Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PeteJB]

I was told today by my bank that I can't actually take Won into Korea (actual cash) - Can anyone confirm this?

[agentX]

That's gotta be absurd. Before I flew into Korea from Chicago 2 months ago, I changed 300 US dollars in won at the airport. Customs never bothered me about carrying any won.

[artyom]

I brought about �250 worth of won, which is around US$500 worth in two months ago, I wasn't even asked about it. I think if you are brining big sums (like $20,000) then you may need to declare it otherwise you don't have to worry.

[Capo]

do expect them to strip search u to check to see if u have any won?

[ttompatz]

[whatever]

Won in Korea=Good idea

[PeteJB]

She got out a book in front of me, looked up Won, and then said I can't get it here - I'd have to get it on arrival.

[Samantha]

You can buy won in country from a bank...that's assinine that you were told otherwise. I've done it on several occasions when I've been sent money from home. Walked into the bank and exchanged it at that day's rate. Go back to the bank and ask them if you can "sell foreign currency" that's the same thing as "buying won"...maybe the teller was caught up in semantics.

[mysteriousdeltarays]

The won isn't convertible. In other words it is just paper. Well the Hong Kong airport. Usually the problem is taking it out in one form or another.

And incidentally years ago, not so many, say IMF, they did search you at the airport.

[PeterDragon]

To buy something like Won, do what you can to go to a bigger bank. A lot of the smaller banks either don't have it, or are staffed by employees who don't think they have it, which is decidedly more obnoxious. Bringing Won into Korea *can* be a good idea. However, look at the actual exchange rate, then stack it against what they're giving you in exchange, after all "service charges". If you can't snag a good deal in your home country, just bring your own country's money and exchange it here. Most Korean branches are very reasonable with their rates and fees. Avoid doing it at the airport though, everything costs more there. What country are you from?

[chris_J2]

Why not just use an atm card at Incheon airport on arrival? Or the foreign currency exchange counter? Rates are better than in the US, Canada or Australia.

[Bibbitybop]

[halifax]

I got 500,000won at Scotia Bank (in Canada) the other day. I will be taking this into Korea. There should be no problem or issue with taking won into Korea.

[mikekim]

[PeteJB]

I went back, and finally got it. Apparently the previous teller had thought it was the DPRK (North Korea) before looking to the next line (RPK).