Teaching English in South Korea is one of the best things you can have in your life. Here are my top 4 cities that are the best when it comes to search Teaching jobs in Korea.

1. Busan

This energetic city port is second to Seoul by size, but not by intrigue. Like Seoul, Busan has most western conveniences, but the bustling city is also home to pristine beaches, winding hiking paths, and inspiring shrines. Hiding on the southeast corner of South Korea, Busan doesn’t usually get as cold as other popular cities for ex-pats during the winter, so you can bust out your bathing suit at Haeundae Beach in late spring.

And because Busan is a popular destination in Korea’s foreign teaching community, you can expect plenty of camaraderie and meet-ups in the area. Pay is competitive, and all types of teaching positions in Busan, private and public, are available here. If you have enough experience and a master’s degree in teaching or a related field, you might even be able to snag a job at the well-known Pusan National University.

2. Daegu

If you’re looking for a mid-sized city with small-city charm, look no further. Also in southeastern Korea, Daegu takes about 40 minutes to get to by train from Busan. It's so close, in fact, that many "Daegu-ites" get their tan on in Busan on the weekends. But there’s so much to do in Daegu, anyway, that you might not want to go far.

Known for its vibrant nightlife downtown, Korea’s third-largest city has plentiful Korean and Western-style bars, such as Gogo Vinyl, where native English teachers go to unwind after the workweek. If you consider yourself more of an introvert, there’s plenty to explore alone, too, like open markets and cozy cafes.

If you have a TEFL certification, consider teaching for the Daegu MOE through programs like EPIK. If not, no worries. There are plenty of academy jobs available in this area, too.

3. Suwon

Just South of Seoul in Suwon, a Gyeonggi-do province city brimming with historical sites and rich culture. Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Center, Hwaseong Fortress, or pay tribute to royal tombs. After you’ve built up an appetite, gorge on the famous Suwon galbi, or a Korean-style short rib, by visiting Bonsuwon Galbi.

Thirsting for nightlife? Try out the local watering hole, The Big Chill. Or, get on the thrifty Seoul Metro and head less than 20 miles to Seoul for infinite weekend possibilities. Suwon is also close to other up-and-coming cities, such as Ansan, Yongin, and Uiwang, so there's never an excuse for a dull weekend.

But because Suwon is on the outskirts of Seoul, finding a teaching job in Suwon is easier than in the ultra-competitive capital.

4. Gwangju

Gwangju might be fourth in this list, but if you’re looking for a true Korean experience away from the English-language comforts of Itaewon and the foreign bars, you can put Gwangju right at the top. Home to about 1.5 million people, this southern coastal city has rolling tea fields, like the Boseong Tea Fields, quaint Buddhist temples, and plenty of weekend getaway sites for fresh mountain air. As an added bonus, it’s close enough to the Yellow Sea — an ideal spot for a summer staycation.

Gwangju might be much smaller than the aforementioned cities, but don’t worry; you won’t feel alone. The city still has a lively English-speaking foreigner community ready to welcome you with open arms and open containers.