Korean Job Discussion Forums

[red_dragon_canuck]

This may have been a past thread but I don't know seeing as there are hundreds of threads and I'm not about to go looking through that many threads.

What's the deal with Korean bank ATM's being closed after midnight? Some friends and I were out drinking last night and they needed some cash from an ATM and every ATM they tried would not give them money because the service ended at midnight. You would think the banks want people to spend money right? Back home in Canada ATM's charge a fee to take out money usually $1.50 if it's at an ATM that is not the bank your card is for and an additional $1.50 charge by your bank from using an ATM not affiliated with your bank. People taking out money is very lucrative for these banks by charging those fees. I don't know if the banks here charge fees, as I have only been here just over a month and have not gotten paid yet so I haven't had the chance to use an ATM. No money in the bank yet.

Anyone know why banks here stop service for withdrawing funds at midnight? I figured the reason they enclose enclose the ATM's with big glass windows and doors that are locked at midnight for security reasons due drunk Koreans or Foreigners physically abusing the machines or whatever, but you'd think ATM's in convenience stores would still allow people to withdraw funds. WTF?

[eamo]

Yeah. It's crappy. They used to shut at 10pm! Even worse.

I think it's because Koreans use credit cards so extensively. They rarely use cash. This is the country where a guy will pay for a donut and a coffee with a credit card. Then use his points card on top of that. I know. I've been behind a guy doing that. It took well over a minute for him to buy a donut and coffee because of all the pissing about with credit cards, signing bits of paper, points cards, whatever........

[Richard Krainium]

The ATM's in 7/11, GS 25, Family Mart, ect... work 24hrs. So do the one's in the casino's.

[princess]

Speaking of point cards, how many of you have been out with a Korean friend, bought something but your friend didn't, and they handed over their point card to get the points from your purchase? hahaha...Some people are constantly thinking of self, self, self. I have also had Korean friends say for me to let them put my purchase on their credit card, and then they will take my cash, just so they can rack up some points on their credit card/point card.

[Milwaukiedave]

RK has a point in terms of finding a 7-11 or other convience stores that have an ATM. However, know that you will probably get zapped a fee for using those.

I tend to agree it's kind of a shame the ATM's are closed at night.

[Newbie]

[princess]

[quote="Newbie"]

[faster]

I can use my Hanabank card at Hanabank ATMS long after midnight. I'm not sure about 24 hours (never tried after maybe 2 AM). Maybe you just have to use your own bank's machines?

[bourquetheman]

Yes but Princess if YOU don't have a point card then what harm is there in putting your purchase on their card? It would be another matter if you did have a point card yourself, but you don't. I have been in both situations and see no harm in it, it's no skin of my back.

[andrew]

.....

[princess]

[RACETRAITOR]

I don't see the point of having places open if the bank machines don't work. I've nearly been stranded in Hongdae many times.

By the way, I found one great bank machine that never fails. On the street between Sangsu Station and the park, there's a convenience store called Good Morning. Out front is an outdoor bank machine. That thing always works. Even takes foreigner cards I think.

[declan]

Well using ATM cards is free in Korea during weekdays... up to 5pm..

Outside those times...there is a charge..something like 1,200 a go..

ATM machines usually work in most places 24 hours a day- Convenient Store ATM machines usually work at night but there are some exceptions..

Hongdae...is the big one..Im sure u can get money in Hongdae ATM machines at night in some places..but they are really difficult to find..

Make sure if u go there...to bring plenty and plenty more of cash...

The busier the area..usually the more difficult it is to withdraw money at night because of demand...

Simple rules to follow...withdraw ur money before u go to places like Hongdae....and avoid rushing about looking for ATM machines that work in those kinds of areas...

[saw6436]

Plan ahead.

[Newbie]