Korean Job Discussion Forums

[I-am-me]

I finally blew my top today after so much incompetence at nonghyup bank. Here is how it began: I wanted to have my international debit card checked since it was not working. After doing some paperwork, the teller gave me a new card then asked me for a 1000w fee. It was not my fault the card was not working so I was not going to pay them money for it!!! I look at the card and notice there is no maestro or sirrus logo on the bank card to use overseas. It's a regular debit card like one I already have!!! I think to myself...what the hell is this? I give you international card, you give me debit card? Teller calls over another bank official and he tells me they dont have international bank cards anymore. Next transaction: I want to withdraw $5000 from my dollar account. Teller calls over an other bank official to tell me they cannot do it. They have no dollars!!! By now I am totally pissed off and tell everyone there off. Who can recommend a descent korean bank with less incompetence? Please..anyone!!!!

[thebum]

[eamo]

You'll have to wait until there's a helluva lot more foreigners living in Korea before a Korean bank will start thinking about the needs of those not called Kim, Park, or Lee.

[Ekuboko]

I think you mean that "XXX branch of Nonghyup Bank sucks."

- 1000 won for a replacement card is peanuts, considering they don't charge you account fees or deposit fees like banks do in our home countries.

- Yes, banks are supposedly not allowed to give out International ATM cards to foreigners (as of aaages ago), but you may be able to find another branch who are a bit more lax, or just don't know about said 'decision.'
Case in point: Last July, I took my fresh-off-the-plane friend to my Nonghyup branch and she got one, no worries. There's a young guy there who speaks English fluently and he always goes out of his way to help us out.

- As for the cash you wanted - I dunno, but, hey, it's Monday.. and maybe no branch has that much USD (I presume) on them unless they're a KEB or a major branch that deals with foreign currency a lot.

I suggest you go to a bigger branch of Nonghyup and try your luck. Remember, the only consistency in this country is the inconsistency.

[Sash]

Almost the exactly same thing happened to me. First, my card stopped working (never happened to me before). I rarely use it too, so I knew it was not my fault. They also asked me to pay, so I said no. I use my bankbook now. I think it's the language barrier, but I understand your frustration!

[Summer Wine]

Quote:

You'll have to wait until there's a helluva lot more foreigners living in Korea before a Korean bank will start thinking about the needs of those not called Kim, Park, or Lee.

Not sure now if that will ever happen. About 2-3 years ago, atms were pretty happy to see international cards here. Lately, I have found only 1 atm in my area or within 40 minutes walking distance that will accept one.

It seems bank rules have changed and they are becoming less international friendly and not more. Plus, I had to fill out a form the last time I sent money back and that was the first time in the number of years that I have been here that has happened.

It just seems that banks, school conditions are becoming less friendly and not more friendly and yet I know for a fact that there are more foriegn teachers here than were here when I first came. When I first came here, clicky groups were the foreigners and now there are so many they can actually be clicky groups within the foreigners.

So, it seems to be getting more difficult in certain ways to live here and not less. That doesn't seem to have been influenced by the increase in teachers here or maybe that has been the reason its more unfriendly here.

[Qinella]

Is it typical for banks in Korea to have foreign currency on hand? The banks I've worked at and dealt with in the US never kept any foreign currency at all.

[twg]

I've always had problems at Nonghyup. I switched to KEB and I've yet to have problems.

[rothkowitz]

[ella]

FWIW, when I pick up a wire at KB, they ask me if I'd like the money in dollars or won, although I always get it in won.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[bucheon bum]

[phic11]

I use Kookmin Bank. They have branches everywhere and their ATM machines are in English. Bonus!!

[dogshed]

[Wrench]

Nonghyup s a bad bank at least the small branches suck ass. Big ones are nice

Although their fees for transfers are very small.