Bank Accounts & Check Cards

Bank Accounts & Check Cards

Setting up a bank account requires proper identification and proof of residency. Usually, a valid passport and an alien registration card suffice as documents for review by commercial banks.
Once a bank account is open, the bank will issue a check card. The time taken to issue check cards may vary by bank. Every check card is protected by a four-digit password. Withdrawals and deposits can be made only in Korean Won.

Major Banks

Korea Exchange Bank (KEB)

Of all local commercial banks, Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) is the only one that offers foreigners-only bank accounts that record all transactions in English. In order to open a bank account with KEB, you must present your valid passport and alien registration card. Several different types of bank accounts, as well as a global check card, which can be used overseas, are available.

[ Opening a Bank Account ]

1. 1. Visit the nearest Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) branch.
   
   [Photos: KEB Gwanghwamun Branch–Gwanghwamun Stn (Subway Line 5), Exit 1]
2. 2. Take a ticket from the queue ticket machine at the Foreign Exchange section, and wait for your turn.
   
3. 3. Proceed to the desk that displays your number.
   
4. 4. Present your passport and alien registration card in order to open a bank account.
   
5. 5. Apply for a check card with ATM deposit/withdrawal functions.
   

Homepage: http://www.keb.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Inquires: +82-2-3709-8080, 1544-3000
Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Mon-Fri, except holidays)
>> Search KEB branches (Korean)

Kookmin Bank (KB)

Present your valid passport and alien registration card to open a bank account with Kookmin Bank (KB). Check cards with ATM deposit/withdrawal functions are issued on the spot.

Homepage: http://www.kbstar.com (Korean, English, Chinese)
Inquires: +82-2-6300-9999, 1599-9999
Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday; closed on holidays)

Hana Bank

Present your valid passport and alien registration card to open a bank account with Hana Bank. Check cards with ATM deposit/withdrawal functons are issued on the spot. The Hana Bank World Center branch in Jung-gu, Seoul offers consultation in English.

Homepage: http://www.hanabank.com (Korean, English)
Inquires: +82-2-520-2500, 1599-1111
Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday; closed on holidays)
>> Hana Bank branches (English)

Shinhan Bank

Present your valid passport and alien registration card to open a bank account with Shinhan Bank. ATM cards are issued on the spot, while check cards are issued after three months of opening the bank account.

Call center (09:00-17:00): 1577-8380 (Extension: #1-English, #2-Japanese, #3-Chinese, #4- Vietnamese)
Homepage: http://www.shinhan.com/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Inquires: +82-2-3449-8380, 1599-8000
Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday; closed on holidays)
>> Shinhan Bank Branches (Korean)