable employment possibilities of around 22 classes per week – with an attractive salary, relocation assistance, and renewal incentives benefits to boot!

Finally, as you don’t need any pre-existing teaching experience, anyone can explore a new career teaching in Korea!

See the world without saving

Whether you dream of the cherry blossom in South Korea or want to explore the food scene to write your own cookbook, teaching TEFL is the key to combining a rewarding career with seeing the world.

For bespoke advice or assistance, email us at [email protected] or explore our range of online TEFL courses that can make your TEFL teaching dreams a reality!